How to Tile Behind Your Stove

All weekend I’ve been working on my kitchen. It feels so good to get back to it after taking months off doing other projects! I had planned on putting the same peel and stick tile behind my stove that is on my backsplash, but its not heat resistant so I came up with plan b.

I decided that I wanted to tile! Personally, I love the look of star tiles (they’re a big trend right now)- this kitchen does need a little whimsey, doesn’t it?! I found some navy ceramic tiles that I fell in love with! They are made in Spain and are absolutely gorgeous. They are huge (17″ square) and probably better suited for floors. But they are the look I’m going for, so I made it work!

how to tile behind your stove

Let’s start with the video tutorial so you get an overview on what I did. Then, I’ll dive in with more details below. Note, I tiled behind my stove, but this tutorial would work for tiling a backsplash too.

If the video doesn’t work here, you can watch it on YouTube here. P.s. I’m trying to build that page up, so if you’d subscribe, I’d really appreciate that!

SUPPLIES

Navy Star Tiles (I needed 1 case for this area)
Tile Saw
Nonsanded grout (in Natural Gray)
Sponge
1/8″ spacers
Square notch trowel
Flat margin trowel
Pail 2.5 qt
Tile Adhesive
Laser Level

step 1

Start by cleaning the area well (I just used soap and hot water). Next, decide where you are going to start tiling. I used a level to check if the chair molding or the cabinets were straight- the chair molding was level so I knew I’d later lay the first tile there.

step 2

Next, have your laser level ready to go. We use ours on a tripod. Hold up where your first tile will go and adjust the laser level accordingly. A normal level and pencil line will work, but the laser level is SO much nicer to use (especially when you put the tile adhesive down)! We invested in one last year (they’re around $130) and have used it on countless projects since.

step 3

And now, mark your first cut by holding up the tile to the laser line. Use a tile saw to make your cut. Hold it up on the wall to dry fit it and make sure your cut was good. Continue marking your tile and making cuts with the tile saw until you have a section done.

step 4

Finally, its time to put tile on the walls! Apply tile adhesive (or motor) to the walls with a trowel. Once your section is covered, use a notched trowel over the mortar on the wall to create grooves.

step 5

Use mortar to butter the back of the tiles. Put your tiles on the wall, lining up with the laser level. Put spacers in between the tiles. Let them set overnight without touching them.

after

Ta da! Alright, I know that this isn’t the most exciting after picture, but check back tomorrow where I’ll do a post on how to grout with some pretty pictures. I finished painting the rest of the countertops and putting up the peel and stick backsplash so it’ll be a great reveal!

Using the star tile behind the stove (in a small area) was a great way to use a statement tile in a kitchen while staying on a budget! If you’re into the star tile trend like I am, here’s a round up of some pretty cute ones-