How to Install a Backsplash in the Kitchen
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The backsplash area that runs between the counter and the cabinets on the wall is probably not the first thing you notice when you walk into any kitchen. Installing a tile backsplash can spice up that often overlooked space and give it a little more of an eye-catching appeal. In addition, a tile backsplash is durable and very easy to clean for long-lasting and attractive functional convenience. Installing a backsplash yourself will save you a lot of money as opposed to having it installed professionally. Tile backsplash installation is not exceptionally difficult and will only take you a couple days to complete. Read on for a step-by-step guide explaining how to install a backsplash in the kitchen.
How to Install a Tile Backsplash:
First, you will need to select which kind of tile you want to use. This is a matter of taste and I can’t really help you with it. You can choose from various types of stone, glass or metal backsplashes. If your countertop is made of granite, you should read some of my backsplash ideas for granite countertops.
Now on to the installation. You need to ready the area of the wall where you will be installing the backsplash. Remove any outlet covers and such from the wall. Sand the wall being careful not to remove the paint. This will roughen the surface so that the bonding mastic used to secure the tile to the wall will stick better. Use a damp cloth to remove the dust from the wall. Measure the center focal point of the room and mark it at the counter level with a pencil. This point is often right above the stove or range.
Using a V-notched trowel, scoop out some mastic and spread it across the wall with a sweeping angular gesture. Only cover small areas at a time. Step back and see if there are any bare spots, then go back and cover them. You should first lay out your tile pattern after obtaining the correct measurements to make sure that it will fit properly before you actually lay it.
Now it is time to begin laying the field tiles. Take the first tile, line the edge up on your marked centerline, and press the base down flush with the counter leaving only enough room for caulking. Push it into the mastic firmly and continue laying tiles in this manner workout outwards from the centerline on either side up until you meet the cabinets (or a row where you wish to feature decorative tiles). Pay attention to your mastic. If a film starts to develop over it, scrape the old mastic off and put on a fresh new application.
When you reach a space where a tile needs to be cut in order to fit properly, place a whole tile there and mark where it should be cut. Then, use a “score and snap” tile cutter to trim them. This will form a score line where you can then simply snap off the unwanted piece. These cutters are pretty cheap to rent. After all pieces have been cut to fit, lay your decorative tile area using your center line just as you did with the field tiles. Some people like to create a border using listello tiles to add elaboration and definition to the pattern.
Cabinet corners, electrical outlets, and such will require some tiles to be notched. Mark them and use a wetsaw to cut them into the desired shape. Make sure all tiles are placed flush against each other, cabinets, and adjoining walls at any outer edges. If you do not have upper cabinets, use bullnose tile at these outer edges.
Let it sit overnight to give the mastic enough time to dry. Mix some unsanded tile grout and spread it across the backsplash diagonal to the grout lines with a rubber grout float. Make sure it gets packed deep into the lines but do not get any into the bottom seam where the backsplash meets the counter.
Clean the surface of the tile with a wet sponge being careful not to remove the grout. A diagonal motion works best. Give the grout about 45 minutes to set, then buff off the film that appears over the tile with a dry cloth. Squeeze grout-colored caulk into the bottom seam and around all edges, wet your finger, and wipe off the excess caulk smoothing the seam as you go.
Voila! You have got yourself a beautiful new backsplash that everyone will admire. They will be even more impressed when you tell them you did it yourself and how easy installing a kitchen backsplash is.
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