Tile Backsplash

A tile backsplash can create the perfect finish in a new kitchen by pulling together elements from the cabinetry, flooring and paint colors. Or, a tile backsplash can be the perfect springboard to design a new bathroom around.

While tile backsplashes used to be fairly simple, today’s homeowners are putting their stamp on their kitchens and bathrooms by having handcrafted murals installed. These murals can be created in a number of ways. Some are designed based on a homeowner’s specific interests and are hand painted by an artist before being installed. Others are made up of a variety of different patterns and textures to create a mosaic tile backsplash more reflective of the overall room’s design.

However, if you are working within a limited budget, you can create a custom design tile backsplash by simply using tiles from your local tile store, playing around with different colors, textures and patterns until you find a look you like. Or, if you are artistic, you can paint your own tiles at a local pottery-painting store and they will seal them in their kiln.

Once you have designed your tile backsplash, installing it is a fairly simple process - one the average homeowner is more than capable of doing, given time and patience.

Depending on the size of the project, it generally takes at least two days to install a tile backsplash. During the first day, the tiles are laid out to determine the final pattern placement in the space. With the tile backsplash pattern in place, the next step is to spread the adhesive compound on the surface where the tiles will be laid. (Note: if you’re tiling a countertop as well – start with the edge tiles first, followed by the counter tiles and then the backsplash.) Then slowly place the tiles down one at time. As you lay down each tile, place a spacer between the tile you just laid and the next one. This will ensure that your grout lines are evenly spaced. Follow this process until the entire tile backsplash has been completely laid out.

The following day, once the tile backsplash has set in the adhesive, mix up your grout compound - then, evenly apply the grout between all the tile joints after removing the spacers. The grout will get on the tile as you work. This is all right. Once you have finished grouting an area, wipe the grout off the tiles with a damp sponge ensuring that no residue is left.

While it can be time consuming and precise work, when you are finished you will have created a custom tile backsplash for your home that you can be proud of - one that uniquely represents you and your family’s taste.