Nice video. Clear and concise and you have a good attention to detail. Thanks for taking the time. To those of you out there using this video as inspiration-- if installing around a sink area, I would recommend putting the caulked edge on the bottom, not up underneath the cabinets. Any water that splashes up on the top of the back splash can leech into the drywall behind and lead to mold, and that's not good. Caulk is waterproof and will prevent that from ever happening. Also, after you caulk, before you touch it with your finger or any smoothing tool, spray it with Windex generously (but don't flood it), then the caulk won't stick to any surrounding surfaces when you smooth it out. That one tip has saved me hours of caulk clean up and allows you to have a perfect line, every time.
I have watched many DIY videos on installing a tile backsplash. Thank you, yours was by far the easiest for me to understand with great detail. Love the simple mat. This was my first try doing tile work and it looks beautiful. Couldn't have done it without you.
Thanks for posting this it was my go to video for my kitchen backslash project... Here's my advice after finishing up using the simple mat and simple Grout.. -this is an 3-4 day project depending on your area (mine was 27 sqft) -buy instant adhesive because simple mat has dead spots ur tile will not stick to it -buy outlet extenders -Grout drys out very fast.. Need to remove it 100% in about ten minutes.. -buy 3 sponges -buy a a very small this level to make sure ur tiles are straight and level with each block of tiles u use.. It's a must. -use a bit of dish soap in the wet saw tray, acts like a lubricant = better cuts. Good luck to all.. I hope I added some good points.
Just wanted to thank-you for putting up this video and introducing me to this great product. My wife and son thought i was bat-shit crazy when I told them what i was going to be using instead of mortar or mastic. It has been up in our kitchen for over 2 yrs and going strong. Your step by step instructions were extremely helpful even though I'm no beginner to DIY projects it's always nice to have a good vid to go back to for answers to questions.
I saw many DIY backsplash installation videos and decided to go with yours. I am happy with the results. Thank you very much for your detail inductions.
The detail in this video should make for a fool proof project! Thank you so much for showing the containers and names of the products! My son and I will start our project soon! The other videos showed too many tools! You've made it simple.
Nice job on video!! The wife and I picked out same tile but different color. We came across your video trying to figure out how to get around the receptacles and you explained it very well. Thanks again for your video. Very BIG help.
Rashaud, thanks for taking time to share. My husband is actually a contractor but unfortunately, their house is typically the last to get done. Ive decided to take the advice of my granny, who always said "if you want something done, do it yourself". I'm so happy you introduced me to simple Mat, I'm going to use al the products you recommended. Also, your final thoughts ere great. I'll make sure I have at least two sponges.
This video was awesome! Me and the wife did our kitchen this past weekend using your video, and the Lowes version of simple mat. Took us about 6-7 hrs all together. Thanks for the info!
What a sweet project. You can run wiring for under cabinets LED Lighting. And cover it up with a screw-in triangle-shaped bass wood and paint it white. LEDs must be amber to get that amber light make that backsplash pop up. Since your flourescent light will wash out any color from above, that intense LED yellow light will make your backsplah feel like it's dancing. You can add your own switch and 9V battery so you won't have to do any electrical installation. And when the 9v battery runs out of juice, just replace it.
Rashaud Avery Just did mine today and used the same adhesive sheets. The only difference was the I got the large roll. Note: I think the sheets are easier because the rolls only have the peel sheets on one side. It was a pain in the butt with the other end sticking to everything, but it worked fine. Thanks for the video!!
Rashaud Avery ..... Great job!!! That really topped your kitchen off really well. I've never heard of the sheets you used but am interested in learning more about those. Getting ready to do our new kitchen. I agree with your visitors comments, I thought you were a contractor! Great job!
THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!!! I have been wanting to tackle my kitchen, I took notes the entire video, I'm going to Home Depot today to get all my stuff! You were an excellent teacher, I appreciate you taking the time to show us how to do this. I'm now so excited and confident I can do this because of you!!! Thank you again, Nena 😉
I watched a lot of pros do these installs and I have to say I liked yours better. Well done and a total diy job. I learned about that peel and stick paper as well as the spacers for the outlets. Thanks for filming it and taking your time. Well done.
Thank you for the step by step instructions. I am planning to do some tile work in my house and your attention to detail is really helpful for those of us who have no experience in this type of project.
You did an incredible job, I want my kitchen done in the same linear tiles different color of course, My husband did our bathroom surround vanity sink area using the 2 sided sticky back and it’s held up quite nice
This was an AWESOME!! teaching video for the armature. Gives me the reason to want to try this. You explained everything slowly and clearly. Thanks for your time. Loved it.
Thank you so much for this video. I'm going to be doing a backsplash this week. We have the same type as you installed. Thanks for the clean up tips and the outlet tips. VERY helpful !!
Excellent job; not only your technique but also just the right amount of detail in your explanations; clear & concise. It was also a pleasure to read your responses to commenters... respectful, humble, kind, humorous... you're a class act! Thank you!
Rashaud, I was surprised to hear you are not a professional. You did a great job, and your kitchen and tile look a lot like what we are doing. Hopefully our professional team can do it as well as you did. Thanks!
Thanks for the video! I just installed my own backsplash with the simplemat. I had 31 square feet and it turned out great like yours. To the guy who said his came off the wall, you must have not cleaned the wall first. I have semi-gloss painted walls, so be sure to sand the wall you're going to stick the adhesive to.
Beautiful job. Well done. If I walked in this kitchen I would've quickly assumed you hired a professional. My kitchen remodel is just about done and I've been debating whether to keep the guys around for a couple more days to do my backsplash, but after careful consideration and watching your vid I think I will be just fine tackling this project myself. Not to mention, saving myself hundreds of dollars in labor. Thanks for the upload Rashaud!
Thank you for posting this. You did an awesome job and have inspired me to do my moms kitchen now. She wants almost the same tile you used and I think I can do it after watching this!!
Thank you so much for this video DIY! I used your tips to put up a backsplash in our kitchen. It was my first time trying it and my wife and I think it came out great! You really helped me get past the "I can't do this" mentality with your video. Thanks man!!!
That's what I'm talking about! :) I did this video for people like you, people that just need to be slightly more inspired and then they go do it! Great work, and I'm glad that your project went well. Thanks for the comment!
got the simple mat on the wall. Went on easy enough. Your video is very informative. I am getting ready for the tile. I will let you know how it comes out in a day or two.
Thanks for your video with lot's of detail. I have been holding off doing our backsplash due to concerns about the cuts for the outlets, but your video answered those questions. I already have the SimpleMat so glad to know it works. Thanks again for taking the time to help us.
Wow! It looks great! Thanks so much for posting such a detailed video. I was a bit reluctant to try the simple mat, but seeing how well it worked for you, I am going to give it a shot. Thanks again, and your kitchen looks fantastic!
As a experienced tile and mosaics installation adviser and sales representative, I would typically not recommend using products like Simple Mat with sheet mosaics, the tiles on mosaics are glued to the mesh sheet using hot glue this is why the tiles will fall off when exposed to warmer temperatures or moister. Using mastic with a minimum of 1/4 inch trowel is usually recommended when installing over drywall or sheet rock, this will allow the mesh to set in deeper creating a secure bond for each tile, glass liner mosaics like the one in this video are not cheap, I sell similar liner mosaics ranging from $9 to $30 a square-foot, so it is important that they are installed correctly, I also would not recommend using a sanded grout with glass tiles, unsanded grout is the common practice with glass tiles as sanded grout can scratch the glass when spreading with the grout float and cleaning up the haze with the sponge, also when cleaning the Excess grout up with the sponge the key to successful clean up is to keep the sponge well rinsed and rung out well, to much water on your sponge can cause the grout to darken or can cause color balls in the grout mix to burst leaving tiny red, blue or other color dots in the grout lines, although your installation seems to prove fit for the time being you may have some problems in the future, although I would like to add that for the first time installer this does look like a professional install to the naked eye
Great video sir. I'm finishing up my kitchen and was nervous about using the Simple Mat until watching your video and reading some of the comments. I was concerned about the longevity of it, but saw that you recently replied that the material is still holding up very well. Thanks again for the detailed video. You covered my questions about outlets, cutting, and everything! I'll be working on this very soon.
Rashaud Avery well, I wish I had a better report. I did not have great success. I'm using a 3x6 subway tile and I had multiple tiles stick very poorly. I believe it's because they are not perfectly flat on the back. I should've expected that to be a problem... I'll be reworking it with mastic. I think this material is only suitable for material like you were using, with the mesh backer or a totally smooth back. oh well.... u did a great video anyway!
Mann... I am so sorry to hear that. It makes sense though. I am glad that you got back to me on this so that it can help other people make better decisions. Also, if someone asks me, I can tell them now. I will be using SimpleMat for my next project when I move into my new house, but i will be using something with a mesh back again. Thanks for being interactive and I really hope that your re-do turns out better. Keep your head up!
Great time-saving product! Simple grouting tip: Push the grout into a 2 x 2 foot area and then use your sponge (damp, not wet) to wipe the grout on a 45 degree angle twice. Just twice. Then move onto the next 2 x 2 area. It will leave a very light film on the glass which can be dry-wiped afterwards with a heavy cloth. How To Grout Tile: Correct Technique Makes It Easy
Dale Bratcher I have completed this project twice now; once in the video, and once in my new house. It went great each time. You got this! Thanks for watching!
Just remodeled my mother's entire kitchen. About to do the backsplash...and it looks like I'll be using simplemat! Thanks for the vid, I'll let u know how it turns out!
Awesome job! You took your time and explained every detail. The final result does look professional and it will help save money on labor. Appreciate the video bro.
Wow. Thanks! I gotta check this project out. You made it easy and simple. I was having anxiety on how to cut the tiles but you made it super easy to understand!
Thanks for uploading this man. My wife and I are tackling the very same time setup as yours but a slightly darker color. The finish looks awesome BTW. Thx again.
Thank you so much :)!!! Great video, you're a fantastic teacher. I am so grateful that I found you and watched your lesson before I began my project, God bless you ! And I love your kitchen, very attractive. Thanks again.
I've placed tile many times. This is a great video for anyone not familiar that should allow them to do a great job at this. Kudos! Very well done and explained.
Hey thanks for posting this! I'm totally changing direction with my kitchen after 7 years! And you DIY Smart Tile sheets & Mosaic tile installation video has made me feel more confident that I can do this job on my own! I was afraid of the glass tile cutter but know I can do this! Thank you so much! On the advice about how messy the caulking is I think I'll redo the counter after the installation. Mine is relatively easier as I don't have corners just electrical pieces. And there's a small piece over the sink with a shelf, think the tile would look awesome there too. How did you figure out how much glass tile and smart tile to buy in square feet? That's my only problem. Yours by far was the most detailed and easiest to follow.
Purchase 1 square foot of the tile that you want to use. Take it home as a sample and measure the total length if your wall. At this point, you can measure up to figure out how many sheets you will need vertically or you can stack your sample to figure it out. The rest is simple division. If you need more detail, let me know. PS... Thanks for the kind words!
Thank you sir! It was almost $350 in total materials. I did 17' worth of wall including the turn. I used 2 boxes of Simplemat. The saw was free for me, because I borrowed it from a friend. Good luck!
There's a MUCH easier method for cutting and for boxing in around switches and outlets. 1) Use a Dremel tool and a Diamond Rotary Cutting Disc. Harbor Freight Tools sells a set of 5 for $6.99. This is much better than using the hand-held cutters (snapper) type tools. A diamond cutting disc cuts through both glass and ceramic like butter. 2) Another trick is not putting the glass mosaic behind the switch or outlet tabs as some other video's show. Why? Because most switches or outlets have a horizontal piece on the top and bottom which the tile can go under and below that is the screw hole. But what if these pieces are broken off? Or, they usually have a score line on the metal where you can break them off. Not to worry. Just cut a hole in your sheet of glass (or ceramic) mosaic tile exactly where the outlet hole is. To do this, mark pencil lines on the wall larger than the mosaic tile sheet. Use the cardboard backing the mosaic tile came on. Place it next to the mosaic tile you hung on the wall and transfer the lines from the outlet box onto the cardboard. Now cut a hole in the cardboard exactly the the size of the switch or outlet. Place the cardboard on the wall over the switch or outlet and make sure it aligns with the mosaic tile hanging on the wall and is a perfect fit over the switch or outlet. 3) Place the cardboard over your mosaic tile and using a marker trace around the hole in the cardboard.. leaving the marks on your mosaic tile. Using your Dremel and a Diamond Rotary Cutting Disc, simply cut those unwanted tiles out. When you pick up your set of tiles they will now have a perfect hole in them the size of the switch or outlet hole and adhere them to the wall. 4) Now how do you make the switch or outlet flush with the tile? Take a 1/2" piece of dowel (or any small wood) and drill a 1/8" hole through it. Measure from the SCREW hole in the outlet box to the edge of your glass tile. That's the length of dowel you'll need. In my case I needed a 1/2" length. Since I had 1 switch and 1 outlet, I needed 4 dowels 1/2" long. That's a total of 2 inches in length. I simply used a 1/8" drill bit and drilled vertically through the dowel, cut it into 4 sections 1/2" long, and used them as standoff's from the outlet box to the back of the switch or wall plug. Nice 'n tight. The cover fit perfectly. You might need to purchase longer screws but that's easy also.
Your video is very very informative, I liked the outlet work because I have the same problem and no one suggested us such a thing at home depot, thanks nice work
Great video! Very informative! I appreciate the fact that you gave details throughout the video. I was going to use simple mat, but, I think I am going the spray adhesive route. Looks great, bless you guys..
I started to do it the way you explained by overlapping by 1/4 inch. I got 3 mats in before I realized I wouldn't be able to peel off the outer plastic. We're you peeling it off as you went? This seems like important information and I'm glad I realized this before I finished my entire kitchen off! Excellent video btw, you inspired me to tackle on a project I've been putting off for years.
Thanks. Enjoyed the video. I've been delaying my own version of this install. I was glad to see the simple mat and grout in use ... looks very interesting as a time saver. Working with live electrical and outlets a few feet from the sink freak me out just a bit ...
Great video. Didn't know about the mat stuff. Will make it a lot easier. Getting ready to do mine. Funny enough my wife already pick what she wants out and it looks pretty much the same as what you used. Again Great Video.
Looks really nice... I'm planning on redoing my tile myself, and your video offered a lot of advice. The crazy thing is I'm removing the tile you just installed... Lol I personally don't like the colors of the tile with the granite the builder choose... Both are to busy of patterns.... So I'm replacing it with a white glass tile... Thanks again for your wonderful video... Yours turned out amazing... Peace
Thanks! And really liked the important comments by Thinkertube 2 years ago As a experienced tile and mosaics installation adviser and sales representative (below).
Thank you for this.. Our kitchen is being remodeled and we want to do this after the granite tops are put in.. The simple mat makes me nervous.. I wonder if it will hold up over time... I'm thinking I'll go with it and hope for the best.
steven rocheleau you’re welcome sir. Thanks for watching and thanks for the compliment! I did this project again in my new house and it came out great again.
Thanks for posting this. I loved your video and how simple you made this project look for a DIY. I really want to try this project but my question is now that you are a few years out, how well did the simple mat hold up?
Heidi Sole it’s still perfect! I used a different brand in my new house, but I just sold the condo and the tiles were still perfectly in place. It was a big selling point for us.
great job thanks for sharing, i just purchased my first house and am looking to re-stain my kitchen cabinets as well as adding a backsplash. looking forward to this project.
Nice video. Clear and concise and you have a good attention to detail. Thanks for taking the time. To those of you out there using this video as inspiration-- if installing around a sink area, I would recommend putting the caulked edge on the bottom, not up underneath the cabinets. Any water that splashes up on the top of the back splash can leech into the drywall behind and lead to mold, and that's not good. Caulk is waterproof and will prevent that from ever happening.
Also, after you caulk, before you touch it with your finger or any smoothing tool, spray it with Windex generously (but don't flood it), then the caulk won't stick to any surrounding surfaces when you smooth it out. That one tip has saved me hours of caulk clean up and allows you to have a perfect line, every time.
Great tip; thanks for contributing! 😃
I have watched many DIY videos on installing a tile backsplash.
Thank you, yours was by far the easiest for me to understand with great detail. Love the simple mat. This was my first try doing tile work and it looks beautiful. Couldn't have done it without you.
Amazing story; very kind words! This is my new favorite comment. Thanks for the feedback. :)
And Rashaud is my new favorite tile guy!
Thanks for posting this it was my go to video for my kitchen backslash project... Here's my advice after finishing up using the simple mat and simple Grout..
-this is an 3-4 day project depending on your area (mine was 27 sqft)
-buy instant adhesive because simple mat has dead spots ur tile will not stick to it
-buy outlet extenders
-Grout drys out very fast.. Need to remove it 100% in about ten minutes.. -buy 3 sponges
-buy a a very small this level to make sure ur tiles are straight and level with each block of tiles u use.. It's a must.
-use a bit of dish soap in the wet saw tray, acts like a lubricant = better cuts.
Good luck to all.. I hope I added some good points.
Thanks Savvy... great tips!
Just wanted to thank-you for putting up this video and introducing me to this great product. My wife and son thought i was bat-shit crazy when I told them what i was going to be using instead of mortar or mastic. It has been up in our kitchen for over 2 yrs and going strong. Your step by step instructions were extremely helpful even though I'm no beginner to DIY projects it's always nice to have a good vid to go back to for answers to questions.
Thanks for the feedback Derrick. You are the man!
I saw many DIY backsplash installation videos and decided to go with yours. I am happy with the results. Thank you very much for your detail inductions.
The detail in this video should make for a fool proof project! Thank you so much for showing the containers and names of the products! My son and I will start our project soon! The other videos showed too many tools! You've made it simple.
Nice job on video!! The wife and I picked out same tile but different color. We came across your video trying to figure out how to get around the receptacles and you explained it very well. Thanks again for your video. Very BIG help.
That is great news! I'm glad that I could help. Good luck on your project!
Rashaud, thanks for taking time to share. My husband is actually a contractor but unfortunately, their house is typically the last to get done. Ive decided to take the advice of my granny, who always said "if you want something done, do it yourself". I'm so happy you introduced me to simple Mat, I'm going to use al the products you recommended. Also, your final thoughts ere great. I'll make sure I have at least two sponges.
Thank you!! I am sure that your effort will inspire your husband to help out as well. Hahah. You will do great!
This video was awesome! Me and the wife did our kitchen this past weekend using your video, and the Lowes version of simple mat. Took us about 6-7 hrs all together. Thanks for the info!
What a sweet project. You can run wiring for under cabinets LED Lighting. And cover it up with a screw-in triangle-shaped bass wood and paint it white. LEDs must be amber to get that amber light make that backsplash pop up. Since your flourescent light will wash out any color from above, that intense LED yellow light will make your backsplah feel like it's dancing. You can add your own switch and 9V battery so you won't have to do any electrical installation. And when the 9v battery runs out of juice, just replace it.
Everyone, the name of the tile in the video is MS International 12x12 inch Arabescato Cararra Keystone Blend Mesh-Mounted Glass.
Rashaud Avery
Just did mine today and used the same adhesive sheets. The only difference was the I got the large roll. Note: I think the sheets are easier because the rolls only have the peel sheets on one side. It was a pain in the butt with the other end sticking to everything, but it worked fine. Thanks for the video!!
+Rashaud Avery SEXY
Rashaud Avery ..... Great job!!! That really topped your kitchen off really well. I've never heard of the sheets you used but am interested in learning more about those. Getting ready to do our new kitchen.
I agree with your visitors comments, I thought you were a contractor! Great job!
Nice video man...looks good
That’s he same tile I used in my kitchen. I would recommend using TSP to clean the walls the night before.
THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!!! I have been wanting to tackle my kitchen, I took notes the entire video, I'm going to Home Depot today to get all my stuff! You were an excellent teacher, I appreciate you taking the time to show us how to do this. I'm now so excited and confident I can do this because of you!!! Thank you again, Nena 😉
EXCELLENT! I hope that your project goes as well for you as it did for me.
I watched a lot of pros do these installs and I have to say I liked yours better. Well done and a total diy job. I learned about that peel and stick paper as well as the spacers for the outlets. Thanks for filming it and taking your time. Well done.
Wow, that's a hell of a comment! Thank you very much for that. I'm glad that I was able to help.
Thank you for the step by step instructions. I am planning to do some tile work in my house and your attention to detail is really helpful for those of us who have no experience in this type of project.
Great job. I watched the video at 2x speed and got all the steps. This simple mat looks like good stuff. You sold me on it.
You did an incredible job, I want my kitchen done in the same linear tiles different color of course, My husband did our bathroom surround vanity sink area using the 2 sided sticky back and it’s held up quite nice
My husband did a great job installing the backsplash, thanks to you!!!
I'm glad that I was able to help you guys!
This was an AWESOME!! teaching video for the armature. Gives me the reason to want to try this. You explained everything slowly and clearly. Thanks for your time. Loved it.
Excellent video. The best I've seen for backsplash tiles!!!!
Your video was very encouraging! Now, Ive got a list of things we'll need, and 'we've got this'! Thanks! Your kitchen looks great.
Great video that gives all of us the confidence to start a project that contractors want us to think we can't do!
Rashaud very simple and straight to the point, thank you for the AWESOME easy to do upgrade.
Thanks for the encouraging words and the motivation! Sure was nice of you to share this information!
Great video! I appreciate the detail you put into explaining how you cut around the receptacles and trim the tile.
After watching this I have the confidence to try it myself. Thanks for including all the detail.
Thank you so much for this video. I'm going to be doing a backsplash this week. We have the same type as you installed. Thanks for the clean up tips and the outlet tips. VERY helpful !!
Excellent job; not only your technique but also just the right amount of detail in your explanations; clear & concise. It was also a pleasure to read your responses to commenters... respectful, humble, kind, humorous... you're a class act! Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words!
I agree! I loved how you killed that Thinkertube comment with kindness. You taught me a valuable lesson. Thank you.
Rashaud, I was surprised to hear you are not a professional. You did a great job, and your kitchen and tile look a lot like what we are doing. Hopefully our professional team can do it as well as you did. Thanks!
Thanks for the video! I just installed my own backsplash with the simplemat. I had 31 square feet and it turned out great like yours. To the guy who said his came off the wall, you must have not cleaned the wall first. I have semi-gloss painted walls, so be sure to sand the wall you're going to stick the adhesive to.
Beautiful job. Well done. If I walked in this kitchen I would've quickly assumed you hired a professional. My kitchen remodel is just about done and I've been debating whether to keep the guys around for a couple more days to do my backsplash, but after careful consideration and watching your vid I think I will be just fine tackling this project myself. Not to mention, saving myself hundreds of dollars in labor. Thanks for the upload Rashaud!
buzzydj that’s what it’s all about! Good luck with your project.
Thank you for posting this. You did an awesome job and have inspired me to do my moms kitchen now. She wants almost the same tile you used and I think I can do it after watching this!!
Thank you so much for this video DIY! I used your tips to put up a backsplash in our kitchen. It was my first time trying it and my wife and I think it came out great! You really helped me get past the "I can't do this" mentality with your video. Thanks man!!!
That's what I'm talking about! :) I did this video for people like you, people that just need to be slightly more inspired and then they go do it! Great work, and I'm glad that your project went well. Thanks for the comment!
got the simple mat on the wall. Went on easy enough. Your video is very informative. I am getting ready for the tile. I will let you know how it comes out in a day or two.
Thanks for your video with lot's of detail. I have been holding off doing our backsplash due to concerns about the cuts for the outlets, but your video answered those questions. I already have the SimpleMat so glad to know it works. Thanks again for taking the time to help us.
Wow! It looks great! Thanks so much for posting such a detailed video. I was a bit reluctant to try the simple mat, but seeing how well it worked for you, I am going to give it a shot. Thanks again, and your kitchen looks fantastic!
As a experienced tile and mosaics installation adviser and sales representative, I would typically not recommend using products like Simple Mat with sheet mosaics, the tiles on mosaics are glued to the mesh sheet using hot glue this is why the tiles will fall off when exposed to warmer temperatures or moister. Using mastic with a minimum of 1/4 inch trowel is usually recommended when installing over drywall or sheet rock, this will allow the mesh to set in deeper creating a secure bond for each tile, glass liner mosaics like the one in this video are not cheap, I sell similar liner mosaics ranging from $9 to $30 a square-foot, so it is important that they are installed correctly, I also would not recommend using a sanded grout with glass tiles, unsanded grout is the common practice with glass tiles as sanded grout can scratch the glass when spreading with the grout float and cleaning up the haze with the sponge, also when cleaning the Excess grout up with the sponge the key to successful clean up is to keep the sponge well rinsed and rung out well, to much water on your sponge can cause the grout to darken or can cause color balls in the grout mix to burst leaving tiny red, blue or other color dots in the grout lines, although your installation seems to prove fit for the time being you may have some problems in the future, although I would like to add that for the first time installer this does look like a professional install to the naked eye
Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks for the video. How has the simple mat held up for you?
It is still holding perfect to this day. I would use it again in the future.
Sent from my iPhone
Thinkertube how about tiling over plastic vinyl or one half to remove it and use drywall.
Thinkertube very well said mr. I would have said this but you beat me to it. You sir are very well attentive and most informative great job.
Awesome video Rashaud. I will be grouting this evening. Watching this motivated me over the weekend to knock this project out.
Dion Jiles thanks for your feedback. I am so happy that you were able to complete this project. I did this video for people like you! Great work!
Well done and I didn’t know about the spacer around the outlet so that was helpful.
Excellent video, Rashaud! Very inspiring and confidence-giving. Will use your method when doing my back splash next week. Thanks a lot!
Excellent feedback! Thanks, and good luck.
Glad that I watched your video, that Simple Mat is going to make my job a whole lot easier. Thanks for doing this.
Great job on the video and the install. I never even thought of using something other than thinset before watching this.
Great video sir. I'm finishing up my kitchen and was nervous about using the Simple Mat until watching your video and reading some of the comments. I was concerned about the longevity of it, but saw that you recently replied that the material is still holding up very well. Thanks again for the detailed video. You covered my questions about outlets, cutting, and everything! I'll be working on this very soon.
MrKevinwoulfe excellent news! Good luck!!
Rashaud Avery well, I wish I had a better report. I did not have great success. I'm using a 3x6 subway tile and I had multiple tiles stick very poorly. I believe it's because they are not perfectly flat on the back. I should've expected that to be a problem... I'll be reworking it with mastic. I think this material is only suitable for material like you were using, with the mesh backer or a totally smooth back. oh well.... u did a great video anyway!
Mann... I am so sorry to hear that. It makes sense though. I am glad that you got back to me on this so that it can help other people make better decisions. Also, if someone asks me, I can tell them now. I will be using SimpleMat for my next project when I move into my new house, but i will be using something with a mesh back again. Thanks for being interactive and I really hope that your re-do turns out better. Keep your head up!
Thanks for the video. After watching I now have the confidence that I can do an install.
Gregory Wright I KNOW you can! Just take your time and press firmly!
Thanks for sharing! I never heard of the simple mat but now that will really make it easy and get the same good results.
Great job and terrific explanation. Especially like how you did straight cut around electrical. Nice use of plastic spacer. Thank you so much
My hubby and I will be trying this soon. Thank you for such a detailed video with the tips at the end. Your results looked great!
Great time-saving product! Simple grouting tip: Push the grout into a 2 x 2 foot area and then use your sponge (damp, not wet) to wipe the grout on a 45 degree angle twice. Just twice. Then move onto the next 2 x 2 area. It will leave a very light film on the glass which can be dry-wiped afterwards with a heavy cloth. How To Grout Tile: Correct Technique Makes It Easy
Great job Rashaud....it makes me want to try it....even 3 years after you finished yours!
Awesome. Might try this instead of using adheasive and all that mess. Thanks for posting this.
nice to hear an honest viewpoint that this is messy, especially for us newbies
thank you for this video. i am a complete novice but your instructions have given me courrage to try this project.
Dale Bratcher I have completed this project twice now; once in the video, and once in my new house. It went great each time. You got this! Thanks for watching!
Just remodeled my mother's entire kitchen. About to do the backsplash...and it looks like I'll be using simplemat! Thanks for the vid, I'll let u know how it turns out!
Excellent video, and way more entertaining than I think you may have intended (IMO). Good tips, excellent work.
Haha, thanks bro. I wanted a tad bit of humor, but if it turned out even funnier to you and you learned, great!
Awesome job! You took your time and explained every detail. The final result does look professional and it will help save money on labor. Appreciate the video bro.
Wow. Thanks! I gotta check this project out. You made it easy and simple. I was having anxiety on how to cut the tiles but you made it super easy to understand!
Thanks for such a thorough job of showing and teaching. You helped build my confidence to go for it.
Thanks for uploading this man. My wife and I are tackling the very same time setup as yours but a slightly darker color. The finish looks awesome BTW. Thx again.
Thank you so much :)!!! Great video, you're a fantastic teacher. I am so grateful that I found you and watched your lesson before I began my project, God bless you ! And I love your kitchen, very attractive. Thanks again.
I've placed tile many times. This is a great video for anyone not familiar that should allow them to do a great job at this. Kudos! Very well done and explained.
Mr. Avery, nice job my man! Great approach and delivery. Very easy to follow. Makes it look easy. God bless!
Wow you did a great job!!! you did it like a pro to me!!! very nice. can't wait to tile with my dad!
Awesome video. You made this look easy! I think the wife and I are going to give it a try!
Ranma Sautomi it's a great activity for couples. Good luck!
I followed your method and it worked and looks wonderful
TheBagBalm great job! Thanks for the comment!
Great video! Thanks for posting. I'm about to install a backsplash in my kitchen and this helps tremendously.
Barry W
First off, thanks for the feedback. 2nd, you are very welcome; I am happy to help. Take your time, and press hard/evenly. Good luck sir.
Hey thanks for posting this! I'm totally changing direction with my kitchen after 7 years! And you DIY Smart Tile sheets & Mosaic tile installation video has made me feel more confident that I can do this job on my own! I was afraid of the glass tile cutter but know I can do this! Thank you so much! On the advice about how messy the caulking is I think I'll redo the counter after the installation. Mine is relatively easier as I don't have corners just electrical pieces. And there's a small piece over the sink with a shelf, think the tile would look awesome there too.
How did you figure out how much glass tile and smart tile to buy in square feet? That's my only problem. Yours by far was the most detailed and easiest to follow.
Purchase 1 square foot of the tile that you want to use. Take it home as a sample and measure the total length if your wall. At this point, you can measure up to figure out how many sheets you will need vertically or you can stack your sample to figure it out. The rest is simple division. If you need more detail, let me know. PS... Thanks for the kind words!
Thank you so much for posting this. I will be attempting to do this and had no idea how to do it. Your video was excellent and informative!
JJ Squirdle Supastar thanks, good luck!
Thank you sir! It was almost $350 in total materials. I did 17' worth of wall including the turn. I used 2 boxes of Simplemat. The saw was free for me, because I borrowed it from a friend. Good luck!
There's a MUCH easier method for cutting and for boxing in around switches and outlets.
1) Use a Dremel tool and a Diamond Rotary Cutting Disc. Harbor Freight Tools sells a set of 5 for $6.99. This is much better than using the hand-held cutters (snapper) type tools. A diamond cutting disc cuts through both glass and ceramic like butter.
2) Another trick is not putting the glass mosaic behind the switch or outlet tabs as some other video's show. Why? Because most switches or outlets have a horizontal piece on
the top and bottom which the tile can go under and below that is the screw hole. But what if these pieces are broken off? Or, they usually have a score line on the metal where you can break them off.
Not to worry. Just cut a hole in your sheet of glass (or ceramic) mosaic tile exactly where the outlet hole is. To do this, mark pencil lines on the wall larger than the mosaic tile sheet. Use the cardboard backing the mosaic tile came on. Place it next to the mosaic tile you hung on the wall and transfer the lines from the outlet box onto the cardboard. Now cut a hole in the cardboard exactly the the size of the switch or outlet. Place the cardboard on the wall over the switch or outlet and make sure it aligns with the mosaic tile hanging on the wall and is a perfect fit over the switch or outlet.
3) Place the cardboard over your mosaic tile and using a marker trace around the hole in the cardboard.. leaving the marks on your mosaic tile. Using your Dremel and a Diamond Rotary Cutting Disc, simply cut those unwanted tiles out. When you pick up your set of tiles they will now have a perfect hole in them the size of the switch or outlet hole and adhere them to the wall.
4) Now how do you make the switch or outlet flush with the tile? Take a 1/2" piece of dowel (or any small wood) and drill a 1/8" hole through it. Measure from the SCREW hole in the outlet box to the edge of your glass tile. That's the length of dowel you'll need. In my case I needed a 1/2" length. Since I had 1 switch and 1 outlet, I needed 4 dowels 1/2" long. That's a total of 2 inches in length. I simply used a 1/8" drill bit and drilled vertically through the dowel, cut it into 4 sections 1/2" long, and used them as standoff's from the outlet box to the back of the switch or wall plug. Nice 'n tight. The cover fit perfectly. You might need to purchase longer screws but that's easy also.
Cool. I'm gonna try it. Been putting it off for a while. Glad I ran across ur video. Never heard if this stuff, but this is much simpler. Thanks
Thanks so much. My kitchen is the exact colors as yours... I'm gonna give it a shot!
Great video and great looking job on the tile!
Your video is very very informative, I liked the outlet work because I have the same problem and no one suggested us such a thing at home depot, thanks nice work
I have seen a lot of do-it-yourself videos but yours was the best
alfred canfield thank you sir! 🙏🏽
Great video! Very informative! I appreciate the fact that you gave details throughout the video. I was going to use simple mat, but, I think I am going the spray adhesive route. Looks great, bless you guys..
Thanks for the video! you just gave me courage to do my kitchen! let you know how it turns out!
Nice to hear! Make sure that you let me know; I look forward to it!
I started to do it the way you explained by overlapping by 1/4 inch. I got 3 mats in before I realized I wouldn't be able to peel off the outer plastic. We're you peeling it off as you went? This seems like important information and I'm glad I realized this before I finished my entire kitchen off! Excellent video btw, you inspired me to tackle on a project I've been putting off for years.
blink18e2 you are exactly right! Overlapping did create a problem when peeling he plastic off. I'm glad that you were able to work it out.
looks great Rashaud! good job!
Thanks. Enjoyed the video. I've been delaying my own version of this install. I was glad to see the simple mat and grout in use ... looks very interesting as a time saver. Working with live electrical and outlets a few feet from the sink freak me out just a bit ...
One of the most helpful DIY vids I have seen. Thanks so much!
Nice thorough instructional video! Thanks
Great job, Rashaud. I'll be sure to follow these steps for my upcoming DIY install.
Excellent video. I learned for my first time with you. Thank you!
Very Nice! Excellent explanations on your thought process which makes it easy to understand.
Good job! I'm doing my Mom's back splash tomorrow and bought thin set. I'm going to HD tomorrow and buy this instead. Good job on the video too!
Great video. Didn't know about the mat stuff. Will make it a lot easier. Getting ready to do mine. Funny enough my wife already pick what she wants out and it looks pretty much the same as what you used. Again Great Video.
bryan weaver thanks, and good luck!
I admire your hard work!!!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing this video! I'm thinking of installing a similar (if not the same) backsplash in a new house we're buying!
Awesome video and great instruction! Thank you. I am going to try this next week.
Looks really nice... I'm planning on redoing my tile myself, and your video offered a lot of advice. The crazy thing is I'm removing the tile you just installed... Lol I personally don't like the colors of the tile with the granite the builder choose... Both are to busy of patterns.... So I'm replacing it with a white glass tile... Thanks again for your wonderful video... Yours turned out amazing... Peace
Thanks! And really liked the important comments by Thinkertube 2 years ago
As a experienced tile and mosaics installation adviser and sales representative (below).
Thank you for doing this video! I wanted to do a backsplash but I was too freaked out until I found this!
Thank you for this.. Our kitchen is being remodeled and we want to do this after the granite tops are put in.. The simple mat makes me nervous.. I wonder if it will hold up over time... I'm thinking I'll go with it and hope for the best.
Thanks for the video. You did a great job explaing everything and yours came out great
steven rocheleau you’re welcome sir. Thanks for watching and thanks for the compliment! I did this project again in my new house and it came out great again.
185 dislike??? why? if you don't like don't watch. I just wanna thank you for sharing. it helped me and I'm going to install tiles same way.
Thanks for posting this. I loved your video and how simple you made this project look for a DIY. I really want to try this project but my question is now that you are a few years out, how well did the simple mat hold up?
Heidi Sole it’s still perfect! I used a different brand in my new house, but I just sold the condo and the tiles were still perfectly in place. It was a big selling point for us.
Thanks for putting it in my perspective. Worked great for me using your instruction. good job.
Great to hear sir! Thanks for watching!! I'm glad that it worked out for you as well.
Thanks Rashaud, will take what I learned from your video and use it when the time comes for sure.
great job thanks for sharing, i just purchased my first house and am looking to re-stain my kitchen cabinets as well as adding a backsplash. looking forward to this project.
what a nice job you did! Beautiful result. you're a great teacher; thanks for sharing!!
Nice work. Will be doing this on our wetbar in a few weeks. Thanks for the video.