Adding a backsplash to your kitchen can completely transform the look and feel of the space. A stylish backsplash makes a statement and protects your walls from water damage and stains. With some planning and DIY skills, you can install a backsplash yourself. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to put in a backsplash in your kitchen.
Selecting Your Backsplash Material
The first step is choosing the right backsplash material for your kitchen. Here are some popular options to consider:
Tile
Tile allows you to create a custom look with different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Ceramic and porcelain tile are durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Glass tile and stone tile add more distinctive style. Arrange tile in a straight grid, diagonal, herringbone, or other creative patterns.
Stone
Natural stone like granite, marble, travertine, or slate can be an upscale yet rustic backsplash choice. Each stone has its own veining and coloring. Stone comes in tile or large slabs for a seamless look. It requires sealing to prevent staining.
Metal
From stainless steel to copper, pewter, and tin, metal backsplashes have an industrial, modern appeal. Metal is waterproof and scratch-resistant. It provides a reflective surface that brightens the kitchen.
Glass
Glass tile or clear acrylic sheets create a shiny and sleek backsplash. Illuminated by natural or undercabinet lighting, glass radiates light. Combining glass tile with other materials can provide contrast and interest.
Preparing Your Backsplash Area
Once you’ve selected your backsplash materials, it’s time to get your installation area ready:
- Deep clean surfaces – Scrub the wall area to remove any grime or residue. This helps the backsplash adhere properly.
- Remove obstacles – Take out existing backsplash tile, wallpaper, or anything else covering the area. Fix any damaged drywall.
- Map your design – Lay out a template of your backsplash pattern. Measure the space and mark where tile or sheets need cutting.
- Gather supplies – For tile, have on hand thinset mortar, grout, grout sealer, tile cutter, spacers, trowel, sponge, and bucket.
- Protect surfaces – Cover nearby floors, countertops, and appliances with drop cloths or rosin paper.
Installing the Backsplash
Once prepped, it’s time for the fun part – installing your new backsplash! Follow these key steps:
Step 1: Apply Thinset Mortar
Use a notched trowel to apply a thin, even layer of thinset mortar to the wall area. Apply only enough that you can set tile in before it skins over.
Step 2: Set the Backsplash Pieces
If using tile, place spacers between pieces for consistent grout lines. Make sure tile lies evenly. For sheets, cut holes for outlets and cut around edges for a custom fit.
Step 3: Let It Cure
Allow thinset mortar to cure for 24-48 hours before grouting. This allows it to fully dry and harden to hold pieces in place. Keep foot traffic away.
Step 4: Grout the Joints
Mix grout and apply it with a grout float or rubber grout tool. Push it into joints between tile or sheet seams. Let it slightly harden for 10-15 mins before cleaning excess.
Step 5: Seal the Grout
Once grout is fully dry, apply grout sealer according to product directions. This prevents staining from moisture and provides protection. Let sealer dry completely.
Step 6: Seal Natural Stone (If Using)
For natural stone, apply a stone sealer 1-2 times per year. This resists staining, etching, and absorbs less. Help stone last longer.
And that’s it – you now have a freshly installed, stylish backsplash that elevates your entire kitchen!
Backsplash Maintenance Tips
Here are some tips for keeping your new backsplash looking its best:
- Use a gentle cleaner designed for your backsplash material. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
- For grout, routinely apply grout sealer every 1-2 years to boost stain resistance.
- Immediately wipe up spills and splatters to prevent staining, especially with porous material like natural stone.
- Re-apply sealers for stone backsplashes as directed on product labels to maintain protection.
- Check for cracks or loose pieces in tile backsplashes and re-adhere or replace them as needed.
- Avoid hanging or placing items on backsplashes that can lead to cracks or holes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backsplashes
Some common questions about installing and maintaining kitchen backsplashes include:
What’s the best way to cut ceramic tile?
Use a wet saw with a diamond blade. Mark the tile then run it through the saw smoothly for clean cuts. A tile cutter tool also works for straight cuts.
How do I create a whole new backsplash?
Removing the old backsplash completely provides a blank slate for the new one. Fix any wall damage once the old backsplash is out before installing the new.
What backsplash goes with white cabinets?
White cabinets pair beautifully with nearly any backsplash material and color. Go for contrast with a dark tile or keep it light with glass or metal backsplashes.
Can backsplash tile get wet?
Yes, tile and stone materials are waterproof and designed to get wet, making them perfect for backsplash use. Limit moisture contact with grout to prevent staining.
What’s the standard backsplash height?
The typical backsplash height is 4 inches from the countertop. But you can make it as high or low as desired. Standard tiles are 4 or 6 inches high.
Conclusion
Installing a kitchen backsplash is a fun weekend project that can make a huge impact on your home’s style. With some planning up front and careful attention to detail, you can achieve a backsplash you’ll love showing off. Refer to this guide for how to properly prepare your backsplash area, choose materials, install tile or sheets cleanly, grout and seal the joints, and perform ongoing maintenance. With the right know-how, you can DIY a backsplash that becomes the focal point of your kitchen.