Design of a Kitchen Counter Backsplash

The majority of homeowners request that their builders create backsplashes that cover the room cabinets and kitchen countertops. Designers, on the other hand, are increasingly seeing a kitchen counter backsplash as a perfect and ideal choice for modern homeowners seeking an affordable, beautiful, and appealing design. Kitchen counter backsplashes, unlike wall-attached backsplashes, have an all-in-one design that not only provides aesthetic allure to the kitchen, but also protects the walls from spattering from washing and cooking due to the wide variety of textures, designs, and colors available for their design. Granite tiles, mastic, and a cemented wall are the three primary materials used in the plant. Mastic will be used as an adhesive to stick the granite tiles to the cement wall. The purpose of this task is to design a kitchen counter backsplash improve the visual allure of a modern kitchen, while protecting its walls from spatter associated with frequent cleaning and cooking.
Required Materials
Like in other design projects, the appropriate materials for the design of the kitchen counter backsplash will depend on the taste and needs of the homeowner. Because our homeowner wants a durable, attractive, and a visual alluring yet cost-effective kitchen counter backsplash, materials required for the project include.
Granite tiles
Trisodium phosphate (TSP).
Mastic (wall tile adhesive)
Grout
Silicone sealant/ Caulk
Grout Remover/ release agent
Various tools and equipment will also be required to facilitate the design process including cutting and laying of the granite tiles. Although the project will require several tools, the essential ones include;

Tile cutter
Tape measure
Straight edge
Utility knife
Level
Grouting sponge
Tile spacers
Driver/ Drill with mixing attachment
Wet saw
Low grit sandpaper
Wash Cloth and Soap
Notched Trowel
Tape measure
The Sequence or Steps of Installation
The first step of designing or installing the kitchen counter backsplash preparing the wall for tile installation before planning the tile layout and finally attaching the tiles as shown in the following procedure.
Switch off electric power to the kitchen for safety reasons and remove the switch plates and covers in the area where the backsplash is to be installed.
Attach a piece of straight lumber or ledgerboard to the wall studs using a level. This will help to support the tiles temporarily before the adhesive dries.
Use the trisodium phosphate (TSP)-water mixture to clean the walls and degloss the glossy surfaces using liquid deglosser.
Check the wall for flatness and smoothness and consequently use a joint compound to fill any ripples and dents observed and then sand smooth after the compound dries up.
Locate the focal point of the wall that suits granite tiles and the selected tile pattern and draw a vertical line from the point.
Dry-lay the granite tiles on the countertop horizontal to the wall and check the ends using spacers. This provides an opportunity to adjust the layout so that we are able to cut wider pieces at the two sides in case the cut tiles are excessively narrow.
Using a level, identify the countertop's lowest point and place a tile at the point but with at least a 1/8 inch above the countertop to allow for expansion. Place a mark at the top of the tile and again use a level to make a line in the work area that will guide cutting of the tiles.
Using a drywall trowel, spread a mixture of Mastic or thinset with water on a small portion of the wall to be tiled. Working in small sections rather than the entire area is important because the Mastic dries quickly.
Place the first granite tile to the adhesive-filled wall and press it into place using a rubber float.
Repeat the procedure for the remaining tiles, but working in small portions and using plastic spacers to space the tiles evenly. During tile installation, nippers will be used to make small tile cuts, while a tile cutter mesh will be used to make larger tile cuts.
Allow the mastic to dry for at least 24 hours
Mix and use a rubber float to apply grout across the tiles and use a sponge to wipe the excess after 15 minutes. Use a haze remove to clean the haze formed when wiping the grout.
Apply the grout sealer when the grout dries completely.
Use the silicone sealant or caulk to will the expansion between the countertop and the backsplash tiles.
Challenges that would be associated with Installation Process
The main challenge associated with the installation process is the choice of tiles, patterns and colors that compliments the homeowner's kitchen elegance and durability. Like other clients with design needs, the homeowner an efficient, gorgeous and a more cost-effective kitchen counter backsplash. Accordingly, it will be difficulty to offer the deliverable without compromising its quality to some extent. For instance, the design team may be necessary for the design team to use combinations of synthetic materials such as Formica and laminate, which are more cost effective rather than using the high-end materials like granite.
Specific Skills or Trades Needed
Most of the materials and tools to be used in the design of the kitchen counter backsplash come with instructional user manuals from the manufacturers. Accordingly, the main skill required for the project is the adequate understanding of terminologies and drawings in the manuals. The other skills that are basic but vital for the project include tile cutting skills and precise measurements.
Possibility of constructing the materials in the proper sequence
Besides having detailed notes and instructions from their manufacturers, materials used in the project including the tiles are also used in other areas such as floors and washrooms, which provides an adequate understanding of their use. As a result, there is a higher possibility of deigning the kitchen counter backsplash in the proper sequence.
Alternative ways of doing the Assembly
The sequence we highlighted for constructing the kitchen counter backsplash assembly is the simplest and quickest method. However, the design may be made less-expensive using cost-effective materials such as synthetic Formica tiles and thinset adhesive in place of high-end granite tiles and Mastic adhesive respectively. Nonetheless, the cost savings will apparently compromise the quality and durability of the designed kitchen counter backsplash.





















References
Cheever, E. (2014). Kitchen & Bath Products and Materials: Cabinetry, Equipment, Surfaces. John Wiley & Sons.
Whetstone, W. F. (1998). U.S. Patent No. 5,733,022. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Daltile. (2016). 7 Ways to Do Backsplash for Granite Countertops | Daltile. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://www.daltile.com/inspiration-and-diy/backsplash-ideas/7-ways-to-do- backsplash-for-granite-countertops
DIY Network. (2013). How to Install a Tile Backsplash | how-tos | DIY. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/masonry-and- tiling/install-a-tile-backsplash.
McEvoy S. (2016). Kitchen Counter Backsplashes: Pictures & Ideas From HGTV | HGTV. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/kitchen- counter-backsplashes.