Local Queen Creek Handyman Shows You How to Create a Striking and Unique Backsplash For Your Kitchen.

Local Queen Creek Handyman Here To Show You How to Create a Striking and Unique Backsplash for Your Kitchen or Bathroom.

Mosaic Tiles

Hi readers!  Use My Guy Services your local Queen Creek Handyman here.  This week I am going to give you instructions on how to create a beautiful back splash for your kitchen, bathroom or anywhere else you want to put it.   To begin with let’s look at what types of tile are best for your situation.  If you are a beginner at laying tile then it is a good idea to use small tiles that are mosaic style.  These are small tiles that are connected by a fine mesh on the back usually in the shape of a square.  The reason that this is an ideal starter tile is because it is easier to cut the tiles to size.  Instead of needing a tile saw to cut larger tiles into shapes you can use a box cutter to fit the mosaic to the trim areas.  Mosaic tiles also allow you to create more unique patterns than using single tiles.  

Large Single Tile

Now there are some downsides to using mosaic tile for a back splash.  The biggest downside to using mosaic tile is that it is more difficult to clean than larger tiles.  The other downside to mosaic tiles is that you cannot control the size of the grout lines.  Smaller grout lines are easier to keep clean than wider ones although wider grout lines add more character to the tiled area.  Now if you have previous experience with tile and you own a tile saw then you can consider using larger tiles.  Larger tiles are easier to clean than the mosaic tiles.  You can also make the grout lines as big or as small as you like.  The best way to lay tiles for a back splash is to have very thin grout lines.  This will decrease the amount of space there is for bacteria to accumulate.

So now that you have decided what type of tile you are going to use it is time to collect the items that you need to successfully and efficiently lay the tile.  You will need:

1)      Your choice of mosaic tiles 

2)      A box cutter. 

3)      Mastic or thinset mortar.

4)      Tile spacers.

5)      A notched trowel. 

6)      Tile cutter or tile nipper.

All of these items are available at your local hardware store so don’t forget to buy local to support your economy.

Once you have these items you are ready to do a dry run.  Lay your tiles on the counter below the wall you are tiling.  You want to lay your pattern out before you begin, to ensure that it is consistent.

Now you are ready to begin.

Take tile spacers and put them underneath the area you are about to tile.  The reason it is important to do this is to help maintain an even level of height throughout you back splash.

Apply a layer of thinset mortar over your first area         (make sure that you only apply enough to tile in 15 minutes or it will begin to harden and you will have to restart that area by scraping of the dried mortar).  Then drag your notched trowel at a 45 degree angle through the thinset mortar to make uniform ridges.  This will help the tile to stick securely to the wall.

Now you can take the mosaic tile square and press it firmly and with even pressure on the area you have just mortared.  Make sure that you use even pressure or your tile will look uneven and be more difficult to clean.  

Repeat this process until you have covered the desired area that you would like to tile.  Using a mosaic tile that is a uniform shape like small squares will help beginners fit tile in the corners and edges of the back splash.  You will need to let your tile cure for 24 hours.

Now you are finished with part one of creating your own great back splash.  The next step will be to grout and seal your tile but you will have to tune in next time for that.  Now although creating a back splash can be a fun weekend project for some, for others it can be

an exhausting way to spend your weekend after working all week.

If this is you then give Use My Guy Services a call.  We are a family owned and operated handyman company that has been in business in the valley for 5 years now.  We have an A+ on the Better Business Bureau, we have dozens of 5 star ratings on yelp and Face Book and we just won the Super Service Award from Angie’s List.  We can take care of all of your handyman needs from tiling a back splash to plumbing and electrical repairs, installing new doors, frames and even drywall repairs.  Call us today at (602) 316-9187 to speak with one of our friendly and courteous office assistants to schedule an estimate or an appointment.  Or check us out online on our Face Book page or on our website usemyguyservices.com

Thanks for reading

Use My Guy Services Your Local Queen Creek Handyman.