The Kitchen Backsplash

A Backsplash in a Box Pre-assembled, decorative backsplashes are the latest option in this ever-growing category. Ready to hang out of the box, these framed ceramic or stone tile pieces require no gluing, grouting or sealing. Broan-NuTone’s pre-assembled backsplashes come with anchors, a mounting bracket and a template for easy installation in under 10 minutes. The company’s four unique Watch this video to see Ernie Wernecke of Princeton Custom Cabinetry install the counter and backsplash in the inset bar of a Miami condo. backsplash designs come in 30” x 14”, 30” x 20” and 36” x 20” sizes to fit most wide range and cooktop areas. Prices range from $260 to $360 depending on size and design.  Consider a Professional Installer While installing a backsplash is well within the realm of possibility for the DIY-inclined, this might be one project best left for the professional installer. Jim Olson, assistant executive director for the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), believes a homeowner should tackle the backsplash job only if he or she feels comfortable with it and all the research has been done. “If you feel the finished product is beyond you, contact a professional,” says Olson. “The backsplash can say more about the kitchen than anything else. You don’t want it looking like a DIY job.” A professional tile contractor can be contacted to give a free estimate for a kitchen backsplash job. Some contractors may charge by the square foot, but many will charge for the completed job, taking into account cuts and cut-outs, material varieties and estimated time of completion. “Most will carry a minimum charge, but additional charges for murals, inserts and accents should be itemized,” says Olson. When working with a professional, a homeowner can choose to purchase all the materials first or have the contractor handle that aspect. Choosing the latter can be beneficial as any shortage in material that results in a longer installation time will be the responsibility of the contractor. If a homeowner does not order enough  materials and is forced to purchase more, the additional time to completion will mostly likely incur additional charges. A professional will also bring the necessary tools to the job site, have experience cutting and dealing with obstacles like outlets, and will know how to seamlessly incorporate trim work and corners into the project. “Doing tile is not like putting carpet or sheet metal down,” says Olson. A professional will also know which grout to use for the job, a factor that quickly sets the professional backsplash installation apart from an amateur DIY job. Not only do grouts come in numerous colors, a grout must be matched appropriately to the tiles used in the project as the different absorption properties of tile materials can affect the end color of the dried grout. Epoxy, urethane and newer lightweight grouts all react differently to different tile materials, and a professional can best determine which grout is best suited to the tile materials in the project. To find a skilled tile contractor, homeowners can use the search feature on the NTCA Web site. The Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) is another similar association with an online member directory. Olson urges caution when shopping around for a professional installer. “You don’t want to just use a handyman that you find in the local paper,” he says. Instead, homeowners should do background research on potential contractors and look for recommendations. Be it statement or supplement, the kitchen backsplash is a must-have for the busy kitchen. From simple ceramic designs to customized murals, there’s a backsplash solution for every home. Even if the homeowner is settled on the DIY route, a free estimate and walk-thru from a professional can’t hurt, especially if there are any lingering doubts.

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