January 19, 2025 in Kitchen Remodeling
Tile Backsplash Installation: A Half Kitchen Face Lift
Discover how a simple new backsplash installation can elevate your kitchen’s style and functionality. In a popular Reddit DIY project, one creative homeowner added a modern backsplash to brighten their space without a major renovation.
By choosing the right materials, properly preparing the surface, and installing the tiles with attention to detail, you can achieve a sleek, customized look that reflects your personal taste. For guidance and professional tips on tiling, grout selection, and finish work, rely on our tried-and-true advice from past Chicago Handyman projects. Ready to enhance your cooking area? Let this expert-backed DIY inspiration be your roadmap to a successful new backsplash installation!
Everyone wants to have a gorgeous, gourmet kitchen and new backsplash installation just might be the trick. Some people don’t have the money or time to dedicate to a full makeover. Previously in Idea Corner, I posted some easy steps to upgrade an outdated bathroom. Now I’ll show how to take a kitchen from a simple eatery to a grand entertaining space.
Reddit user, nixonneckweasel, improved their kitchen drastically with just a couple of projects. The required supplies are:
- A hammer
- A pry bar
- Putty knives in multiple sizes
- Concrete
- Scrapers
- Backsplash tiles
- Grout
- Painter’s tape
- Paint/paint brushes
First, choose the paint color for the cabinets and tiles for the new backsplash. For a more modern look, follow nixonneckweasel‘s example and go for a black paint and smaller tiles in more muted colors.
Next, take out those dated backsplash tiles. Using a hammer, pry bar and putty knives, remove all the tiles above the countertops. Try as much as possible not to remove the mortar and concrete behind the tiles. But if that happens, don’t freak out! Just make sure to level the surface with concrete after the removal process is complete.
Following the tile removal, start to paint the cabinets. Make sure to apply painter’s tape around the cabinets so paint doesn’t get on the walls or backsplash area.
Once the paint has dried, feel free to put up the backsplash tiles. Once the tiles are attached to the wall, use grout to secure and seal the backsplash.
And with just 2 projects, a modern kitchen is created for just under $150.
Looking for a more drastic makeover? Contact Chicago Handyman for affordable prices on full kitchen remodels.
Here’s a low down on the supplies:
