How to Remodel a Kitchen Backsplash
A great kitchen backsplash can add elegance and interest to a kitchen. A well-installed tile backsplash can also protect your walls from the ever-present splashes of food preparation and cleanup. Remodeling a kitchen backsplash with tile is an inexpensive way to add class to your kitchen with minimal investment in time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Damp cloth
- Tiles
- Tile spacers
- Tile saw
- Utility knife
- Grout
- Grout float
- Grout sponge
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn off the power to any outlets located on the kitchen backsplash. Remove the outlet covers with a screwdriver and set them aside.
-
2
Check the wall to determine if it is structurally sound. If it is not, repair the wall and make sure it is plumb and even. If the wall is painted in a highly glossy paint you may want to lightly sand the wall with fine grit sandpaper. Wipe down the wall with a damp cloth after sanding to remove the dust.
-
-
3
Dry fit the tiles on the top of the countertop to make sure they will fit in place on the wall. Dry fitting the tiles will also allow you to see what the backsplash will look like before it is installed. Use tile spacers between the tiles.
-
4
Spread thin-set mortar on the wall with a notched trowel. Beginning at the bottom of the wall above the countertop, begin setting the tile into the thin-set mortar. Place a tile spacer between each tile. Use a tile saw to cut tiles that need to be trimmed. Remove excess thin-set mortar from between the joints with a utility knife. Let the thin-set mortar dry per manufacturer directions.
-
5
Grout the backsplash with a grout float, running the float diagonally over the tiles. Make sure the grout completely fills the space between the tiles. Let the grout sit for 20 minutes, then wipe away the excess grout from the backsplash with a wet grout sponge. Allow the backsplash to dry for 24 hours.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit kitchen image by Rich Johnson from Fotolia.com
