Colourful Tiled Splashback

What to do:
It's easy to tile your own splashback to protect the areas behind the sink
and cooker and bring new colour to your kitchen.

Step1: Position one tile centally under the window, flush with the ledge. Mark where
the bottom of the tile falls.
Step2: Nail a battern to the wall, its top edge along the marked line, checking with the
spirit level that it is horizontal. Measure two tile widths out from the edge of the window,
llowing a narrow gap for grout, and nail a second batten upright along this line,
checking with the spirit level that it is vertical.
Step3: Spread adhesive over about a four-tile area in the battened-off area.
Use the notched side of the spreader to form ridges of adhesive.
Step4: Press tiles gently on to the wall until the adhesive squeezes out around the
sides. Check the tiles are flat against the wall. Press spacers into each corner.
Step5: Lay tiles along the windowsill so that they cover the top edges of the wall tiles.
Wipe off excess adhesive.
Step6: Lay all the whole tiles and leave to dry before removing battens. Cut tiles to
fit into any gaps and fix in place.
Step7: Grout the tiled area. Remove the excess with a sponge, then leave to dry.
Step8: Seal the gap between worktop and tiles with sealant.

What you need: tiles, felt pen, timber battens (50x25mm), spirit level, a few masonry
nails, hammer, tape measure, tile adhesive & spreader, tile spacers, sponge, tile cutter,
waterproof grout & applicator, cloth, all-allpurpose sealant.

Estimated time needed: half a day

ref: 100 Bright Ideas for Kitchens