Lay out your marble tiles on the counter, table, or floor. Make sure that your tiles design lay out matches the dimensions of your wall. For example, if your backsplash is 6 to 2 feet (1.83 to 0.61 m), then your ceramic tiles lay out should also be 6 to 2 feet (1.83 to 0.61 m). Include the tiles price that will get in the way of cabinets, corners, and edges. You will cut these down to size later. Also, remember to include the grouting gaps between the polished tiles; use a spacer if you have to.

This step is known as “dry-fitting.” It will help you figure out whether or not you need to cut any wood tiles. Leave a 1⁄8-in (0.32-cm) gap around the backsplash, where it connects to the cabinets, counter, and adjacent wall. If you are working with a large sheet of tiles, click here to continue.

Mark the small tiles that will get in the way of cabinets and corners. Check the dimensions of your wall against your laid-out tiles. Use a marker to make a mark across the cement tiles where they will bump against a cabinet or corner. Mark the tiles that will be along the top edge of your backsplash, next to a wall, or under a cabinet. They will be more disguised that way.

Put on some eye and respiratory protection. A pair of safety goggles will protect your eyes against any flying pieces of tiles. A good respiratory mask will prevent you from breathing in any sanding dust. Most masks are graded based on the type of particle they can filter. Choose one that can filter dust particles.

Use a score-and-snap tiles cutter on large tiles. Use the cutting wheel to make a single, deep score in the tiles. Snap the tiles along the scored line. If the tiles has a mesh backing, make sure that the mesh side is facing up. Do not use grinders on tiles made from slate. You can use them on ceramic tiles design, however.

Use tile nippers for small tiles. Tiles that are smaller than 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5.1 cm) may be difficult to cut on a score-and-snap tiles cutter. Not only could you hurt yourself, but you could break the tiles. Instead, use a pair of tiles nippers to pinch the tiles where you need to break it. You can use tiles nippers on larger tiles to “cut” curves. Do not use tiles nippers made from slate. You can use them on ceramic tiles, however.

Use a wet saw to notch tiles, if needed. Sometimes, the corner of a cabinet or outlet cover will extend into your backsplash tiles. Measure the corner, then trace it onto the tiles with a pencil or marker. Place the tiles onto the sliding table of the wet saw. Gently guide the tiles into the saw to make the first cut. Pull the tiles back, then create the second cut. Use a tiles nipper to break off the piece between the 2 cuts. You can also use a wet saw to make basic cuts on most tiles.