How to Tile a Kitchen Splashback?
Did you know that the average Brit spends over three years of their life in the kitchen? That's a lot of time to spend staring at a bland wall!
Have you also caught yourself staring at that blank wall behind your cooker, wondering what it would take to give it a bit of appeal? Or perhaps you've winced at yet another splash of tomato sauce marring your paintwork? With a bit of creativity and some elbow grease, you can turn that dull backdrop into a masterpiece — a few tools, some kitchen tiles, and a little patience, that's all!
Excited? Let's explore how to tile a kitchen splashback tiles that looks pristine and eye-catching.
Tools & Tiles: What You'll Need
Before we start slapping tiles on willy-nilly, let's ensure to get all our ducks in a row. Here's what you'll need for this tile-tastic project:
- Kitchen splashback tiles (obviously)
- Tile adhesive and grout
- Notched trowel
- Tile spacers
- Spirit level
- Tile cutter or nippers
- Grout float
- Sponge and bucket
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Tile trims (for that extra neat finish)
Got everything? Great—let’s get started!
Prep Work
First things first, you need to make sure your wall is ship-shape. Clean the walls thoroughly. Sand down any bumps or lumps. If you're dealing with a painted surface, rough it up a bit with sandpaper to give the adhesive something to grip onto. If replacing an old splashback, remove any leftover tiles or wallpaper, and patch up holes or cracks. Grease, grime, and dust are the enemies of adhesive, so make sure you wipe the surface down.
Remember, the smoother and cleaner your wall surfaces are, the better and professional the end result. So, take your time here.
Planning Your Layout
Now, take a moment to measure the area. This is where you decide your layout and visualise how your Kitchen Splashback Tiles will sit.
Pro tip: Lay the tiles floor first to figure out the best arrangement before committing to the wall. It's a good idea to start from the centre and work your way out. It'll save you from any “I wish I’d thought of that” moments later.
Apply Adhesive
Start with a small section—about one square metre is a good rule of thumb. Use your trusty notched trowel to apply a layer of tile adhesive onto the wall. Hold it at a 45-degree angle to create grooves, giving the tiles something to grip onto.
Whatever you do, don’t rush this part. You need to work section by section to avoid the adhesive drying out before you’ve had a chance to lay your tiles. Slow and steady wins the race here.
Lay Your Kitchen Splashback Tiles
This is where things start to get exciting. Begin at the bottom centre of your splashback area and press the tiles into the adhesive, using tile spacers to ensure even gaps. Regularly check your progress with a spirit level to make sure your tiles are as straight as your morning coffee.
Remember, it’s not a race. Patience is key here. Once you’ve covered the whole area, take a step back and admire your handiwork. Don't touch anything until the adhesive has fully dried (typically 24 hours).
Tip for tricky cuts: For corners or tight spaces, you’ll need to use a kitchen tiles cutter. Measure twice, cut once—precision is everything!
Grouting
Once your tiles are firmly in place and the adhesive has had time to set, it's time to get down to grouting. Apply the grout with a rubber float, working it into the gaps between your tiles. Hold the float at an angle, and wipe away any excess with a damp sponge.
Allow the grout to dry completely (usually a few hours), then buff the Kitchen Splashback Tiles with a soft cloth to remove any leftover residue. Not only does grout hold everything together, but it also gives your kitchen splashback that flawless, professional look.
Finishing Touches
If you want your splashback to look polished, add tile trims along the edges. These give the entire project a neat, professional finish that hides any rough cuts or uneven edges. Lastly, seal the edges with silicone to keep moisture out. Trust us, future-you will thank you for this.
Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Tiles
Your kitchen tiles are an opportunity to express your style. Whether classic ceramic tiles or patterned mosaics, durable porcelain or sturdy natural stone effect tiles, the right choice can totally transform your space.
So, if you're ready to feature your kitchen with a fresh splashback, visit Tile Topia for an unbeatable selection of kitchen splashback tiles and expert advice to help you nail your tiling project.
FAQs
1. How to tile a kitchen splashback?
Prepare the surface, apply adhesive, spread your kitchen splashback tiles, and grout, and finish with silicone for a polished, watertight result.
2. How long to tile a kitchen splashback?
Typically, 1-2 days. Laying the tiles takes a day, with a second day needed for the adhesive to dry before grouting.
3. How much to tile a kitchen splashback?
Costs can range from £100 to £300 depending on the size of the area, the type of kitchen tiles, and the tools needed.
