Kitchen Backsplashes with Pizazz – Creative Remodeling Project Idea #3

You want to add a little pizazz to your kitchen – how about starting with that often overlooked area called the backsplash? It’s a design opportunity just waiting for an inspired DIY’er like yourself. Get those creative juices flowing, we’ve got work to do.

Make it Take the Heat and the Mess

There is a wide range of materials available for your backsplash. Choose a material that will complement countertops or add overall warmth to the kitchen. Keep in mind the product you choose needs to be able to withstand heat, greasy splatters and frequent cleanings. A few popular options are:

• Ceramic tile – Widely available and affordable
• Metals – Stainless steel, copper, tin
• Glass – Tiles or solid panels
• Stone – Granite, marble, soapstone, quartz
• Metallic penny tiles
• Wood
• Laminate

Subway Tiles: An Elegant, Affordable Choice

One of the most popular (and affordable) options is subway tiles. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and are easy to install. Give your backsplash additional interest by laying the tile at an angle or in a pattern. Here are a few tips on installing tile:

• Prepare your work area – remove outlet covers and any fixtures, cover your countertops and tape off around cabinets.
• Use cement backer board – this is actually a thin layer of concrete with fiberglass weave on both sides, which gives the tile something firm to sit on.
• Apply tile mastic to small section of wall – this is a ready-to-use adhesive that has better adhesive properties on vertical surfaces than thin set.
• Cut and place tiles – work in small areas so the mastic does not dry. Use spacers.
• Apply grout – allow tiles to set overnight before applying grout. You can use tinted grout if you don’t want white.
• Clean and caulk – wait at least 30-40 minutes for the grout to set before wiping the tiles clean with damp sponge. Caulk where the tiles meet the countertop.

Personalize Your Kitchen Backsplash

If tile and traditional materials aren’t what you are looking for, then consider non-traditional DIY options that add personality:

• Customized wallpaper – Photographs, quotes or textured fabrics applied to the walls with adhesive and covered with glass.
• Install a mirror – A reflective surface can open up a small space and show off countertops.
• Paint – If you already have a tile backsplash, give it a pop of color with paint.
• Ceiling tiles – Laminated thermoplastic panels can be glued to walls to give an old world feel.
• Repurposed wood – Reuse old wood flooring, apply varnish and seal to make for easy clean-up.
• Cork – Glue squares of this on the walls for a handy recipe/reminder board for the whole family. Seal it for easy wipe downs.

Spice Up Your Kitchen with A New Backsplash

Whatever material you choose, updating your backsplash is an easy, economical way to breathe life back into your kitchen. Get creative and spice up your galley this weekend. It’s a little change that reaps big results.

Expert Advice

From masonry saws to tile nippers and cutters, our expert staff is always on hand to help you find the right equipment for your next kitchen update. Is this your first time installing tile? Learn helpful tips from our blogs, How to Install a Kitchen Tile Backsplash and How to Cut Tile for Do-it-Yourself Tiling Jobs. As always, if you have any questions about what to choose, pricing or how-to’s, don’t hesitate to contact us. Stop by our store — we’re open seven days a week.