How to Do Tile Backsplash - Quick and Easy Tips

Roberta Madison
by Roberta Madison
You don’t need a million dollar makeover to have a stunning kitchen. Organization paired with aesthetics can go a long way. While shelves and the kitchen triangle can help keep the kitchen neat and organized, a backsplash can serve as its crowning glory. Without it, kitchen walls would look uninteresting and be left vulnerable to oil stains, grime, and moisture.
Many materials make great candidates for a kitchen backsplash but tiles remain to be the most popular. Simply because tiles offer versatility and for confident homeowners – a lot easier to install than a whole slab of marble or sheets of stainless steel.
While installing a tile backsplash can be as elementary as cutting and pasting, it is helpful to know some tricks so that the final backsplash is one to impress.
Get acquainted with different tile types, materials, and tools. Go online or visit the nearest tile shop to check out available tiles. You will be surprised to know that tiles are not limited to ceramics. Today, there is a wide selection ranging from metal, natural stone, and glass. It all depends on the look that you are aiming to achieve. If you are going for country rustic, stones or glazed ceramic might be the best option. If you are into contemporary design, then the glossy surfaces of glass or polished steel will definitely appeal to you.
Color should also come into play. Choose tiles that will not clash with your countertop. Stone countertops such as granite or marble display natural patterns; choose a color and type that will not clash with the countertop or else risk visual overload.
Another point to consider is your skill. If you are new to DIY home improvements, mosaic glass tiles with their mesh backing require less cutting. This makes for a no-fuss installation that can be done in a span of a weekend.
Similarly, know which type of thinset and grout to use. Never use colored thinset for clear glass and choose grout color that will match the tiles.
Do a sketch on paper. Get your creative juices flowing and do a number of sketches. Putting it all down can be very useful for complex patterns. A number of sites – including Cultivate – have several photos for inspiration. We have DIY home improvement photos sent to us by clients and we’re constantly amazed by their wonderful artistry.
Do a dry run. Before any actual work, give your pattern a test run. This will help you identify problem areas and give you a preview of how your backsplash will appear.
Mix and match tiles. A backsplash of solid frosted white subway glass is awesome but try to experiment with different colors, tile types, and patterns. Glass often works well with steel for example but it can also be quite clever and stylish if paired with stones. The different textures provide interest and give kitchens personality.
Expensive tiles can serve as accents or as focal point. If you are watching every penny but don’t want to miss the glamour glass or other more expensive tiles provide, then compromise. Instead of splurging and doing an entire wall in luxurious tiles, use those as accents or as a focal point instead. Think of it as a neat approach to kitchen decorating.
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Roberta Madison
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  • Janet Janet on Oct 24, 2017

    If I want to paint my tile behind my bathroom sink,very small area, what type of paint should I use?

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