One of the easiest ways to change a room is to change something dramatic. I love to find dyi projects around the house that are cost efficient and improve my room dramatically. The latest project I am elbow deep in, so to speak is a new tile back splash in my master bathroom. This is an easy project and anyone can do it.

The best thing about dyi projects, do it yourself projects is that you cut out all your labor costs. Some people are $10.00 an hour some are more like $25.00 an hour. When I can take a few hours in my evening time to do this project I can save myself a bundle of money. Being a dyi nut doesn't hurt either.

My Dad always said, "If you want something done right do it yourself." Between that and the idea of saving untold amounts of money I set out to make an elegant back splash that will enhance what my master bath has to offer. With a jacuzzi tub and flat panel television on the wall I had a lot to live up to. I am here ready for yet another challenge this time the walls above the two sinks in the master bath are a wee bit to plain Jane for my liking. I set out to create not only a new look that is a bit more inviting and relaxing but also I needed something to catch all the stray water that seems to get on the wall above the sink in the everyday grind.

I want to stay with the colors in the bathroom so I decided to go with the tumbles stone that is connected with a mess backing. Not only did this save me time it saved me money on the spacers as well because it is already spaced for you. 

The level of difficulty for this project can range from very easy all the way up to pro. I am not an expert I will say that right off the bat. I love short cuts as long as they do not risk the long term quality of the project. Right from the beginning you have to sit down and figure out how much tile as well as other needed supplies you are going to need.

Often times you can get hit with a more costly project that you expected due to not planning every cost involved. Planning to me is the a number one step that can make or break a tile back splash or any home improvement project for that matter.

There are so many tiles to chose from it can be hard to decide what color or type to go with. One of the best tips I have been told is look at other tiled areas online or in the local home improvement stores to get some great color and texture ideas for your new back splash. I used tumbled stone travertine you can use whatever you chose but I love the look of tumbled stone. I love warm earth tones so that is what I work with most often. 

Items on your list

Caulking

Ceramic or in my case tumbled stone tiles

bucket of Tile adhesive

A Notched trowel

A package of Tile spacers

Tile cutter

Grout color of your choice I like dark

Grout float or spatula

Sponge 

1. Measure your area, find & mark the center of your area. Cut out any electrical outlets etc. that will save you some time in the long run.

2. Plan your pattern out & pre-cut the tiles you may need to cut for your pattern. I am using a meshed tile square that is already spaced for me. I used tile mastic, instead of thin-set mortar to adhere the tile to a vertical space. Using a sweeping motion with your trowel apply your mastic to the wall. Continue across until you get a small area you can work with. Using the notched side of your towel smooth out the mortar and add groves to it in each direction. This will help to hold you tiles into place. 

3. Begin to place your tiles in your desired pattern, make sure you add your spacers as you go. Unless of course you have a pre-spaced tile attached with the mesh backing.

4. You can finish off the edges with bull nose tiles if you like. You can also leave the edges as I have. Once you have completed your area let your adhesive dry over night.

5. Once your mortar has dried follow your directions to mix the grout. Using your grout float work from one side to the other to add grout to each section. Hold your grout trowel at a 45 degree angle. When you begin to applying the grout to your tiles make sure you try to pack it into the joints as deeply as possible. Leave the seams next to the counter and cabinets as well. Gentley wipe your tiles as clean as you can you will have a thin haze over them but that will wipe off easily after the grout has dried. Allow your grout to dry over night.

6. Once the grout has dried fully wipe it down using a wet sponge and rinse then repeat a few times within a few hours to make sure you get the film off rinsing your sponge often as you wipe. You can buff the tiles once you are done with a soft cloth. Last but certainly not least you can use your caulking to go around the edges of your tiles to finish them off. Let the caulking dry and then enjoy your great new back splash.

Next it's on to painting the master bath.