|
|
 |
|
|
Modernize Your Kitchen with Tile Backsplash by Vicky Smith
|
|
|
Modernize Your Kitchen with Tile Backsplash |
|
|
|
|
|
Business
|
|
|
Want to give your kitchen a "mid life kicker" of an upgrade? Adding a new tile backsplash can give your old kitchen a bright modern appearance - just be sure to choose the right color tiles. The nice thing about adding a new backsplash is that it isn't all that hard to do. If your existing backsplash is painted drywall, it's quite straightforward. Even if you have an old tile backsplash it's still not too hard to do - just a lot messier in the beginning. Step 1 - Measure and Plan Determine the length of your backsplash, and then measure the distance from the top of the counter to the bottom of the wall cabinet to calculate the area you need to cover with tiles. Now that you know how much space you have, figure out your tile pattern. Use graph paper and draw a scale outline. The most common tiles used for backsplashes are 4x4, 6x6 or 3x4 subway tiles. You could also use 1x1 tiles attached to a back mesh if you like the appearance better. Whichever you choose, be sure the slate tiles are glazed. Unglazed tiles will stain from moisture and grease, so they aren't a good choice. When you calculate your tile quantities, don't forget to add about 10 percent for cutting and wastage. Step 2 - Prep the Area Remove the stove and range hood and anything else that will be in your way when you are working on the backsplash. Shut off the power to any outlets or switches and remove the cover plates. If your existing backsplash is painted drywall, you can install your new tiles right on top. Just sand the area to rough up the surface and get ready to install. If you have an existing tile backsplash, your best bet is to remove it completely. This will involve actually cutting the existing backer (usually drywall) and getting rid of both it and the attached tiles. Step 3 - Install Backerboard You can install your new backerboard directly onto the exposed studs. Some experts suggest you put in new cement backer board, while others suggest regular drywall is just fine. As a compromise you could use green (waterproof) drywall. It's cheaper than cement backer board as well as being lighter and easier to work with. Install the backerboard using galvanized drywall screws. Leave a 1/8 inch gap between the edges when installing the boards, then cover with mesh tape and filler compound. If your tiles are going to be running over any gaps (like where the range will be), install a temporary ledger board along the base of your tile line to help hold them in place during installation. Step 4 - Measure and Mark the Area Mark the visual focal point of your layout and use a level to draw a plumb starting line through it. You'll use this to line up your tiles vertically. Now, lay out your tiles on the countertop or the kitchen floor so you can follow the pattern.
Related Articles -
mosaic, tile,
|
Rate This Article  |
|
|
|
|
|
Do you Agree or Disagree? Have a Comment? POST IT!
| Reader Opinions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author Login |
|
|
 |
Advertiser Login
ADVERTISE HERE NOW!
Limited Time $60 Offer!
90 Days-1.5 Million Views
|
|
TIM FAY
After 60-plus years of living, I am just trying to pass down some of the information that I have lea...more
|
|
|
|
|
LAURA JEEVES
At LeadGenerators, we specialise in content-led Online Marketing Strategies for our clients in the t...more
|
|
|
|
|
ALEX BELSEY
I am the editor of QUAY Magazine, a B2B publication based in the South West of the UK. I am also the...more
|
|
|
|
|
GENE MYERS
Author of four books and two screenplays; frequent magazine contributor. I have four other books "in...more
|
|
|
|
|
SUSAN FRIESEN
Located in the lower mainland of B.C., Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, ...more
|
|
|
|
|
STEPHEN BYE
Steve Bye is currently a fiction writer, who published his first novel, ‘Looking Forward Through the...more
|
|
|
|
|
SHALINI MITTAL
A postgraduate in Fashion Technology. Shalini is a writer at heart! Writing for her is an expression...more
|
|
|
|
|
ADRIAN JOELE
I have been involved in nutrition and weight management for over 12 years and I like to share my kn...more
|
|
|
|
|
JAMES KENNY
James is a Research Enthusiast that focuses on the understanding of how things work and can be impro...more
|
|
|
|
