DIY Backsplash in ONE Day!

Posted by Lynn Black on 14th Jun 2023

Everyone loves instant gratification. One problem with kitchen remodeling, though, is that gratification is often achieved slowly and laboriously. So, for the sake of your sanity, you sometimes need to dip your hand into projects that can be finished quickly and offer eye-popping results. Backsplashes are just that kind of project: fast, beautiful, practical, and yes, instantly gratifying. This is like the pallet wall and is great for any level of DIYer.


Materials List

  • Tile (consider ceramic, porcelain, glass, or stone)
  • Adhesive Tile Mat
  • Grout (consult tile manufacturer or tile mat instructions for correct type of grout)
  • Grout Float
  • Tape Measure
  • Utility Knife or Scissors
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray
  • Sandpaper
  • Plastic Tile Spacers (optional)
  • Grout Sponge (do not use a household sponge)
  • Tool to Cut Tile
  • Adhesive and Sponge


Estimate Square Footage and Amount of Materials Needed

Run a tape measure along the length of the wall and note the measurement. Run the tape measure vertically from the counter to the bottom of the cabinets. Multiply the length by the width to determine the square footage.


Plan Your Layout

Dry-fit a few tiles on the wall prior to laying out the tile mat. Plan to establish a vertical layout. If you’re using individual tiles, place spacers between the tiles to allow for seams.


Clean and Prep Surface

Turn off power to all electric outlets and switches in the tiling area. Remove outlet and switch covers. Scuff the surface lightly with sandpaper. Clean with a damp sponge and let dry.


Cut and Install Tile Mat

Leave the protective liner on the mat until you are ready to install tile. Transfer the layout area measurements to the tile mat. It is ideal to install the mat vertically, like you would do with wallpaper. Cut the mat to size with a utility knife or scissors.

Tip: If using scissors, it is helpful to coat the blades with cooking spray so they do not stick to the mat.

Apply mat to the wall. Once the mat is in place on the wall, carefully peel off the protective liner, beginning at a corner.


Install Tile

The adhesive tile mat allows for re-positioning of tiles. Lightly press the tile onto the tile mat beginning with the bottom row, moving move upward. If you’re installing individual tiles, use spacers to set the width of the tile seams. If the tiles do not fit the layout or around outlets and switches, you will need to cut the tiles. When you are satisfied with the layout, press the tiles firmly into place with a dry tile float.


Grout Tile

Apply a golf ball-sized amount of grout to your float. Sweeping firmly across the face of the tile, spread the grout by holding the float at a 45-degree angle. Make sure that all the seams are completely filled with grout. With your float held at the same angle, lightly pull it across the tile to scrape off excess grout. Moisten your grout sponge. Squeeze out as much water as possible. Very lightly, sweep the sponge across the tile to remove grout from the tile face. Make sure that you do not scrape out grout from the tile seams. Let the grout dry for 24 hours.


Conclusion

With minimal labor and material cost, backsplash tiling quickly beautifies your kitchen. A blacksplash really brings a kitchen together and it is such a easy task done quickly and beautifully! For more information or help planning your project, visit a Bargain Outlet, Barton's Home Improvement, or Surplus Warehouse to speak with one of our experienced store Partners.


The articles and other content contained on this website/blog are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for any purposes. While it is our goal to provide you with up-to-date, relevant and useful information on a wide range of topics, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, concerning the reliability, suitability, completeness or accuracy of any of the information made available on this site. The articles and information contained on this site are not intended to provide legal, accounting or other professional or business advice and should not be treated as a substitute for the advice of a professional with knowledge of the facts and circumstances of your specific situation. By accessing this site, you agree that you will not seek to hold E.C. Barton & Company or any of its affiliates liable for any losses or unanticipated costs or assert any other claim based on your use of this site or on the reliance on the content contained herein.