How to Install a Ceramic Tile Backsplash
Posted: Tuesday, June 06, 2006
by Carlo Morelli
OnlineTips.org Home and Garden Tips
You would like to give your kitchen a new look but you don’t want to spend a lot of time and money. A great option for you is to install a ceramic tile backsplash. Since there are such a large variety of tiles, you can find the pattern that best suits the updated style of your kitchen.
Choose your tiles. Before you can install your ceramic tile backsplash, you need to choose your tiles. Pick a pattern or a color that goes with your existing décor yet gives the look a slight update.
Take measurements. Before you purchase your ceramic tiles, take accurate measurements. What size is the space? When it comes time to determine how many tiles to purchase, make allowances for the space you need to leave for the grout.
Gather your tools. When you install your ceramic tile backsplash, it is best to gather all the tools you will need in advance. You will need the tiles, a straight edge, a ceramic tile cutter, grout, adhesive, applicators, a pencil, and other materials. Gathering your tools before you start to install the backsplash will prevent you from needing to make a trip to the store while in the middle of the progress.
Cut the tiles. You may need to cut some of the ceramic tiles before you begin. It is best to cut the tiles before you begin assembling the ceramic backsplash because once you lay down the grout, you’ll want to put the tiles on it immediately. Use a ceramic tile cutter or a ceramic tile jig. When cutting, make sure to wear goggles to protect your eyes. Also learn how to use the equipment properly to prevent injury.
Install the ceramic tile backsplash. After making all the preparations you are finally ready to install the ceramic tile backsplash. First, you’ll want to turn the electricity off for any outlets that you are working near. If you accidentally put a tool into the sockets you could get electrocuted. Then, wash the wall thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Make sure the wall is completely dry before you go on to the next step. Next, spread the adhesive on the wall using an applicator. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, start laying down the tile. Start at the center of the design and work outward. Let the adhesive dry and then apply grout. Follow the mixing and application directions provided by the company that made the grout.
This is a project that can easily be done in one weekend. The more skill you have before you begin the project, the easier it will be.
Carlo Morelli writes for http://www.onlineTips.org, where you can read about installing ceramic tile and kitchen tile pros and cons.
Choose your tiles. Before you can install your ceramic tile backsplash, you need to choose your tiles. Pick a pattern or a color that goes with your existing décor yet gives the look a slight update.
Gather your tools. When you install your ceramic tile backsplash, it is best to gather all the tools you will need in advance. You will need the tiles, a straight edge, a ceramic tile cutter, grout, adhesive, applicators, a pencil, and other materials. Gathering your tools before you start to install the backsplash will prevent you from needing to make a trip to the store while in the middle of the progress.
Cut the tiles. You may need to cut some of the ceramic tiles before you begin. It is best to cut the tiles before you begin assembling the ceramic backsplash because once you lay down the grout, you’ll want to put the tiles on it immediately. Use a ceramic tile cutter or a ceramic tile jig. When cutting, make sure to wear goggles to protect your eyes. Also learn how to use the equipment properly to prevent injury.
Install the ceramic tile backsplash. After making all the preparations you are finally ready to install the ceramic tile backsplash. First, you’ll want to turn the electricity off for any outlets that you are working near. If you accidentally put a tool into the sockets you could get electrocuted. Then, wash the wall thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Make sure the wall is completely dry before you go on to the next step. Next, spread the adhesive on the wall using an applicator. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, start laying down the tile. Start at the center of the design and work outward. Let the adhesive dry and then apply grout. Follow the mixing and application directions provided by the company that made the grout.
This is a project that can easily be done in one weekend. The more skill you have before you begin the project, the easier it will be.
Carlo Morelli writes for http://www.onlineTips.org, where you can read about installing ceramic tile and kitchen tile pros and cons.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)There wasn't anything in this article that was helpful. The author zipped right on by several of the most important points of the installation of a tile backslash (i.e. how much of an area to apply the adhesive, how to apply grout, etc).
What about centering decorative tiles on the backspash. Would you make the center tile your first tile so that it ends up exactly center no matter what else you do? What if you can't get a bull nose tile to give a finished edge, is there another way?
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