Tiled Backsplash In Your Kitchen: The Perfect Guide To Installation

Installing a tiled backsplash in the kitchen is very easy DIY project. Backsplash adds a touch of style to the kitchen and protects the walls from the kitchen mess and mishaps. Backsplash is also quite easy to clean. Here are 10 tips for you to install tiled backsplash in the kitchen.

Firstly, before installation you should know how much tile is exactly needed. So calculate it on the basis of square footage of space. By reading the label on tile box, you will come to know how many square feet per box covers. Select a box as per your need.

Secondly, there are many things that are needed to install tiled backsplash. You need to make a list of them and buy it before installation. The things that are needed for installation are sufficient number of tiles, tile mastic or adhesive, tile nippers, a tile cutter, tile spacers, notch trowel, sponges, grout, grout float, silicone, grout sealer, pencil and level.

Thirdly, before installation, you need to make the surface ready. Scrape any flaking or cracked paint, remove any high gloss paint or any wallpaper. Clean it thoroughly with spray cleaner and then allow it to dry.

Then, don’t forget to set the guidelines. Have a look at the backsplash area. Visualize the center and mark it. Make use of the level and draw a vertical line few inches away from the mark. The first tile is to be laid on the vertical line. Leave 1/8 inch in between the countertop and tile bottom. The gap is to be filled up with silicone afterwards.

Now, the tile is to be applied. Spread mastic or adhesive over the area of about four tiles. Drag the notched trowel through adhesive to create ridges. Set a tile to the adhesive and press it. Insert the tile spacers if the tile does not have the self spacers to the adhesive closely against set tile. Spread mastic to the small areas with the progress of your job and remember to wipe off the adhesive on tile surfaces when it is wet.

Next, make use of tile cutter for fitting tiles. You can also make use of nippers to cut out odd shapes and curves of the tiles. The tile backsplash should be allowed to dry completely.

Again, don’t forget to apply grout. Get away with spacers after the adhesives dry up. You should wear the rubber gloves while dealing with grout. After mixing the grout, spread it all over tiled surface with grout float. However, the surface of the tile should be kept clean.

So, cleaning up is important point which should never be neglected and taken proper care of. When grout becomes hard wipe the surface by using damp sponge. Clean grout lines with gloved fingertip. When tile dries up, buff up vigorously with a cotton T-shirt.

Sealing the grout is also an important point that should be considered while installation. The sealer helps to keep away the moisture from the grout and thus helps in protecting its color. Lastly, don’t forget to fill up the gaps with silicone.