Aug 23, 2021

The Guide to Installing a Kitchen Backsplash Tile

Learn how easy it is to install a kitchen tile backsplash with this step-by-step guide to help you tackle your next DIY project.

In kitchen renovations, the kitchen backsplash is usually the last project that can be installed. While its primary purpose is to be a pretty decorative piece that complete’s the kitchen design, it also helps homemakers to protect their walls against splatters and spills, keeping the wall behind the counters and stove clean and pristine.

Installing backsplash tiles in your continue is not only practical, but it is also a sure-fire way to infuse your style and your personality into your kitchen. Whether you like the simplicity of a minimalist kitchen or the coziness of maximalism could bring, there are thousands of backsplash tiles you can choose–starting from their material and design.

Since the type of tile that is used for backsplashing does not get subjected to large amounts of water or even walked on like a regular tile, they can be made from any material you can find. However, you must note that some materials do have special considerations in regards to maintenance and installation.

These are some of the most popular types of backsplash tiles:

• Machine-made ceramic tiles
• Handmade ceramic tiles
• Porcelain tiles
• Glass tiles
• Slate tiles
• Marble tiles
• Travertine tiles
• Limestone tiles

Since the kitchen is completely functional without backsplash tiles, it is usually installed last.  This means that many homemakers can plan to choose the perfect tiles for their kitchen. In fact, they can even handle it on their own and install them themselves because it can arguably be one of the easiest renovations you can do to a part of the house that everyone sees and uses.

Materials to use:

• Tile
• Measuring tape
• Chalk
• Tile wet saw
• Thin-set mortar
• Trowel
• Grout
• Grout float
• Grout sponge
• Painter’s Tape
• Scrap cardboard, drop cloth, or plastic tarp
• Scrap wood board

Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by removing everything that could get in the way. Place scrap cardboard, a drop cloth, or a plastic tarp on your kitchen counter to avoid making a huge mess with the mortar, grout, and dust from the tiles.
2. Calculate the total square footage of the area you want to install your backsplash tiles by measuring the height and width of each separate section of the backsplash.
3. Inspect for outlets, switches, and any other damages on the wall. Secure the outlets by removing their cover plates and tape off the outlets with painter’s tape to prevent any grout from lodging inside.
4. Mark off an area on the floor of the same height and width as each section. Then, locate the center point of each of those sections on the floor and on the wall and mark them with chalk.
5. Determine the final backsplash tile pattern you will install them in by laying out the tiles on the countertop or on the nearby floor. This way, you can also practice maintaining grout lines and see each tile that is chipped and needs replacing or which will require cutting.
6. Set the first tile in the bottom, center of each section so the chalk line bisects it and it sits slightly above the counter.
7. Set the next tiles up and out from this one evenly to create a balanced installation.
8. Cut any tiles to fit on a tile wet saw and return them to the dry layout to make sure they fit.
9. Spread a small amount of thin-set mortar onto the wall. Key the mortar by raking it with the grooves on the trowel until it is all an equal depth.
10. Press each tile into the mortar firmly in the same pattern you determined on the floor.
11. Wait 24 hours for the mortar to dry.
12. Grout the tiles by spreading the grout over them with a grout float held at a 45-degree angle to the wall.
13. Turn the float to 90-degrees to scrape off any excess grout from the surface of the tiles and direct it toward the grout joints.
14. Let the grout dry for 10 minutes, then wash away any excess grout with a slightly dampened grout sponge.

Remember, you don’t have to install a backsplash wall right away with the rest of your kitchen appliances, designs, and decorations for the kitchen to be functional. It may take some time for many reasons, like budget constraints, limited free time, or you just couldn’t decide who backsplash material and design to use. There’s no rush, you can take your time making your backsplash decision to ensure you are making something that is best for you, your lifestyle, and your space.

To shop for backsplash tiles and other materials for home renovation, AllHome.com.ph is here to help you in bringing life to your homes with just a click. It’s as easy as browsing the latest offers, getting everything you want with our fast delivery service, and paying cash on delivery or using online easy payment terms. You may still visit any AllHome branch to further your shopping experience. Everything you need that concerns your home, any corner of it, from the kitchen to the living room, furniture to construction materials, appliances, sanitary wares, and many more. For more updates and details on latest offers, follow our official Facebook page and Instagram account for more updates.

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