Backsplash | Home Makeover Diva

How To Measure For Tile Backsplash

06.20.2011 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Overwhelmed in Portland writes:

Dear Diva, I’m not that handy but I want to put up a tile backsplash. My main problem though is that I’m not sure how to measure for tile backsplash. I’ve read a bunch of how to’s but no one says how to measure. Please help!

Measuring for tile backsplash is easier than you might think. All you’ve got to do is break it down into little pieces and it won’t be so overwhelming. And no, you don’t literally break it down into little pieces. . .well you might be doing that with the tile, but we aren’t talking about that part! Below I’ve outlined the three things you’ll need to do in order to measure for tile backsplash. I’ve also listed the tools you’ll need and some tips to help make the whole process easier.

First of all, make sure you have all the right tools. You’ll need a pen or pencil, paper and a steel tape measure. Please don’t use a ruler or cloth measuring tape as this will only make the job more difficult and less accurate. Besides, if you don’t have already have a steel measuring tape, it might be a good idea to pick one up for future projects. You never know what else you’re going to want to make over when you get done with the tile backsplash!

The above mentioned tools work best for rectangular areas. If your backsplash is an odd shape or has any funky cut outs like electrical outlets and switches, you may want to consider additional tools. I’m specifically talking about tools such as: graph paper and a small straight edge. It also doesn’t hurt to have an additional person available just incase you need someone to hold the other end of the tape measure. This isn’t necessary but can come in “handy.”

Next, measure and record your results. If your backsplash is a rectangle then all you need to do is write down the width in inches and the length in inches. However if your measurements aren’t that straight forward, you’ll want to use the graph paper to sketch out a replica of your area. Let the size of your backsplash dictate what ratio you will use on the graph paper. Obviously if you’ve got a large space you’ll want to use a smaller ratio and the reverse if you’re space is small. Use pencil so you can erase any mistakes you make and make sure you record any electrical outlets and light switches.

Lastly, calculate the square footage and/or Lineal Footage. If your space is a rectangle, multiply the length in inches times the width in inches. Then take this number and divide it by 144. This will give you the square footage of your space. For example if your space is 80″ wide by 20″ long, when you multiple them it equals 1600 square inches. Now divide that by 144 and you get 11.11 square feet. Then add 10% for cutting waste. In this case, 10% is going to be just over one square foot, but I would round the number up to 13 square feet just to be safe.

Calculating for lineal foot is a little easier. You simply divide the length in inches by 12 to get the lineal footage. In the case above, 80/12=6.67LF. Remember to round-up to the nearest foot and give yourself at minimum 10% extra. Then do the same to get the lineal footage of the width. This number will come in handy if you are using any bullnose or trim tiles. In general the lineal footage is also nice to know if you are planning on adding any deco or liner tiles. And I would strongly recommend calculating these totals even if you don’t think you’ll need any of the previously mentioned speciality tiles. This way if you change you’re mind later on, you won’t have to remeasure.

Once you get started you’ll realize that it is not as overwhelming as you think! Just take it one step at a time and you’ll be ready to start your tile backsplash project in no time!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Contemporary Peel And Stick Backsplash Tiles

05.23.2011 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Sam writes:

Diva, I’ve seen the backsplash panels that look like metal and I like the idea but I want something more contemporary. Is there anything similar that I can install quickly? Thanks for your help!

Yes Sam there is, they are called Aspect Metal Tiles. Aspect Metal Tiles are peel and stick backsplash tiles and they’re perfect for a contemporary styled space. But before I get into the specifics about these tiles, I’d like to point out that the panels you’ve previously looked at do come in contemporary styles. The most common ones mimic the patterns on old-fashioned ceiling tin tiles. But they do make them with more geometric shapes that aren’t as ornate. So make sure you visit the company’s website (or check out Fasade Backsplash) before completely crossing them off the list of potential backsplashes.

Unlike the panels you’ve been looking at, the Aspect Metal Tiles are much smaller at 3″ x 6″. This size is most commonly referred to as subway tile because it mimics the tile used on the walls in NY subway stations in the early 20th century. This size is perfect for backsplash tiles because it easier to cut when you have to work around outlets or make any angular cuts. This is something you should definitely consider before making your decision. While I love the metal looking panels, it was difficult for me to cut one that had to accommodate an outlet in the center as well as cut around the edge of my overlapping bar. While these cuts are not impossible to make, you will want to make sure you know what you are in for before beginning so you can adjust accordingly. In other words, make sure you plan ahead!

Back to the Aspect Metal Tiles, the 3″ x 6″ size and type of tiles are not only easy to cut but also fit in well with a contemporary kitchen. Since they’re available in four metal styles, there should be one that works with your color scheme. The choices provided are copper, stainless steel, brushed bronze or champagne. And all four colors come in either short or long grain. What this means is the direction of the brushed finishes either go horizontally or vertically across the tile. Each direction bounces light around differently so you will want to see them in person before ordering.

Even though the tiles are only available in one size, I don’t think that leaves you without any options for installation. That size is perfect for different patterns such as brickwork, basket weave and herringbone. If you think you may want to install the peel and stick backsplash tiles in a pattern, check out the website for more pattern options. The gallery has some wonderful pictures to help you decide exactly what you want.

As for being able to install quickly, the Aspect Metal Tiles are peel and stick to make installation even easier. After cleaning your wall, you simply peel off the back and stick the tiles to the clean surface. This approach should help you with a quick and easy installation. No matter which option you choose, whether it be metal looking backsplash tiles or peel and stick backsplash tiles, the installation will be much quicker than traditional backsplash tile. It’s just a matter of looking at the different colors and designs and finding the one that is right for you!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe (diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Granite As A Backsplash

04.26.2011 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Mary writes:

Dear Diva, I’m going to use Baltic Brown granite in a small kitchenette studio apartment. The backsplash will be 7 foot long by 2 foot . On the 2 foot wall will be a white refrigerator (All cabinets and appliances are white). I really like the new glass tiles and would like to use a coordinating color. The studio will be somewhat modern and it’s 19’x19′ one open room, should I use 3-4″ of granite as the backsplash for expansion, then add the glass tiles? Please give suggestions. Thank You

Mary, there really is no right or wrong answer to your question. Basically it boils down to what do you prefer? Do you prefer the look of the countertop being extended 3-4″ or do you prefer a backsplash made entirely out of the glass tiles instead? Either answer is perfectly acceptable and will look great! If you’re unsure exactly which you prefer, here are three questions that may help you narrow down your choice:

What can you afford? If budget is a concern, then go with the option that is least expensive. If the granite is less expensive than the glass tiles then by all means supplement the cost by doing 4″ of granite first. If the granite is more expensive than use the glass tiles for the entire space.

Is the countertop slab or tile? If the countertop is slab then I’d suggest not doing a 4″ granite backsplash, instead just going with the glass tile backsplash. This is mainly because there’s a considerable up charge for backsplashes on slab countertops and if you are planning on adding a backsplash you might as well save some money. Also typically I consider granite backsplashes on a slab countertop as a substitution for a tile backsplash. However if you’re going with granite tiles, then either solution is a good one.

Are you living there or renting it out? If it’s being rented and you’re unsure of how the renters will treat things, I would suggest going with 3 or 4″ of granite. Mostly just because granite will be heartier then the glass tiles and can take a beating better in the long run. This is especially true if everyday kitchen items get slammed towards the wall. If you’re the one who is going to be staying there then you can go with either the granite or the glass tiles. Because you will most likely be more careful since you’re more attached to the items, than someone you’re renting the apartment out to would likely be.

This is also a great time to remind you to purchase extra tile of whichever one you choose, incase you have to repair something later on down the line. This way you will be ready to make a repair without experiencing the difficulty of matching different dye lots of tile or having to get creative finding something that will work with the original design.

Other than these three questions to consider, the bottom line is both options work. It just depends on which one you find more visually interesting. Especially when you consider the fact that Baltic Brown granite as a backsplash is beautiful and will look great in both scenarios!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

How To Choose A Backsplash For Your Kitchen

03.15.2011 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Julia writes:

Dear Diva, I’ve found a great tile for my kitchen backsplash but I am having a hard time figuring out which direction it should go. It’s a glass and stone mosaic that is made up of 1″ x 2″ rectangles that don’t line up, so it looks like brickwork. I’m not sure whether I should run it horizontal or vertical. Which way is the right way?

Julia, how to choose a backsplash for your kitchen can definitely be a tricky question to answer. Especially when it comes to which direction the tile should run. But there are a couple of questions you can ask yourself that may help you decide which is best for your space:

First off, what style is your kitchen? If your style is more traditional you may want to consider keeping the tiles in the horizontal direction. Typically a horizontal brickwork pattern lends well to traditional designs. If your kitchen is contemporary or modern, then a vertical design could add to that style as well. Depending on what you are looking at space wise, this could also add a little more depth to your room. In some instances, I’ve seen vertically run tile add a sense of whimsy or make a room look edgy.

Second, are there any spacial concerns? If you’re dealing with a unique sized space, you may want to consider orienting the tiles to make the best out of the space instead. For example, say you are tiling an entire wall and it’s long but not very tall. It would be best to install the tile in a vertical pattern, as it would help trick the eye into seeing a taller space then what is actually there. This trick is the same if your proportions are switched and you have a tall but not very long space. Tiling in the horizontal orientation will help the wall seem wider than it really is. Both of these tricks are just illusions that can help when dealing with the short comings of a space.

In the end, there really is no wrong direction to run the mosaic tile. I’m sure either way you decide it will look fabulous! If you still aren’t sure prop a couple of the mosaics against the wall in the direction you think you want and live with it like that for an afternoon or a couple of days. If you still aren’t sure do the same thing with the tiles going in the other direction. If you can’t keep the tiles against the wall consider using masking tape or even those velcro like Command strips. Both options will make sure you don’t do any permanent damage to the wall or tile itself and they will give you a better idea of exactly how the tile would look in the long run!

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe(diva(at)homemakeoverdiva.com) and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog

Stone Tile Backsplash Design Ideas

02.14.2011 by Amanda Hartley //

Today Cindy writes:

Diva, I am a mess. I’ve been trying to figure out which backsplash I should go with. I have looked into your older backsplash articles and have been able to determine you’re the best person to ask this question. Should I be looking into stone tile backsplash design ideas or instead, go with something from the glass backsplash family? Glass backplashes I understand, but trying to get my head around stone tile for my backplash is really stressing me out. What colors, patterns, etc should I be going after here? Help!

Don’t panic Cindy, I will do what I can to clear away some of the fog here. When looking into selecting a stone tile backsplash, the thing you need to ask yourself is whether or not it’s appropriate to the room in question? Borrowing a page from an earlier article on selecting granite colors for the countertop, much of this translates into what you are trying to do with the backsplash.

– Backplash or countertop? It’s one or the other folks, which is it going to be? If the first focus you want people to hone in on is to be your backsplash, best to downplay the countertop a couple of notches. In your case, this means selecting something with a high visual impact for the backsplash. Lighting here, is also helpful. Think under the counter lighting.

-Stone tiles may be a little bigger. An advantage to using stone tiles is that you’re not needing to worry so much about the backsplash appearing too “busy” looking. If anything, without a center piece design in the middle of it behind the oven, you’re most likely to end up with something too boring looking.

-Keep the backsplash colors lighter or darker for best visual impact. Nothing worse than spending your hard-earned money on a stone tile backsplash only to have it washed out by the countertops. Worse, having the backsplash blending in with the dark cabinets. Best approach with light countertops and dark cabinets is to find a backsplash color that meets both in the middle. Enough contrast to stand out, but not so much it begins blending one way or the other. As for flooring, best to read up on some of my flooring articles for help with this.

-Modern or traditional. Realize which you’re looking to go with early. Because if you don’t, you’ll end up with a hodge-podge looking kitchen that is trying to mix both styles and that simply won’t work at all.