Spring is in the air and summer is seemingly on the horizon. This means that it is home project season. So why not get started with a practical, small project that can also make a drastic difference to your kitchen? Backsplashes are often overlooked, but they protect the walls while also having the potential to add a little bit of personality to the space and potentially boost your homes market value. Choosing the right backsplash and installing it yourself can be challenging. By following this guide you will be able to get the job done without a hitch.

1.  Prep Work

As it is the case with any home renovation project, some prep work is required before you’re able to get into the nitty-gritty of the project. While you might be excited to dive head-first into it, doing the proper prep work can save you money and time in the long run. So without further adieu, here are the tasks to get you started:

• Tiles: Once you know that it is time to install a new backsplash, start thinking about what you want it to look like. This is the fun part after all. Do some research into colours and materials because there are a lot of options for this. Visiting Sarana Tile is a great way to find some inspiration.
• Choose the Location: This is the first thing to figure out. While you might know that the backsplash will go behind the sink, it is time to figure out what exactly that means. Will it be just directly behind the sink and surrounding area? Or will it extend to the edge of the countertop? Figure out the exact location of the backsplash.
• Take Measurements: Once the backsplash location has been figured out, it is time to measure the space. Make sure to include all of the crevices and angles as well. Don’t forget the sage advice “measure twice, cut once.”
• Prepare the Wall: As the installation approaches, be sure to prepare the wall for the tiles. Do this by removing any pictures, nails, or hooks on the wall. This includes outlet covers. Then give the wall a good clean. It should be a smooth surface. Now turn off the power sources for the wall. This is a safety precaution.
• Materials and Tools: Without tools and materials you won’t be able to complete the project. You will need:
  – Screwdriver
  – Level
  – Utility knife’
  – Tape measure
  – Trowel
  – Caulk gun
  – Bucket or container
  – Tiles
  – Tile spacers
  – Grout
  – Float
  – Caulk
  – Sealer
  – Water
  – Mastic
  – Sponge

2.  Tiling

• Spread the Adhesive: Begin the process at the centre line. Use a trowel to spread a thin layer of adhesive on the wall. Then comb through the adhesive to make it even. Be sure to not cover the whole thing at once. Instead only spread enough for a few sheets. This will keep the adhesive from drying before you are able to lay the tiles.
• Laying Tiles: Once the adhesive is on the wall it is time to lay the first tile. It is not a race so be sure to take your time to ensure that it is in the proper position. If happy with the position of the first tile, move on to the second, and so on. It is important to place a tile space between each sheet to keep them in place. You will return to Grout it later. Chances are good that all the tiles will not fit perfectly into the space, so this is where cutting tiles is necessary. Once again, be sure to take your time. You will likely encounter this for outlets and corners.
• Adjustings: It will take 20-30 minutes for the tiles to become fully secure in their position, so this gives homeowners a little bit of time to correct any mistakes they might have made. In this time they are able to adjust any tile sheets which need it.
• Removing the paper (if applicable): During these 30 minutes, it is the right time to remove the paper on the sheet. To do this take a wet sponge and dab the paper. Don’t soak it, but gradually add moisture until the paper peels off, and voila! You have your backsplash tiles on the wall!

3.  Cleaning and Grouting

These are the final steps in the process:

• Clean: Once the tiles have been left to set overnight, it is time to clean them in order to complete the final steps. Simply take a wet sponge to remove any residue, start gently and then apply more force as necessary.
• Grout: It is then time to remove the tile spacers and joints. Mix the grout and then apply it to gaps between the sheets. This will lengthen the lifespan of the tiles.
• Caulk: Finally, take the caulking gun and go along the edges of the backsplash to smoothen and protect the edges.

Conclusion

Backsplashes are an important feature of any kitchen, but they do not have to be intimidating to install. With options from ceramic to glass and or porcelain Tiles, and an endless number of colour options, they are a great way to have some fun with the kitchen. So don’t hesitate to get started!

Featured Image Source: Pexels