Plan Your Layout
Measure the area. Start from center and work out for balanced look. Calculate square footage and plan where tiles meet outlets and edges.
Quick Summary
30-45 minutes
Tape measure, level
Buy 10-15% more
Center your pattern
Why Layout Planning Matters
Avoid the Amateur Look
The difference between a professional-looking backsplash and an amateur one often comes down to planning. A centered, symmetrical layout with thoughtful cuts around obstacles looks intentional. Random placement with uneven edges looks like a DIY disaster.
Taking 30 minutes to plan saves hours of frustration and prevents wasted tiles. You'll also avoid that sinking feeling when you realize your pattern is off-center after you've already committed.
Step 1: Measure Your Space
What to Measure
Width of backsplash area
Measure from end to end where tiles will go (usually from edge of counter to edge, or cabinet to cabinet)
Height of backsplash area
Measure from countertop to bottom of upper cabinets (typically 15-18 inches)
Each section separately
Stove area, sink area, and any other sections may have different dimensions
Obstacles to subtract
Windows, range hood openings, and other areas where tiles won't go
Typical Kitchen Backsplash Areas
Small kitchen
12-18 sq ft
Medium kitchen
20-30 sq ft
Large kitchen
35-50 sq ft
Behind stove only
6-10 sq ft
Step 2: Calculate Square Footage
The Formula
(Width × Height) ÷ 144 = Square Feet
(measurements in inches)
Example Calculation:
• Back wall: 96" wide × 18" high = 1,728 sq inches
• Side of stove: 24" wide × 18" high = 432 sq inches
• Total: 1,728 + 432 = 2,160 sq inches
• 2,160 ÷ 144 = 15 sq ft
• Plus 10% waste: 15 × 1.10 = 16.5 sq ft needed
Always Buy 10-15% Extra
Peel-and-stick tiles need trimming around edges, outlets, and obstacles. Some tiles may get damaged or mis-cut. Running short means trying to match tiles from a different batch (colors may vary). Return unused tiles later—it's much easier than finding more.
Step 3: Find Your Center Point
The most important layout decision is where to start. Starting from the center ensures your pattern is symmetrical and edge pieces are evenly sized on both sides.
For a Main Wall (Behind Stove/Sink)
- 1. Measure the total width of the backsplash area
- 2. Divide by 2 to find the center point
- 3. Mark this point lightly with pencil on the wall
- 4. Use a level to draw a light vertical line at center
- 5. This is your starting reference line
When to Center on a Feature Instead
Sometimes the wall center isn't the best reference:
- • Behind stove: Center on the stove/range hood, not the wall
- • With a window: Center on the window
- • Behind sink: Center on the sink (usually centered already)
The 50% Rule
When you reach the edges, you want your cut tiles to be at least 50% of a full tile wide. If your calculation shows you'd have tiny slivers at the edges, shift your starting point half a tile to the left or right.
Step 4: Plan Around Obstacles
Electrical Outlets
Outlets are the trickiest part of any backsplash. Plan so cuts look clean:
- • Best case: Outlet falls in the center of a tile (simple rectangular cut)
- • Acceptable: Outlet spans two tiles evenly
- • Avoid: Outlet falling right at a tile edge or corner
Pro tip: Screwless outlet covers ($3-5 each) hide imperfect cuts and give a modern look.
Windows
If your backsplash area includes a window:
- • Center your pattern on the window
- • Plan for consistent tile edges on both sides
- • Decide if tiles will wrap into the window frame or stop at edge
- • Window sill may need special attention
Upper Cabinet Edges
Your top row of tiles needs to meet the bottom of upper cabinets cleanly. If there's a gap, you can either: cut tiles to fit exactly, use a small accent tile as a border, or fill the gap with caulk (for gaps under 1/4").
Range Hood / Microwave
Most range hoods have a specific height requirement from the stove. Your tiles will go up to where the hood begins. Plan for this transition to look clean—ideally ending at a full tile row.
Step 5: Do a Dry Layout
Before committing anything to the wall, test your plan:
Dry Layout Process
- 1.Lay out tiles on your counter in the pattern you plan to use
- 2.Use painter's tape on the wall to mark where key tiles will go
- 3.Mark where outlets fall relative to your tile positions
- 4.Check that edge pieces will be reasonably sized (at least 50% of a tile)
- 5.Adjust your starting point if needed before any tiles go up
- 6.Take a photo of your tape layout for reference during installation
Step 6: Check for Level
Don't Trust Your Countertop
Countertops and cabinets aren't always perfectly level—especially in older homes. If you start your first row of tiles along an uneven counter edge, your entire backsplash will be crooked.
How to Check
- 1. Place a level on the countertop along the backsplash area
- 2. Note any slope (even 1/8" matters over 4 feet)
- 3. Draw a true level line on the wall to use as your starting reference
- 4. Start your first row of tiles along this level line, not the counter edge
Handling the Gap
If your countertop isn't level and you start tiles on a true level line, you'll have a gap between the tiles and counter that varies in size. This is fine—fill it with caulk (matching your tile color or grout color). A straight tile line is worth a caulk line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?
Always buy at least 10% extra tile for waste, cuts, and mistakes. For complex patterns or lots of outlets/obstacles, buy 15% extra. It's much easier to return unused tiles than to find matching tiles later if you run short.
Should I start tiling from the center or edge?
Start from the center of your main focal wall and work outward. This ensures the pattern is symmetrical and any cut tiles at the edges are equal in size on both sides. The exception is if you have a focal point like a stove or window—center on that feature.
How do I handle outlets when planning tile layout?
Plan your layout so outlet cuts fall in the middle of tiles when possible, not at tile edges or corners. For peel-and-stick tiles, you'll cut an opening in the tile. Turn off power at the breaker before working around outlets. Consider upgrading to screwless outlet covers that hide any imperfect cuts.
What if my walls aren't perfectly square?
Older homes often have walls that aren't perfectly level or square. Use a level to check, and plan to start your first row level rather than following an uneven countertop or cabinet line. Small gaps can be hidden with caulk. If walls are very uneven, you may need to address that first.