How to Install a Kitchen Back Splash
A kitchen back splash is a good way to protect kitchen walls from damage from liquids of all types and temperatures. By placing a tiled back splash, you can make your kitchen easier to clean, containing the mess on the back splash and the counter tops, rather than on the wall or behind appliances. Building the back splash can be moderately difficult, but with careful attention to the process, it can be done well, giving your kitchen, not only an added degree of protection, but more attractive looking walls as well. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Tile adhesive
- Notched trowel
- Tile spacers
- Ceramic tiles
- Tile cutter
- Tile nipper
- Grout float
- Waterproof grout
- Sponge
- Water
- Caulking
Instructions
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1
Clean the wall completely, removing any dirt or grease that may be present. Remove any switch or outlet panels with a screwdriver.
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2
Lay out a test tile pattern on the counter, placing a complete row of tiles in order to determine how many full tiles can be used to complete your back splash. If partial tiles are needed, take the partial space and split it in half, using a partial tile row on each side of the full tiles for the best look visually.
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3
Apply the tile adhesive to the wall, covering a space of about 3 square feet. Spread an even coat of the adhesive using the flat of the notched trowel.
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4
Go over the coat again with the notched edge of the trowel, leaving an even series of ridges in the surface to more uniformly grip the tiles.
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5
Starting at the counter top level, press the ceramic tiles into the adhesive beginning at the center of the row, using a slight twisting motion to spread the adhesive to the back of the tiles. Use the counter top edge as a leveling line for the tiles. Place the tile edges together, allowing the beveled edges to create uniform joints. If the tile edges aren't beveled, use spacers on each tile edge to create uniform joints and even tile placements. Continue placing the tiles, skipping those which need to be cut for fixtures and partial tile gaps.
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6
Measure the fixture holes and mark the tiles for cutting as near to the cover plate screws as possible so that the cover plates will hide the cut tile edges. You can cut the tiles using a ceramic tile cutter obtained from an equipment rental shop or home improvement store. Place the partial tiles around the fixtures and along the sides of the full tile rows. Let the adhesive set overnight before continuing.
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7
Remove any spacers and mix the waterproof grout following manufacturer's directions. Apply the grout to the joints between the tiles with a grout float, making sure that you fill the lines between the tiles completely.
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8
Use a damp sponge to remove any excess grout, and then give the grout 30 minutes to dry.
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9
Go over the tiles with a clean cloth to remove the dull haze left by the grout, and then give the grout 24 hours more to dry.
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10
Apply a row of caulk between the counter top and the first row of tiles.
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11
Replace the switch and outlet covers to finish up the back splash installation.
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Tips & Warnings
For a horizontal partial tile row, place the tiles beneath the cabinet tops or at the top of the back splash.
If the counter top is tiled, make sure the grouting lines of the back splash match those of the counter top.
Remove any excess adhesive from the tiles immediately. Dried adhesive removal can damage the tile surface.
Wear safety goggles and latex gloves when applying the grout, which can irritate the eyes and skin.
