Update Your Backsplash – The Step by Step Guide from a Pro

• Decide on the Backsplash Height
• Measure the Space Correctly
• Choose the Color & Design of Your Kitchen Backsplash Tile
• Pick the Tile Material
• DIY or Professional Installation?

Installing a kitchen tile backsplash is the easiest way to transform and update the look of your kitchen. It works whether you want to update the look of an older kitchen or you’re looking for an affordable way to revamp your existing décor.

So where do you start and how do you make sure you have a good looking backsplash that you love every time you enter the kitchen?

The possibilities are endless – with thousands of kitchen backsplash tile choices. Don’t give into overwhelm!  These tips from a pro will help you make the right choice.

This is the first decision you’ll have to make. Are you looking for the backsplash to go all the way to the ceiling/cabinets or would you prefer just a hint of tile on the wall?

A counter to ceiling installation looks stunning and is likely to become the focal point in the room, but only if you choose the right size, color and layout of kitchen backsplash tiles. Most important of all, you must make sure the installation is done perfectly. The smallest mistake will ruin the entire effect.

In a kitchen that already has a lot of cabinetry and other fixtures, a smaller backsplash may be a better option. A smaller backsplash can be visually striking without being overwhelming or becoming the feature of the room.

You’ve decided how much area you want your backsplash to cover. Now it’s time to get out that measuring tape and measure that area. This will help you determine how many tiles you need to buy.

Take into account windows, and cabinets that break up the area where your backsplash tile will be installed.

Most important– When measuring the area, aim for exact measurements down to a fraction of an inch.  Also, if you are doing it yourself add in some tiles for breakage and mistakes.

Update those kitchen tiles!

Kitchen backsplash tiles come in every color and design imaginable. Expect to spend some time choosing one from among such a vast array of options. It’s worth it though! Your choices will impact the overall look, not just of your backsplash but of the entire room.

Check out some of this year’s top trends here.

A neutral-colored, monochromatic backsplash will blend in more easily with any type of décor and will create the illusion of a larger space. This style of backsplash will give your kitchen an elegant, sophisticated look.

A colorful, updated kitchen backsplash on the other hand can give the kitchen a bright, fun look. While you can get as zany as you like when choosing colorful backsplash tiles for a new kitchen, you must consider the existing décor when re-doing an older space.

Many homeowners overlook the tile material. This could be a huge mistake. The material of the backsplash tile can impact the overall look.

For example, brick backsplash tiles in earth colors will give your kitchen a rustic look while neutral colored ceramic times will give your kitchen a clean, contemporary look.

When looking at colors and designs, also take some time to explore the different types of materials and think about how they will look in your kitchen. While personal preference is important, don’t forget about maintenance. Some types of tile material require more maintenance than others.

Glass tile is gorgeous but remember that glass tile can scratch fairly easy.

Tile made of natural stone is visually appealing but it will need to be sealed at least once a year and may be harder to keep clean and may not be the best choice for a kitchen backsplash update.

51 Insanely Chic Kitchen Backsplashes

Ceramic tile is budget friendly, easy to maintain, and durable. It also comes in a wide array of style, color, and design combinations, making this the material of choice for most homeowners.

Here’s where the rubber really meets the road.

You’ve gone to great lengths to choose your kitchen backsplash tiles.

You’re thrilled with the color and design of the tiles you’ve chosen.

Best of all, you’ve managed to get exactly what you wanted within your budget.  You can’t wait to see what your kitchen will look like when they are installed!

All that’s left to decide is whether you should DIY or spend a bit more and hire a professional. Should you google ‘how to update kitchen tiles’? Or leave it to the pros?

You could DIY but before you roll up your sleeves, here are a few things to think about:

You will need to buy or rent several pieces of specialized equipment, from a notched trowel and caulk gun to a rubber mallet, grout float, self-centered drill bit, tile saw or cutter and more. Unless you do a lot of DIY projects, these purchases can add considerably to the overall cost.

See our post on tips for how to update kitchen backsplash tiles HERE.

If you don’t apply the adhesive correctly, those tiles could start to come loose and fall off.

If you don’t have any experience with grouting, it could end up being a messy job that will ruin the entire look.

Breaking more than a couple of tiles during the installation process could end up costing you more than you bargained for.

It’s easy to underestimate the time it takes to collect all the supplies, do the work and clean everything up when it’s finished.

Think of the time you’ll need to spend on the whole kitchen backsplash update. Are you going to take time off from work? Are you doing to give up your weekend or weekends? Are you going to consider the kitchen out of bounds in the meantime?

There’s a lot to think about when you want to install kitchen backsplash tile yourself. Is it really worth it?

In the end, it may be more efficient to hire a tile contractor.

A professional tile setter will save you time and money. You’ll have your kitchen backsplash up in no time and all and it’ll be a perfect job – minimum breakage, a clean look, and no mess to clean up afterward.

If your budget and your DIY skills are getting in your way – check out our post on the gorgeous options of peel and stick time available HERE.

Ready to hire a professional for your kitchen backsplash? Call me for a free estimate.