Installing A Kitchen Tile Splashback – The Basics

Published on: 03 October 2017 Last Updated on: 16 August 2019
kitchen-2619008_960_720

Adding wall tiles to a backsplash can be a really simple and effective way to spruce up your kitchen sink area, as well as protecting the surface as well. Here we look at the basics.

Home improvements needn’t be expensive, all it takes is a little research and time and you can make a significant difference to the house you live in. Choosing tiles for a kitchen splashback can be a really simple and effective way to spruce up your kitchen sink area, as well as protecting the surface as well. For a project like this, you are likely to need little more than a couple of days to complete it, and a minimal amount of money to achieve a great result, depending on the equipment you already have.

Before You Start

Prepare The Wall

Before you start, clear everything out of the way that may obstruct the job and/ or get broken or damaged while you work. You should also check that the wall is good for tiling as well – chances are you will choose porcelain tiles, which are heavier than more traditional ceramic tiles so the walls need to be up to support their weight. If there is any level of condensation you must wait for the wall to completely naturally dry out before you begin tiling. If the drywall you’re working with isn’t sound, you must repair it before you do any tiling.

Plan The Design

You’ll need to plan your design before you can purchase your equipment or begin the project. Measure how high you want the backsplash to be from the countertop and consider the type of tiles you would like to use. If you are unsure, take a look at sites like Pinterest for inspiration.

Get Your Equipment

When buying your equipment, especially your wall tiles, try to start with more than you need. With porcelain floor tiles or wall tiles, it is always good to have extras in case some get damaged during the job or even years after and you need a replacement tile that matches. In order to determine how much tile requires you need to measure the length and width of the area, you are putting a backsplash on. Simply multiply the length by the width to get your desired wall tile amount. If you don’t know what type of equipment you need for the job, speak to an advisor at the shop or warehouse and they will be able to advise you on the best tools for the job.

Read also: Close Look At Top 5 Roofing Materials – Pros And Cons

Install

Once you have done all the correct preparation, it’s time for you to install your backsplash.

Safety First

The first thing you need to do is make the area you are working in safe. All electrical appliances nearby should be either turned off if they are permanent fixtures, or moved away if they are temporary.

Read also: Making Your Office Safer For Workers

Clean The Area

Using a clean cloth, gently wipe the area with warm water and let it dry naturally.

Apply The Adhesive

Using the manufacturer’s instructions, apply your tile adhesive using a tile trowel. Make sure the adhesive is spread thinly and only apply enough adhesive for the area you are tiling, or it will dry before you have applied all the tiles.

Lay The Tiles

Place the first tile at the bottom of the backsplash in the middle. Firmly push the tile on to encourage it to settle into the adhesive and use a level to make sure it isn’t wonky. Use a spacer or piece of cardboard on each corner of the tile and push them into the adhesive well. Continue to lay the tile’s row by row, taking care to remove any adhesive that pushes up through the tile gaps. Ensure you are leaving enough room for grout and checking constantly that the tiles are level.

Cut Tiles Away In A Separate Area

Depending on the equipment you are using, you need to ensure you follow all safety procedures to ensure you are working safely. Ensure you only score tiles where the scored section won’t be showing, and only score tiles when you need to, as the measurements needed may change as the job progresses.

Wipe

Once all the tiles have been laid you can wipe away any adhesive that has seeped out using a clean, damp cloth.

Leave The Tiles To Dry

You must leave the tiles to dry according to the time stated by the adhesive manufacturer. Trying to skip this process will result in an uneven backsplash and tiles that will not remain stable.

Grout

When mixing grout you should be wearing appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and a mouth mark. Grout the tiles precisely and carefully, taking care to wipe away any excess once it becomes firm. Once the grout has dried, you can then wipe the tiles off completely.

Well Done!

You should now have a fancy new backsplash to enjoy in your kitchen! Remember, if you take the time to do the job right, you should end up with a well-done backsplash that will look fantastic and last for years to come.

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

framed wall art

Artistry Beyond Canvas: Discovering Framed Wall Art

The world of art is vast and diverse, with countless mediums and forms explored and celebrated throughout history. While traditional canvas paintings have long held a special place in the hearts of art enthusiasts, a realm of artistic expression goes beyond the canvas and is found in framed wall art. This article delves into the fascinating world of framed wall art, exploring its unique characteristics, diverse styles, and how it can elevate any living space's aesthetic. A Unique Medium As the name suggests, framed wall art is enclosed within a frame. This medium offers a departure from conventional canvas painting by adding an extra layer of dimension and sophistication to the artwork. The frame becomes an integral part of the composition, enhancing the overall visual impact of the piece. These frames come in various materials, including wood, metal, and acrylic, allowing for a wide range of styles and aesthetics to be explored. Diverse Styles and Themes One of the most captivating aspects of wall art is the sheer diversity of styles and themes available. Whether looking for a penchant for classic art, contemporary design, or something unique, one will find framed art that resonates with your taste. The possibilities are endless, from abstract expressions of color and form to realistic portrayals of nature and culture. In-Home Decor Framed art has emerged as a favored choice for interior decorators and homeowners looking to infuse their living spaces with artistry and personality. Its versatility is a critical factor in its popularity. Art on the wall can suit your vision, whether to create a focal point in a room, add a subtle touch of elegance, or convey a particular theme. Choosing the Right Piece Selecting the right framed artistic pieces for your space is an art form. Consider your room's existing color palette and decor style to ensure that the artwork complements the ambiance. Additionally, consider the wall's size and the piece's desired impact. A large, bold framed artwork can become a captivating centerpiece, while smaller pieces can be grouped to create a gallery-like atmosphere. The Impact This art form can transform a room, evoking emotions, sparking conversations, and leaving a lasting impression on anyone who enters. It can reflect your personality, tell a story, or add a touch of beauty to your surroundings. The beauty of this art lies in its ability to engage and inspire, making it a valuable addition to any space. How To Beautify A Space Using A Walled Art Frame? Be it your home decor or getting a gallery ready, beautifying a space with a walled art frame is a lot of work. Easy, it may sound, but it requires a certain level of expertise to decorate your space using intricate art piece/s. A blank wall acts as a canvas; it is a missed opportunity for decor. A bare wall is a perfect canvas for sharing stories and revealing your identity through wall art.  If the above tips weren't enough, we're bringing ideas to elevate your wall decor and be the talking point for your dinner parties.  1. Be sure to make the art reflect who you are We all have interests and hobbies that reflect that we are more than just our professional selves. There is more to our personalities than what we share at work! When you decide to put up an art piece on your wall, you show a piece of your personality. A part of you is inviting guests to speak more on it, taking the conversation forward for the rest of your party.  It's not as complicated as it sounds, but choosing pieces that convey your love for some place or a thing is quite simple. You may deeply love an artist such as Monet or Picasso. Or you may be a superfan of a comic company such as Marvel or DC (the best is obviously....this one's an unsettled debate, let it stay that way.)  Let the art piece show your love for a quirky fashion item, sense of humor, latest trends, or the classics. Find art that is an accurate representation of your personality.  2. Make a wall centerpiece that mixes art pieces. Need help figuring out where to start? Try to coordinate a few colors to contrast with the wall color. Or choose something that has a common theme, creating one big art piece. You can experiment with the theme and create a piece that catches people's eyes. Don't just stick to canvases or paintings; reach out for quirky designs, vintage art pieces, or photographs. The point is to let your mind create something that genuinely feels like you.  3. Aim for a vibe. Consider using the spare wall to fill up the space and add a dimension to your room. For example, if you have to decorate the wall space in your yoga room, you may consider adding oil on a canvas of white lilies/lilies. This would bring a sense of calm to the room. Similarly, change the wall art in your room and create an immaculate vibe.  4. Create your art! What's better than adding a completely unique art piece with your personal touch as well? Art is not meant to be perfect, so don't worry if you are no Picasso! Even Picasso wasn't "Picasso" until the people recognized his work! No famous artist was "The one" until people showed their work with appreciation.  So pick a blank canvas, sit with your thoughts for a while, and channel the thoughts with every brushstroke.  These were all the additional tips to make your boring walls interesting, giving an elegant touch to your space.  Conclusion In artistry, framed wall art is a testament to the endless possibilities of creative expression. Its unique blend of form and function and its ability to adapt to various styles and themes make it a captivating choice for art enthusiasts and home decorators. Whether seeking to enhance the aesthetic of your living space or appreciate the beauty of art in all its forms, wall art offers a captivating journey of discovery and expression. Read Also: Home Improvement Hacks to Add to Your Space Ideas for Modern Flooring Designs for Home Improvement Plans Home Decoration At Its Best: 7 Key Ideas To Recreate Your Home

READ MOREDetails
Mint

Planting & Harvesting Mint

Mint is a wonderful plant that practically cultivates itself. So fast is its growth that it can threaten to spread across and take over your entire yard or garden. One way to battle this is to confine its growth by planting it in a pot or a separate bed. However, once you have this plant, you will be glad, because it has properties that make it fruity and a great addition to tea and foods. As can be seen here, it is also quite useful in health remedies that can aid digestion and relieve headaches. We know you already feel enthralled by this herb and would like to know more. So, why don’t you read on and discover more amazing things about mint… What Mint is All About Mint is an herb that is perennial and has a very wonderful fragrance. Its leaves are toothed and may have tiny pink, white, or purple flowers. Mint has so many variants from crinkled or smooth, to fuzzy or shiny. However, one thing is constant despite what kind of variant it is; all mints have that wonderful fragrance. Hence, whenever you pick up any variant of this great herb and roll it in your fingers, you would get the same smell that will make you either think of sweet teas, candy, or mint juleps. Aside from being a wonderful kitchen companion, this herb is also used as ground covers, garden accents, herbal medicines, and air fresheners. Mints are functional as well as beautiful and can grow either in shades or under the sun.  However, as we already said, this plant is a vigorous spreader; therefore, unless you want to have too much than you need, you have to be very deliberate about planting it. Uses We have already stated several things that mints can be used for, but there are still so many more benefits of this wonderful herb. Below are some of these benefits: Can be used to make mint tea. To do this, simply put the leaves in a cup of hot water and then leave it to sit for some minutes. Make tasty ice cubes with it by freezing the leaves with raspberries and cranberries. Add it to a salad dressing, marinades, or fruit salad.  Use it to relieve headaches by applying It's oil to the temples.  It can also be used to relieve anxiety and stress. Yes, mints have many other health benefits, but though not a practical use, it is also used as a virtue symbol. Planting Mints If you decide to plant mints in your garden or yard, then below are some important things that you have to know: They flourish in light earth which has good drainage. Their original habitats are stream banks, so, the site you plant them should imitate stream bank soils. That is to say, ensure the soil you plant your mints is moist but also well-drained. Variegated mints should not be planted in direct sun as they require a bit of shade. Mints typically grow to become one to two feet tall. If you plant them in a container or pot, then you would need to topdress them with organic or compost fertilizer once in a few months. If you plant mints in your garden, ensure to plant them next to tomatoes or cabbages, this will help contain their spread and prevent them from stealing your crops’ nutrients. Care Mints do not require that much care; however, you should consider the following points when caring for them: If planted outdoor, use light mulch. You can visit https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-mulch-1402413 to read up more on mulch. The light mulch will ensure the soil remains moist and also help the leaves to stay clean. If planted indoors, then ensure you water them often to help the soil stay evenly moist. Mints should be picked and pruned regularly. Like we have stated many times already, these guys are fast spreaders, therefore, you would need a lot of pruning to stop them from taking over everything. This should not worry you since their roots are shallow making it quite easy to drag them out of the soil. The Propagating You do not need to do a lot to propagate mint. The perfect way to go about this is to find the plant which you like and then cut out of it. Ensure the cutting is at least 6 inches and has ample roots attached. Then plant them in the soil horizontally. You can always get a cutting from a gardening friend, so this is nothing to worry about. Harvesting and Storing To learn how to harvest mint is quite easy, it typically does not involve any special skill. You may either pick the leaves individually, or you may use shears to prune the plant and then take off the leaves from the stem you had cut off. Despite the harvesting process being relatively easy, you need to remember a few things when you harvest your mints: Frequent harvesting will keep the plant at its best. The younger leaves have a better flavor than the old ones. You can pluck the leaves whenever you need mints. If you need dry mints, then pluck the leaves before flowering and then save them in an airtight container. You can also store fresh mints that you do not immediately have use for. To do this, put water in a glass and then put the stems inside the water. The mint will stay fresh for 3 to 7 days this way. You may equally put the mints inside a rubber bag and then store them in your refrigerator. This should keep it fresh for at least a week. Conclusion Mint is an herb that would make a very great addition to your garden or yard. But, without proper knowledge about the plant, everything may spiral out of control. Therefore, you must have basic knowledge about planting, caring for, and harvesting this plant before you farm it.  Read Also: How to Maintain a Bright and Beautiful Garden During Winter How to Choose the Right Containers for Your Container Garden Grow these flowering plants in your home garden How To Grow Tomatoes From Seed  

READ MOREDetails
Bosch RA1181

Learn Why Bosch ra1181 The Most Trusted router table in The Tool Industry

For woodworkers, buying a router is simply not enough. They need a woodwork machine also known as the router that is capable of providing all the basic functionalities along with some advanced features. If you are in search of the perfect router that would help you carry out your woodwork efficiently as well as smoothly then your search can end at Bosch RA1181.It is probably the most trusted router table in the tool industry. It is also the best pick when you are tight on budget. Why Bosch RA1181 the Best Choice? Bosch RA1181 is undoubtedly the most trusted router table in the tool industry. However, this statement is simply not enough to persuade people to buy this product. Hence, here are a few reasons which will clearly state why this router table is regarded as the most trusted one and why you should invest your money on this. The work area provided by the Bosch RA1181 is quite wide. Also, this router table has an aluminum fence along with MDF face plates as well as aluminum router mounting plate. This router table has a set of 3 mounting plates. These factors contribute to providing strong support as well as can help you in carrying out your job in a smooth manner. In spite of the low cost, Bosch RA1181possess all the necessary router mounting hardware that you expect in a costly router. Hence, there is no reason to say no this cost-effective woodwork machine. A dual-outlet with 15 Ampere switch is also present in order to provide overload protection. Two flexible feather boards along with 1/16-inch fence shims are also present in this cost-effective woodwork machine. One of the most important features that people expect as well as want too to be present in the router is the dust collection system. This system can be found in Bosch RA1181. Because of the dust collection system, a clean working environment can surely be expected. This router is designed for versatility thereby allowing you to work with different types of materials. It is also built to provide precision with every cut. Also, this router table is completely adjustable to allow various pieces to fit in. All the important features that you can expect in a costly router such as clear adjustable guard, starter pin as well as guard, etc. are all present in the Bosch RA1181. It is because of all the features that people who have invested in this router table have been jubilant with its performance. One of the factors that make Bosch RA1181 the most trusted router table in the tool industry is customer satisfaction. This router table has all the necessary features that any woodworker would like to have in a woodwork machine. On top of that, it is not too expensive. Thus, is suitable for all those people who are looking for cheap yet powerful woodwork machine.

READ MOREDetails