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.
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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.
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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.
