Kitchen Backsplash

[Art Maydan]

I bought a duplex that was a gut rehab and I'm working on getting the downstairs unit rent ready. I put in appliances and installed closet shelving and window dressings. I'd like to put in a kitchen backsplash, but it looks like a moderately serious job and I'm afraid to mess it up. The kitchen has granite countertops with the granite extending a few inches up the wall.

I'm going for a pretty nice look and I think this could help me get the rent I want. Has anyone installed a backsplash? How difficult would it be for someone who it took 3 tries to hang curtains? How much value would it add to a rental? Are they generally considered to be worth the investment?

Also, how much would it cost to have this done by a contractor? I'm trying to learn to do all of this handyman stuff on my own, but I don't think I'm ready for what looks like a pretty serious project that will ruin the kitchen if I mess it up.

[Max T.]

a backsplash is a great job to learn how to tile for.

the tiling is as simple as it can be since you don't have to worry about installing a proper subfloor or backer board.

I would advise purchasing the pre-mixed tile adhesive as opposed to mixing your own thinset. Watch some videos on tiling to see how it is done.

For $80 buy a decent enough tile saw from home depot of lowes. Add to that your cost of tile. Square footage is minimal on most kitchen backsplashes. You'll have to buy the adhesive, a few tools, maybe spacers, and grout. Shouldn't cost you more than 300-500 total in materials.

You can tile one day and grout the next day.

A contractor will charge a lot for tiling but its pretty easy to do yourself. A backsplash is much easier than a floor, shower, etc...