A tile backsplash is relatively simple to maintain with dish soap, non-abrasive cleaners, and warm tap water. In return, the backsplash protects your walls from water damage and stains, and tile can be an exceptionally beautiful addition when coordinated with your cabinets and counters. If you’re considering doing the tile installation yourself, be sure you’re comfortable working with a tile cutter or wet saw, trowels, and adhesives. If not, call in an experienced contractor.

HGTV has a straightforward explanation of the steps involved in putting in your own tile backsplash. You may want to read it through before racing out to buy materials you’re completely uncomfortable installing on your own.

Basic Tile Preparation Procedure

Before you begin, we can help you plan your backsplash project. If you decide to use tile, you’ll need to thoroughly degrease and clean all the surfaces where you’re installing the backsplash or the grout may not hold the tiles with uniformity, or at all. You can use a commercial wall degreaser product, or make your own solution with laundry bleach and water.

One key in getting the line of tiles straight across the backsplash area is to measure with width of any area that will run beneath an existing window. That width must be filled with uncut, full-sized tiles. Nearly all tile experts will tell you to “dry fit” the backsplash to the wall before you try to attach them with grout or an adhesive. Starting from the row that rests against the countertop, add rows until you reach the bottom of the window.

You can create a plumb line and mark the rest of the wall using the base of the window as a straight-edge. If you’re still unsure if tile is for you, Better Homes and Gardens has a great rundown on materials.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 2nd, 2010 at 9:46 am and is filed under New Kitchen Cabinets. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.