Installing Backsplash Tile In A Kitchen

Installing Backsplash Tile In A Kitchen: from removing tile, and replacing dry wall to installing the new tile and grouting.

I have never liked my kitchen backsplash tile, so when we decided to give our kitchen a facelift I knew that ripping out the old tile and installing backsplash tile in a kitchen was high on the priority list.

Before Picture:

Here's a before picture of what we started out with.

The Plan:

And here is the direction we were headed.

Installing Backsplash Tile In A Kitchen

1.Remove Old Tile

The first job was to remove the old tile.  When we removed it we really damaged the drywall.  We had hoped we'd be able to save the drywall in some areas, but we had to replace it.  We were also removing the cupboards from the wall with the stove and replacing them with floating shelves so the wall was prepped for the shelf brackets at the same time -you can read all about our DIY Floating Shelves here.

 

Use a strong exacto knife or cutting tool to cut out the drywall and leave nice clean edges.

2.Re-Drywall

To prep the wall for tile, replace the drywall with new pieces screwed into place with drywall screws.

After the dry wall was up, I sealed the seams with some tape and tile adhesive, and then added a tile primer.  Because we're prepping the wall for tile and not to paint we used the tile adhesive and didn't worry about sanding like you would normally.

3. Installing The Backsplash Tile

This past weekend we installed all the tile.  A special thanks to Home Depot Canada this week for supplying all the materials for the tile and grout.

My sweet brother-in-law Shaun from Benjamin Woodworks, came for the weekend along with my sister and their two dachshunds.  I have to say that the tile was harder than I expected.  That seems to be the trend here.  I'm all for trying new things, but if Shaun hadn't been here, I know it won't have come out looking this good, and I don't think it would be done yet.  I did learn a ton -but we joked that if he hired me as his new apprentice, he won't want to pay me by the hour, haha.

 

We started over by the sink, and we're lucky enough to be working with granite counters so they were perfectly level.

Begin by spreading your tile adhesive on the wall with a notched trowel.  

Place your tiles on the wall and use the spaces to creating even spaces between them.

Use a tile cutter to to cut straight lines to make the tiles fit your pattern.  We went with a basic brick pattern.

Use and angle grinder to cut tiles to fit around outlets, or for for corners.

To cut around our shelf supports we drilled holes in the tiles.

After 24 hours you can remove the spacers and your ready to begin the grout.

4. The Grout

This week it was my job to do the grout.  I've never done grout before.  Shaun talked me through it and I read the directions.  I started with the little area behind the sink and it went well.  

Just mix the grout according to package directions and apply with the grout float at a 45 degree angle.  Once it's just set but not completely hard yet, use a sponge to remove the access.  

 

After

And here is what the tile looked like when it was all completely finished!  I love it.

The Rest Of The Kitchen Makeover

This was week four of the One Room Challenge, and I'm happy to report that it feels like we've made lots of progress.  I'm taking part in a Challenge hosted by Calling it Home where bloggers take six weeks to makeover one room of their homes and share their weekly progress.  Be sure to check out everyone else's progress too at Calling It Home.
If you missed any of my updates you can catch up here:

The Kitchen Before and Inspiration

Tile and Grout

Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

Affordable DIY Large Floating Shelves for the Kitchen

Black Dipped Paint Brass Candlesticks

The Kitchen Makeover Reveal

This week it felt like we made some great progress and the end really is in sight, but there's still a fair bit on the to do list.

I'm working with some amazing brands on this project, and I'm so grateful.  I've received products or discounts, but as always, all opinions are my own. I’m so happy to be partnering with Home Depot, Wayfair Canada, GE Canada, Benjamin Woodworks, Lagostina, Smith Sprayers, Lee Valley Tools, Delta Faucet, Krylon, Minwax, and Hamilton Beach.

With a kitchen makeover that's making progress, life really is a party!