Tile Backsplash on Kitchen Drywall

We look for more ways to make our kitchen attractive just to have a feel-good feeling when being there. Among the best way to beautify the look for your kitchen is to install a kitchen backsplash. The visual of your entire kitchen will be enhanced and this will add value for your home too. You can have wide choices of porcelain or ceramic tiles, and the advanced technology nowadays will help you install them sooner and faster compared to before. The process is not that difficult, it’s quite easy if you understand the procedure well. Everyone should be able to install a tile backsplash in their kitchen so here are the steps on how to install them.

You will need:

1. Tape measure
   
2. Tile wet saw
   
3. Tile spacers
   
4. Old towel
   
5. Notched trowel
   
6. Pencil
   
7. Tile cutting board
   
8. Mastic adhesive
   

Steps:

1. First, take the tile spacers and put it as a guide between each individual piece of tile. Spread several of them in a row of the countertop.
   
2. Proceed to take the measurements for the distance between the tiles, and check that measurement against the height and the length of the backsplash.
   
3. You can start with a full tile on the outside edges of the kitchen backsplash and also against the bottom where it meets the countertop. Place cuts in the corners and underneath the cabinets.
   
4. You may want to adjust the layout in one direction or another. This will depend on the size of the tiles you are working with and how your measurements compare against the tiles that have been laid out.
   
5. Some will prefer smaller cuts in the corner while others would prefer it bigger so it is your personal choice that will determine whether to start with cuts or full tiles.
   
6. Spread the mastic adhesive on the drywall of the kitchen backsplash with a notched trowel beginning at your starting point.
   
7. If you are still adjusting the speed of your installation, it is safe to spread only enough mastic adhesive and install a few pieces at a time so as not to mess up anything. This will prevent the adhesive to set up and become tacky. You can install it the easier way by starting at the bottom and outside edge, and spread towards the corner. Make sure to install the entire bottom before continuing working your way upwards.
   
8. Take a piece of tile and stick it against the mastic adhesive. Apply pressure to move the title slightly in all directions to make a complete bond between the tiles, adhesive and the drywall.
   
9. Move it to its final position once you have bonded the tile completely. Repeat the process with each individual tile that you place on the wall.
   
10. Use tape measure and pencil to mark any cuts around the electrical outlets or corners of the cabinets and use a tile wet saw to cut.
    
11. Dry off the backs of the cuts with an old clean towel to prevent moisture from penetrating the bond between the adhesive and tiles.
    
12. You can use a tile-cutting board for any cuts against the bottom edge of the countertops. Leave the tiles to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before grouting the kitchen backsplash.
    

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6499762_install-tile-backsplash-kitchen-drywall.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/character/4277614108/

Installing a Tile Backsplash on Kitchen Drywall is a post from: DIY Guides

Tile Patterns for Kitchen Backsplashes

If you want to add a personal beautiful and creative touch to your kitchen design, the perfect place for that is on the kitchen backsplash. You can tile the backsplashes below the upper cabinets, behind the sinks or cook top, along the counters or along all of these areas, your choice. You will have to know the height of your kitchen backsplash, the size of your tiles and whether or not, there are decorative tiles that will be included in the field tile before you begin to lay out the tiles. A dry fit layout is the most suitable and most desirable way to determine the fit of all the elements needed. Here are the steps on how you can create tile patterns for your kitchen backsplash.

You will need:

1. Tiles
   
2. Measuring tape
   
3. Marker
   

Steps:

1. First, each of the backsplash section has to be measured. Get the measurement done by starting from the counter up to below the cabinets and don’t forget, each length of counter. Measure the height and width of the cook top to measure the area as well.
   
2. Although measurements may be different, most of the backsplashes height is just 18 inches from the counter to the cabinets. The cooktop backsplash area are usually measured 6 inches wider than your stove as this is the width of the hood above it but again each measurement may vary from one kitchen to kitchen, depending on the sizes and styles.
   
3. Mark on an area of equal size to your backsplash on a worktable nearby or on the floor so that you know exactly how much space this will need. This place will work as your design board as you will place the tiles on it and determine the pattern and layout.
   
4. Then, start laying out the first full tiles in the bottom center of each section of the kitchen backsplash. This will help your tiles’ installation to be even and balanced.
   
5. Place it one or two tiles up from the counter if you want to include a decorative border to your design which is nice as well. It will make your design more visible rather than being hidden behind countertop appliances.
   
6. Next, alter the pattern of the tiles from the counter to the cooktop areas. You can either install the subway tiles in a running bond or offset the pattern along the counters. Aside from these, the other pattern that you can do is the herringbone pattern behind the cooktop.
   
7. Make a frame around the cooktop with a decorative border or chair rail tiles.
   
8. To make sure that the decorative tiles are seen, place them in the center of the backsplash and scatter them up and down evenly.
   
9. You can use a decorative tile border to frame the area behind the cooktop or make use of the complimentary tiles to emphasize the interior of the cooktop area.
   
10. Finally, make sure to check your measurements again and trim the dry layout before installing the tiles.
    

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_6458896_create-tile-patterns-kitchen-backsplashes.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/granite-charlotte/4254425120/

Creating tile patterns for kitchen backsplashes is a post from: DIY Guides

Marble Bathroom Countertops

Bathroom countertops which are made from marble are one of a kind that is not only a beauty to look at but also comes with many different patterns and colors. Marble bathroom countertops exude the look of sophistication and luxury to a bathroom and it comes with the usual functions. If your bathroom is installed with a marble bathroom countertop, you might want to learn the proper way to clean them. With proper cleaning, it will make your marble bathroom countertop appear more beautiful and last longer but with no cleaning, the marble countertop can be ruined with your money going to waste. Here are the steps on how to clean a marble bathroom countertop.

You will need:

1. Soft sponge
   
2. Cotton cloth
   
3. Hot water
   
4. Stone cleaner
   
5. Stone wipes
   

Steps:

1. It is best to keep your marble bathroom countertop dry. When you have spilled something on your marble countertop, the first thing to do is to use a wet sponge to wipe down the spills.
   
2. By wiping down the marble countertop, the substance spills would not be able to seep into the pores of the marble thus not destroying it in any way. This step will help your regular cleaning process get much easier without any hassle.
   
3. Then, use your stone cleaner by spraying them on your countertop. Continue by taking a sponge and wiping it clean. You can find stone cleaners in home improvement stores or if you can’t find it, ask the store assistant to find it for you.
   
4. Find the most suitable stone cleaner that is safe for all types of stone surfaces which includes marbles as well. Some stone cleaners do not need to be rinsed off. All you have to do is to spray on and use a sponge to wipe off. It is advisable to read the direction on the back of your stone cleaner before using it to prevent any unforeseen accidents.
   
5. Next, lightly buff the marble countertop with a dry and clean cotton cloth. This buffing process is to ensure that your marble countertop will sparkle just like it is newly installed or as if it’s newly bought.
   
6. Remember not to use dish soaps or store cleaners for your marble countertops as these cleaners will damage the sealants of your marble and make your countertops look dull. Avoid using a scrub brush on marbles as it will scratch the countertops surface and your money will end up going to waste again.
   
7. Repeat the cleaning and buffing steps once a week if you have no kids and if you have time on your hands. Otherwise, you will need to clean your bathroom marble countertop two or three times a week so that they stay clean.
   
8. You could also use hot water and a sponge in between cleanings to prevent the counter from getting dirty. If you are in a hurry and have not much time to clean your marble bathroom countertops, you can also use a stone wiper. The stone wiper is also available in home improvement stores for you to purchase and is a great alternative if you have don’t have much time to clean or during times when you suddenly have unsuspected guests on their way to your home.
   

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5071152_clean-marble-bathroom-countertops.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimnovakremax/4314485509/

Cleaning Marble Bathroom Countertops is a post from: DIY Guides

Composite Bathroom Countertops

Bathroom countertops which are made from composite are equally beautiful and durable for your bathroom accessories. This countertop is made from synthetic stones that contain epoxy or acrylic and quartz. Just because the finishing of the countertop looks so natural, it will be difficult to tell the difference between composite and marble countertops, they are pretty much alike. If you decide to purchase composite bathroom countertops, these are several steps that you have to know and follow when installing it.

Steps:

1. First, you have to understand the four major factors that would make the processing of the composite bathroom countertops the same. As soon as you get a grip of the process, the basic quality will remain the same regardless which brand that you purchase. In this way as well, there will be no confusions and you won’t find the task too hard to handle. It will be simpler.
   
2. The next step would be to consider the texture that you would prefer for your countertops. Whatever your pick is, choose wisely according to your bathroom’s style and comfort. This is due to the fact that composite countertops come in various textures to resemble other materials.
   
3. You will need to decide whether you want a drop in the bowl or a one piece for the sink. It is really up to you to select either one of them. You don’t have to worry as the difference between both types of sinks is small, money-wise, when you calculate the additional materials and labor for the drop in bowl.
   
4. Try searching for a color that will last and won’t be outdated at the same time. Composite bathroom countertops are very durable so the color will remain on for a very long period. The best way to choose the color is to make sure that the color will suit the other color schemes. In a way, it has to gel and not get lost in the crowd.
   
5. If you want to have a specific design then you can make a customize order to different edges and shapes of the composite bathroom countertops. Take notice that these customize orders will cost you a bit more than the stocked composite as the costs of customized designs are more as stated by the manufacturer. Find some of your selections that are already in stock or you can search various manufacturers to see whether they have the designs that you want with an affordable price. You end up saving a lot this way.
   

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_3391398_buy-composite-bathroom-countertops.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22280677@N07/3193837655/

Buying Composite Bathroom Countertops is a post from: DIY Guides

Kitchen Backsplash

A kitchen backsplash will help and protect your walls from food stains and at the same time, add a more ecstatic value to your kitchen. It is not hard to choose and buy a kitchen backsplash with the right steps taken. There are many types available in the market right now which might confuse someone who has never ventured in this before. But here we have researched and elaborated just how you can do it.

You will need:

1. Home magazines or kitchen remodeling books
   

Steps:

1. Start by doing a mini revision; look at examples of kitchen backsplashes in kitchen remodeling books or home magazines. You can either buy or borrow the magazines and books from your library or you can just browse the internet to look on related sites. When you have the idea for your backsplash, head into your home improvement or design centers to view the samples.
   
2. Granite, ceramic tile, stainless steel and ceramic tile are the most used materials which are known to be suitable for kitchen backsplashes. Ask for samples to take home and use them for references. The references will guide you to choose a more accurate look to your idea.
   
3. When choosing the colors for your kitchen backsplashes, make sure that the colors will complement the flooring, kitchen appliances and countertops. Choose the appropriate countertops before purchasing the kitchen backsplash. The reason is that the countertop comes with limited terms of appropriate materials and the focal point, than the kitchen backsplash.
   
4. Semi-permanent structures are the best place for a kitchen backsplash rather than temporary design elements. However, if you still want to remodel your kitchen completely, look for the best shades that will suit your new room and the overall feel. Still, it’s a lot of work.
   
5. It is good to have variety in your kitchen backsplashes. You can purchase a kitchen backsplash with more than one pattern, material and color. There are many ways to choose as most of the kitchen backsplashes come in various sizes, shapes and shades.
   
6. You can also buy pre-stamped tiles which are designed to create complicated designs and murals for more ecstatic touch. You have to make sure to have a good calculation first by setting a budget and avoid going over the budget limit.
   
7. Don’t worry as the kitchen backsplashes usually require low square footage so the materials are affordable to purchase. You can create a kitchen backsplash with a lesser cost rather than buying expensive choices for the floorings such as marble and travertine.
   
8. You have to decide whether you will be installing the kitchen backsplash by yourself or hiring others to do it for you. You will have to spend a little more for the installation using the stores handymen to do it for you.
   
9. You can make the installation by yourself if the design of your kitchen backsplash is simple but opt for professional people to do it for you instead if the kitchen backsplash comprises of complex designs.
   
10. If you are installing the kitchen backsplash by yourself, please take notice that some natural stones are not water-resistant materials. In order to prevent damage to the backsplash, apply a sealant after the installation or buy pre-sealed kitchen backsplash. This way your stones will be safe and not wasted.
    

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2083534_buy-kitchen-backsplash.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/granite-charlotte/4254413670/

Buying a kitchen backsplash is a post from: DIY Guides

Refinishing work done on your kitchen cabinets will definitely provide a fresh look to your old kitchen environment. Furthermore, it is much less expensive than buying new cabinets. Below are guides on how to refinish your kitchen cabinets.

What you need:

1. Oil-based primer
   
2. Latex paint
   
3. Polyurethane
   
4. Paint tray
   
5. Drill
   
6. Screw Driver
   
7. Drop cloth
   
8. New hardware
   
9. Level
   
10. Pencil
    
11. Contact paper
    
12. Scissors
    
13. Wash cloth
    

Method:

1. First thing that you need to do is disassemble the cabinet and place it on a drop cloth. Then, remove all the hardware from the cabinet’s doors.
   
2. Next, wipe the doors and cabinets using wet cloth to remove dirt and grime.
   
3. Then, uninstall the cabinet’s shelves from its original position.
   
4. Careful when using paint as not to fill in the original holes of the cabinet with the paint. After that, you need to sand the cabinets and doors using fine grit sand paper and wipe a cloth to remove the grit.
   
5. If you use high quality paint brush, you need to ensure that all surfaces of the cabinets and doors have been applied with oil-based primer except the inside of the cabinets. Then, allow it to dry for up to 24 hours.
   
6. Next, apply the first coat of latex paint colour of your preferred choice. You can use a roll for painting large surface and small brush for smaller area. Then, let the paint dry overnight and sand the surface after that. If the need arise, apply second coat of the paint.
   
7. After the surface has dried, use high quality paint brush to apply water-based polyurethane on the cabinets and doors for creating a non-porous surface so that you can easily wipe the surface.
   
8. Then, cut your contact paper into size and apply it to the shelves for extra protection to the cabinet.
   
9. Next, re-install the shelves into its original position. For new hardware used on the cabinets, you need to attach its hinges to the doors before hanging them. Make sure you measure the distance between the hinges accordingly so that its height is equal for each door.
   
10. Measure the doors so that it is even using a level and marked the area with a pencil. Hang the doors one at a time. If you are not using self-close hinges, it is advisable to use magnets so that the doors are close properly.
    

Additional Reading:
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/kitchencabinets
http://www.ehow.com/how_4711312_refinish-kitchen-cabinets.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83306722@N00/429084362/

Refinishing your kitchen cabinets is a post from: DIY Guides

You can change the look of your kitchen by just adding glass to the selected cabinet doors because using solid wood doors can give a monotonous feel to your kitchen environment. The glass doors offers depth and keep your cabinets from closing the space, plus the clear glass also enables you to showcase your favorite collectibles or fine china ware. Below are guides on how to renovate your kitchen cabinets to glass doors.

What you need:

1. A computer
   
2. Tape measure
   
3. Drill
   
4. Screwdriver
   
5. Hole punch
   
6. Paint and paint supplies
   

Method:

1. Before starting with your renovation work, take pictures of your cabinets before, during and after renovation for you reference. Disassemble old kitchen cabinet doors, measure the size and note down its measurement because you never know maybe each of the door may be slightly different from one another. The door openings and its distance also need to be measured.
   
2. Draw pictures and layout of your kitchen cabinet and label all the measurements that you have noted down.
   
3. You can use the internet to look for search engine to find “Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets” for best bargain accessories to apply to your kitchen cabinets.
   
4. Wash the cabinet’s surface thoroughly using soap, vinegar and water. Then, you need to apply at least 2 coats of hi-gloss latex paint (colour depend on your preferred choice) to create a good base and seal off the old paint. The better quality of the paint, the much fewer coats you will be using.
   
5. If you are using replacement doors, you need to sand them first using a coarse sand paper and finish with fine grit.
   
6. Next, pre-drill the holes for accessories such as door handles. Measure them carefully so that they will be in the same position on all of the doors.
   
7. Before hanging the cabinet doors, you can insert the glass or even hire professional help because the cost is not that expensive. You can either choose from three different glass categories like clear glass, obscure glass (ribbed or pebbled can diffuse the contents of the cabinet) or opaque glass (sandblasted or frosted hide the interior contents).
   
8. The pre-drilled holes that you have made earlier to the cabinet doors can definitely help you in hanging up the cabinet doors and it can be done in a short time.
   

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5257979_update-glass-doors-save-money.html
http://nwrenovation.com/kitchen-articles/adding-glass-to-kitchen-cabinet-doors/
http://worldvillage.com/sprucing-up-kitchen-cabinets-by-adding-glass-inserts

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/suavehouse113/2222722183/

Renovate your Kitchen Cabinets to Glass Doors is a post from: DIY Guides

Glazing or darken up your kitchen cabinets will certainly add more depth and character, thus providing them with an antique look along with some colorant. Whenever you plan to glaze your kitchen cabinets, you rub a watered down layer of paint over the surface of the cabinet. It will look almost like translucent layer over the existing paint or stain on the cabinet with some areas of the paint being darker than others. Below are guides on how to glaze your kitchen cabinets.

What you need:

1. Oil or water based glaze
   
2. Several brushes
   
3. Plenty of lint-free rags
   
4. Stain, paint or colorant
   
5. Paint thinner
   

Method:

1. When trying to darken light coloured or wood stained cabinets, use an oil-based glaze because it is a clear medium that only need to add to colour. The glaze provides translucent look and is easy to work due to longer time for it to dry thus providing you more time in order to get the preferred effect.
   
2. Next, add some oil stain with your choice of colour and try a few different mixes. You can test the colour onto a piece of light coloured scrap wood or on a place on the cabinet itself.
   
3. For cleaning the cabinet surfaces from unwanted paint, you can use degreasing cleaner or denatured alcohol. You can also use a natural bristle brush to glaze onto the cabinet’s surfaces and corners. Then, wipe the glaze one section at a time by using a clean, lint-free rag.
   
4. Glazing painted cabinets is where you paint the surface using a water based glaze rather than oil based normally used with stain. When using an acrylic to cover old paint, apply a colorant in the mix to give it your preferred colour. As for using latex paint, the colour that you choose will lighten slightly when it dries and if you do not like it, try using a slightly darker colour.
   
5. Always remember that if you are working with acrylics, you should know that there are three different qualities of acrylics such as a slightly milky look when it is first brushed on, it will darken when it dries and it also dries faster than some other glazes.
   
6. For wiping off excess glaze, you just need to give the painted area a naturally aged appearance so that people will notice that the design is quite charming.
   

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2194651_antique-glaze-kitchen-cabinets.html
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/applying-antique-glaze-to-kitchen-cabinets
http://homeguide123.com/articles/How_To_Glaze_Your_Kitchen_Cabinets.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waikikiweekly/4339872296/

Glazing your Kitchen Cabinets is a post from: DIY Guides

If you manage to transform your kitchen cabinet by yourself into a new and fresh look, you will definitely feel the satisfaction of your work done on the task. The transformation of your kitchen does not mean that you have to purchase a new one, but instead just by staining them or making it look darker will give you a different tone and new refreshed look to your kitchen environment. Below are guides on how to give your kitchen cabinets a darker look.

What you need:

1. Sandpaper, medium and fine grit
   
2. Hand sander
   
3. Steel wool
   
4. Dark wood stain
   
5. Cloths
   
6. Rubber gloves
   
7. Work gloves
   
8. Chisel-end brush or foam pad
   
9. Face mask
   
10. Eye goggles
    

Method:

1. Always take safety precaution first when doing a do-it-yourself task like wearing an eye goggles, work gloves and face mask, plus also ensure that your work area is well-ventilated. Then, you need to clean the kitchen cabinets by wiping away dust and debris; and let it dry for a couple one or two hours.
   
2. Next, you need to sand the cabinet doors and frame with a hand sander and a medium-grit paper. After finish sanding, change the sand paper to fine-grit sandpaper and after that, wipe away the dust with a cloth.
   
3. To do staining to your kitchen cabinet, mix the stain gently using a painter’s stick thoroughly until its mixture is settled.
   
4. Next, use your chisel-edge brush and dip it into the stain. You need to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and paint the stain onto the wooden cabinet (to cover entire area including corners) in even back-and-forth strokes (ensure that the stain is not uneven). Carefully lifting the brush away after painting from the surface preventing the paint from dripping.
   
5. After the first coat has dried, you can choose a darker look for staining the second coat of stain. Follow the same instructions in Step 3 and 4; and once finish your staining task, let the stain dry.
   
6. Finally, after the kitchen cabinet has really dried, you can proceed with applying the protective coating by using materials such as polyurethane or an oil based finish paint. This is to seal the stain and giving it extra protection to your kitchen cabinets from the heavy usage of kitchen activities.
   

Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5043427_give-kitchen-new-look-cheap.html
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/paintcabinets
http://www.ehow.com/how_4855397_stain-kitchen-cabinets-darker.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/augie/2602464974/

Give your kitchen cabinets a darker look is a post from: DIY Guides

Kitchen cabinets do not have to be plain; it can be decorated with creative designs which reflect your choice of style and budget. Personalize and custom-made kitchen cabinets will make your kitchen environment looks unique even though sometimes the cost is not that expensive. Below are guides on how to build your own kitchen cabinets.

What you need:

1. Choose your preferred type of wood
   
2. Choose a finish for the doors
   
3. Decide the door’s surface appearance
   
4. Choose the Door Hardware
   
5. Measure, cut and assemble the doors with the appropriate size
   
6. Hinges
   
7. Oil-based primer
   
8. Latex paint
   
9. Polyurethane and varnish
   
10. Paint tray
    
11. Drill
    
12. Screw Driver
    
13. Level
    
14. Pencil
    
15. Contact paper
    

Method:

1. Determine the material to be used whether to follow your existing finish of the cabinets or even refinish the frames and cabinet walls before putting on the new doors. If you choose solid wood doors like walnut, cherry or pecan the cost will definitely be hired, while oak doors is normally the material chosen for the mid-range budget customer. For more inexpensive cabinet doors, try to choose cedar and popular.
   
2. Choose the paint for the cabinet doors whether solid colours, stains and varnishes, or even select the appropriate colour which is close enough to the original cabinet framing.
   
3. Whether you decide to use a completely flat door surface, a flat frame, a raised frame with a square, rectangular, or curved profile, all of this decision need to be made earlier before you start to embark on your task.
   
4. Next, to select the appropriate hardware whether to choose traditional hinges, handles and knobs that comes with a black wrought-iron finish, or wooden knobs that you will either stain or paint black, milk-glass knobs in white for a country look, or a sleek and slender pull handles that sit well above the surface for a more contemporary kitchen look. Make sure to sand and plane the materials in order to avoid splinters.
   
5. Measure correctly and cut carefully the cabinet’s frame to minimize waste of expensive wood. Then, sand the door edges and finish with polyurethane sealant or varnish preventing stains and chips.
   
6. The cabinet’s hinges also need to be measured correctly, at least an inch above and below the cabinet’s top and bottom shelf edges. Attach external hinges to the cabinet first before proceeding with the door. Ensure that the hinge screws are secured moderately and not too tight until you have finished checking all alignments with the cabinet mounting.
   

Additional Reading:
http://www.rockler.com/articles/display_article.cfm?story_id=29
http://ezinearticles.com/?Building-Your-Own-Kitchen-Cabinets&id=286220
http://www.ehow.com/how_2002308_build-inexpensive-cabinets.html

Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/augie/2602463042/

Building your own kitchen cabinets is a post from: DIY Guides