Tiling your kitchen backsplash is an easy DIY project that can help you transform the look of your kitchen. A well-designed tiled backsplash can add a splash of color and texture to your kitchen. It can also offer more protection for the wall behind your stove, counter or sink. This post will show you how to tile a kitchen backsplash with basic instructions on materials, tools and supplies needed.
Tiling Your Kitchen Backsplash
If you’re ready to give your kitchen a facelift, adding a tile backsplash is the perfect DIY project for you. There are many ways to create a backsplash in your kitchen and personalize it with your own style. You can use ceramic tiles or glass mosaics to create a different look.
Backsplashes are most commonly installed at the top of the wall behind your stove, counter or sink. You’ll want to make sure that the surface below is clean and dry before you start tiling. If there’s any grease or grime on the surface, you may want to seal it with an oil-based primer before applying tile adhesive.
Once you’ve finished installing your tile, we recommend using an acrylic coating – or clear sealant – on the tiles so they last longer and don’t get stained by spills.
Tools and Supplies
You will need to obtain the following supplies and tools to tile your kitchen backsplash:
• Unprimed tile or ceramic wall tile. These can be purchased at your local hardware store.
• Grout – this is also available at your local hardware store. The color of grout you choose should match the color of your tiles.
• Tile cutter – a powered wet saw is preferable, but if you don’t want to spend the money, a hand-powered wet saw will work as well.
• Tile spacers – these are not necessary if you are using unglazed tiles for a backsplash, but they are needed for glazed tiles. You can make do with something like popsicle sticks if you don’t have any on hand.
• A container of latex modified bonding agent (to glue down the tiles). You will also need a brush for spreading it around and paint roller handles to help with the application.
Materials
Needed
You will need:
- Mosaic tiles, grout and sealant
- Mastic adhesive
- Tile nippers with a blade
- Scissors or utility knife
- Backing board (drywall) or plywood larger than the area that you are tiling
- Stiff brush to clean tiles and backing board (drywall) or plywood
- Straight edge (ruler)
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
How to Start the Project
The first step is to prep the wall behind your stove, counter or sink. The area you are tiling needs to be cleaned and prepped before anything else. You will need to remove any old tile or glue residue that may be on the surface with a scraper or use a pressure washer to clean the area. This should remove any dirt, grime or grease. Next, you will need to measure the area where you want to tile. You can do this by using a measuring tape and making sure that everything is level and straight.
Applying a Waterproof Sealant
Before you start tiling your kitchen backsplash, make sure to apply a waterproof sealant. This will help protect the backsplash from water and make it easier to clean up any spills that might happen.
Finishing the Tiling Installation
The last step in finishing the tiling is grouting. This step gives your kitchen backsplash a finished look that makes it look like one large piece of wall tile. Grout comes in many different colors, but black is one of the most popular choices for backsplash tiles.
If you’re tiling a small area, you can do it manually with a sponge and bucket. But if you have to do a larger area, you’re better off using an electric grout mixer. You’ll need something to catch the dirty water, so put down a plastic sheet or plywood on the ground below your workspace and place a 5-gallon bucket underneath the mixer. When using an electric grout mixer, stir continuously for 10 minutes after adding water to ensure even coverage of all surfaces.
Conclusion
A tiled kitchen backsplash offers a clean and easy way to add color and style to your kitchen. Follow these steps for a successful installation of your kitchen backsplash.