Installing a bathroom or kitchen backsplash is a great weekend project and just requires attention to detail and a few common tools. Two popular tile types are ceramic, which is available in a mind-boggling variety of shapes, sizes, and colors; and slate, which is a readily-available natural stone that lends a homey, rustic feel to the room.
Tools and Materials for the Project

* Notched trowel
* Wet saw (can be rented, bought, or borrowed)
* Tape measure
* Tile spacers
* Ceramic tile or/and slate
* Maximum strength acrylic mastic or thinset (these a recommended for vertical surfaces, while mortar is good for floors.)
* Grout, grout sponge, and high quality grout sealer
* Penetrating sealer (if installing slate)

Greenboard or Cement Fiber Backer Board

If the wall is finished, chances are the material is drywall or greenboard (moisture-resistant drywall). If the studs are exposed, it's best to install a cement fiber product like HardieBacker 1/4” cement fiber backer board. It may be required by local building code; be sure to check.
Lay Out the Tile Pattern

The tile comes in two types. First, the field tiles, and secondly, the rounded borders. To get attractive size final tiles (between the last full field tile and the border), it will be necessary to start in the middle with either a full tile or a grout joint. This is only needed if both ends are in the open.

Hopefully, all walls to be covered will finish into a corner. In this case, start on the end with a border and work into the corner with full field tiles and a final cut tile in the corner.
Preparing Slate Tile

Since slate is porous, it should be sealed with the penetrating sealer before beginning the job. When making a cut, the raw cut surface can be touched up on the fly. This is not a problem with ceramic since it already has a slick finish.Kelly Smith