SPICE UP YOUR KITCHEN WITH D.I.Y. (DO IT YOURSELF) BACKSPLASH INSTALLATION

When a friend of ours got his own condominium unit, his kitchen is almost bare; it's just a counter with sink, space for food preparation and cooking, a socket and a provision for range hood. There is no overhead cabinet and a backsplash. It means it's up to him if he'll install those, which is a good thing because he can choose his own design.

It was just a joke back then, but he eventually let me do a D.I.Y. installation instead of having our tilesetter do it.

WHY DO WE NEED TO INSTALL A BACKSPLASH?

The main purpose of a backsplash is to catch the 'splash' of water, grease or any other liquid or dirt. It somehow protects the wall and it is supposed to be easier to clean than a bare or painted wall.

Also, it is decorative; you can easily change the look of your kitchen just by adding a backsplash. Thus, it is not only functional it is also for aesthetics.

WHY D.I.Y. ?

First, It's cheaper. Who doesn't want to save a penny, right? Instead of hiring a professional tilesetter, doing it yourself saves manpower cost.

Second, it's easy. can be a one man job with the proper tools and materials. Probably the hardest part is the cutting of the tiles, if you'll ever need to cut for the edges and some irregular corners.

Third, and most importantly, it's fun! It is a cool project and finishing it is a fulfilling accomplishment.

HOW TO DO IT YOURSELF?

Pre-Installation

- Measure the area where you'll install the backsplash. Decide on how high you want it. This will be your guide on the quantity of the materials you need. Decide also on what design you want. This will let you save time when you're shopping.

- Buy materials. You're measurements and design would be your guide. Remember to have an allowance on the quantities. Here are what you'll need:

• Tiles. (We decided to use black subway tiles)

• Tile spacer

• Tile Adhesive

• Grout

• Trowel for Adhesive

• Rubber trowel for grout

• Mixing bucket

• Mixing tool/stick

• Water

• Cutting tools (if there are tiles needed to cut)

Installation

- Layout your tiles in the pattern you want. Make sure to mark the tiles if there are obstructions like the socket or some weird edges. If there are tiles to cut, you can either cut it on your own with a grinder or tilecutter or you can have someone help you. If it's just a bare wall and no cutting needed, you're good to go.

- Mix the adhesive powder with water.

- Apply the adhesive evenly on the wall or at the back of the tile using the trowel.

- Install the tiles one by one and make sure to put tile spacer in between tiles.

- Let it dry for a while.

- Mix grout powder with water. Apply it on the spaces in between tiles not before removing the tile spacers. You can use a rubber trowel or any rubber flipflops too. Spread it evenly.

- Let it dry and clean. That's it

Easy, right? Or you can just contact us and let us do it for you. And we can let also let you help.

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