One great improvement you can make to any kitchen or bathroom is to install a new tile backsplash. It adds flair to an otherwise boring piece of wall while protecting the wall from water damage. Adding a nicely tiled backsplash can also add to the overall appeal and value of your home.
Use the right foundation
Before beginning the tiling process, you want to make sure that you have the right material to attach the tile to. Like any other room, most bathrooms and kitchens use standard drywall (or sheetrock) for the walls. In kitchen and bathroom remodels its advisable to use "greenboard" or concrete backerboard. Greenboard has a gypsum core just like drywall but it is resistant to moisture because of its water resistant facing. It is not completely waterproof, so make sure tile is sealed properly to avoid decay. Concrete backerboard has a solid concrete core and is reinforced with fiberglass mesh. It is an excellent material for shower areas but may not be necessary for a kitchen backsplash area. So, greenboard is probably your best bet for this type of job. Simply install it and finish it like you would with standard drywall.
Choosing a tile
There are several options to choose from when deciding on a type of tile. Ceramic tiles are the classic choice with almost a limitless amount of colors and patterns. Natural stones like slate make for an elegant yet casual look but usually come in larger sizes. Glass has become a very popular choice in contemporary kitchens with its various translucent colors and clear tiles. Tumbled marble is also very popular in classic looking kitchens. So, depending on the look you are trying to achieve, you will have many options to choose from.
Installing the Tile
The first thing to do is lightly hand sand the painted surface without removing the paint (if it is painted). It's best to use 80 grit sandpaper for this. Having a slightly rough surface gives the mastic that much better of a bond with the wall. Before you do anything else, make sure you measure out and sketch out the area that will be tiled. Also sketch in a vertical line in the center so that you have a starting point when you start placing the tile. Now you'll want to use some tile mastic which can be found at any home improvement store. Take a notched trowel, scoop some mastic out, and apply some to the wall. Now spread the mastic out evenly using a large sweeping motion. Make sure to use the notched edge and hold the trowel at a slight angle. Once the mastic has been fully applied you can start placing the tiles starting at the center line bottom. Place each tile using a tile spacer to make sure your grout lines are even. Work your way across first and start working your way up by rows while placing spacers in between each time. You'll want to make sure you firmly press the tiles in so that they set in the mastic. Cuts may be necessary to square the area or work around cabinets. Use a wet saw for larger tiles and a score and snap tile cutter for smaller tiles to cut the tiles to avoid breaking and chipping.
Finishing the job
You'll want to let the mastic dry overnight to make sure that the tiles stay put. Now it's time to grout the lines. Mix some sand-free grout for smaller grout lines (less than 1/8 inch) or sanded grout for larger grout lines. Scoop some grout up out of the bucket and smear it on the tile with a rubber grout float, making sure that the grout files in the lines as you go. You will want to smear at a diagonal angle to the grout line, not horizontal or vertical. Make sure that the grout gets packed in well and that there is not a depression in the grout. Once the grouting is complete, take a wet sponge with clean water and wipe the surface of the tile at a diagonal angle to the grout lines. Rinse the sponge often so that you don't smear grout over the tiles again. Use a thin bead of caulk to transition between the backsplash tiles and the countertop so water and other materials don't get between the counter and the backsplash. Once the grout is dried, apply at least one layer of a grout sealer such as Seal-Krete to avoid any staining issues. Now your tiling job is done and you've got a kitchen or bathroom you can be proud of.
Chris Breen is Founder and President of ProCare Custom Exteriors, a Residential Building Contractor in the Upstate of South Carolina. Chris has been serving Upstate SC for over 15 years and has built a reputation of integrity and professionalism. For more information about ProCare Custom Exteriors, visit their website at http://procareservices.us or call toll free at 888-960-0004.
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