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As soon as we worked on finishing up the DIY Counter Refinishing Kit, I started focusing on getting the backsplash started. We chose the colour a few weeks prior to applying the new finish. Fortunately the tiles were on sale at a great price. I am not looking for anything fancy. This style is modern and simple. Hopefully it is enough to last another twenty years without looking outdated. Perhaps I am stretching its longevity. However, I chose a simple light grey backsplash colour with a basic standard subway pattern.
When making upgrades in your home, consider the future and how your upgrades will possibly look 10-20 years down the road. Nowadays, trends and styles are changing faster than ever before. Even though this is a simple upgrade, it can become outdated. Nevertheless, choose something that is subtle and timeless. As a result I tend to choose subtle and simple to keep it safe.
Before working on the counters my husband removed tiles from the wall using a flat chisel and hammer. Particularly to break off the old red backsplash we had before. In some cases the drywall ripped out with the tile. For this reason be prepared to fill up those spaces with new drywall or joint compound (a form of plaster that dries stronger than original plater).
On the positive side, the cost of the tiles for the backsplash we purchased is $230.00 tax included. This is the sale price. The area of our backsplash worked out to 58 square feet. I cannot remember the original price but guess it was about 25% off. Whenever there is a sale and it is something you know you need, take advantage of it. Otherwise you can lose out on a great deal, not taking action at the right time.
In order to apply the tiles onto the wall you will need to use mastic glue. In addition the cost is $30.00, plus tax. Also, the mastic tile glue is already premixed in a bucket. Therefore all you need to do is apply the glue on the wall using a v-notched trowel. As well as, the cost for the trowel is between $15.00-$25.00 depending on the quality you purchase. For instance, a plastic trowel is cheaper than a metal. The depth of the v-grooves will depend on the type of tile you choose and the condition of your wall. We have a metal one. Place the glue on the wall and spread it evenly, without any bubbles or bumps. Have a smooth layout.
Afterwards apply the tiles gently on the wall one by one. Before you start create a set pattern you wish to have for your backsplash and make it consistent throughout the kitchen. Obviously we do not want it to look awkward. For this reason it is better to layout how you want it to look on your wall. Also, do not let the glue stay on too long because it dries up eventually.
Once the tiles are placed on the wall and the glue is set up, the next step is to put grout in the gaps between the tiles. In addition to the other items, the cost of the grout is approximately $20.00 plus tax. By the same token, depending on how large the backsplash is for your kitchen you may need more than one container of grout. According to the instructions on the package, please follow what it says on how to mix the grout.
Backsplash, Lighting and Valence Upgrades
Add water to a bucket and then add the grout. Mix it into a smooth peanut butter consistency. First, be careful not to add too much water. Second, if you do, it will become too thin and not solid enough to apply. As a result use a little bit of water and work your way in rather than adding too much from the start. You will consequently end up having to add in more grout and it may be more than what you need to put on the wall.
Using a grout float, (rubber trowel with wedge shaped edges), this tool is used to force the grout in between the tiles. In like manner, a grout float will be anywhere between $10.00-$20.00, depending on the quality you choose. Once this is applied, skim off any excess remaining on the tiles.
Afterwards, use a bucket of water and take a tiling sponge (a large yellow sponge), to work the grout lines. This is to wipe the extra grout from in between the tiles. Get it all even and then clean the surface of the tile off. Go over it, in detail, with a bucket of clean water to get rid of any residual grout.
Eventually, once it dries and hazes over, make sure to wipe the extra haze off with a dry rag. To emphasize, do not let the grout sit on the wall for too long. Consequently, it will set up quickly and will be impossible to remove. Also, another thing to point out is that the actual colour of the grout will not show until it is dry on the wall. Let the walls dry for 24 hours, in general, before putting all your item back on to your counters.
Backsplash, Lighting and Valence Upgrades
For the lighting part of this project, I assisted my husband in adding some lights underneath our cabinets. It is great to add lights underneath the cupboards, especially when you are chopping vegetables. The cost of the lights were $100.00 for the whole thing. This all depends on the style you choose as well as the length. We went for LED strip lights which is something standard and middle of the road as far as price.
Other options include puck lights and fluorescent strips. For an electrician to come in and add lights, you are looking at a service between $150.00-$250.00 depending on if you want a light switch on your backspace for the under cabinet lighting. If you want this option, have the electrical work done before you work on upgrading your backsplash. This is something a skilled professional or someone experienced in this field of work is qualified for.
Backsplash, Lighting and Valence Upgrades
The last part of the kitchen is adding on a valence around the lights. Traditionally, 2-1/4” crown moulding is used for this but a more contemporary look is to go with a simple flat board to give the cupboards a skirt. This is what we decided. We had to cut 3” strips of oak veneer plywood. If you have MDF cupboards you need to use the appropriate material to match. We measured and cut the 3” strips to length using a mitre saw to cut the pieces. I stained and varnished the valence to match the cupboards.
To add the valence underneath, I held up one end of the strip while my partner drilled in the piece on his end with a small angle bracket. By adding in a valence, not only does it look a little nicer but it also adds an accent to the lights, as well as to hide them from sticking out.
This whole project for us came to approximately $400.00 (backsplash, lighting and valence).
We paid $100.00 for the lights and $230 for the tiles. As well as the grout and mastic glue is about $50.00. We already have the v-notched trowel, the sponge and the electrician. 😉
However, for yourselves the price may vary. My budget was within the $500.00 range I was aiming for. Fortunately the extra money can now be used for another future home decor project.
We still have a few more things to take care of in our kitchen. However, for now, this change is a significant upgrade for us. Even though we have spent less than $1000.00 on the changes in the kitchen so far, you can see what a drastic difference this has made in this part of our home.
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List and Cost for Backsplash, Lighting and Valence Upgrades
Backsplash-$230.00 for 58 sq. Feet.
Mastic Glue $30.00
V-Notched Trowel-$20.00
Grout-$20.00
Lights-$100.00
Electrician-$150.00 (Not included in our cost)
Total=$550.00
