Transform Your Space with a Subway Tile Kitchen Backsplash: Part I
Over the next few weeks we’re going to be looking at different examples of kitchen tile backsplash installations. Today, we’re starting with one of the most common types of kitchen tile backsplashes: a traditional Subway tile. Subway tile doesn’t have a history that goes back as far as historic tile.
Here in Washington DC, in some cases historic tile is still found in some of the well-preserved homes and buildings. However, in kitchens, technology and changes have modified our use and layout of kitchen so significantly over the past century that kitchens have most often been renovated many times since the original construction of the homes. In fact, kitchens now take a much more predominant role in the entire use and function of the layout and configuration of a home.
This is largely due to changes in technology for things like ovens and stoves, ventilation, appliances, and electricity. There is however also a cultural change with kitchens. In the past, kitchens were relegated to the back of the house and in large affluent households, the kitchens were even managed and operated by a staff of servants. Some houses here in Washington DC were built with separate stairways to serve the kitchen so that servants could move about without even being seen by the owners of the property.
As technology changed, kitchens became more integrated with the rest of the house. Today, some people even telecommute and spend all day working at their laptop from the kitchen breakfast nook or the kitchen bar top. In general, a lot more of the family life happens right there in the kitchen too. In the old days, when many of the Washington DC homes were built, kitchens were more like utility rooms where people were intended to be working, not living. This is a big area of how our lifestyles have changed in relation to how we use our homes.
Today and in the follow up article next week,,we will go through some of the main steps of installing kitchen backsplashes. It’s not an incredibly difficult job and in some cases can even be handled by homeowners in a DIY project. (Don’t hesitate to reach out to us though if we can help.) Over the years, we’ve learned lots of tips and tricks that make the job a bit easier and today will share some of those details.
As with most things in kitchen and bath renovation and home Improvement, good preparation is so important. Begin by checking to make sure the wall surface is clean, dry, and free of any grease or debris. If you’re working with drywall, it should be at least primed to prevent moisture absorption both from the time mortar in installation and from and during use later. For areas around sinks or high-moisture zones, consider using a waterproof membrane or cement board as a substrate.
In actual wet areas such as bathrooms, showers, even in laundry rooms, we recommend using a cementitious backer board in lieu of drywall. Cementitious backer board cost more than drywall, but the cost really is almost negligible because these areas are relatively limited in size, in most cases, and it helps so much with long-term durability and longevity that it’s just simply worth every penny. Also, water and moisture resistant drywall should be used in wet areas in the kitchen as well, at minimum, even where the building code doesn’t require it.
Some waterproof membranes can be applied on top of existing substrates. These are generally roll applied and come in a super low viscosity liquid or paste type consistency. The best materials are sold from commercial supply houses, but even big box stores sometimes carry a few options that will do the job.
Layout planning needs to coordinate the tile starting points. It’s good to determine the center point of the wall and draw vertical reference lines from there. We normally use a chalk line after putting the initial measurements on the wall with a pencil.. This lined layout helps keep the tile pattern consistently symmetrical and following the plan. For subway tiles, there are a variety of different layouts including a running bond, ⅓ bond, and in some spaces the tiles can be installed to run in different directions.
The simplest running bond (brick) pattern offsets each row by half a tile, though other patterns like stack bond (grid) or herringbone can create unique visual effects. We don’t always recommend the very unique layouts though because those unorthodox layouts can sometimes look busy and detract from the other parts of the kitchen which may matter more from a visual impact perspective.
It can sometimes help to dry-lay the first few rows on the countertop to double check the overall dimensional lineup and visualize the pattern. This dry land doesn’t require mortar or any other materials, it can be done quick and easy. It’s necessary to determine where cut tiles will layout before you reach the other side of the wall. If the layout requires that the other side of the wall will have tiles that are less significantly than half the width, it might be a good idea to split that difference and cut the tile on both sides of the wall layout.
A simple but visually effective principle that takes some time to learn is that when layout or overall space configuration requires thin cuts of tiles to be installed, adjusting the other side can reduce that potential eyesore. Thin tiles at the edge or the corners generally do not look good.
Cutting ceramic tiles can be done with manual tools, but we always recommend using an electric wet saw. Buying a wet saw doesn’t make sense for a typical homeowner doing a DIY project, but professionals need to have them to do medium to large scale ceramic tile projects.
In the picture below, since the first tile come at the first course is full size, the first tile in the next course above must be cut to a half tile so that the joints are staggered from one course to the next.
Dupont Kitchen & Bath Can Help
As dedicated and local DC metropolitan kitchen and bath builders and installers, we pride ourselves on turning your visions into reality. Your kitchen can reflect your unique style and be designed with personalized aesthetics. It can be a process from creative designs to the realization of your dream space. Specializing in kitchen and bath construction, we bring expertise and skills to every project. If you’re contemplating a renovation, upgrade, or modernization in the local market, we’re happy to be your team. Consult with us, and we can start together on a path to redefine and elevate your DC living experience.
You can visit our company website at https://dupontkitchenbathdc.com/
Here at our website you will find a simple and convenient web form that you can fill to contact us quickly.
