#Stainless Steel Kitchen Backsplash

Accent tile

You can mix different patterns and sizes.

Stainless steel tile is available from several online sources. Once you find a tile size and style you like, decide on an installation pattern. You can combine different shapes to form a design or install the tiles in a traditional stacked or subway style like ours. Most stainless steel tiles have a backing that makes them easy to install. Some even have a peel-and-stick back. You can choose from cork, hardboard and cement board backing. Cork is good for backsplash installations. Use cement board in wet areas like showers.

Photo 1: Try out the layout

Hang the tiles with masking tape to determine the best layout. By shifting the tiles to the left or right, you can avoid cutting small slices of tile to fill in at the ends.

Before you get started, find a long straight board or metal straightedge and use it to determine whether the walls in the backsplash area are flat. If the walls have humps or depressions, the tile will be uneven. For a great-looking job, you should fix these problems now, either by filling in the low spots with a layer of joint compound or by filling alongside humps and feathering them out to make them less pronounced.

Next, plan the installation to avoid skinny tile cuts if possible. Photo 1 shows one method. You can also make a scale drawing and sketch the layout on paper, or make a template of your backsplash with butcher paper or cardboard and lay the tiles over it. The idea is to adjust the layout for the most pleasing look.

It's dangerous to work around live outlets with metal tiles. Before you begin the installation, turn off the power to the kitchen outlets and lights at the main electrical panel. We removed the outlets and switches in the backsplash area and capped the wires because we planned to replace the ivory-colored devices with gray ones. If you plan to keep the same outlets and switches, wrap two layers of wide blue painter's tape around the entire device to cover the face and terminal screws. Then twist the device so that you can push it partially into the box where it will be out of the way. Leave the power turned off while you install the tiles.

Before you reinstall the outlets and switches, add box extensions to bring the face of the electrical box flush to the face of the tile. You'll find plastic box extensions at home centers and hardware stores.

Glue the tiles to the wall

Photo 2: Go light on the glue