Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Question on Tiling Kitchen backsplash...

I have two questios regarding on tiling...

I know the process... apply mortar adhesive, place tiles, grout and seal.

My questions are...

1) Once I start the first step of applying the adhesive and placing the tiles, do I need to finish that step all in one shot? Or can I break it up into 2 or 3 days? I'm only asking because I want to start on my tiling but won't have time until I get home from work. I'll only have 2-3 hours each night at most.

2) After I place the tiles with adhesive, do I need to wait 1 day (24 hrs) before I can grout? Or can I do that the same day I finish placing the tiles?

3) I picked up chiaro (rustic style) 4x4 tiles and the store recommended 3/8" spacers, but they look a tad big... will this be okay or should I go with 1/8 spacers instead? Also... are spacers really necessary?

Any help greatly appreciated.

1. You can break it up into different days. Just make sure you clean up the thinset.

2. Wait the 24 hrs

3. Up too you

I would however, grout it all in one day so your grout batch is mixed the same. Grouting don't take that long anyways.

What hot said, but always follow the directions on the adhesive container, some want you to wait longer.

3/8 is a bit much for a 4x4 tile. And the bigger the joint, the more stain problems you may have.

And I have always found that grouting is often more work than setting the tile. But for an absolutely stain resistant grout, use epoxy grout. Not recommended for a beginner, however. Once mixed, you only have aout 30 mins to FINISH everything, then it is set HARD!!!!!

This brings up a good point. Is this tumbled travertine? If so, you will want to apply a grout release sealer before grouting.