Posts tagged ‘ceramic tile backsplash’

Tips on Installing a Ceramic Tile Backsplash

By admin, 8 February, 2010, No Comment

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.

Advantages of a Ceramic Tile Backsplash

By admin, 8 February, 2010, No Comment

A popular new trend in kitchen décor is the addition of a ceramic tile backsplash. This is the tile mounted along the wall behind the kitchen sink, countertop, and stove areas. It is both decorative and functional as it can help protect your walls from water, grease, and other dirt. The kitchen is one of the busiest areas of your home and if you cook often, you know how easy it is for food and water to splash on your walls.

Cleaning your kitchen walls can be difficult and hot grease can easily soak into your paint leaving ugly stains that you can’t remove. It can also eventually cause damage to your walls leading to eventual replacement which is costly. A quick and easy solution to this problem is to install a ceramic tile backsplash to these areas.

Ceramic tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Just wipe them down with a damp cloth or cleaning solution and they’ll maintain that shine and luster for a long time, keeping your kitchen looking great. They can add a colorful design element to your kitchen as well which is sure to wow your entire family. You really can’t go wrong with adding tiles to your kitchen walls.

This type of project can easily be done yourself. Measure the space along the walls where you want to place the ceramic tiles. Pick tile colors that go with the existing theme of your kitchen, provided you are not doing a full renovation. If you want to make sure that the colors you select will match your present décor, take a paint sample with you when you go to choose your new tiles.

If you’re going to take the do-it-yourself route, make sure you gather all of the tools you will need before starting the job. In addition to the tiles, you will need a wet saw, trowel, tile cutters, adhesive, spacers, grout and a level. Don’t forget to wear gloves during this process so you don’t accidentally cut your hands or get adhesive on them. Safety glasses are also important if you need to cut the tile to fit a certain area.

You will want to dry fit the tiles before permanently fixing them into position so that you can be sure everything will fit the way it should and look great. Cut any tiles that you need to prior to starting so you will have all of the pieces on hand to complete the job. Prepare the mounting surface by making sure that it is flat and clean before you apply the adhesive to ensure that the tiles will permanently adhere and won’t fall off over time. After positioning the tiles, allow the adhesive time to set and check on the tiles to see if there are any lose ones you need to fix.

Installing your own ceramic tile backsplash is a pretty easy home improvement project to do. You’ll find that you’re kitchen will look fabulous and you’ll marvel at how quick and easy it is to clean the tiles. The time you save by no longer having to scrub your walls is more time you can spend eating dinner with your family!