Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Tile Backsplash Help?
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acegt1
10-22-08, 06:08 PM
Hi All,
This is my first post and this group seems like it's filled with some knowledgeable individuals.
I am interested in hanging a tile backsplash in my kitchen and I wanted to ask a few questions because I'm new at hanging tile!
- Currently the backsplash is drywall. This is a relatively new house (< 3 years old) so the drywall is in good condition.
- I expect the area to remain relatively dry - this isn't above the sink (the granite surrounds the sink area) but rather above the food prep area and the range. The tile should only get wet with the occasional splash or while cleaning.
- I'm planning on hanging small tiles, probably either porcelain or slate. The tiles I'm looking at are available at Lowe's or Home Depot and typically come in a 1' square sheet with the net-like backing connecting them.
Now some questions for you guys/gals:
- What's the best adhesive to use for this job? I'm looking for something that's easy to work with but that WILL NOT SAG over time. Is mastic the answer for this job (considering it's not a really wet area) or is there a much better alternative?
- Is it OK to apply the adhesive directly to the painted surface of the drywall?
- Aside from tile, grout, and adhesive, what other tools and materials will be required? Any grout suggestions?
- How should I handle the few power outlets on the backsplash? Obviously the backsplash will raise the wall surface by 1/4" or so, any suggestions on how to get the sockets to sit flush with the tile?
- Any tip/tricks/hints that you can offer? If you know of a good DIY website with good information on hanging tile backsplashes that would be wonderful.
Thanks in advance!
This is my first post and this group seems like it's filled with some knowledgeable individuals.
I am interested in hanging a tile backsplash in my kitchen and I wanted to ask a few questions because I'm new at hanging tile!
- Currently the backsplash is drywall. This is a relatively new house (< 3 years old) so the drywall is in good condition.
- I expect the area to remain relatively dry - this isn't above the sink (the granite surrounds the sink area) but rather above the food prep area and the range. The tile should only get wet with the occasional splash or while cleaning.
- I'm planning on hanging small tiles, probably either porcelain or slate. The tiles I'm looking at are available at Lowe's or Home Depot and typically come in a 1' square sheet with the net-like backing connecting them.
Now some questions for you guys/gals:
- What's the best adhesive to use for this job? I'm looking for something that's easy to work with but that WILL NOT SAG over time. Is mastic the answer for this job (considering it's not a really wet area) or is there a much better alternative?
- Is it OK to apply the adhesive directly to the painted surface of the drywall?
- Aside from tile, grout, and adhesive, what other tools and materials will be required? Any grout suggestions?
- How should I handle the few power outlets on the backsplash? Obviously the backsplash will raise the wall surface by 1/4" or so, any suggestions on how to get the sockets to sit flush with the tile?
- Any tip/tricks/hints that you can offer? If you know of a good DIY website with good information on hanging tile backsplashes that would be wonderful.
Thanks in advance!
acegt1
10-22-08, 06:12 PM
Forgot to mention that the tiles themselves are small - the 1' x 1' square sheet contains 11 x 11 tiles, or 121 tiles in total.
HotinOKC
10-22-08, 06:36 PM
What's the best adhesive to use for this job? I'm looking for something that's easy to work with but that WILL NOT SAG over time. Is mastic the answer for this job (considering it's not a really wet area) or is there a much better alternative?
You can use mastic for this directly over the drywall. Scuff up the paint first. If you don't want mastic, just get a 50lb bag of Versabond thinset, it's cheaper and better then mastic.
- Is it OK to apply the adhesive directly to the painted surface of the drywall?
See answer above
Aside from tile, grout, and adhesive, what other tools and materials will be required? Any grout suggestions?
Trowel, sponges, tile spacers (optional), tile nippers, wetsaw, electrical outlet box extenders (if tiling around outlets), grout sealer.
How should I handle the few power outlets on the backsplash? Obviously the backsplash will raise the wall surface by 1/4" or so, any suggestions on how to get the sockets to sit flush with the tile? See above. They sell box extenders at Home Depot.
Any tip/tricks/hints that you can offer? If you know of a good DIY website with good information on hanging tile backsplashes that would be wonderful.
Tape up your first row of tiles before installing to see where you may need to make cuts. You want to try not to have small sliver cuts at the corners. Adjust spacing accordingly.
Work small areas at a time and clean up any thinset/adhesive in thr grout lines before it cures.
Oh, and Welcome to the Forums!
You can use mastic for this directly over the drywall. Scuff up the paint first. If you don't want mastic, just get a 50lb bag of Versabond thinset, it's cheaper and better then mastic.
- Is it OK to apply the adhesive directly to the painted surface of the drywall?
See answer above
Aside from tile, grout, and adhesive, what other tools and materials will be required? Any grout suggestions?
Trowel, sponges, tile spacers (optional), tile nippers, wetsaw, electrical outlet box extenders (if tiling around outlets), grout sealer.
How should I handle the few power outlets on the backsplash? Obviously the backsplash will raise the wall surface by 1/4" or so, any suggestions on how to get the sockets to sit flush with the tile? See above. They sell box extenders at Home Depot.
Any tip/tricks/hints that you can offer? If you know of a good DIY website with good information on hanging tile backsplashes that would be wonderful.
Tape up your first row of tiles before installing to see where you may need to make cuts. You want to try not to have small sliver cuts at the corners. Adjust spacing accordingly.
Work small areas at a time and clean up any thinset/adhesive in thr grout lines before it cures.
Oh, and Welcome to the Forums!