How to Pick the Right Backsplash for Your Kitchen

If you feel like your kitchen is lacking character and you want to give it a makeover, why not consider installing a tile backsplash? For the unfamiliar, a backsplash is often installed on top of walls located above kitchen counters. A backsplash’s main purpose is to protect the walls from splatters caused by water, oil, and/or other substances. It’s typically made up of tiles made of stone, ceramic, or even porcelain.

A quick search online can yield hundreds of backsplash design inspirations, which can understandably be overwhelming for people giving their kitchens a makeover for the first time. To ease these worries, here are tips that’ll teach you how to pick the right backsplash for your kitchen and how to install the tiles properly for ideal results.

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Backsplash Tiles

The good news is: homeowners have the creative liberty to pick any color they’d want for their backsplash tiles! While there are no set “rules” in choosing colors for their backsplash, selecting tiles that are complementary or have similar hues to existing countertops, cabinets, and even kitchen appliances can create a cohesive-looking kitchen.

Unsure which color pairs well with which? Let this guide help you discover which hues can be classified as warm tones, cool tones, or neutral tones.

If you’re keen on having just one color for your kitchen, textured or patterned tiles with the same shade can create some sort of visual “boundary” between cabinets, countertops, and walls. Not only will these tiles make the kitchen look more cohesive, they can also help make the kitchen look and feel bigger.

If you’re looking to have a colorful kitchen without going over the top, choosing backsplash tiles with a shade of your choice adds some pizzazz and elevates your kitchen’s look. 

What to Remember Before Pushing Through With Backsplash Installation

Once you’ve chosen your colors, don’t forget these tips that’ll help you install backsplash tiles without any issues!

1. Measure the space you’ll work with and the tiles you’ll install: According to some industry experts, some homeowners make the mistake of not measuring the area where the tiles will be placed and the dimensions of the tiles. These inaccuracies or miscalculations won’t just affect one’s budget but also the quality and finish of the backsplash installation.   
2. Pay attention to the materials the tiles are made of: This is important because backsplash tiles are made of various types of materials whose durability may be affected by activities in your kitchen. Plus, tiles made of certain materials may require more maintenance and cleaning. For example, because tiles are connected with grout, they may need to be cleaned more often to prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust. If you intend to work with specific materials like porcelain or clay, although they are known to be moisture-resistant, kitchen temperatures can affect their durability in the long run.
3. Buy wall tiles instead of floor tiles: These products tend to be lighter than floor tiles and adhere to vertical surfaces better.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask an industry expert for help: If you have additional questions or aren’t as confident in your tile installation skills just yet, feel free to talk to an industry expert who can guide you through the process from start to finish! 

How Much Does Backsplash Installation Cost?

The answer can depend on multiple factors, such as the type and the quantity of tiles you’ll be installing, the overall project size, and whether or not you will hire a team to do this task for you. If you intend to install backsplash tiles (either alone or with some help), prepare the following tools and items:

• Tape measure
• Flathead screwdriver
• A utility knife
• Sponges, rags, and buckets
• Laser level or bubble level
• Tile cutter
• Tile spacer
• Tile grout
• Hacksaw
• Caulking
• Grout float
• Painters’ tape
• Island Premium Paints Equip Tile Adhesive
• Safety equipment like face masks, goggles, and gloves

To proceed with backsplash tile installation, remember the following steps:

1. Remove appliances and materials from countertops. Place plastic sheets or cardboard above the counters for protection.
2. Switch off the circuit breaker and ensure electrical sockets and/or light switches don’t have power for the meantime. Remove outlet covers and faceplates using a flathead screwdriver.
3. Use a sponge and a clean rag to wipe the walls thoroughly to get rid of dust and dirt. If you have tiles with sheet backing, use painter’s tape to stick these to the wall.
4. Mix Island Premium Paints Equip Tile Adhesive according to package instructions and start applying it onto the wall using a trowel.
5. Stick your chosen tiles above the adhesive. To ensure the tiles don’t look crooked, feel free to use tile spacers. 
6. Press the tiles firmly onto the wall using a clean grout float.
7. Let the adhesive and the tiles set according to package instructions. Afterwards, apply tile grout thoroughly with the help of a grout float to prevent the appearance of holes or gaps.
8. Wipe excess grout with a damp sponge. If there is leftover dirt or haze that formed above the tiles, use a dry rag or towel to clean them up. 
9. Protect the grout with a grout sealer. This step may help prevent staining, promote easier maintenance, and ensure the tiles look good as new even after long periods of time.
10. Don’t forget to apply caulk and seal the portions where the tiles meet cabinets or windows.

Make moments at home, especially in your kitchen, extra memorable with a backsplash that sets the mood and reflects the vibrant personalities of the people living within those four walls.

With Island Premium Paints, you can bring your vision of a well-designed backsplash to life! Check out home decorating tips that’ll turn those dreams into reality, and learn which products will help you get the job done.

References:

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/backsplash

https://www.avalonflooring.com/blogs/blog/what-to-consider-when-choosing-backsplash-tile

https://www.rubi.com/en/blog/backsplash-tiles/

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-tile-a-backsplash-8779342

https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/how-to-install-a-tile-backsplash

https://www.flooringamerica.com/blog/what-is-backsplash-tile

https://oasistile.com/pages/backsplash-tile-installation-guide