Step-By-Step Process
There's good reason as to why people trust the professional installation team here at Mr. Handyman, no matter the type of material used in their backsplash. The number one reason is that we've got an established reputation for excellence—both for customer service and workmanship.
The second reason? Because installing backsplash tile is difficult, plain and simple!
When it comes to hiring us to install your backsplash, be it ceramic tile or glass tiles, we'll get the job done and done right. You get to enjoy the fun of Walpole backsplash installation: shopping for your dream tile. We tackle the hard, grunt work of installation. We've tackled all the following materials over the years:
- Glass tile
- Ceramic tile
- Stainless steel backsplashes
- Metal backsplashes
- Natural stone
- Vinyl
- And so much more!
When you go shopping for tile, it's important to keep this in mind: you will want to purchase about 10% more than what you actually need. It's important to have extra tiles on hand in case of miscalculations or if your backsplash needs repairs down the line.
Once your backsplash tiles have arrived, set an appointment with us to have them properly installed. On the day of your installation appointment, one of our expert tilers will show up on time and in uniform. Before your service appointment begins, they'll reiterate what they're there to do and give you an estimate of how long the service will take. You can ask them any questions you may have before they begin; we want to ensure that we're on the same page.
With the go-ahead given, your handyman or handyman team will get right to work. Whether it's a kitchen backsplash project or your not-so-average bathroom backsplash project, we'll begin the process of your professional installation.
If we're starting out with bare walls, then we'll begin with laying and arranging the tile immediately. However, perhaps you have an existing kitchen backsplash, for instance, we can remove this first before we begin the installation.
Backsplash Removal
When it comes to removing existing backsplashes, your handyman might make use of a wide range of different tools. The most common tools used in removing various backsplash materials include chisels, hammers, and pry bars. Depending on how much there is to remove, power tools might also be used to expedite the process.
Your handyman will take the care needed to avoid damaging your kitchen walls and kitchen cabinets, but if your backsplash is particularly old, then it might not be possible to remove it without causing some damage. If that's the case, then your handyman will ensure that a drywall repair is conducted before beginning your backsplash installation in Walpole, MA.
In the below image, our client required a full-scale kitchen remodel, as their home was older. This included not only repairing the drywall ceiling, but also plaster repair. One of this remodel's finishing touches included installing an entire backsplash. Our expert handymen laid the tile in a beautiful herringbone pattern, leaving our client with a gorgeous end result.
Backsplash Installation: Walpole, MA
Once we have a smooth starting canvas, we can begin installing your choice of a contemporary backsplash. Hiring a professional to handle your kitchen tile backsplash really makes a difference—not just in terms of cost, but finish and keeping you from pulling your hair out in frustration. When it comes to a DIY installation, it can quickly become overwhelming, leaving you irritated and short-tempered. You can save yourself a lot of stress by handling a professional handyman to install your backsplash for you.
Installation begins by laying the tiles out against the wall. Usually, this begins at the center and moves outwards and upwards. Ideally, the tile layout should be completely symmetrical: after all, you don't want your last column of tile to be cut in half on one side and not the other.
Additionally, the layout process is important to ensure that your tiles don't need to be cut too narrow, as this won't look right and it'll be pretty noticeable. Lining it up with your upper cabinets is also an important part of the process, ensuring that your backsplash has a seamless, classic look.
With a professional handyman, you needn't worry about the frustration and stress that come with deciding on a tile layout. Whether you want to go with more complex designs like a herringbone pattern or another one of many backsplash designs, you can trust that the end result will be gorgeous.
Once the tile has been laid out, then the actual process of installation can begin. Although some backsplashes can be installed using peel-and-stick adhesives, the majority of our customers prefer traditional, thin-set grout backsplash installations. Our Walpole handyman will go ahead with the challenging process that requires the following steps:
- Mix and apply the thin-set mortar. Although some mortars come pre-mixed, the majority require mixing on-site. Your handyman will ensure that it's properly mixed and applied within its curing window.
- Apply backsplash. Following the pre-arranged plan, your handyman will press against the wall, to ensure that the grout lines will be even, they'll make use of tile spacers. Any tiles that require cutting will have been cut already, as the tile must be applied to the mortar before it cures too much.
- Apply groat. Once the thin-set has cured—which usually takes approximately 24 hours—your handyman will return to apply the grout. Using a grout float, they will fill in the joining lines between your tiles. They'll also use a clean sponge to smooth the grout lines out. The excess grout will then be removed with a lightly damp sponge.
- Clean-up and optional extras. Once the grout has been applied, your handyman will then proceed to ensure that the job site is clean and provide you with any necessary aftercare instructions. If you would like us to apply a grout sealer, then we'll return a few weeks later (allowing the grout to fully cure) to apply it.
