LKN Cabinets » LKN Cabinets and Remodeling

Glass Tile Kitchen Backsplash

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:19:48 +0000

Submitted from www.homeremodeling.com By:Tara Dodrill

Tara Dodrill began writing professionally in 1990. She is a travel writer and photographer working for print and online media, primarily covering Florida, ecotourism and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her writing credits include RUMBUM, Yahoo News, Visit South magazine,and North Carolina Coastal Guide. She studied journalism and education at Ohio University and real estate at Hondros College.

SUPPLIES

Glass tile
Tile adhesive
Tape measure or yardstick
Camera
Tile cutter
Grout, optional

Overview

A glass tile backsplash is both an attractive and a durable option for updating a kitchen. Glass tiles come in a multitude of colors, patterns and shapes. They are available in solid and metallic finishes, which can be used in combination with each other for a more intriguing look. You can even paint your own design onto unfinished glass tiles, then seal them with clear protectant. Once you’ve decided on your glass tile, follow these simple steps to install it.

How to Install a Glass Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Step 1

Measure the area to be tiled in square feet. By determining the size of the space, you can calculate the number of tiles you will need. Buy extra tiles, just in case a tile is chipped or broken during installation.

Step 2

Scouring the backsplash area is a tedious, but important second step in a glass tile kitchen project. The area should be completely clear of oil and grease. Repair paint, plaster or drywall that is chipping or showing wear as well.

Step 3

Arrange the tiles on a table, counter or the floor to visualize how the pattern will actually look. What often seems like an eye-catching design in theory, may have to be adjusted to fill the space properly. Once you’re satisfied with the design, take a photo of the pattern for reference before permanently adhering the tiles to the kitchen wall.

Step 4

Attach the tiles to the wall with sturdy, thinly applied adhesive. Use a tile cutter to shave the the sides for a better fit. Home improvement stores sell and rent tile cutting machines and stock a variety adhesive products. Strong Stick, made by DAP, is a highly effective adhesive. Very little glue is needed to affix tile to the wall. After applying Strong Stick, firmly hold the tile in place for 30 seconds and release. The tile can be repositioned at this point, and will dry smooth and clear.

Step 5

Grout creates a traditional look for kitchen tile; you can be buy it at home improvement stores. Spread grout completely over the tiles and let sit for approximately 20 minutes. After the grout has cured, wipe off the excess with a dry or slightly damp towel. You can skip the step of grouting glass tile if you want a more modern, sleeker look in your kitchen.

Resources

“What does granite cost for kitchen counters? Can I afford the cost of granite?”

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:36:24 +0000

By Lee Wallender, About.com Guide

Granite Countertops

Question: “What does granite cost for kitchen counters? Can I afford the cost of granite?”

How much does granite cost for kitchen counters? I know that you’re looking for the quick answer, not a long, qualified answer. But please bear with me here…

Answer: Granite is the big thing. Drive by any Home Depot and they have a huge slab of granite countertop propped up on the sidewalk to entice customers.Let’s not go into the pros and cons of granite over other types of countertop materials. Let’s just assume that you have already made the decision to “go granite.”

Is This a Granite Tile Countertop?

To save money, many homeowners install granite tiles on their countertops. Rather than using mortar and grout, these tiles are butted up edge-to-edge and affixed with epoxy. Essentially, these are floor tiles used for counter purposes. While inexpensive, this is an imperfect, not-so-high-end install because you typically want to limit the number of seams you have on kitchen counters. But again: cheap.About $4.00 per square foot, for black granite 3/8″ thick, materials only.

Is This Modular Granite?

A big step up from the DIY granite tile method described above, modular granite is made especially for motivated DIY’ers. Modular granite “thinks ahead” to what you will need in installing granite: bullnoses, backsplashes, etc. Seams are narrower, less apparent. Slabs address things like corners.About $25 per square foot and up.

Is This Slab Granite?

Slab granite is the highest of the high end. As the name implies, this countertop material comes in giant slabs that are fabricated off-site (away from your home) and brought in. Slab granite installation is never a DIY job, so you must always figure in the high cost of professional installation. Transportation is costly, too, because of the dimensions of the material.You will find companies claiming to install slab granite for $30 per square foot, but a more realistic figure doubles that to:

About $60 per square foot or more installed.

Cabinet Designs: The Recessed Panel Door

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:39:22 +0000

After the Slab Door, the next most common door style is the Recessed Panel door. Simply put, this is a door where the center panel “goes in.” Here’s a very common example of a recessed panel door – the “Shaker” door:

Depending upon the wood type and hardware you choose, this door style can be used in either a more contemporary look:

Or a more classic oldworld or farmhouse look:

Or, somewhere inbetween: