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Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering

2011-06-01 12:22:00

When considering new countertops - series

Question: After installing our new kitchen countertops, we need a new backsplash to match. What are my options for a tile backsplash, what do I need to think about before installing and can the tile be bonded to the sheet rock? Please help.

Answer: One of the nicest things about adding a new backsplash is that it is a great way to give your kitchen an updated look and it isn’t all that hard to do. You have many choices in types of tile that include marble, granite, ceramic, hand-painted, and even glass. However, when choosing your backsplash materials you will want to consider things like style, cost, ease of installation and ease of cleaning. Here are some important considerations: • To avoid staining, always install a glazed tile near sinks and cooktops. Glazed tile has a thin coating of glass on the surface allowing food and grease to be easily and completely washed away. • If you are doing the job yourself, find out which tiles need special tools or supplies to install. For example, glass tile needs to be glued to your wall with cement- based thinset instead of organic mastic. Glass tile and dense porcelain tiles must be cut with diamond wet saws, not the traditional tile scoring tools that allow you to snap a tile in two. • Unless you plan on updating your kitchen often, remember to choose styles that are classic, or can fit well with other styles. While it is possible to install your new tiles right on to sheetrock, doing so in areas that may get wet is a concern. To prevent possible water damage, many experts suggest you should put in new cement backer board. As another option, you could use green waterproof drywall. It is more affordable than cement backer board as well as being lighter and less cumbersome to work with.