The backsplash of a room can really tie it together and create an upscale and modern overall look. Backsplash is one a current trend that is popping up in houses all over the country. It is used in both bathrooms and kitchens to create accent walls and to cover up plain painted walls. Backsplashes are also a common DIY project, being one of the simpler house remodel projects to complete. If you are planning a backsplash DIY project, ensure that you are prepared for a proper installation.
Remove existing wallpaper, tile, etc.
Before you install a backsplash, you will want to remove existing wall materials. Backsplashes tend to adhere best to drywall, so remove any existing wallpaper, tiles, or other materials. If removing these items creates hotels or wall inconsistencies, they will need to be repaired before continuing with the mosaic backsplash installation. If you will be applying the mosaic backsplash to painted walls, you will also need to gauge the type of paint. Newer and shiner types of paint may be harder to stick to, and it can be helpful to sand them first.
Measure multiple times
Create a visual layout of your bathroom or kitchen remodel before measuring. Bathrooms tend to be the most common house remodel, with 60% of people saying they pain to remodel their master bathroom, according to a Houzz survey. Bathrooms may be trickier to plan, so a visual layout can be helpful. Decide exactly where the backsplash tile will begin and where it will end. Ceramic tile for bathrooms may have to go around mirrors, vanities, and toiletries, so be sure to account for those as well.
Once you have measured your layout, calculate how much mosaic backsplash you will require for the DIY project. Then, measure and calculate it again. Making an error in calculations can affect the entire job. If you run out of materials and have to order additional glass tiles that are made from a different lot, you may notice the differences. It is best to avoid this by measuring multiple times, and always ordering extra for any miscalculations or damaged tiles.
Choose design and materials
There are numerous backsplash designs and colors to choose from. It can be helpful to go into the DIY project with a color and design choice in mind, and then choose from existing options. You may also want to choose the material based on the room of the backsplash design. Areas with a lot of foot traffic or high levels of moisture, such as in bathrooms may require stronger ceramic wall tiles to prevent damages.
The PEI rating of tiles indicates how strong they are, or how much wear they can stand up to. A PEI class rating of 1 means the tile is only for walls, and cannot handle foot traffic at all. A rating of 5, on the other hands, means they will withstand even the heaviest foot traffic for commercial installations. As a homeowner, shoot for PEI class 2 for bathroom walls and floors, PEI class 3 for countertops and other light foot traffic areas, and class 4 for heavier traffic, such as the kitchen. Also, always keep extras in storage for easy replacement of damaged tiles and backsplash areas.
Purchase necessary materials
You will require products in addition to the mosaic backsplash tiles. You will also require caulking tools, putty, and gluing tools. The specific accompanying tools that you use will depend on a few factors, including the area you are installing backsplash, the rating of the PEI, and the specific material of the backsplash. Always follow the installation instructions carefully and purchase the needed materials for that specific installation.
Bathroom remodels are one of the most common types of DY house remodels. Backsplashes are a common remodel trend and they create a unique look. If you plan to DIY your bathroom or kitchen backsplash project, always prepare and clean the walls properly, measure multiple times before ordering, purchase necessary installation materials, and create a visual layout. These steps will help you prepare better for a successful installation.