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22 The Courier sun • at home • september 15, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com AT HOME Backsplash Fun By Tresa Erickson If you’re one of the lucky homeowners, the walls between your kitchen countertops and cabinets are covered in some sort of material that serves as a backsplash. If, however, they’re simply wallboard and the kids and your spouse tend to splash food and water on them often, especially around the sink, they may be starting to look a little worn. Before your walls get any worse and the wallboard starts to rot, you may want to make a backsplash. Backsplashes can be made of a variety of materials from tile to granite to stainless steel. If you have a substantial budget, you may want to do some research into the different types of materials available. If your budget is tight, you may want to go with traditional tile. Depending upon where you shop, you can probably find some great deals on tile. If you’re looking for a really inexpensive option, you may want to go for a mosaic tile backsplash. Creating a mosaic tile backsplash is an easy project that doesn’t require a lot of time or money. First, you need to find some tile. Since you will be breaking the tile into pieces, you can purchase inexpensive tile. Damaged, cracked, clearance and even sample tile will work well for this project. Unless you are going for a bold, eclectic look, try to purchase tile of the same texture and color. That way, it will be easier for you to create a level backsplash. Depending upon the look you’re after, you can use shiny porcelain tiles of various colors or slate tiles in muted tones. The choice is yours. Once you have selected the tile, the next step is to gather the supplies you will need to complete the project. These include: • Towel • Safety glasses • Hammer • Level • Notched trowel • Latex gloves • Mastic tile adhesive • Rubber grout float • Grout • Sponge • Soft cloth Begin by breaking the tile into small pieces. Grab a few tiles, wrap them up in a towel and gently break them up with a hammer, making certain you wear your safety glasses. Continue this process until all of the tile has been broken. Once you have completed this step, you can move on to laying out the tile pieces. Working on one section of the walls at a time, start laying out the tile pieces on the countertop. Once you have them the way you want them, attach the tiles to the wall with mastic. Remove any outlet covers, turn off the electricity and then, using a notched trowel, apply the mastic to the wall. Place the tiles into the mastic, twisting them slightly to set them in place. Use tiles with rounded edges in any areas with visible edges. Periodically check the area where you are applying tile with a level to make sure it is even. Remember, you will be wiping the backsplash often, so you want a surface that is fairly level. Be careful when placing tile around electrical outlets. Make sure the outlet covers will hide any visible edges of the tile pieces. Allow the mastic to dry overnight and then apply the grout. Put on pair of latex gloves, and with a rubber grout float, work grout into all the joints. Wipe off any excess grout with a damp sponge. When the grout has dried, remove the haze from the tile with a soft cloth. Replace the outlet covers and stand back and admire your work. If the walls between your kitchen counters and cabinets are starting to look bad because of all the water and food that consistently gets splashed upon them but you’re running short on cash, try creating a mosaic backsplash. It’s easy, it’s fun and it’s a great way to protect your wallboard without breaking the bank. PRM GENERAL CONTRACTORS INC. “ROOF KINGS” -ROOF REMOVAL & RESTORATION- -ROOF LEAK SPECIALISTS- -SLATE ROOFING & COPPER EXPERTS- -ALL TYPES OF FLAT ROOFING- -ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFING- -ROOF REPAIRS-GUTTERS- QUALITY -GUTTER CLEANING- *FREE ESTIMATES* *ALL WORK GUARANTEED* CRAFTMANSHIP PETER MARTIN —(OWNER) CELL: 347-804-3214 OFFICE: 718-281-3032 NYC LIC #2035624-DCA. • FULLY INSURED. LIA-DIS-W/C Metro Cabinet and Flooring COUNTERTOPS STARTING AT $45 PER SQ. FT. Including Installation $600 OFF FOR PURCHASES OF $5000 OR MORE Specializing in: • Kitchen Cabinetry • Floor Tiles • Hardwood Flooring • Granite and Quartz Countertops • Commercial & Residential Carpeting • FREE 3-D Design • FREE Estimate • FREE Measurement 100-07 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills 718.544.2634 Fax: 718.263.2032


SC09152016
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