Spice Up Your Kitchen with a New Backsplash

By Pamela Cole Harris

If you need a remodel of that drab and unimaginative kitchen, but you can't afford to do the whole room? How about foing a colorful tile backsplash? Not only can it spice up a dull kitchen, it is practical for a messy cook. No wallpaper to ruin with the splatter of tomato sauce or grape juice! And you can install it yourself! All you need is courage, a willing friend and the following instructions:

To install a backsplash:

1. Since the tile will be heavy, make certain all surfaces are well-prepared so the tile will successfully adhere to the wall. Sand the walls with a coarse sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block. This will enable a better bond. Wipe down all surfaces with denatured alcohol to remove any oily debris that may have been left behind from normal kitchen use.

2. Apply the adhesive to the wall using the flat edge of a trowel.

3. Create ridges in the adhesive by making little waves with the edge of the trowel.

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4. Press the tiles into place using a level to make sure they are even. Use those little plastic thingies (thingies - that's a technical term!) to make certain the spaces between the tiles are even.

5. Tap each tile with a rubber mallet to set them. Careful! Not too hard or you will be having mosaics instead of square tiles!

6. Allow the adhesive to set (see the manufacturer's instructions for times) Yes, you DO have to read the instructions!

7. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions or buy ready-mixed grout.

8. Spread grout over the tiles with a tool called a rubber grout float. Work on about 5-10 square feet at a time.

9. After the grout partially sets, wipe it off with a damp sponge. Be careful that you don't pull the grout from between the joints.

10. After you have gone over the grout once, use the sponge to level the joints between the tiles.

11. When the grout has completely dried, remove the haze you see on the time by rubbing it with a cheesecloth or other soft, clean cloth.

12. In two to four weeks, apply a sealer to the grout.

Voila! You have done it! Your tile backslash is a wonder to behold! Now…what shall we try next?