Dear Tim: I am removing the old tile from our kitchen backsplash in order
to install new tiles. The old tile was installed with cement-based thinset.
What is the best method for removing that tough old thinset? The wall is
plaster, so I don't want to have to re-plaster it.
Thanks,
Ed D., Sacramento,CA
AsktheBuilder
11 Dec 2007, 08:12
Ed,
UGH! Lots of tedious hand scraping.
Ty
02 Jan 2008, 12:27
Hi, Tim! I am about to embark on the fabulous journey of installing a
backsplash in my kitchen. I've read soooo many books and websites about
cement backerboard. I picked up Wonderboard at the Home Depot. After
reading the blurb above, I'm not sure that I still need it because I have
drywall installed already. Should I still install the backerboard on top of
the drywall? I also had a question about the edges. I cannot find bullnoses
anywhere and I can't find any resources on finishing tile edges without
them. The person who did my bathroom before I moved in placed some kind of
tubing on the edges because I imagine bullnoses were not available for that
project either. Any suggestions? Thanks!
AsktheBuilder
02 Jan 2008, 12:31
Ty,
The tile in my photo above was put on drywall.
Visit a *real* tile store - one that only sells tile - and see what options
are available to you.
carolyn robinson
11 Jan 2008, 10:05
Is there a way to avoid ending up with a partial tile next to the wall, or
what is the best way to avoid having a partial tile?
AsktheBuilder
11 Jan 2008, 10:53
Carolyn,
Design the space for full tiles. Number of people who would go to this
effort: 1 in 100,000
andi p
14 Jan 2008, 20:16
we are using brushed marble tiles for our kitchen backsplash. Please advise
whether to use thinset or adhesive to apply to drywall. we have been
advised the tiles need to be sealed before and after grouting.
AsktheBuilder
15 Jan 2008, 06:35
Andi,
I would be inclined to use white thinset. The sealing advice is accurate.
Dave L
20 Jan 2008, 10:39
I had granite (uba tuba green) counters installed, and they came with a 3"
splash on the edges. I would like to put in a slate tile splash up to the
cabinets. Two questions:
1) Should I remove the granite splash and take the slate tile all the way
down to the counters, or just take the slate down to the granite splash?
2) If I keep the granite splash, how do I work around a ~3/8" gap that
occurs in a 3' section of wall between the granite splash and the wall?
AsktheBuilder
20 Jan 2008, 11:25
Dave,
Do not remove the granite splash. Fill that void with thinset the day
before.
Mary K
20 Jan 2008, 23:10
Tim,
We have just purchased a home where the sellers recently installed a
ceramic tile backsplash--very boring with all the same color tiles. We
would like to add a dozen or so accent tiles, spaced throughout the
kitchen. Can we remove individual exisiting tiles and replace with the
accents without damaging the existing tile?
AsktheBuilder
21 Jan 2008, 07:08
Mary,
Yes you can. I am 99 percent certain in some of my past Ceramic-Tile
columns I have outlined the steps you must do. Try to spend some time
discovering those tips for me.
Luann Brainard
25 Jan 2008, 02:04
I'm having silestone countertops installed, and found silestone tiles 12x12
that match. I can find no information on if and how they can be used as
backsplash tiles. Are they set like regular ceramic tiles, with grout
lines? thanks
AsktheBuilder
25 Jan 2008, 08:21
Luann,
Yes. Treat them like tile.
Noelle
30 Jan 2008, 08:24
Can you install a tile backsplash on top of the existing tile backsplash or
do you have to remove the old tile?
AsktheBuilder
30 Jan 2008, 09:47
Noelle,
Yes you can.
Brian
18 Feb 2008, 13:33
I would really like to install a backsplash just like the one the gentleman
is installing in the photo attached to this article (the white decorative
tiles and border under a hood). Could you please tell me the name of the
tile so that I can look for it locally?
Tedra Battle
25 Feb 2008, 08:28
The last owner of my home painted over wallpaper in my kitchen and when we
went to prep the wall for the back splash we saw that it was paint over
paper over laminate. Can we tile over the laminate? If not, what do we do?
AsktheBuilder
25 Feb 2008, 19:52
Brian,
That would be me. I can't remember the name. But if you print out a copy of
the photo and visit a store that just sells tile, they will know. Also try
basket weave pattern tile in Google.
AsktheBuilder
01 Mar 2008, 15:57
Tedra,
Go type this into the search engine at the top of this page. Be sure to use
the quotation marks:
"adhesive chain"
Read the column and get your head around the concept. Then make a decision.
Tim,
Where the backsplash and counter tile meet, should that meeting place be a
grout line or calk line horizontall? I am hearing different versions.
Thanks,
Joe
AsktheBuilder
08 Mar 2008, 17:06
Joe,
I prefer caulk.
Chi
22 Mar 2008, 13:48
Hi Tim,
I want to install glass tiles as a kitchen backsplash. My question is, can
I install the glass tiles on top of drywall?
Thanks,
Chi H., Philadelphia, PA
AsktheBuilder
22 Mar 2008, 14:26
Chi,
You can. Be sure you prime it well using the special primer I mention in my
Wallpapering columns.
mike
29 Mar 2008, 14:13
I'm remodeling an old tile backsplash and updating with new ceramic tile.
Behind the tile appears to be 1/4 in plywood. The plywood extends behinds
the lower and upper cabinets. There is a dried adhesive where the tiles
were, is it necessary to replace the plywood or is it ok to sand the old
glue and adhesive over the top of the sanded glue for the new tile
installation.
AsktheBuilder
30 Mar 2008, 17:16
Mike,
Do not remove the plywood.
MarilynBrooks
01 Apr 2008, 18:46
I am using rectangular ceramic tiles that I think are generally used as a
decorative border as back splash for a bathroom counter. I want to know how
to fit the inside corner in that the pieces have a raised design that do
not allow the corners to butt together. Should I cut 45 degree edges? How
would I do that with a standard wet saw? Is there another solution?
Marilyn
Cynthia McC
02 Apr 2008, 14:47
I have a clean, dry, level drywall backsplash with several electric
outlets. Do I need to re-set them if I install a tile backsplash?
michael Alexander
03 Apr 2008, 21:20
For the first row of tile backsplash, the row against the countertop
(laminate), do I use grout or just place the tile directly against the
countertop and caulk?
michael alexander
03 Apr 2008, 21:24
I will be installing 18" tile as a backsplash, there will be only one row,
how far apart should each tile be?
AsktheBuilder
04 Apr 2008, 14:49
Marilyn,
That is correct. You cut 45-degree angles. You can see an example of that
in a photo in my column titled Ceramic Tile Patterns.
AsktheBuilder
05 Apr 2008, 09:39
Cynthia,
You need to bring the outlet out to the new finished surface. The outlet
has little ears that will sit on the tile if the tile is cut correctly.
Remove the cover plates and you will see them.
AsktheBuilder
07 Apr 2008, 20:04
Michael,
Caulk.
AsktheBuilder
07 Apr 2008, 20:07
Michael,
One-quarter inch.
Maria
09 Apr 2008, 10:52
Hi! I am trying to find a nice backsplash that will go with our cherry
cabinets, ubatuba (sp?) granite countertops, and hardwood floors. Can you
help???
Thanks!
sarah
10 Apr 2008, 07:28
We just bought a house and we noticed there is a crack around a few of the
tiles and one between the side of a cabinet and the tile. The tile looks
like it is in good condition and we would like to keep it. What is the best
way to fix the cracks?
AsktheBuilder
12 Apr 2008, 16:55
Maria,
You bet. A fantastic decorative tile. Visit a store that just sells tile.
AsktheBuilder
13 Apr 2008, 08:28
Sarah,
The best way is to replace them. The second best way is to fill the crack
and try to paint the filler to match the tile. You will discover this is
very hard to do.
Shauna
20 Apr 2008, 16:15
We are considering upgrading our laminate countertops to granite next year.
Should we wait until the countertop upgrade to install our backsplash, or
is it fine to start the backsplash now? How will installing the backsplash
affect the countertop installation, if at all?
cynthia
06 May 2008, 13:08
I am trying to replace some of the ceramic backsplash tile in my kitchen.
Please help?
Cate
06 May 2008, 15:35
My husband has just installed a glass tile backsplash in the kitchen. The
problem is that the 1 in. squares (in sheets) are textured (rough surface)
so the grout is very hard to remove by just wiping the surface. We almost
have to use a brush to get grout out of tile crevices but I'm afraid it
will also ruin the grout line. Any suggestions?
Jay McNeill
23 May 2008, 08:13
I am going to install a new kitchen, should I tile my backsplash before the
kitchen is installed or after?
Thanks
Jay
Shirl
25 May 2008, 21:19
We've just installed a kit kitchen in an older home and there are gaps at
different points along the bench top between the wall and the bench top (at
some points, enough for a tile to slip down). We want to do a tile
splashback - what should we do, thanks.
Rosie Fellhauer
11 Jun 2008, 07:33
I am about to tile my backsplash and I'm not sure what to do about the
electrical outlets. I have been told different ways to get the outlet
flush with the new tile. Is it best to just use a washer and longer screws
to bring out the outlet or should I add an extended box to protect the
wires and outlet?
with 16x16 inch ceramic tile how do you cut out for an outlet that will be
in the middle of the tile not the edges
Sue
16 Jun 2008, 12:46
Hi...
We have black granite counters as well as a black granite full backsplash
throughout our kitchen. I'd like to remove the backsplash and replace it
with decorative tile. What is the best way to remove an existing granite
backsplash. Thank you.
Kimberly
16 Jun 2008, 18:42
do you recommend using a formica backsplash also can backsplash be
installed right up against the window frame?
Connie
26 Jun 2008, 08:32
Can you put new laminate on old laminate that is still very tight on the
countertop? I have a wood trim front to my countertops.
Also what is the different between HD laminate, premium laminate and
regular laminate.
IndySusan
27 Jun 2008, 09:20
We are installing one row of 4x10 ceramic tile above our backsplash. It's a
continuous vine design. Two electrical outlets are spaced 2" above the
backsplash. It seems the installer would need to place the tile completely
around the outlets, but then the pattern won't match. Any suggestions?
We removed the old plastic fake brick tiles from the backsplash in the
kitchen. What we have now is a mess. The wall is bare wood planks
partially covered with brown glue. I do not know what type of glue it is,
but it is tan in some places and dark brown in others. The tiles had been
falling off, so it is not secure. What can we do? My husband wants to put
paneling on it and paint it. He knows how to do sheet rock, but refuses
because it is messy.
AsktheBuilder
29 Jun 2008, 07:26
Anne,
Maybe you can install and finish 1/4-inch drywall. Go ahead and try just
one wall and see what happens.
Joanne Matuszek
01 Jul 2008, 22:25
Is there an adhesive or application I can use to tile over beadboard? My
contractor did a lousy job right over the sink/window area. I would like
to tile over without removing....I know there are no gaurantees, perhaps
there is a thin layer application I could nail/screw over the beadboard?
please help! Joanne
Karen
02 Jul 2008, 17:38
We are getting ready to install subway shaped tile in a herringbone
pattern on the backsplash of the kitchen, on drywall. It is gloss-white,
with an uneven edge to make it look old. I am a 'splasher' when it comes to
cooking, so would like to install it with a grout that won't stain easily
with grease, etc. What would you recommend? Is there a special groute for
this, or would it be advisable to use a dark colored grout? I would prefer
not to as it would look very busy, but don't want splotchy dirty looking
grout either, thankyou, Karen
travis
05 Jul 2008, 20:57
Ty, I have plywood on the wall where i am planning a tile backsplash. Can i
apply the thinset and tile directly to this surface or do i need
backerboard first?
Thanks
irma
25 Jul 2008, 08:11
hi,
i just ripped out my entire kitchen and the new cabinets are in and im
waiting for the countertops to show up...we want a backsplash but after we
ripped out the old basksplash, the drywall is damaged and uneven. can i
just place a greenboard overtop and tile over that or what other option do
i have? (we really dont want to have to replace the drywall completely
since the cabinets are already in place)
Olga
03 Aug 2008, 15:56
I have an uneven wall in the kitchen that has been patched up a million
times due to different reasons (i.e. putting new electrical wiring/snake
through the wall to create an electrical outlet, ripping off old tiles with
some of the wall, etc). I want to put a glass tile backsplash on this wall
and already the "tile guy" is giving me a scare saying that the job will
cost a lot. I was wondering how expensive will this turn out and what would
be inexpensive solutions to even out a wall? Thanks
Kelly
04 Aug 2008, 18:34
I am in the process of having a tumbled marble back splash installed. The
contractor would not move an outlet plate that has 3 parts to it. Now it
is right in the way of the border for the backsplash. If I cover it the
line is about 3 inches outside the line of the counters/cabinets. Is there
a solution to keep my back splash border in line and keep 2/3 the switch in
the tile and 1/3 out?
Thank you.
P. GreeneGayden
13 Aug 2008, 11:25
Is there a "best" type/brand of marble tile for use as a kitchen
backsplash?
yc
15 Aug 2008, 13:36
I am about to install tile backsplash in the kitchen. A 4 inch backsplash
which was glued to the drywall before was removed. Right now, on the
drywall there are area that paper got torn and other area that still has
glue left. What do I need to do to prep the drywall for tiling? I am trying
to avoid replacing drywall. Do I need to tear away all the loose paper and
scrape the glue? Area without paper on drywall, do I need to use compound
to fix? Thank you in advance for you advice.
Jeanie
19 Aug 2008, 02:49
Can I install ceramic tile over wallpaper or does the paper need to be
stripped?
Clifford Arrow
25 Aug 2008, 19:34
Hi,
I have blacksplash behind the kitchen sink that is starting to delaminate
and warp. I don't correct name for this material. All our countertops are
made from it. It is a very thin laminate that appears to be glued on
particle-board like material.
Do you have any suggestions on how I could repair this (and possibly
prevent future water damage) without redoing the entire countertops? Is
there a way just to remove the damaged section? The rest of the backsplash
not behind the sink is still in good shape.
Thanks
Clifford Vincent Arrow
Rick
28 Aug 2008, 07:17
Tim, I am in the process of putting up a backsplash in my kitchen and ran
into a problem. Im using 3x6 glass tile that has to be put up with cement
based thin set. My question is weather or not I need to put up backer
cement board of just score the drywall with a utility knife. Im getting a
lot of conflicting stories, I always have trusted yours.
Tracy
02 Sep 2008, 22:58
I like the tile in the photo above. I'd like to know the brand, collection
and any other information available about the tile. Many thanks!
Karen
03 Sep 2008, 08:21
Hello there Ask the Builder, I am wondering where the answers to all these
great questions, including mine from beginning of July, are?? maybe I'm not
up on where to look, but I just get a notice of when there is a new
question, but haven't seen an answer from you since June... please give me
the instructions on how to get the instructions!! we are heading into reno
time on the backsplash and my Q's are still relevant, thanks, K.
rich h
07 Sep 2008, 23:30
We are remodeling our kitchen and plan on tiling a backsplash. It is 16
feet long and is slightly convex with the midpoint approximately 1/4"
higher than the ends. If I had a 1/16" gap for caulk under the middle tile
and kept the tiles level I would have a 5/16" gap at the ends which seems
excessive. alternatively I could start at one end and cut tiles as I
worked toward the middle. Any other ways around this problem.
thank you
Lin
14 Sep 2008, 22:31
I am installing a new granite countertop to replace formica. I will be
keeping the ceramic tile backsplash. Since the granite is 1 1/4" thick and
the formica is 1 1/2" thick, there will be a gap of 1/4" between the
granite and the bottom backsplash tile. Other than filling the gap with
1/4" of caulk, are there any other products such as quarter round tiles
that will fill in the gap? I thought of using wood but I'm not sure how it
will look. Thank you.
rayblake1
16 Sep 2008, 10:17
For some great ideas on Kitchen Backsplash tiles go to
www.metalwalltiles.net
RD
18 Sep 2008, 12:53
I'm about to move into an apartment that has a glass kitchen backsplash.
Replacing it isn't an option, so what's the best way to cover it?
Edward
20 Sep 2008, 13:17
Cut Granite Backsplashes: What are the options to cutting the 4" x 1"
material. I saw a video on u-tube guy with a 7 1/4 electrical portable
power saw with a garden hose running water across the material as he cut.
That dosen't seem save or am I all wet. Also, behind my sink the wall is
not true and has a bow that is altimately 3/4" gap between my splash and
the wall.
Should I take the full length splash and cut it in half and cut slight
angles
to allow the splash to come in closer to the wall.
Krista London
21 Sep 2008, 13:42
Dear Tim,
The previous owners of our own installed large, porous tiles in a diagonal
pattern on the kitchen backsplash. Is it even an option to paint this kind
of tile or should we just remove it? Thanks!
Lauren Olson
23 Sep 2008, 22:48
I have dry wall and what I believe to be brick covered by wallpaper and
layers of paint as my existing backsplash. Could I apply a cement backer
board with screws and/or mortar to the drywall/brick and tile from there or
is there some demo work necessary?
Dukeskylark
13 Oct 2008, 09:27
Just found your web site and have seen some good ideas. I am removing old
tile and have thought about installing new 12x12 tiles, floor tile with a
design. They will virtually run from the counter backsplash to the
cabinets. What is your thoughts on this. I notice your aritcle recomments
glazed tile and I don't know that floor tile is glazed but it doesn't
appear porous.
Thanks
Torri
23 Oct 2008, 15:31
Our granite template is being made tomorrow and we are trying to decide
whether or not to have a granite backsplash or to just have the tile
backsplash come all the way down to meet the tile. Do you have any
thoughts on this one?
vickie guest
28 Oct 2008, 13:16
I have just installed new cabinets and countertops and want to design a
tile backsplash on the wall behind my cooktop. I want to use 4 X 4 tiles
and intersperse some decorative tiles. What is coursing and how do you do
it? My friend told me it is very important to course out the decorative
pieces.
Sharon
04 Nov 2008, 13:00
Tim, The backsplash behind my cooktop has laminate on it. Can I tile it if
I install backerboard to the wall first?
Monica
12 Nov 2008, 14:47
I'm looking at installing the 1" glass tile that comes on a mesh backing
that is about one feet. I've surfed the net to find how to install them
and I'm not getting very detailed results. Please let me know what
materials I need and if this is a project I should try to handle on my own~
Thanks
Tate
15 Nov 2008, 09:31
I currently have Formica installed as a back splash in my kitchen and would
like to know my options for tiling over it. The Formica is glued to the
wall very well. I read about this product called Quick-Tile
(http://www.quick-tile.com). Has anyone used it?
What other options are available?
Debbie
17 Nov 2008, 11:36
Hi, my kitchen has plaster walls which were slightly damaged removing old
vinyl that had been used for backsplash -- can I repair this with just poly
filla before we start to do our back splash?? we have never done this -
can you give us steps to follow for installation?
Thank you
Debbie
tommy
03 Dec 2008, 22:09
would a tile backsplash work on any counter top? to save on cost would it
look weird if you just had a backsplash over the stove?
Carol
07 Dec 2008, 18:37
Can you tell me if a laminate back splash can be install right over
existing tile. Too much white counter tops ,back splash and cabinets with
darker handles and trim. Thank you !
We just bought a new microwave and we have to cut 1/4 inches from the
existing tiles on the wall in oder for it to fit. How do we cut the tiles?
Melanie
08 Jan 2009, 14:22
We have granite counter and ceramic tiled backsplash - the grout between
the counter and backsplash keeps cracking; the house is 2 years old and
we've had the grout redone twice by the installer. Any suggestions?
Matt
10 Jan 2009, 09:36
We plan to tile our backsplash with subway tiles. It looks like there are
several options/strategies to use around an outside corner... bullnose,
alternate, miter, etc
Do you have any opinions?
Thanks!
gliceria
18 Jan 2009, 10:35
I am planning to do our kitchen backsplash. I want to ask you if, do I
have to match the tile backsplash to the counter or the floor?
Rob L
25 Jan 2009, 11:33
Hi Tim, I have my kitchen redone recently and am noticing that the grout
between the granite counter and the backsplash tiles is starting to crack.
The grout is sand-like, and i am not sure if the cracking is normal or
something worth pushing the contractor to remedy. i've already mentioned
to the contractor, who said that this is normal. The strange thing though
is that the grout is solid everywhere else except for the spots where it
meets the granite. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks.
Tracy
05 Feb 2009, 11:37
Do you recall which brand of tile you used in the photo above? I really
like the texture and am interested in finding something similar for my
kitchen. Thanks!
Bobby K
09 Feb 2009, 09:52
I am about to install a tile backsplace and was wondering if i could
install it dirrectly over the laminate sheeting that is on the wall now.
Thanks
Kim
15 Feb 2009, 14:00
We are installing a kitchen backsplash with white 3"x6" subway ceramic
tiles. Our countertops are granite - should there be a space between the
granite and the bottom row of tiles? If yes, is that space filled with
grout or with caulk usually? Also, what is the usual spacing between the
tiles? We bought 1/16" and 1/8" spacers because I wasn't sure...
Judy Rankine
22 Feb 2009, 12:33
I am looking for a backsplash for my kitchen like I had about 35 years ago.
It was a synthetic product that looked like painted brick. There were red
brick looks also available. you could purchase this through the JCPenney
catalog. They were thin tiles and looked like real brick. Are these still
available?
nick sisley
18 Mar 2009, 10:07
I just installed back splash in my kitchen. Some of th gaps between the
counter top and backsplash are to large to caulk. What can you do in that
situation?
Hi,
We just finished grouting our backsplash a few days ago and we're just
finishing up cleaning off the tiles. We have encountered a problem though.
Many of the tiles still have grout on them and this makes the job look very
messy. 50% of the tiles are fine but the other ones aren't. We've already
tried sponging them off and we've used acid. Is there something else we
should be doing?
Thanks,
Jesse
Matt L
22 May 2009, 12:01
Hi Tim,
My wife and I are installing 12x12 stone tiles for the backsplash in our
kitchen. This will be over the painted drywall already there. She seems
to think that we need to sand the paint off, or at least have a rougher
surface for the thinset to stick to. Is this so?
Thanks
Matt L
22 May 2009, 12:04
Hi Tim,
My wife and I are installing a 12x12 stone backsplash in our kitchen which
will be going over the painted drywall already there. My wife seems to
think that we need to sand the paint off the walls first, or at least get a
rougher surface for the thinset to stick to. Is this so?
Thanks
mj
09 Jun 2009, 20:57
When tiling a backsplash, what do you with the outlets and turn on switches
to bring them out to the level of the tile?
Thank you for your help
mj
Jenni
18 Jun 2009, 19:28
Tim,
What's the best technique for tiling around all the electrical outlets on
the backsplash. Do you leave the plastic plates and tile around them, or
remove them first?
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I have lots of outlets. Thanks!
teddy
03 Jul 2009, 19:55
I want to remove the 4-inch-high granite backsplash that was installed when
my granite counters were installed. Will this leave any marks or damage to
my granite countertops? I will be putting a ceramic backsplash on the wall
after I remove the granite piece. I'm afraid I might ruin something by
removing the granite piece, but I find it would look better than just
starting the ceramic above that piece. Your thoughts?
Sandra
04 Jul 2009, 08:39
I am installing glass mosaic tiles. After you grout an area, how long do
you wait until you wipe off the excess grout with a sponge? How long is
too long?
Rusty Mason
08 Jul 2009, 14:14
What is the best way to install tile over 1/4" wood paneling that has been
painted?
Liz
08 Jul 2009, 15:23
Dear Tim,
I just moved into a home where the previous owner has granite countertops
plus a large granite backsplash going up the walls and a granite
windowsill. I want to remove it all. I am not sure what was used to
install these large pieces but I would like to remove them myself saving
the wall underneath. Can it be done?
Heather
08 Sep 2009, 23:46
We just took off our old kitchen backsplash and are replacing it with new
glass tile. When we removed it we noticed there is a thin layer of white
stuff on top of the drywall, and it's not thinset. Do you have any idea
what it is? We have to replace some of the drywall b/c it was messed up in
the demo, but we need to figure out what it is so the wall is even when we
put up the new drywall. Thank you!
Alicia
11 Sep 2009, 15:50
Can you put glass tiles over existing ceramic tiles.
Stephanie
15 Sep 2009, 08:31
I just moved into a new home and want to do a backsplash in the kitchen.
The problem is that there is a 4" backsplash already in place. I do like
the backsplash but wanted to do a backsplash to the counter. Do you
recommended removing the current backsplash or trying to work it into the
new design?
Ms. G
23 Sep 2009, 06:12
I like the look of a custom mural backsplash on marble tiles for my
kitchen. However, I'd like to create one myself. Do you know what type of
medium is used to paint on smooth unpolished marble tiles? How are the
tiles sealed after painting to allow them to be used behind a cooktop?
Thanks!
Mindy
01 Oct 2009, 17:58
i want to install a tile backsplash in my kitchen but currently have
textured walls. Can I tile directly onto this or should this be skim
coated first and then tile or should I replace the drywall all together?
Jim
05 Oct 2009, 10:29
Hi, I want to use tile as a backsplash in my kitchen but there's a problem
with the wall. It's in an older house and isn't totally flat against the
countertop. The wall is drywall and has been painted. How can I apply tiles
to this wall so they look even and level? Is there a substance available
for leveling similar to what's available for floors? Thanks.
sith
05 Oct 2009, 11:15
Hello,
What is the order to place a backsplash? Can a backsplash be placed first
before the countertop?
YDKelly
24 Oct 2009, 06:44
I purchase a sample of the glass tile for my backsplash. Love it!! Can I
incorporated ceramic tile or other materials as a framed border around this
tile or must I only use a glass tile for a more dramatic look? Thank you
for all the good information I have received on your website.
doralyn
25 Oct 2009, 19:56
My kitchen has rounded corners on the walls -- should I just tile up to
where the wall is flat and pick up around the corner where it is flat again
or do you have other ideas?
Gavin
21 Nov 2009, 02:50
hi Tim, I have a backsplash project with lots of 2 inside and 3 outside
corners in a U shaped kitchen I don't know where to start (along the
longest part of the wall or inside corner or outside corner). I'm doing
subway white tiles and need to consider the brick look alike pattern, any
suggestions on where to start the tile from? thanks
Can you discuss installation of extenders for wall electric outlets to
accomodate thickness of tiles.
Joe
30 Nov 2009, 10:35
Tim, I recently installed a backsplash made of travertine 6 inch tiles. I
took out the electrical outlet faceplates and tiled around them, thinking
that the face plates would reinstall over the tile. I realize now that
their is a gap of 3/8 inch between the faceplates and the actual outlet and
not sure what to do. I could attempt to cut the tile so that the faceplate
will fit inside the tile or 2. attempt to pull the outlet socket out
further from the box so there won't be a gap... any suggestions?? thanks
joe
JBM
22 Dec 2009, 21:46
Hi Tim. Do you have a video on sealing the grout on a porcelain kitchen
tile backsplash?
cindy
07 Jan 2010, 22:30
we lost our tile layer just before he laid our back splash. we are left
with some missing tiles behind the stove and a place behind our cabinet and
sink that he cut out the drywall to remove the old tile. he was already
paid now we have a mess. how can we fix this? how do we put up more
backerboard and how do we make sure it's waterproff before adding tile?
Also it appears that our paid for tile will be too thick to be able to
clean behind our drop in sink. what a mess. please help.
Barb b
16 Jan 2010, 14:28
we are installing a tile mural as part of a backsplash for a freestanding
range. We don't know how far to go with the border tiles. Since it is
freestanding, should we tile all the way down to the baseboard?
john
05 Feb 2010, 15:02
Hi
i have nice neutral color 18' floortile , can i use leftover tiles cut them
in fours and then diagonal install as a backsplash under Maple cabinets, or
should i go out and bye diffrent color tile?
Johnna
10 Feb 2010, 14:51
My husband and I are installing glass tile (12' sheets) as our kitchen
backsplash. During the removal of the old ceramic tile, we were unable to
avoid also removing some of the drywall there were glued to. My question
is should we replace all the drywall prior to installing the glass tile or
use a cement backerboard in it's place? And when dealing with the sheets,
what is the preferred adhesive?
Pam
15 Feb 2010, 21:45
I am considering appropriate areas to put tile backsplash in my kitchen.
Is it appropriate to put backsplash in non cooking areas, such as behind a
desk area in the kitchen?
Alex
03 Mar 2010, 19:38
Our backsplash tile has no corner trim available for a vertical wall
section. How can this be trimed off?
Cathy
14 Mar 2010, 21:26
We are ready to grout our newly installed glass tile backsplash. Many
sources online say to use unsanded grout, but a local tile specialty store
insisted we use sanded grout. To me, this would scratch the shiny glass.
What's your opinion? The spaces between tiles are, at most, 1/8 inch.
Also, I have read that epoxy is a good choice, and may keep us from having
to seal the grout...
I'm confused - grout with sand, grout with no sand, epoxy...? Any insight
you have would be great!
Kitchen Backsplash
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Comments
06 Dec 2007, 00:53
06 Dec 2007, 08:02
It sounds like you need a grinding tool since the tile is already on the wall. It is that simple.
10 Dec 2007, 17:37
Thanks,
Ed D., Sacramento,CA
11 Dec 2007, 08:12
UGH! Lots of tedious hand scraping.
02 Jan 2008, 12:27
02 Jan 2008, 12:31
The tile in my photo above was put on drywall.
Visit a *real* tile store - one that only sells tile - and see what options are available to you.
11 Jan 2008, 10:05
11 Jan 2008, 10:53
Design the space for full tiles. Number of people who would go to this effort: 1 in 100,000
14 Jan 2008, 20:16
15 Jan 2008, 06:35
I would be inclined to use white thinset. The sealing advice is accurate.
20 Jan 2008, 10:39
1) Should I remove the granite splash and take the slate tile all the way down to the counters, or just take the slate down to the granite splash?
2) If I keep the granite splash, how do I work around a ~3/8" gap that occurs in a 3' section of wall between the granite splash and the wall?
20 Jan 2008, 11:25
Do not remove the granite splash. Fill that void with thinset the day before.
20 Jan 2008, 23:10
We have just purchased a home where the sellers recently installed a ceramic tile backsplash--very boring with all the same color tiles. We would like to add a dozen or so accent tiles, spaced throughout the kitchen. Can we remove individual exisiting tiles and replace with the accents without damaging the existing tile?
21 Jan 2008, 07:08
Yes you can. I am 99 percent certain in some of my past Ceramic-Tile columns I have outlined the steps you must do. Try to spend some time discovering those tips for me.
25 Jan 2008, 02:04
25 Jan 2008, 08:21
Yes. Treat them like tile.
30 Jan 2008, 08:24
30 Jan 2008, 09:47
Yes you can.
18 Feb 2008, 13:33
25 Feb 2008, 08:28
25 Feb 2008, 19:52
That would be me. I can't remember the name. But if you print out a copy of the photo and visit a store that just sells tile, they will know. Also try basket weave pattern tile in Google.
01 Mar 2008, 15:57
Go type this into the search engine at the top of this page. Be sure to use the quotation marks:
"adhesive chain"
Read the column and get your head around the concept. Then make a decision.
04 Mar 2008, 11:46
Where the backsplash and counter tile meet, should that meeting place be a grout line or calk line horizontall? I am hearing different versions.
Thanks,
Joe
08 Mar 2008, 17:06
I prefer caulk.
22 Mar 2008, 13:48
I want to install glass tiles as a kitchen backsplash. My question is, can I install the glass tiles on top of drywall?
Thanks,
Chi H., Philadelphia, PA
22 Mar 2008, 14:26
You can. Be sure you prime it well using the special primer I mention in my Wallpapering columns.
29 Mar 2008, 14:13
30 Mar 2008, 17:16
Do not remove the plywood.
01 Apr 2008, 18:46
Marilyn
02 Apr 2008, 14:47
03 Apr 2008, 21:20
03 Apr 2008, 21:24
04 Apr 2008, 14:49
That is correct. You cut 45-degree angles. You can see an example of that in a photo in my column titled Ceramic Tile Patterns.
05 Apr 2008, 09:39
You need to bring the outlet out to the new finished surface. The outlet has little ears that will sit on the tile if the tile is cut correctly. Remove the cover plates and you will see them.
07 Apr 2008, 20:04
Caulk.
07 Apr 2008, 20:07
One-quarter inch.
09 Apr 2008, 10:52
Thanks!
10 Apr 2008, 07:28
12 Apr 2008, 16:55
You bet. A fantastic decorative tile. Visit a store that just sells tile.
13 Apr 2008, 08:28
The best way is to replace them. The second best way is to fill the crack and try to paint the filler to match the tile. You will discover this is very hard to do.
20 Apr 2008, 16:15
06 May 2008, 13:08
06 May 2008, 15:35
23 May 2008, 08:13
Thanks
Jay
25 May 2008, 21:19
11 Jun 2008, 07:33
14 Jun 2008, 18:28
16 Jun 2008, 12:46
We have black granite counters as well as a black granite full backsplash throughout our kitchen. I'd like to remove the backsplash and replace it with decorative tile. What is the best way to remove an existing granite backsplash. Thank you.
16 Jun 2008, 18:42
26 Jun 2008, 08:32
Also what is the different between HD laminate, premium laminate and regular laminate.
27 Jun 2008, 09:20
28 Jun 2008, 16:15
29 Jun 2008, 07:26
Maybe you can install and finish 1/4-inch drywall. Go ahead and try just one wall and see what happens.
01 Jul 2008, 22:25
02 Jul 2008, 17:38
05 Jul 2008, 20:57
Thanks
25 Jul 2008, 08:11
i just ripped out my entire kitchen and the new cabinets are in and im waiting for the countertops to show up...we want a backsplash but after we ripped out the old basksplash, the drywall is damaged and uneven. can i just place a greenboard overtop and tile over that or what other option do i have? (we really dont want to have to replace the drywall completely since the cabinets are already in place)
03 Aug 2008, 15:56
04 Aug 2008, 18:34
Thank you.
13 Aug 2008, 11:25
15 Aug 2008, 13:36
19 Aug 2008, 02:49
25 Aug 2008, 19:34
I have blacksplash behind the kitchen sink that is starting to delaminate and warp. I don't correct name for this material. All our countertops are made from it. It is a very thin laminate that appears to be glued on particle-board like material.
Do you have any suggestions on how I could repair this (and possibly prevent future water damage) without redoing the entire countertops? Is there a way just to remove the damaged section? The rest of the backsplash not behind the sink is still in good shape.
Thanks
Clifford Vincent Arrow
28 Aug 2008, 07:17
02 Sep 2008, 22:58
03 Sep 2008, 08:21
07 Sep 2008, 23:30
thank you
14 Sep 2008, 22:31
16 Sep 2008, 10:17
18 Sep 2008, 12:53
20 Sep 2008, 13:17
Should I take the full length splash and cut it in half and cut slight angles
to allow the splash to come in closer to the wall.
21 Sep 2008, 13:42
The previous owners of our own installed large, porous tiles in a diagonal pattern on the kitchen backsplash. Is it even an option to paint this kind of tile or should we just remove it? Thanks!
23 Sep 2008, 22:48
13 Oct 2008, 09:27
Thanks
23 Oct 2008, 15:31
28 Oct 2008, 13:16
04 Nov 2008, 13:00
12 Nov 2008, 14:47
15 Nov 2008, 09:31
What other options are available?
17 Nov 2008, 11:36
Thank you
Debbie
03 Dec 2008, 22:09
07 Dec 2008, 18:37
23 Dec 2008, 15:54
08 Jan 2009, 14:22
10 Jan 2009, 09:36
Do you have any opinions?
Thanks!
18 Jan 2009, 10:35
25 Jan 2009, 11:33
05 Feb 2009, 11:37
09 Feb 2009, 09:52
15 Feb 2009, 14:00
22 Feb 2009, 12:33
18 Mar 2009, 10:07
22 Apr 2009, 20:51
We just finished grouting our backsplash a few days ago and we're just finishing up cleaning off the tiles. We have encountered a problem though. Many of the tiles still have grout on them and this makes the job look very messy. 50% of the tiles are fine but the other ones aren't. We've already tried sponging them off and we've used acid. Is there something else we should be doing?
Thanks,
Jesse
22 May 2009, 12:01
My wife and I are installing 12x12 stone tiles for the backsplash in our kitchen. This will be over the painted drywall already there. She seems to think that we need to sand the paint off, or at least have a rougher surface for the thinset to stick to. Is this so?
Thanks
22 May 2009, 12:04
My wife and I are installing a 12x12 stone backsplash in our kitchen which will be going over the painted drywall already there. My wife seems to think that we need to sand the paint off the walls first, or at least get a rougher surface for the thinset to stick to. Is this so?
Thanks
09 Jun 2009, 20:57
Thank you for your help
mj
18 Jun 2009, 19:28
What's the best technique for tiling around all the electrical outlets on the backsplash. Do you leave the plastic plates and tile around them, or remove them first?
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I have lots of outlets. Thanks!
03 Jul 2009, 19:55
04 Jul 2009, 08:39
08 Jul 2009, 14:14
08 Jul 2009, 15:23
I just moved into a home where the previous owner has granite countertops plus a large granite backsplash going up the walls and a granite windowsill. I want to remove it all. I am not sure what was used to install these large pieces but I would like to remove them myself saving the wall underneath. Can it be done?
08 Sep 2009, 23:46
11 Sep 2009, 15:50
15 Sep 2009, 08:31
23 Sep 2009, 06:12
01 Oct 2009, 17:58
05 Oct 2009, 10:29
05 Oct 2009, 11:15
What is the order to place a backsplash? Can a backsplash be placed first before the countertop?
24 Oct 2009, 06:44
25 Oct 2009, 19:56
21 Nov 2009, 02:50
22 Nov 2009, 09:47
30 Nov 2009, 10:35
22 Dec 2009, 21:46
07 Jan 2010, 22:30
16 Jan 2010, 14:28
05 Feb 2010, 15:02
i have nice neutral color 18' floortile , can i use leftover tiles cut them in fours and then diagonal install as a backsplash under Maple cabinets, or should i go out and bye diffrent color tile?
10 Feb 2010, 14:51
15 Feb 2010, 21:45
03 Mar 2010, 19:38
14 Mar 2010, 21:26
Also, I have read that epoxy is a good choice, and may keep us from having to seal the grout...
I'm confused - grout with sand, grout with no sand, epoxy...? Any insight you have would be great!
To add a comment visit the Article Page.