A beautiful tiled backsplash can really make a kitchen come alive. The sparkling tiles add visual interest, reflect light to brighten the space, and are easy to clean. Many homeowners choose to tile around their kitchen outlets to continue the backsplash design and protect the walls around potentially messy appliances. However, special considerations must be taken when tiling around outlets to ensure it is done properly. Follow these tips to help you successfully tile your kitchen backsplash around outlets.
Planning Your Layout
When planning your backsplash tile layout, the first step is to identify all outlet locations on the wall and consider how you want to integrate them into the design. Here are some tips for planning around kitchen outlets:
- Mark the exact position of each outlet on the wall with a pencil. This will help visualize spacing as you lay out tile.
- Decide if you want outlets to be centered on a tile or grout line. This will guide the rest of your layout.
- Leave at least 1/8″ spacing around outlets to allow room for the tile edges.
- Adjust tile layout to avoid having narrow tile slivers around outlets which can lead to cracking.
- Arrange layout so outlets fall within the middle third of tile edges for stability. Avoid aligning near top or bottom.
- Plan for outlet plates to overlap cut tile edges by at least 1/16” for a neater appearance.
Taking outlet locations into consideration from the start will help your backsplash layout flow beautifully around them. Don’t be afraid to adjust the tile layout to accommodate the outlets in a way that looks cohesive.
Gathering the Right Supplies
Installing tiles around outlets involves some specialized supplies. Be sure to have the following on hand:
- Tile sponges – These wedge-shaped sponges allow you to run tiles neatly around curved outlet edges.
- Tile nippers – Use nippers to trim and shape tile edges around outlets and fittings.
- Dust masks – Cutting tile generates harmful silica dust. Protect yourself with a mask.
- Grout float – A grout float helps press grout into tight areas around outlet plates.
- Painter’s tape – Use tape to cover outlets and protect surfaces while tiling.
- Thin-set mortar – Use white thin-set to maintain outlet box visibility.
- Non-sanded caulk – Caulk gaps between outlet and tile with mildew-resistant caulk.
Having the right tools makes tiling around outlets much easier. Invest in quality tile cutters, nippers, and sponges from the start.
Preparing the Outlet Boxes
Correctly preparing and protecting outlet boxes is a critical first step when tiling around kitchen outlets:
- Turn off power – Shut off electricity at the breaker before working around outlets.
- Remove cover plates – Take off all outlet and switch cover plates prior to tiling.
- Check depth – Verify boxes do not sit too far back from the wall surface.
- Extend if needed – Use box extenders to bring outlet boxes flush with tile level.
- Protect boxes – Completely cover outlet boxes with painter’s tape to keep out thinset and grout.
- Check grounding – Confirm outlets are properly grounded for safety. Upgrade if needed.
Taking time to adjust and protect the boxes ensures outlet wiring remains undamaged and outlets function properly once the tile is installed.
Cutting Outlets into Tile
When cutting tile around outlets, focus on accuracy and creating clean edges:
- Mark the exact outlet position on the back of each tile for reference.
- Make small shallow cuts first rather than trying to cut the entire opening at once.
- Use a tile wet saw for straight cuts and nippers on curved sections around edges.
- Cut tile so the extra space around the outlet box is consistent on all sides.
- Test fit tile and trim as needed to allow even gaps for caulk around outlet plates.
- For round outlets, use tile nibblers and sponges to shape the curved opening.
- Sand any sharp or rough edges to prevent cracking once installed.
Working slowly and carefully when shaping the tile openings will result in professional looking outlets showcased in your tiled backsplash.
Installing Tiles Around Outlets
When setting tiles around outlets, work methodically and focus on proper spacing:
- Apply thinset mortar to the wall area around outlets with a notched trowel.
- Press tiles firmly into the thinset, aligning carefully with your planned layout.
- Use temporary spacers around outlet openings to maintain even grout lines.
- Check for full coverage of thinset on the tile backs to avoid cracks once dry.
- Make sure tiles sit flush and evenly spaced as you work in sections around outlets.
- Allow thinset to fully cure for at least 24 hours before continuing with grouting.
Meticulous installation around outlets results in a water-resistant backsplash that looks stunning for years to come.
Grouting Around Outlets
Grouting requires extra care around outlet openings to prevent cracking and damage over time:
- Apply painter’s tape around the edges of the outlet cavity before grouting.
- Pack grout carefully into corners and gaps using a grout float or old toothbrush for hard to reach spots.
- Check for gaps or low spots as you grout and repack if necessary.
- Remove excess grout right away and smooth joints with a damp sponge.
- Once grout has cured, remove painter’s tape from outlets.
- Seal grout around outlets to prevent moisture issues and staining.
Taking your time with grouting around outlets leads to a pristine backsplash with clean straight grout lines accentuating your tile design.
Finishing Outlets to Complete the Job
Apply the finishing touches around outlets for a seamless look:
- Allow grout to fully cure for at least 72 hours before exposure to moisture.
- Run a bead of flexible, mildew-resistant caulk around outlets to seal gaps.
- Insert nylon wall anchors into tile if necessary to secure outlet plates tightly.
- Clean and polish tiles gently with a microfiber cloth once caulk has dried.
- Reinstall outlet cover plates, tightening screws carefully and evenly.
- Confirm proper grounding before restoring power at the breaker.
- Test outlets to ensure everything is still functioning correctly.
Completing these final steps results in outlets that blend beautifully into your new backsplash design.
Tips to Avoid Problems Tiling Around Outlets
While tiling around outlets takes precision, avoiding common mistakes will ensure your success:
- Don’t allow outlets to sit too far back from the tile surface or extend too far out.
- Don’t attempt cuts without proper tile wet saws and nippers. Hole saws often crack tile.
- Don’t tile over outlet boxes without first verifying proper grounding.
- Don’t mount outlet screws into caulk. Always use anchors for stability.
- Don’t use sanded grout near outlets which can damage electrical components.
- Don’t rush! Allow for proper thinset and grout curing times with outlets covered.
With careful planning and patience, your kitchen backsplash will showcase gorgeous tiles complementing the outlets beautifully. Paying attention to details ensures you avoid problems down the road.
FAQs About Tiling Around Kitchen Outlets
What kind of tile can be used around outlets?
Most types of backsplash tile will work around outlets, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone. Ensure tile selected is rated for walls and has cut edges that won’t easily crack or chip. Mosaic sheets should be avoided.
Should outlets be centered on tiles or grout lines?
This depends on personal preference for the look. Centering on grout lines creates a grid pattern while outlets floating on tiles can accent them uniquely. For stability, outlets should be mounted at least 1/8” from tile edges.
How much space should be left around outlet holes in tile?
Leave a minimum of 1/8” gap between the outlet box and cut tile edges. The extra space allows room for caulk and variations in outlet sizes. Larger 3/16” gaps may be needed for irregular shaped tiles.
Can backsplashes be tiled up to the outlet box or should it stop below?
It is recommended to tile fully up to the outlet box on the top and sides to protect the drywall edges. Leave just enough room to caulk between the tile edges and outlet plate.
Is it okay to splice wires to extend outlets out to the tile surface?
No, extending wires should never be done inside the electrical box. Use code-compliant box extenders to bring outlets flush with new tile instead.
What’s the best way to cut outlet holes cleanly in small glass mosaic tiles?
Removing entire sheets of mosaics is easiest around outlet boxes. Use a utility knife with light pressure on top of a piece of scrap wood to protect cutting surfaces.
Conclusion
Installing a kitchen backsplash around outlets adds function and beauty but requires thoughtful planning and precision. Now that you know the complete process from layout to grouting to achieve success tiling around outlets, you can confidently tackle this detail and enjoy a showstopping result. Carefully applying these tips will lead to safely wired outlets incorporated seamlessly into your gorgeous new backsplash design.