You have picked out a beautiful Granite kitchen countertop. Now you

need a great looking backsplash. What can you do?

You could hire a professional designer, design your backsplash. That could

cost a lot of money.

How about the guy at work who installs tile part time. He assures you, "Sure

I can do that, trust me"

Having worked with hundreds of people create their very own kitchen

countertop backsplashes, these are some of the ways a few people choose to

have a new backsplash. In this article I will show you how to design your own

backsplash the way you want it to look. It is quite easy.

First, design each backsplash wall individually. By this I mean select a wall

above the countertop and figure out the design you want to attain. Many

older kitchens are shaped like a U. Meaning the window and sink are in the

back of the U and the two sides are cabinets and countertops. Design the

window, sink wall last.

Step two. Measure the length of the left wall in inches. Tile sizes are in

inches or metric .Makes estimating quantities easier when measuring in

inches. A backsplash with a solid surface stone countertop will generally

measure 17 to 18 inches from bottom of cabinet to top of countertop.

Decide what size tile to use. Most common are 4x4, 6x6, 3x6 and 12x12.

Go to a tile store and get various sizes to help determine what sizes you like.

Ask this question of yourself. Do I want the tile set on a diagonal or straight

pattern. Keep in mind, a 6 inch tile on diagonal measures approximately

8 1/2 inches. A 17 inch high backsplash will take 2 six inch tile on diagonal,

filling all or nearly all of the space. A four inch tile on diagonal measures 6

inches, tip to tip. Therefore for a 17 inch backsplash will require 3 four inch

tiles on diagonal.

A six inch tile, installed on a straight pattern, requires 3 tiles for a 17 inch

backsplash. 4 four inch tile are required for a 17 inch backsplash. Most

common grout line is 1/4 inch grout line.

The use of inserts add to the overall look of the backsplash. Generally use a 2

inch insert with a six inch tile. A 1 inch insert with a four inch tile. Placement

of inserts is a matter of personal preference. Word of caution. Do not use to

many inserts. Inserts are only used to accent the tile design, not to be the focal

point.

Finish measuring the sink wall and other walls. Apply the same techniques on

ll walls except the sink wall . Between the window and the sink, the wall should

have no inserts. Only the tile pattern, be it diagonal or straight. The backsplash

on each side of the window can have inserts, but not to many. Extend the same

pattern used on the left wall for the remaining backsplash walls.

Using this method of laying out your backsplash helps you determine how

many tiles you will need. Allow 15% over the amount you need for cuts.

Example: 44 six inch tile, order 8 additional tiles.

Shopping for tile is now much easier. You have a good idea of the amount of

tile needed and how much the tile will cost. You are now the design master of

your countertop tile backsplash.