How to Measure for a Kitchen Backsplash
A tile backsplash is basically just a wall-tiling project that's set within a limited area of the wall (generally above the kitchen countertop). While its main purpose is to protect the wall from moisture, it's also a visual element, and can be a showcase for unique designs that you might not want to put over an entire wall. Assessing that design before you start is an important part of the project. Begin with a fully installed countertop. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Table
- Self-spacing wall tiles (standard and bullnose)
- Tile cutter
- Carpenter's level
- Square
- Pencil
Instructions
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1
Measure the wall area to determine the coverage needed. Buy the appropriate number of self-spacing tiles, including enough bullnose tiles to border all the edges of the backsplash.
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2
Position a table as close to the wall as you can get it, in front of the area where the backsplash is going to be. Stand so the table is in front of you and the backsplash area is behind it and fully visible to you.
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3
Lay the tiles out on the table. Begin with a basic grid design, with the tiles that are going to be on the bottom of the backsplash positioned closest to you on the table, then building away from you toward the top row. This will allow you to step back from the table and visually assess how the design will look on the wall.
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4
Arrange the tiles as you want them, reworking the grid pattern if that's not what you want. You can arrange them diagonally or in staggered rows or even in a random configuration, depending on the style of tiles you have. In any case, make sure the tiles around the edges are bullnose, or otherwise finished, to create the border. Remember that the bottom span (closest to you on the table) must be straight, to sit along the countertop.
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5
Make any necessary cuts of the tiles on your tile cutter. Continue arranging and cutting until you have the design you want.
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Measure the dimensions of your laid out tiles once you have them the way you want them. Mark out the dimensions on the wall. Install the tile starting at the bottom of the backsplash area and working up, setting them one at a time directly from the table to the corresponding spot on the wall.
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