How to Replace Wall Tile Above the Kitchen Countertop
Wall tile above the kitchen countertop, also known as a backsplash, is one of the best ways to personalize your kitchen design. Far less invasive than a full kitchen remodel, removing the backsplash and replacing it with new tile can give your kitchen an instant face-lift.
The key to removing and replacing backsplash tile is to ensure that you work carefully when removing the tile, otherwise the wall behind it may require replacing as well.
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Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Pry bar
- New tile
- Tile saw
- Thinset mortar
- Trowel
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
Instructions
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Position the edge of the chisel next to the end row of tiles above the counter. Gently tap the chisel with a hammer to break the tile free from the wall. This will loosen the next few tiles as well. Use a pry bar to pull the tiles free from the wall. If you encounter resistance, use gentle taps from the hammer and chisel to avoid pulling plaster off with the tile.
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Lay out the new tiles on top of the countertop in the arrangement you choose to tile the backsplash in. Cut tiles to fit the space on a tile saw and check their fit with the others on the counter before installing them on the wall.
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Spread a small amount of thinset mortar onto the wall of the backsplash. Use a little more thinset on areas that have been damaged in the tile removal to create a smooth surface. Use the teeth of the trowel to key the mortar, creating ridges that will hold the tiles in place.
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Place each tile into the mortar and twist it slightly into place. Start at the bottom, next to the countertop and work up to below the cabinets. Allow the mortar to dry overnight.
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Grout the new backsplash tiles by spreading the grout over the tiles and pressing the grout between the joints with a grout float. The float is a rubber tool with a handle, which will allow you to direct the grout. Ensure that grout gets pressed between each joint and wipe the surface of the tiles clean with a sponge. Allow the grout to dry until the next day.
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References
- Photo Credit the kitchen. image by guiney from Fotolia.com
