Tiles are among the most popular construction materials today. Apart from their beauty, they make any interior space look sleek, neat and clean. They give the traditional kitchen a more modern appearance. Other than on the floor, you can find this material also installed as a kitchen backsplash these days.
To ensure a beautiful backsplash, tiles need to be mounted the right way using the right materials. The installation process is not that hard to do as long as you know what you want, you have prepared for it and you have the patience to do it. It can even just be a weekend project that you can accomplish with your partner.
Planning is crucial for this kitchen makeover project. First, determine the design you want for the backsplash. Decide if you want to have a focal point such as atop the cooking range for a more dramatic effect or if you want to have just a single design all throughout the wall or if you want to create an accent in middle part. There are many resources available such as your home improvement magazine and websites that cater to tiles and home renovation projects.
Next, decide on the material such as the type of tile to use and whether you’ll be utilizing just a single color or different colors to create a mosaic backsplash. Your budget should also be considered at this stage.
The final step before the installation procedure is to measure the area where you will be mounting your backsplash. Measure the entire space above your kitchen countertops, your cooking range and your sink. Mark the center and other important areas particularly if you’ll be following a pattern.
Now before you start installing, prepare all your materials – ruler, pencil, your tiles, tile cutter (a score-and-snap type is ideal), leveler, mastic or thinset, grout and trowel. Clean the wall first and sand it using a sandpaper.
The next step will be to apply the tile mastic across the wall where you will be working initially. If you’ll apply it right away on the entire wall, chances the mastic will dry out once you reach the other areas.
You can then start mounting the tiles one by one. Start at the bottom in a vertical manner moving upwards. Make sure to press firmly each tile to keep it secure. Continue to the next row until you reach the areas where you may need to cut your tiles. These can be at electrical outlets or at the bottom of your wall cabinets.
For cutting tiles, score the area first and then snap it gently to ensure a straight cut. You may need to use a motorized wetsaw for tiles that will be installed at corners and electrical outlets. You don’t need to buy it because there are equipment that can be rented.
Make sure that you butt the tile edges against those on the adjoining wall. At the open ends, you may need to install bullnose tile particularly in the absence of upper cabinets.
Leave the mounted tiles overnight to make sure they set properly and securely on the wall. You can apply the grout the following day to fill the gap between the tiles.