How to make a kitchen tile backsplash. We make a kitchen apron from tiles. Plaster for the lazy

To ensure that the repair does not cause negative emotions, it is better to entrust it to yourself. This is especially true in the kitchen, where accuracy and reliability are especially important. Laying tiles on a kitchen backsplash with your own hands is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. For the highest quality result, it is necessary to take into account the nuances of each stage of work. You don't have to be a professional, though. By adhering to certain rules, you can subsequently be proud of the finished result.

To place it correctly kitchen apron, it is important to decide on its size and design. This will make the interior unique and visually increase the space of the room. When choosing a material, you need to take into account the height of the overall masonry. To do this, you can make a preliminary sketch, which includes all the subtleties of the design, the location of the tiles, taking into account its size and pattern.

The height of the apron depends on the design. The work area often reaches the floor, and it extends beyond the tabletop by at least 20 cm.

If you have the opportunity and knowledge of software to create unique design you can use computer programs(Corel, Draw). Having decided on the amount of material based on the area of the apron, you can start working.

Tile selection

The tiles from which tiles are made are today the most popular material for backsplashes. It is universal and resistant to dirt, moisture, high temperature. At the same time, it is quite easy to care for. And thanks to the diversity color palette and colors, it fits perfectly into any kitchen interior.

Tiles come in different shapes. In order to create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony, when choosing colors it is better to give preference to shades of the pastel group.

When choosing a tile, it is important to consider its size. Although with details bigger size less work, more beautiful appearance has a tile apron small size. In addition, these dimensions allow you to decorate the apron with different patterns, mosaics and combinations. The best option today is a square tile with an edge size of 10 - 15 cm.

To make caring for your apron as simple as possible, it is better to choose a material with a smooth surface structure. This will allow you to effortlessly remove dirt, returning the apron to a presentable appearance.

When working, it is important to consider the supply of material. Often, tiles may be defective. During the cutting process, chips are possible, so the material is usually taken with a margin of 10% of the required amount.

Materials and tools for work

Before starting work, you must prepare necessary materials and devices. The primary components include:

Primer. With its help, reliable adhesion of the tile to the surface being glued is ensured. Best choice, which is recommended by experts, is considered a deep penetration primer.
Tile adhesive. It must be of high quality with a shelf life margin. To avoid having to redo the work, you need to purchase glue from trusted companies (Ceresit, Yunis, Bolars). For greater strength, you can add PVA glue to it.
Grout mixture must be waterproof and is necessary to give the seams a beautiful, uniform appearance in thickness and volume. Thanks to the presence of colored grout, you can choose a mixture in the same color scheme as the tile.
Notched trowel (for spreading glue).
Narrow spatula (for applying glue).
Roulette.
Roller glass cutter (for cutting the right size) or tile cutter.

Minor devices include:

Crosses for maximum accuracy of the pattern and distance between tiles.
Electric drill (for mixing the solution).
Building level.
Foam sponges (for removing excess tile adhesive).
Foam roller.

photos

Surface preparation

The primary stage of work is surface preparation. First you need to completely remove the old coating. Usually a hammer drill is used for this, then the wall is cleaned down to the plaster layer.

After this, shallow notches are applied to the wall to maximize adhesion of the tile adhesive to the surface. The number of notches is about 200 pcs. per 1 square meter.

The next stage of wall preparation is to treat the required area with a special primer. To apply the primer evenly on the wall, you can use a foam roller. After treatment, the wall should dry.

Before directly laying the kitchen apron, markings must be applied to mark the upper and lower boundaries, securing the strips along them. Wherein top bar is fixed 0.5 - 1 cm above the intended border. This reserve is needed for the top seam.

The bottom bar needs to be secured especially precisely. This is so that during installation the tiles do not move down and have clear and precise boundaries. The whole work will depend on how correctly the first row is laid out. If it is as beautiful and even as possible, the apron will look as if it was made by a professional high level. Any shift or shift can lead to disruption of the entire view.

Preparation of glue

Since the life cycle of the glue is limited, it must be prepared immediately before laying out the apron.
In order for the mass to be homogeneous, the container must be clean. The finished dry mixture is mixed with water in the proportions indicated on the glue packaging.
To make the glue uniform and without lumps, you can use a drill with a special attachment.
After stirring, the solution needs to stand for about 10 minutes, after which it is stirred again. Now you can lay out the tiles.

Laying process

This process is particularly important and is carried out taking into account certain nuances. It starts from the most comfortable angle at the bottom. First, you need to apply tile adhesive to the wall using a narrow spatula and even out the thickness of the layer with a serrated tool. In this case, grooves are formed.

Do not apply glue immediately along the entire perimeter of the apron. If the area being glued is large, the glue may dry out and the tiles will not stick to it.

For beginners, it is better to install the apron in an orderly manner. The bottom edge of the tile should be directed towards the bottom plank (profile). The laid row must be leveled by hand and then checked using building level. Errors are corrected during testing. Lay the blanks, pressing evenly on the tile. This will allow the adhesive to settle and bond it firmly to the tile.

If the tile lies crooked before the glue has dried, you can remove it, remove the adhesive layer and lay it again.

After finishing the first row, you need to give it a chance to dry. If this is not done, there is a high risk of tilting in subsequent rows.

For maximum accuracy of the distance between the tiles, distance crosses are installed in them. They can be of different sizes and are selected depending on the dimensions of the tile itself. Optimal size crosses, which gives the seams identity, is 2mm.

After laying several tiles, you need to remove any remaining adhesive from their surface. If you do this after the glue has dried, they may remain. The glue must be removed carefully and not move the laid row.

It is important to periodically check the work using a building level. In addition, the glue also needs to be mixed and not allowed to dry. Crosses are inserted between the tiles, fixing the crossing of the seams. This approach will make the work as accurate as possible. The thickness of the seams will be the same lengthwise and crosswise.

After finishing work, the tiles must dry completely. Usually this process takes no more than a day. Then the final stage remains - rubbing the seams.

How to grout joints?

The seams are considered the vulnerable part of the apron. Therefore, for maximum durability and a pleasant appearance of the kitchen apron, you need to choose a product from a trusted manufacturer. It is not recommended to grout them with white grout. Cooking stains are most visible on a white background.

The mixture is diluted with water to the consistency specified in the instructions. Before processing the seams, you need to wipe the tiles from any dust remaining after laying.

To perform this operation, it is better to use a rubber spatula. The mixture is rubbed lengthwise and crosswise until the joints are uniformly filled. This stage is quite thorough and requires no less care and precision. Otherwise, the seams will be different, and the appearance of the apron will lose its attractiveness.

Usually the seams dry within one hour. After which you can trim them with a spatula and wipe with a dry or damp cloth.

For greater gloss and reliability, you can coat the seams with a special varnish. This will greatly simplify the care work area, and the seams themselves will retain their original appearance longer. The special properties of the varnish will prevent moisture and grease from penetrating the seams.

26-05-2015

A ceramic tile apron for the kitchen is one of the most common methods of finishing the surface above kitchen countertop, stove and sink. A tile apron protects walls from grease, dirty water and other liquids. The surface is very easy to clean and returns to its original appearance. Among all the other advantages of such a design, one can highlight the possibility of its independent construction. By understanding how to lay tiles on a backsplash in the kitchen, you can make your kitchen more beautiful and comfortable.

How to choose tiles for a backsplash?

Before you lay the tiles, you need to choose the right tiles. Almost any wall tile can be used to cover a kitchen wall. You just need to choose it taking into account the following recommendations:

The larger the size of the products, the less time you will have to spend on their installation. However, along with this, an apron in the kitchen, made of small tiles, looks much more beautiful. The best option– tiles with a side of about 100 mm.
Keep in mind that the apron will get dirty very quickly, so it needs to be washed regularly. In view of this, it is better to avoid laying tiles with a relief surface.

After you decide on the type of tile, you need to calculate required amount material. About 10-15% should be added to the calculated value obtained for cutting and scrap.

To lay a backsplash in the kitchen you will need not only tiles, but also Additional materials and tools, namely:

Glue or cement mortar. Don't skimp on such little things. It is better to buy high-quality glue from a reputable manufacturer. It may cost a little more, but laying tiles using this material will be as easy as possible, and the finished coating will last a very long time.
Waterproof grout for tile joints. Choose a composition whose color would match the tile itself and the design of the entire room. You can choose either a matching grout or a composition of a contrasting color.
Primer. You can do without it, but the tiles adhere better to a primed surface.
Crosses.
Glue graters.
Notched trowel.
Regular and rubber spatulas.
Construction mixer or drill with attachment.
Level.
Clean rags and sponges.
Roulette.
Grinder or tile cutter (glass cutter).

Before laying tiles begins, you need to get rid of old decoration. Removing wallpaper, plaster and paint usually does not cause problems. And to remove tiles you will need special tools. The most convenient way to do this is with a hammer drill or chisel. Final cleaning is done with a metal brush.

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Preparing the work surface and tile adhesive

When you collect and buy everything necessary tools and materials, you can get to work. However, before you start laying tiles, you will have to spend a little time and effort preparing the surface.

First you will need to get rid of the old finish. This was mentioned above. Next you will need to take a small ax and chisel. Using these tools, you will make small notches, which will improve the adhesion of the tiles to the wall. For 1 m² you need to make about 150-200 notches.

Approximately 2 hours before you begin laying tiles, prime the surface with a penetrating primer. Be sure to mark the wall. If this is not done, there is a high probability that the tile backsplash in the kitchen will be laid unevenly, resulting in a less than ideal picture.

Marking is carried out taking into account the dimensions kitchen set. Mark the bottom and top lines on the wall, between which the tile backsplash will be laid in the kitchen. It is recommended to select the height based on the use of whole tiles. The trim should extend slightly beyond the edge of the countertop. For greater convenience, take a special guide profile or wooden strip and secure it along the bottom edge. The first row of ceramic tiles will rest on this strip. Additionally, this will ensure horizontal rows.

If you have never laid tiles in the kitchen before, before starting work, additionally mark the backsplash using horizontal and vertical lines. This will allow you to control the placement of the ceramic tiles.

Before you start laying a tile backsplash in the kitchen, you should choose adhesive composition. The result and quality of the finished surface largely depend on the quality of this composition. Before preparing the mixture or using the finished composition, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions. As a rule, recommendations from different manufacturers are practically the same. The glue must be prepared immediately before installing a tile backsplash in the kitchen. To do this, you need to take a clean container of suitable volume, pour water into it, add the dry component, and then mix the mixture thoroughly. You need to stir until all the lumps disappear. Next you will need to take construction mixer or a drill with an appropriate attachment and stir the mixture until it turns into a homogeneous mass. Leave the solution for 10-15 minutes and stir again.

Prepare only enough mixture that you can use it within a few hours of preparation.

If you have never laid tiles in the kitchen before, prepare the adhesive in small portions. In the future, it will not be possible to dilute the dried composition with water.

The production and appearance of ceramic tiles have now been refined, but the popularity of ceramics has remained the same over the centuries.

What is so good about ceramic tiles?

versatility of application - from decorating a fireplace to a balcony, kitchen, building facades;
choice of color, size and shape to suit every taste;
resistance to various aggressive substances;
moisture-resistant, heat-resistant;
strength and durability;
it is easy to care for;
made from natural raw materials.

Relevance of tiles on walls

Thanks to the listed positive properties of tiles, use in the kitchen will be the right decision. Diversity color range, texture and size, this material fits into the interior of any style - from country to minimalism. The tile will protect from water, hot steam, and oil splashes during cooking. An apron along the work surfaces will be nice and clean, as the tiles are easy to keep clean.

What tiles can be installed in the kitchen?

Any ceramic tile can be used in the kitchen to decorate walls and kitchen backsplashes. To avoid mistakes when choosing, follow the recommendations of professionals:

tiles are chosen after you have decided on the style and color scheme kitchen set and other kitchen interior elements;
buy tiles with a margin of 10-15% in case of damage during installation or cutting;
The required number of tiles is calculated by the master who will lay them. The salesperson in the showroom does not see the walls and features of the space, the calculation will turn out to be inaccurate;
The size of the tile is selected to match the size of the apron. Large format ceramics look like a loser in a small kitchen.

For an apron, tiles are often used:

Size 10x10. Requires less trimming, easier to install if there are many corners and curves of the surface.
Clinker tiles, or boar. Suitable for any style - loft, classic, country, art deco, minimalism and other styles.
Real mosaic from 1x1 cm to 5x5 cm, or imitation with recesses that create the effect of seams between the mosaic pieces.
Medium format tiles – 15x15, 20x20, 20x30, 25x30 cm.

If the interior features or the size of the room require other options, feel free to choose what suits you.

A bold decision, for example, would be to decorate the walls with photo tiles. This is a ceramic tile, made individually, with a printed photograph.

DIY technique options

Tiles are laid on the walls different ways. Most often used:

“seam to seam” - the tiles are laid in rows strictly one above the other, this is a classic method of laying;
“in a running motion” - the second row of tiles is shifted in relation to the first so that the seams between the tiles of the second row are above the center of the tiles of the first row, this is repeated in each subsequent row;
“diagonally” is a labor-intensive method that requires careful marking of diagonals and trimming of tiles;
“chess” - combine tiles of two contrasting colors;
“modular grid” - use three or more tiles of different shapes and sizes, distributing them randomly horizontally and vertically.

The tiles are laid using one of these methods; sometimes a combination of methods is used in one room, highlighting different zones with this design.

A certain method of laying tiles will help you visually adjust the size of the room.

How to glue ceramic tiles to a kitchen wall

Laying ceramic tiles for different rooms and surfaces has common principles:

A laying plan is drawn up. The required number of tiles is calculated, taking into account trimming and breaking.
Prepare the walls for laying.
Remove old coatings. If necessary, the walls are leveled. Then they prime for better adhesion (adhesion) of the tiles to the wall.
Next, we begin laying the tiles.

How to lay an apron

First, determine the height of the apron. This space from the countertop of the kitchen unit to the wall cabinets is 60-70 cm. To avoid unnecessary trimming, the height of the apron is adjusted, and a whole tile looks better than halves.

The first row of tiles is launched 2-3 cm below the level work surface. The last row is launched under wall cabinets at the same distance.

Laying technology:

On the prepared wall, using a level, draw a horizontal line for the beginning of the first row. Under this line they attach to the wall metallic profile or wooden block. This support will not allow the tile to slide down under its own weight.
Laying the tiles begins from the middle of the wall, from the most prominent central place, moving from the center to the edges.
The adhesive solution is mixed immediately before installation. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Pour the dry component into the water and stir until smooth. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Mix again.
Using a notched spatula, apply the adhesive solution to the wall or tile, whichever is more convenient. Place it on the wall, resting the bottom edge on the profile, and press evenly. Rubber mallet tap to allow excess air to escape.
Mounting crosses are placed at the upper and lower corners of the tiles, which regulate the thickness of the seam.

Are tile joints necessary? Yes. When the tiles expand from elevated temperatures, they protect against cracking. They also compensate for inaccuracies in tile sizes.

Apply glue to the next tile. Repeat the steps as with the first. The entire first row is laid out in this way. Don't forget about the crosses between the fragments.
After gluing ten tiles, remove excess glue with a damp cloth. If this is not done, the dried solution will be difficult to remove.
The second row begins after the first has completely dried. This is in a day.
Having finished gluing all the rows, allow the masonry to dry. Then they tap it with a mallet, looking for a dull sound that speaks of emptiness. Such an element is removed and re-glued, carefully applying the adhesive composition to the tile.
The next step is to wipe the tiles from any remaining adhesive and begin grouting the joints with a fugue. Don't forget to remove the crosses.
Use a silicone spatula to fill vertical and horizontal joints with grout. An hour later, after the fugue has dried, the seams are trimmed.
Having completed filling the joints, allow two hours for the grout to dry completely. Remains of the fugue are removed with sweeping movements using a kitchen sponge. Wipe with a dry cloth, only then wash. This will leave fewer grout marks.

Don't forget to unscrew the support profile.

How to stick on a flat wall

If tiling work is to be done on smooth walls, then there are no special styling secrets. It is enough to prime the walls and then follow the instructions for laying the tiles.

How to properly glue to concrete without leveling

Concrete surfaces usually do not require leveling. But it has low adhesion. For good adhesion, a metal plaster mesh is attached to the concrete surface.

The second method is when laying ceramics on concrete, the surface is carefully primed with “Betonokontakt”. The product dries in 12-18 hours. Then they begin tiling work.

How to put on drywall

Plasterboard walls are primed before gluing the tiles.

The only difference between laying tiles on a gypsum plasterboard surface is that the layer of adhesive mortar should be as thin as possible. This is to reduce the stress on the drywall.

The second difference is that after gluing, the tile cannot be removed or adjusted. When dismantling, the ceramics will come off along with a piece of drywall. Glue the tiles immediately and carefully.

High-quality tools and the use of a special adhesive solution will speed up the process of laying tiles.

If, when laying ceramics, the adhesive solution is applied to a wall with an area equal to 3-4 tiles, the process will speed up. All that remains is to take the fragments and press them against the wall one by one.

The Raimondi Levelling System special clamps help to fasten several tiles together, while aligning them in the same plane. With these wedges and clamps, the tiles do not need to be leveled.

When decorating your kitchen walls with ceramics, take care to combine them with other finishing materials, furniture, and accessories. Buy material from trusted suppliers, follow installation recommendations, and the result will be cozy interior, pleasing to the eye and soul.

Useful video

A modern kitchen is distinguished not only by a large number of devices that make the housewife’s work easier - its main feature is a well-thought-out interior. It is the combination of a number of factors that makes staying in this room pleasant. Can a person cooking be in a bad mood because of grease splattered on the wall? Yes, if this surface is not protected by anything. Not everyone can afford to tile the entire kitchen, but many people can afford to make an apron.

What is an apron? This is closed to various decorative material Part working wall– between the table with the stove and the cabinets. In this article we will tell you how to lay a tile backsplash in the kitchen.

Benefits of using backsplash tiles

As already mentioned, for an apron can be used various materials, but tiles are the most practical.

It will reliably protect the wall.
It has high strength.
This facing material wear-resistant.
It is not afraid of moisture and grease inherent in the kitchen.
This environmentally friendly coating allows you to create an attractive design.
You can easily remove almost any dirt from the tiles.

Where to begin

If furniture is installed, measure the distance from the top of the countertop to the bottom of the cabinets so you can calculate the number of tiles required. Most often it is within 60–80 cm, but a few more tiles may need to be laid above the slab.

Having calculated the required number of tiles, you can go to the store. Since you will need Consumables and tools, check the list to see if you have everything. We will need:

tile;
crosses (there are different sizes, but the most popular is 2 mm);
primer for walls;
tile adhesive (at the rate of 6–7 kg per 1 m2);
waterproof grout for joints;
primer for grouting;
rubber spatula (for working with grout);
regular spatula;
spatula with comb;
roulette;
building level (bubble);
electric drill with mixer attachment;
tile cutter (if necessary);
SD profile.

If the walls are not cleaned, the tiles will not have reliable adhesion to the wall and may fall off.

If this is not a new building, then you will need to clean the wall of paint or paint. This will require some tools and devices applicable to the specific case. Let us consider in more detail the type of coating applied and the method of its removal.

Wallpaper . To remove them you will need a bucket of warm water and a handful of washing powder. Cuts are made chaotically on the wallpaper, and then the entire surface is generously moistened with the prepared liquid. After some time, the wallpaper will become wet and can be removed with a narrow spatula.
Tile. You will need a hammer drill with a spatula attachment (or a hammer and chisel). The direction of impact must be directed under the tile, otherwise the plaster may be knocked off. Protective equipment is definitely needed, since impacts cause the tiles to crumble, and these small and sharp fragments fly in different directions.
Dye. Depending on how firmly it holds, you will need various instrument. This could be a narrow spatula, a scraper, a hair dryer, or even a hammer drill with a spatula.
Nabely. The easiest way to remove the stains is with a spatula, scraping off the applied layer. The work is dusty, so you can soak them with soapy water; stick newspapers on and then peel them off; clean with a vacuum cleaner (not a household one).
Plaster. The existing plaster may be of very poor quality, since the builders “forgot” to put the required amount of cement in it. You can often strengthen a fragment of a wall intended for tiles by applying a strengthening impregnation for plaster to it. If this option is not suitable, then it is better to remove the layer of plaster from the entire wall until solid foundation and plaster again.

Some owners decided to remove the plaster from only the part of the wall where the tiles will be laid, and then finish it flush with the remaining coating. It must be taken into account that the layer of plaster may not be the same in different places.

Which tile to choose

Large tiles are easier to work with. Most often, elements of 20x30 cm are used to make an apron, but this is not the rule. Some people like small tiles, others like large ones, and others like mosaics. Some people like glossy tiles, while others like matte ones. The list can be continued for a very long time, but it is better to look at the photo at the end of the article and choose the option you like.

Preparatory work and masonry

It is best when the apron is made at the stage of kitchen renovation, but some owners decide to correct this mistake at the stage of operation of the room. For this reason, when explaining how to lay tiles, we will start with the preparatory work.

Draw a line on the wall along the top of the countertop and the bottom edge of the cabinets.
You need to move the cabinets away from the wall and remove them. They need to be taken out or at least moved away enough so that they do not interfere with work, but in this case the furniture remaining in the kitchen needs to be covered (for example, plastic film), protecting it from dust.
Now the drawn lines are clearly visible on the wall. Measure the distance from them to the floor and write down this data. If the furniture is new, then these steps are not necessary. Please note that if you do not have a special order, the tabletop in the purchased furniture is at a height of 86 cm, so it is better to start laying tiles at a distance of 84 cm from the floor.
So, we fix the profile at a given height, checking with a level that its position is horizontal. If the apron is on the side wall, then you need to immediately perform a similar operation there too.
Using a tape measure, find the middle of the wall and put a mark in this place - this is where the first tile will be laid.
Don’t rush to start gluing tiles right away. First, do a fitting by laying out the prepared facing material on the profile. Once you do this, you will see how to use the marked point - it will be in the middle of the tile or on the edge. It may happen that a few millimeters are not enough to reach the edge of the wall, in which case you can use wider crosses.

Now you need to prepare the surface. If the wall has not yet been primed, then do so.
After some time, you need to apply a thin layer of purchased glue to a small surface of the wall, then apply the composition to the tile with a comb spatula and glue it to the wall. Thanks to such actions, the tile will not bounce off the surface.
Check the position of the tile with a level, and before the glue sets, level it. Glue the rest of the tiles in the same order.
If the tiles need to be trimmed, do it with a tile cutter, since it is very difficult to make an even cut with a grinder.
After gluing every 8–10 pieces of tile, you need to remove traces of glue from it by wiping the surface with a damp sponge.
Since the apron protrudes beyond the wall, its edges can be sealed with putty.
After a day, you can remove the crosses from the seams. If they are difficult to pull out, you can bend the edge of a bicycle spoke and use this device to pry them off.

The remaining adhesive between the tile seams must be immediately removed and the space cleaned.

Not everyone buys grout right away because they want to match it to the tiles. If you haven’t decided on a color yet, you can cut strips of colored paper and apply them to the seams one by one and see which one you like best.

The grout is sold in powder form or as a ready-made mixture, located in small buckets.

In most cases, you can purchase exactly what you need without any problems, but it is the grouting process that is difficult for many. Let's start in order.

Dilute a small amount of grout in a container from which it can be conveniently removed with a rubber spatula. Someone goes the other way, and first scoops up the mixture with a narrow metal spatula, and then removes it with a rubber one.
Fill the gap between adjacent tiles with the existing compound, leveling it with a rubber spatula.
Now you will need a bucket of warm water and a sponge.

After the grout has been applied, lightly wipe the seam with a wrung out sponge. Essentially, the applied mass is leveled with a sponge. If you apply a lot of force or wipe with an unwrung sponge, then most likely a large layer of grout will be removed and the whole job will have to be done again.
Remaining grout must be removed from the tiles. There will be some stains, but this is quite normal - after the decorative mass has hardened, the tiles can be easily washed.
On last stage the treated seams are impregnated with a special impregnation. It will protect the grout from moisture and grease penetrating into it.

Now all that remains is to clean up the kitchen and arrange the furniture.

First you need to hang the cabinets, because later it will be inconvenient.

By laying out a kitchen apron with your own hands, you will not only save money, but also receive moral satisfaction.

Video

After watching this video, you will understand even better how to lay out a tile backsplash in the kitchen yourself, evenly and beautifully:

Photo

Not everyone knows how to lay a tile backsplash in the kitchen. This is a very important stage of work, and it requires certain knowledge. Food is prepared in the kitchen, and home gatherings with family or guests are often held, so such a room should be comfortable and evoke a feeling of coziness. When designing, you should Special attention pay attention to how to make an apron in the kitchen. This is a special element of the room, which carries not only the function of decoration, but also protects the wall from all kinds of contamination. In the kitchen, the apron is usually made of tiles. This material is perfect for such facing work. The tile is durable, not subject to mechanical and chemical influences, and its diverse range allows it to be integrated into any kitchen design.

Along with the advantages of a tile apron, such renovation work are considered complex, so to perform them you should look for good specialist. But work good master will not be cheap, and many owners are increasingly thinking about how to make a kitchen apron from tiles themselves. The main condition is knowledge of all stages of work and the ability to apply your construction experience.

What is this article about?

Tools for work

Without availability the right tool It will be impossible to make an apron for the kitchen. This condition should be taken into account in advance. If you don’t have something in your home workshop, you need to either buy it or rent it.

Tools required for work:

Level.
Rule.
Corner.
A set of spatulas, which includes 2 spatulas with a straight blade for applying putty, a notched spatula for applying the adhesive mixture to the surface of the tile and a rubber spatula for rubbing joints.
Drill with a whisk attachment for mixing the mixture. This tool is used to carry out all subsequent work for laying tiles with your own hands.
For minor works You will need a grinder, a hammer, a bucket, and a brush.

Preparatory work

In order to properly lay tiles in the kitchen, certain preparation of the base is required. This stage of work is of very serious importance, since if all conditions for preparing the foundation are not met, all subsequent work may fail prematurely. As a result, it will be necessary to carry out repair work again, and this, in turn, will entail additional costs of time and money. Few people want to do the same job twice, so when preparing the foundation there is no need to rush and save on materials.

At this stage of work it is necessary to level the surface onto the apron. To do this, you need to make a control using a rule and a level and look at the walls for irregularities. When applying the rule with a level to the wall, you should see the position of the bubble exactly in the middle of the flask, which indicates an even plane. If there are large deviations, then the surface must be leveled. The next step is to check the base for defects. It often happens that when leveling the surface, the material is applied to old plaster, which has peeled off in some places on the wall. This is strictly prohibited, as the surface may crumble. To prevent this from happening, such places must be knocked out to the bare wall and a new layer of plaster applied. You should carefully inspect the entire surface so that there is no hint of a poor-quality connection of the plaster to the wall. It is advisable to do this on all walls where the apron will be held.

You can level the surface using the following materials, which are used in construction specifically for the following purposes:

Sand plaster. This material is used in cases where the surface has significant deviations, but only in some places (differences up to 3 cm). Positive quality cement-sand mixture is what it is cheap material and he is always available.
Starting putty. It is used in cases where deviations from the surface are insignificant (differences up to 1 cm). This material is also easy to work with, which makes it often used.
Drywall. Leveling the surface using drywall is done in case of significant deviations (from 3 cm over the entire surface). But, as a rule, such cases are rare, and the use of plasterboard is not so in demand for an apron in the kitchen. In most cases, leveling with plasterboard is carried out along the entire plane of the wall.

As soon as the surface is cleaned, it must be covered with primer mixtures and wait until completely dry. After which you need to plaster or putty the surface to the required evenness. Control is carried out using the same level and rules. Plastering can be done along the beacons, which will greatly simplify the work. Drying of the applied material depends on individual conditions, as well as on the thickness of the layer. After drying, the surface must be primed again.

Sequence of work

After all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin laying the apron tiles. The main difficulty is that the apron tiles will be laid in a vertical position. The tiles must be laid from bottom to top. First you need to calculate and mark the location of the first row of tiles. Referring to the design sketch of the room, mark the places where cabinets and other equipment will be installed. kitchen furniture. The tile must be placed so that it extends 2 cm under the furniture at both the top and bottom. This is done to prevent moisture from getting on back walls cabinets

To make work easier, along the marked line of the first row you need to attach wooden slats along the entire length of the apron. It will provide reliable support for the tiles and protect them from distortion until the adhesive mixture dries. After which you need to lay out all the tiles on the floor to ensure their quality.

Direct work begins with preparing a small amount of adhesive mixture. The mixture is applied to the tiles using a notched trowel, which ensures an even layer of application. When laying the first tile, you need to make sure it is level. To do this you need to use a level. Then the entire subsequent row is laid out. Plastic stars must be installed between the tiles. They serve to maintain the accuracy of the thickness of the seams. This is necessary, as uneven seams will look extremely unattractive. After laying the first row, you need to pause work for a day so that the adhesive mixture under the tile can set, after which you can remove the slats that are installed below. It is important to remember that the seams between the tiles are not filled until the entire backsplash is laid out.

All subsequent rows are laid in a similar manner following the example of the first row to the full height. When laying out a backsplash in the kitchen, you should also control the tile pattern. After laying all the rows, the joints are grouted. This is done using a special mixture, which is sold separately. Its color is selected based on the required design conditions. Rubber spatula The grout for the joints is pushed into the seams, after which its remains on the tile are wiped off with a wet rag.