Backsplash

• 1/4” Baltic birch plywood backer

• 2” green hexagonal mosaic tile

• Mapei Type 1 Tile Adhesive

• Mapei Unsanded White Grout

• Makes the kitchen area feel more like a real kitchen

• Helps define the space as a separate “room” within the van

• Adds a pop of color and geometric design

• A backsplash provides a durable, easy-to-clean surface behind the sink and stove

• Plan the tile layout before starting to determine placement and minimize awkward cuts

• Cut tiles using a wet saw or handheld tile cutter

• Follow the recommended adhesive trowel shape and size for proper coverage

• Use tile spacers if needed to keep grout lines consistent

• Use a rubber grout float to press the grout firmly into the joints

• Use unsanded grout for the small joints between mosaic tiles

• Wipe away excess grout and clean the tile using a damp sponge and water

• Seal the edges where the backsplash meets the countertop or walls with silicone to prevent moisture from getting behind the tile

• Mosaic tile sheets are easier to install since they come on mesh backing and reduce the number of individual tiles you have to place

• Many people worry about installing real tile in a moving vehicle, but I haven’t had any issues, and I haven’t heard of others experiencing problems either

• Real tile is heavy

Peel-and-Stick Tile

• Easier and quicker to install with no cutting or grout required

• Often doesn’t hold up well with temperature swings inside a van

• Adhesive can lose strength in heat or cold, causing tiles to peel over time

No Backsplash

• Continue the same wall material behind the kitchen area

• Simplifies the build and reduces weight and install time

• Works best if the wall material is durable and easy to wipe clean

I love having a backsplash in the van. Installing real tile in a moving vehicle is nothing to fear — it has held up great. It adds a fun element of design and color, helps the kitchen feel like its own space, and creates a surface that’s easy to wipe clean.