As a homeowner, there are likely many home repairs that you would like to make. One of these home repairs could be to the backsplash in your kitchen. Perhaps because you have no backsplash at all, or because you need to update the cracked or out-of-date backsplash that is already there. Whatever the case, a backsplash is extremely important, not only because it protects the wall from food, heat, water, and more, but also because it adds a great deal of style that can really help your kitchen appear more modern. Here's how to add ceramic tile to your kitchen backsplash:
Purchase the Tiles: When you go to purchase the tiles from your local home improvement store, be sure that you first measure the amount of space that you will need to cover on the wall. It is best to purchase a little bit extra just in case you have any tiles crack during the process.
Protect the Countertop: Once you are ready to get started and you have all the right materials, be sure that you protect the countertops. You can do this by covering the countertops with thick construction paper kept in place by painter's tape.
Apply Adhesive: With a trowel, spread the adhesive on the wall from the bottom up. Be sure that you only do small sections at a time so that you can place the tiles as you go before the adhesive dries.
Place the Tiles: When you have applied adhesive to the first section and you begin to place tiles, do so carefully. After all, you will not want the tiles to appear crooked or off-center. You should use a leveler after each placement of tile to be sure that it is in line properly. Once you determine whether or not the tile is level, then you can push it firmly into the adhesive so that it forms a complete bond.
Grout the Tile: Once all of the tiles have been placed, allow some time for the adhesive to dry. This amount of time depends on the adhesive that you have used. You can find the suggested amount of dry time on the label. Once it has dried, grout the tile so that the small gaps in between each tile can be filled. You can apply the grout directly onto the tile starting from the bottom to the top with a rubber float. Once this has been done, gently scrub the tile's surface with a soft sponge. This will wipe away excess grout and leave you with a clean finish.
Following these basic steps is going to allow you to have a nice backsplash in your kitchen that will protect the walls and add style and value to your home. Visit http://cristandsonscontractors.com for more information about home repair.
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