HOW-TO-INSTALL A NEW KITCHEN BACKSPLASH
Is your kitchen wall screaming for an update? Don’t worry. The friendly staff at Builders is always available to assist you with your home improvement needs. They along with their top quality products will help you turn that kitchen/bathroom wall from drab to fab!
Before jumping right in on this project there are a few things that you should do to ensure safety and that the area is prepared for tiling. First, estimate the approximate amount of tile that will be necessary to cover that outdated wall. This can easily be done with a tape measure. Measure the length and width and multiply to acquire the square footage of the area. Once this is done you are ready for the fun part, (at least I think it’s the fun part,) picking out the tile! Chances are you have already had your eye set on the tile that is going to complete your look. If you aren’t sure what you want, however, Builder’s knowledgeable staff is available for help. They even have created tile samples on display for your viewing that show how different shades of grout contrast with tiles! A helpful hint when picking out tile is to be sure it is a quality tile. There are tile sheets for backsplashes that are not as thick and require a person to build up the wall prior to application to make up for the lack of the tile thickness. I know Builders is one retailer that offers higher quality tile that needs no extra work. Lee (one of the experts) was very helpful in providing answers to my many questions as well as ensuring that I had all of the materials I needed. The list of the items needed to accomplish this DIY project can be seen below.
Tools & Materials
Tape Measure
White Thinset Tile Adhesive
Trowel (see local Builders expert for appropriate size)
Grout (non-sanded for glass tile)
Grout Float
Grout Sponge
Caulk
Caulk Gun
Wet Tile Saw (this can be purchased at Builders or rented locally)
Painters’ tape
Once you have found the tile that is going to change your attitude toward cooking (or at least change how you feel about being in your kitchen), you are ready to begin!
STEPS
First, it is always important to realize that you are working around electrical sockets. This is when it is a good idea to shut off the electricity to the area in which you will be working. Then remove your outlet covers. (pictured right)
Next, make sure the area is clean and dry to ensure that the adhesive will work properly.
Plan out your pattern. Lee suggested laying the tile sheets face down on your counter so then all that you have to do is flip them up. This can be especially helpful with more complex patterns. You should lie this in a countertop up pattern.
Spread the adhesive in a thin layer with your trowel at a 90°angle. This allows the teeth to make marks in the adhesive so too much is not applied. (For certain tiles a straight edge trowel. This is a good question for a Builders expert.)You should work in approximately a 4 ft. length area to prevent the adhesive from drying out. (pictured right)
Once the adhesive is spread begin at the base of the countertop, place your tile and press the tile on the adhesive. Continue with your pattern working in small sections until your area is completely covered with your desired tile. More than likely you will need to cut tiles because outlets are a must in a kitchen especially. This is where the use of a wet tile saw will come into play.
Hold up the tile sheet to the outlet box and determine what tiles need to be removed. Then cut out the tiles so that the outlet box will not be covered. You can fine tune around it after the entire sheet has been placed in adhesive. Using your wet tile saw cut appropriate tiles to completely surround the outlet box tightly and continue onward.
Wipe off any excess adhesive that is on the tiles with a damp cloth and let the adhesive sit overnight to ensure that it is completely dry.
(If you plan on having a feature strip (strip of smaller tiles between large ones) in your backsplash, Lee suggests that you place it above your outlets. This makes it more visible when small appliances or decorations are placed on the counter. You put a lot of hard work in creating this backsplash, so show it off!)
Mix the grout according to the instructions (about the consistency of mashed potatoes.) Wear appropriate safety gear i.e. gloves, safety goggles as grout can be an irritant. Apply the grout using a rubber float. Once again work in small sections no larger than 4 ft.
When an area has the grout applied and the grout has begun to firm up use a grout sponge that has been dipped in water and rung-out to wipe off excess grout in a circular motion. It is very important not to overdo this step as you can remove too much of the grout from between the tiles. Be sure to remove the grout directly along the countertop as this will be filled with caulking for a clean line. (Remember to wash your sponge after you wipe the tiles each time. Wet, ring out, clean, and then repeat.)
After the entire area has been grouted and cleaned a residue known as “grout haze” will more than likely appear. Lee told me his little secret of removing such a haze with household products. A simple combination of 50/50 vinegar to water will take it off, unless too much was left, in which case you need to purchase grout haze remover. The vinegar water should be used in the same method as washing off the grout. Use a big sponge dip it in the solution, ring it out, wipe the tile, dip back in the solution etc. From experience vinegar can leave a bit of a smell so have a candle or wax warmer handy. (It made the room smell as good as it looks after such an overhaul!) Once you are no longer working with water around the outlets it is safe to put your outlet covers back on and to turn on the electricity.
The final step is to apply caulking along your countertop and in corner seams. If you like really clean lines (I know I do) you can use painters’ tape along the counter and/or cabinets to make it exceptionally straight. This also makes less of a mess and allows easier cleanup. Let caulk set up overnight. You can use a polishing cloth to add an extra shine to your tile.
Stand back and admire your work!
Whether it is an outdated kitchen or a bathroom that needs a pick me up, the addition of a backsplash can make all the difference. Homeowners can now create their own unique look. If you’re not sure where to start when designing a custom look, Builders offers great advice, helpful tips, and demonstrations. Customization doesn’t have to be expensive! Builders can help you customize a plan for your room that stays within your budget. Go ahead start planning your next DIY project!