How I Made and Installed a “Marble” Tile Backsplash and Floating Shelf for Our Outdoor Kitchen Using Porcelain Tile
This would absolutely work indoors too!
I wanted a marble backsplash with a matching "marble" floating shelf for our outdoor kitchen. You know, the kind you save on Pinterest and then discover it comes with a price that makes you close the tab. Well, in this case I got a quote of $20K! So I did what any stubborn DIYer with expensive taste does, I built it myself for under $400 (this doesn't include all of the tools that I already owned). When I started my research on how to make a tile floating shelf, I was surprised that I didn't find any. I found one quick TikTok video where it showed a large marble floating shelf being installed inside on a long steel brace and after I saw that one video, I experimented on my own to create this.
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My Backstory
For those of you who are new to my Instagram page or my blog, Wire + Rose, I'm Danielle. In 2008, I lost everything--my legal career, my self-esteem, myself and I almost gave up 😔 I went to art therapy for my anxiety and depression and I noticed that I started feeling better when I was busy doing something creative rather than ruminate over my trauma. So, I started painting as an outlet to heal and I started selling off all of my belongings on Ebay to make money.
What did I sell? I grew up in Swanton, VT and was signed with my first modeling agency at the age of 14 or 15. From there, I learned about clothing and fashion. I modeled in Canada and Miami until my early 20s and then I started a family after moving back to VT in 2000. After my divorce and job loss in 2008, I needed to make money, so I sold what I already knew very well...clothing! I sold my brandname clothing that I had worn when I was working as a Legal Aide. After I sold everything I owned, I started going to garage sales and thrift markets. Then, I stumbled upon a YouTube video on how to make a bracelet on a loom and I started making loomed cuff and wrap bracelets. One day, I listed one of my bracelets on Ebay and it sold within hours! It made me feel so proud that someone wanted to buy something that I made with my own two hands. I went from being a completely broke, depressed single mom on welfare who had to move from apartment to apartment to starting my own jewelry company called ABRAU "pronouced uh-bray-you". How I got that name is another long story and below you'll see how it's commonly mispronounced.
I found my way back to myself through DIY and making my own jewelry. In 2014, my jewelry was worn on The Vampire Diaries! My jewelry has since been worn on women all over the world, and my business and story has been featured in several magazines and podcasts. My jewelry has also been worn on The Young & the Restless, Seal Team, Law and Order SVU, Law and Organized Crime, Home Economics, Sweet Magnolias and many others. I've had my jewelry in the swag bags of the Grammy's and the Oscars. I've sent my jewelry to celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Garner and so many others. You can see my interview on WCAX's Made in Vermont.
Why Interior Design & Construction? When I was moving from apartment to apartment and I couldn't afford decor or furniture, I would make my own. I remember having a chair and not liking the fabric, so I reupholstered it by myself. I'd repurpose old furniture and make my own wreaths. I always watched my mom decorate our childhood home and I loved decorating for all of the holidays by making ornaments and decor. No matter if I lived in an apartment or a house, it was such a fun challenge to make things look high end and nice for very little money.
Power tools? Never met one before meeting my husband and starting our renovations in 2020! In fact, not only was I scared of tools until I met Dan, I was a girly-girl who didn't think I was even capable of using one (without severing a finger). When I finally started taking on more projects, I realized that we women have been lied to! Building isn't that hard. Ok, sometimes it’s physically challenging, but It's definitely not something that's only for men. I've found so much confidence by starting with smaller projects and gradually graduating to more complex ones. My hubby often jokes with me that the "student has become the teacher" because I'm now teaching him new things like tilework, which he never did before he met me.
Interior design and construction feels like a natural extension of jewelry-making, just on a larger scale. I'm basically making the jewelry and the jewelry box of my home! And together with my husband, we've renovated our indoor kitchen, powder room, primary bedroom, my jewelry studio, dining room, living room, laundry room and mudroom. My style is constantly evolving and I've gone through the black and white farmhouse style phase and now have settled with more modern organic and timeless pieces, always incoporating antiques and collected pieces that either have symbolism or memory attached to them.
Why an outdoor kitchen? In 2023, we started on our biggest and most stressful project yet: our backyard! We had focused so much on our indoor renovations that our backyard looked like a place you'd meet a guy named "Snake". Since I'm a homebody and wanted yet another reason to stay home, I decided that an outdoor kitchen would make our home "the destination". It gives me a purpose to go outside because I love cooking and entertaining and I plan to use our outdoor kitchen all throughout autumn and until the snow falls.
So that's why I DIY. It's therapeutic and empowering for me and it helps me cope with past traumas. I encourage anyone, man or woman, who has gone through anything traumatic to empower themselves through DIY because it truly saved my life. My platform on Instagram is so important to me for that reason. I love helping and inspiring people and I love making a difference.
Which brings me back to this DIY: A porcelain tile floating shelf with backsplash.
Sources / Frequently Asked Questions: Marble Floating Shelf and Backsplash
Since my outdoor kitchen reels have been taking off on Instagram, I've been asked a lot about where I sourced all of my products especially my pendant lights, chairs and pizza oven. Click below photo to shop my Wayfair Collection where I purchased all of the above plus my drop-in grill, stainless steel cabinets, sink, faucet, outdoor-rated fireplace and our mini refrigerator. The pizza oven is the only one that I could find that is true counter depth. I've already used it a few times and I absolutely love it!
How we wrapped our island
Get all of the sources and read the full blog below
Materials
I used these large format porcelain tiles from Lowes in the 24" x 48" size. I chose the honed / matte finish over the polished finish because I wanted my outdoor kitchen to truly look organic and natural. The veining has all neutral colors, white, black, beige and brown. Each tile is a little different but I noticed between the 3 boxes that there were repeating patterns, so I tried to line them up as best as I could so that it was most pleasing to my eye.
I used this very same tile in my parent's FL condo kitchen makeover but theirs was polished. I loved the shiny finish inside their home as the reflection really brightened up their small galley kitchen.
This porcelain has the same dreamy look of marble, but at a very different price point. For my space, I needed approximately 32 square feet. I ordered and used 3 boxes total (6 tiles). I used 2 tiles for the backsplash on the left, 2 tiles for the backsplash on the right and then 2 tiles to create the pieces for the floating shelf.
The backsplash was beautiful on its own, but the matching ledge shelf? That’s the detail that made the whole thing come together. Here’s what I used, how I built it, and the little trick I used to make the seams less noticeable.
Tools I Used (all linked below)
Please note: You do NOT need to buy 2 tile saws. If you already have a tile saw with stand, use that as long as you can slide it through safely and create a 45 degree bevel. Please keep in mind, large format tiles are sometimes too big to rip (cut lengthwise) on a standing tile saw. For this reason, you may choose to only use the handheld saw which can rip and cut, just make sure that you can bevel a 45 degree cut.
Don't have a 45 degree cut option? That's ok! You can also try using small pieces to create a mock-up version without 45's (square corners and butt joints). This is what I did first with scrap tile. You can decide if you want to bevel the edges or you can experiment with square corners. You can use paint to hide the brown edge that porcelain has.
You’ll also need measuring and leveling tools, the appropriate tools for applying mortar, ie, a putty knife, a notched trowel, a bucket and sponges, and protective equipment for cutting tile.
For your convenience, and for an easy-to-shop holiday list, I've created a shoppable collection with similar tools that I used for this project below. Just click the pic to shop.
Getting the Marble Look With Porcelain
I used large format porcelain tiles with a marble pattern for both the backsplash and shelf. Using the same material helped the whole design feel connected. The larger tiles create broad stretches of veining, and the matching shelf gives the backsplash that substantial stone ledge look I wanted. It’s a small detail with a big effect. Suddenly, the wall behind the counter becomes something you want to decorate—and possibly stare at while your husband asks what project you’re planning next.
More Tile Options
If the Lowe's tile that I used is out of stock, I suggest going into your local store to see if they have any in-store. I've also handpicked some other beautiful options below.
I've also created a collection of similar porcelain tiles below:
gray and white porcelain tile 
gray and white porcelain tile 
Taj Mahal porcelain
Cutting the Tile
I used both a wet tile saw with stand and a handheld tile wet saw to cut the pieces for this project. Again, you can absolutely do this with just one or the other.
Before cutting, plan your backsplash layout and the length and depth of your shelf. Pay attention to the marble pattern as well as the measurements. Where the veining falls can make a big difference in how the pieces look together.
cutting tile after cutting tile holding up tile
Dry fitting is your friend here. I dry fit the tiles and looked at different combinations before settling on them. It's also helpful to label the back of each tile with where they will go so you can remember after you cut them (ask me how I know). It’s much easier to move pieces around before you’ve introduced glue or mortar into the relationship.
For your own cuts, use a blade and cutting method approved for porcelain and your saw. Follow the tool’s instructions for protective equipment and dust control, and make sure the large tiles are supported while cutting and handling them.
Installing the Backsplash
For the backsplash portion, I used VersaBond mortar rated for outdoor use. I also used VersaBond mortar to coat the entire wall above the shelf. I was planning on using microcement on the wall, but we had run out after using it on our countertops. I used VersaBond to cover the seams of the cement backer board and I liked the color (off white) and the texture (concrete like) so I went with it. Is it meant to cover walls? No. Is it sandable? Also no. Make sure if you use this, you like the way it looks before it dries. It was very easy to apply. Follow the product instructions for surface preparation, mixing, trowel size, mortar coverage, and curing. It will also be easy to coat over it with microcement next summer if I see any cracks or issues. At this point, I’m happy with it.
The wall tile and shelf needed different attachment methods. I used the Versabond mortar to attach the backsplash and heavy duty brackets with the included screws and adhesive for the shelf assembly.
Measure your space.
Mark your tile where it needs to be cut. We used the entire height of 24" so we only needed to chop a little bit on one side. We butted 2 tiles side by side so the seam was in the middle.
Mark & cut your outlets. Ideally, you won't have any outlets on your backsplash. That's any designer's dream. But in our case, we didn't have shelving or anywhere else to put it, so we sadly cut into our tile to create outlet holes. We used the toothpaste hack to mark where our outlets were. We put toothpaste on all 4 corners of the outlet on the wall. When we pressed the tile to the wall, it transferred the toothpaste onto the tile and voila! We used an angle grinder with a diamond blade to cut the outlet holes.
Mix your mortar. In a plastic bucket, mix Versabond Mortar according to the directions on the bag. We used a mixing paddle bit and our drill to easily mix the Versabond with water. Keep an extra bucket with water and a sponge near you for any clean up. Using your trowel, make a mortar bed on the wall and use the notched end of your trowel to create grooves on the wall. Next, back butter the tile and lift the tile up to the wall to adhere. Due to our uneven concrete countertop and in order to level the top of the side-by-side tiles, we needed to create a space between the countertop and the bottom of the tile. We created spacers by putting a scrap piece of tile in a plastic bag and sliding those in the bottom corners of both tiles to give us the space we needed. The plastic bag kept it from sticking to the mortar. See photo above.
That's it! You've just installed your backsplash. That was easy, right?
Making the Mortar Bed Back Buttering the tile Lifting the tile to the wall
Making the Matching Floating Shelf
The shelf is my favorite part of this project! After seeing some high end homes on Pinterest with these style of backsplashes, I regretted not doing it for my indoor kitchen renovation. So, I was given a second chance to use the idea for my outdoor kitchen!
Much like wrapping wood beams, the cut porcelain pieces create a shelf that looks like it's floating by sinking the brackets into the wall and then covering up the brackets with whatever wall material you have on your wall. This is where the support matters as much as the pretty part. The studs or wood backing of your wall supports the brackets; the brackets carry the weight of the shelf; the glue connects the tile pieces.
For our shelf, I didn't want a huge overhang. I used some small plates that I wanted to stack on the shelf as a guide and came up with 6 inches as a final depth measurement. Because we placed the bracket inside the wall, that changed the 6" bracket length to approx 5-3/4" so we were able to wrap the tile around the bracket and make the back side flush to the wall.
For the thickness, I didn't want it super chunky so I chose a 1.5" measurement for the front piece of tile. My bracket's measurement was 6 inches, so that extra 1/2" was enough slack for the tile to fit around.
Measure the length of your tile. Mark your tile and your wall. I found it helpful to use my mockup shelf as a template, as it showed me on the wall where to place the brackets so I could keep the bottom of the shelf flush with the top of the backsplash. Also, keep in mind that if your shelf is facing the outside, you'll need to create and measure for an end cap. The 2 shelves on either side butting up to our fireplace didn't need an endcap, only the 2 outside facing shelves.
Using a pencil, trace the bracket onto the wall.
Using an oscillating tool, cut the outline of the bracket out. Remove the piece of wall. You can choose to save it and try to add it back or add a piece of tape (I used mesh wire tape for my cement wall) over the hole to be covered up later. I placed 2 shelves side-by-side and above each backsplash. I used 2 brackets for each shelf, so I used a total of 8 brackets. I cut 8 holes in the wall and I placed slightly inside the perimeter of the tile about 1/2".
Screw in each bracket.
cutting into drywall with an oscillating tool Screwing in a bracket Close up view of a heavy duty bracket
Make sure to level your brackets. Level not only each bracket, but use a longer level to measure between the 2 shelves so that the 2 shelves are level when lined up (if you need 2 shelves).
Each shelf will have 3 sides to chop and rip. The top piece 6" x 48", the bottom piece 6" x 48" and the front piece 1.5 x 48". Plus (in my case) 2 pieces for the side caps 1-1/2" x 6."
Set up a protected area to make your shelves.
Assemble the top of the shelf to the front piece first. Dry fit them first and when you're happy with the placement, add glue or construction adhesive, press the pieces together and add painter's tape to temporarily hold them together while you get your clamp ready. Gently clamp the 2 pieces together with epoxy adhesive and let dry for 5 minutes.
adding tape to tile adding the front piece to tile adding clamps to tile
Once set, dry fit your top piece by placing it on the bracket and marking where the bottom piece should be placed. What I did, was let the top piece rest on the bracket and I glued the bottom piece on after by adding epoxy to the edges and letting the back of the bottom plate rest on the top of the backsplash. I'm sure there are better ways to do this, but this allowed me to custom fit them and adjust things before committing. Alternatively, you could assemble the entire shelf and slide the finished piece onto the bracket, adding glue to the bracket and the edges. However, there was a lot of the space on the inside that I didn't account for. I did think of adding some foam or something which I also think could work, but I didn't have any.
Once your shelves are installed, cover up your brackets by using whatever material you have on the wall. If it's sheetrock, you'll have to cover it back up with sheetrock, tape and mud. For my "cement" wall, I just added more mortar over some mesh wire tape that I used to fill in the hole.
Caulk any seams. I caulked a small seam between the tile and shelf and a small space between the wall and the top piece. For the 2 vertical seams between the backsplash and the 2 shelves, I used the same grout that I used on my fireplace in the color biscuit.
using a caulk gun underneath a tile backsplash using hand to smooth caulk on tile using putty knife to fix drywall
Congratulations! You've just made a backsplash and a floating tile shelf for under $400! The tile only cost $150 for all pieces. I only paid for the epoxy, the brackets, and the mortar. The rest of the tools I already had. I'd say I saved thousands considering my quote for this from a contractor of $20K!
A guy on Instagram asked me if my shelf was sloping. No, no it isn’t, sir! If it looks sloped, it’s the camera angle, because this bad boy is as level as my husband’s enthusiasm when I announce another project. Flat. 😂
Styling
I styled my shelves with some antiques that I found at Willow House in Shelburne, VT. My mom and I went shopping together and she found a little copper water can, which I now think of her whenever I look at it. I found an antique colorized photo of Lake Willoughby which is near and dear to our hearts and another framed print of a cottage with a garden. I also put some small dishes that I grew up using, European salt & pepper shakers which are so beautiful and functional and have a beautiful patina. I think they look so pretty next to the cutting board. The antique framed photo of Roman Ruins on the right shelf is one that I grew up with in my childhood home.
woman in black dress with tall boots decorating a marble shelf in an outdoor kitchen woman in black dress with tall boots decorating a marble shelf in an outdoor kitchen A close up shot of a styled high end marble shelf and backsplash
How I Made the Seams Less Obvious
When you’re making a shelf from separate pieces of marble-look tile, the veining won’t necessarily continue perfectly across every seam. And once my eye noticed the interruption, apparently that was all it wanted to look at. So I painted lines to visually connect the marble veining across the seams. That little touch-up helped the pieces look more continuous and made the joins less obvious. This is the product that I used and I've since used it on many other projects in my house because it works amazingly well at creating a faux wood finish.
Because it's a glaze, I was able to make it look darker or lighter depending on how much I applied and brushed on.
This step is completely optional. If the seams don’t bother you, leave them alone. You do not need to invent a new project just because I found one. If you want to try it, follow the direction and color of the existing veining. Start small and test a compatible paint on an offcut first. The goal is to blend the interruption into the pattern, rather than create a bold new line that draws more attention to it. This is a cosmetic touch-up, so it doesn’t replace any joint treatment your installation requires. For an outdoor project like mine, the painted detail is also something to watch over time for wear.
Would I Do It Again?
Yes. No question. The matching backsplash and shelf gave our outdoor kitchen the finished look I wanted without purchasing a costly marble slab. There were cuts to make, pieces to glue, and a few seams that needed some creative attention. But that’s part of what I love about DIY: finding a way to make the thing you’ve been imagining. And getting to say, “I made that,” every time you walk past it? That part never gets old.
Per popular request, my next blog post will have specs, build plans, and cost breakdown of the entire build.
Save this project for your own kitchen inspiration, and follow along with Wire & Rose for more of our outdoor kitchen build, DIY tutorials, and ways to create a home you love 🖤
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