10 Things you Need to Know about your New Kitchen Backsplash Installation

During a kitchen renovation, you as homeowner, have the option of adding a backsplash between your kitchen counters and your upper kitchen cabinets.

There are many benefits to installing a kitchen backsplash but it comes with a 1-2 day work commitment and a good $600-$1300 (according to Home Advisor.)

Your backsplash can come in many forms, with each having their own benefits and durability. You can have your granite countertop go right up the wall. You can use stainless steel, vinyl wallpaper or even bead board. The most durable option against water is ceramic or porcelain tile, which is what we used during our kitchen remodel.

While there are millions of pictures of tile on the internet, details about the installation are hard to come by.

So here you have it; I’ve compiled a list of 10 things you should know about kitchen backsplashes.

Why do we Use Backsplashes?

1.While your backsplash adds a cohesive element to the design of your new kitchen, it also protects your walls from water damage. Additionally, it’s easier to clean than a painted wall.

How Much Time does a Backsplash Take to Install?

2. Tiling can take a professional 1-2 days to install. DIY tiling can take much longer depending on your experience with tiling.

3. You may have to wait for your tile. Most sellers order tile through the manufacturer and there is no guarantee the beautiful tile you picked out is in stock. (Fortunately, you can live in your kitchen while you wait!)

How Much will a Backsplash Cost?

4. Professionals may charge $10 per square feet or just $40-60 an hour to install your tile. The fee will depend on the type of tile you choose, the amount of tile you need, the pattern complexity, and how many electrical boxes and switches you have to maneuver around.

5. If you decide to tile yourself, you will need to buy or rent tools. Expect to pay around $300 to do it yourself.

How do I Design my Backsplash?

6. Pick out a few tiles that you like and compare them to your kitchen cupboards and floors. Be sure to choose a tile that cleans well and will not be outdated within a year or so. (It’s not easy to change out a backsplash without taking the drywall with it.)

7. Use software programs to create a mock-up of what your kitchen will look like. Using the Paint application on my computer with Microsoft Word, I was able to cut and paste an idea of what my kitchen would look like.

8. Most porcelain and ceramic tile come paired with edge treatments and accessories to give your kitchen a finished look.

What can you Expect Out of the Installation Process?

9. You or a professional will need to measure the wall space after the cabinets and countertops have been installed to find out how much tile to buy. The tile will then be ordered from a manufacturer. Once the tile has been received, it’s time to schedule the installation.

10. A professional will bring all the necessary equipment. But if you decide to do it yourself, you will need to rent or buy them. Tile is placed according to selected pattern. After all the tile has been installed, grout will be added to fill in between the tiles. The excess grout is then washed off.

Once the tile has been installed and the grout is dry, you should caulk a line along the bottom edge where the tile connects with your countertop. This will eliminate any water from falling behind your cabinets.

Conclusion

There you have it: 10 things that you maybe didn’t know before and now you know! Kitchen backsplashes can add value to your bottom line and to your design aesthetic.

I hope you found this information helpful. What factors did you consider when selecting your backsplash?

Helping you plan for tomorrow,

~H.

Are you updating your entire kitchen? Check out these posts next!

Step by Step Kitchen Remodeling Guide.

10 Things you Need to Know about Flooring Installation.

Popcorn to Knockdown: what you need to know about Ceiling Remodeling.

Sharing is caring! If you liked this, please share it on Pinterest.