Tile Backsplash
Tired of that drab, unimaginative kitchen? Need a remodel but can't afford to do the whole room? How about a colorful tile backsplash?
Not only can a tile backsplash spice up a dull kitchen, it is practical for a messy cook. No wallpaper to ruin with the splatter of tomato sauce or grape juice! And you can install it yourself! All you need is courage, a willing friend and the following instructions:
To install a new tile backsplash:
- Since the tile will be heavy, make certain all surfaces are well-prepared so the tile will successfully adhere to the wall. Sand the walls with a coarse sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block. This will enable a better bond. Wipe down all surfaces with denatured alcohol to remove any oily debris that may have been left behind from normal kitchen use.
- Apply the adhesive to the wall. It is best to use the flat edge of a trowel for this job (last year's model will do!).
- Create ridges in the adhesive by making little squiggles (squiggles - that's technical term!) with the edge of the trowel.
- If the area you are tiling doesn't have a countertop or a piece of trim along its lower edge, you will need to put a temporary strip along the bottom to support the weight of the tiles.
- Press the tiles into place. Even if you think you have the tiles straight, do yourself a favor and use a level to make sure. Use those little plastic thingies (thingies - that's also a technical term!) to make certain the spaces between the tiles are even.
- Tap each tile with a rubber mallet to set them. Careful! Not too hard or you will be having mosaics instead of square tiles!
- Allow the adhesive to set (see the manufacturer's instructions for times) Yes, you DO have to read the instructions!
- Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions or buy ready-mixed grout.
- Spread grout over the tiles with a tool called a rubber grout float (it doesn't float, so why do they call it a…oh, never mind!) Work on about 5-10 square feet at a time.
- After the grout partially sets, wipe it off with a damp sponge. Be careful that you don't pull the grout from between the joints.
- After you have gone over the grout once, use the sponge to level the joints between the tiles.
- When the grout has completely dried, remove the haze you see on the time by rubbing it with a cheesecloth or other soft, clean cloth.
- In two to four weeks, apply a sealer to the grout.
Voila! You have done it! Your tile backslash is a wonder to behold! Now… what shall we try next?
Pamela Cole Harris is an editor, writer, eco-decorator and the author of "100+ Wildly Imaginative Ways to Create Your Own Coffee Table". Visit her website, HomeAndGardenMakeover.com, for her unique view of home decorating and remodeling (and a free monthly newsletter!).