Kitchen and Bathroom Tiling: Backsplash Installation

A new tile backsplash is an excellent upgrade for any lavatory or kitchen. It protects the wall from moisture while also providing aesthetic value. The beauty and value of your property can be enhanced by installing a tiled backsplash in the kitchen.

Put in the proper groundwork.

You should check that you have the proper substrate to install the tile before tiling. Drywall (also known as sheetrock) is a common wall covering used in bathrooms and kitchens. Concrete backer board, sometimes called “green board,” is a smart choice for kitchen and bathroom renovations. Greenboard is similar to drywall in that it has a gypsum core, but unlike drywall, its water-resistant covering prevents damage from condensation. The tile must be carefully sealed to avoid degradation, as it is not waterproof. In addition to its concrete core, the concrete backer board also features a fiberglass mesh reinforcement. Showers benefit significantly from this material, although a kitchen backsplash might not require it. Therefore, the green board is likely the best option for this task. It can be hung and finished in the same way as regular drywall.

Tile Selection

Several distinct varieties of tiles are available for your consideration. The options for colors and designs in ceramic tiles are practically endless. Like other natural stones, slate has an understated elegance but typically comes in much more giant slabs. In its many transparent colors and clear tiles, glass has become increasingly fashionable in modern kitchens. Traditional kitchens that favor a more conventional aesthetic often use tumbled marble. This means you have a lot of leeway in the style you ultimately settle on.

Laying the Tiles

If the surface is already painted, you should begin by lightly sanding it by hand without completely removing the paint. For this task, 80-grit sandpaper works best. Mastic forms a stronger bond with the wall when the surface is slightly rough. The first step in tiling any space is to measure the area and draw it out on paper accurately. Draw a vertical line along the middle to help you get started while laying the tiles. You may get tile mastic at any hardware or home improvement store and use that now. Get some mastic with a notched trowel and spread it on the wall. Using a broad, sweeping motion, spread the mastic to ensure even coverage. Hold the scoop at a slight slant and utilize the notched edge. After the mastic has been thoroughly spread, the tiles can be laid down, beginning at the bottom center line. Use a tile spacer to ensure uniform grout lines as you lay each tile. Put some spacers between each row as you go across the bottom, then up the rows. It’s essential to firmly push the tiles into the mastic to ensure they stick. To square the area or work around cabinets, cuts may be required. To avoid shattering and chipping the tiles, a wet saw should be used on more oversized tiles, while a score and snap tile cutter should be used on smaller tiles.

Accomplishing the Goal

Let the mastic dry overnight if you want the tiles to stay put. It’s time to start grouting the joints now. Use sand-free grout for spaces less than 1/8 inch in width; for areas more significant than that, use sanded grout. Drag a rubber grout float through the grout as you scoop it out of the bucket and spread it on the tile, filling in the spaces between the tiles as you go. It would be best not to smear in a straight line but rather at a diagonal to the grout line. Check for depressions in the grout and pack them tightly so they don’t show. After grouting, wipe the tile surface at a 45° angle to the grout lines with a wet sponge drenched in clean water. To prevent spreading grout over the tiles again, rinse the sponge frequently. To avoid moisture and other substances from seeping in between the counter and the backsplash, run a small bead of caulk around the seam between the tiles of the backsplash and the countertop. After the grout has dry, it should be sealed with a product like Seal-Krete to prevent stains. You may now relax and enjoy your newly tiled bathroom or kitchen.

Chris Breen established the Upstate South Carolina residential construction firm ProCare Custom Exteriors and serves as its president. Chris has served the Upstate area of South Carolina for over 15 years, earning a solid reputation for honesty and reliability. Visit ProCare Custom Exteriors’ website for additional details.

Read also: A Six-Step Process For Designing Your Bathroom.