Aside from their aesthetic value, a backsplash is highly useful for preventing water, oil, and other liquids from damaging walls. So, if you’re wondering whether a backsplash would look good or not on those uneven walls you’re stuck with, here’s what we think.
You can put a backsplash on uneven walls, but they are best suited for surfaces that are smooth and even. To install a backsplash on an uneven surface, it is necessary to attempt to even out the wall to your best ability, to avoid difficulties during the process.
In this guide, we’ll answer all of your questions about installing a backsplash on uneven walls, the tools you’ll need, the preparatory steps to take, and the installation process.
Can You Put Backsplash On Uneven Wall?
When done cleverly, you can put a backsplash on uneven walls. However, to ensure a smooth installation, we recommend you first even out the wall.
There are two main methods to achieve an even wall:
- The plaster method
- The backer boards method
Using either of these methods allows you to properly put backsplashes on your uneven wall surface without the need for any major renovation or reconstruction on your wall.
While the plastering method involves filling in cracks and holes using a compound filler and a trowel to flatten them out, the backer board method involves screwing a backer board into the wall to provide a flat and even surface for tiling.
Should You Put Backsplash On Uneven Wall?
You shouldn’t put backsplashes on uneven walls but if you must, be strategic and careful so that it doesn’t appear distorted and unprofessional when finished.
Since you’ll be working on an uneven surface, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter some problems before, during, and after installation. Some of these problems may include the following:
Problem 1: Bowing Effect from Unevenness
While you may be able to place the tiles on the wall with little to no difficulty, gravity will eventually loosen up and drag them down, due to the bowing on the wall.
Problem 2: Shortened Lifespan of Backsplash
The spaces or gaps on the uneven wall that are loosely attached to the backsplash would naturally give way for air to circulate beneath the backsplash. This results in a shorter lifespan compared to an even wall surface.
Problem 3: Difficulty Fixing the Unevenness
Fixing an uneven wall can be difficult, especially for first-timers. To pull this off, you can use one of these three common methods: plastering, leveling, or the backer board.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Backsplash On Uneven Wall?
Backsplashes come in a variety of materials and sizes, and which one you choose depends on your style. The following tools, however, are essential to ensure a smooth installation of backsplash on uneven wall:
- Measuring tape
- A clean damp cloth
- Tiles
- Tile cutter/nipper
- Tile spacers (optional)
- Tile adhesive
- Cardboard/sheets
- Rubber float
- Notched trowel
- Level
- Utility knife
- Grout sponge
- Safety goggles and gloves
What Preparations Do You Need To Install Backsplash On Uneven Wall?
To prepare your uneven wall for tiling, follow these steps to avoid complications during installation:
Step 1. Clean the wall surface to remove dust and debris with a bucket, soap, and a washcloth. Allow it to dry.
Step 2. Identify and mark uneven areas of the wall using a straight edge to slide over the wall.
Step 3. Smooth and level the uneven areas using either the leveling, plastering, or backer board method.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 14, 2022.
Step 4. Decide what type of tile you want and accurately measure your backsplash area.
Step 5. Get your tools and materials ready for installation.
How To Install Backsplash On Uneven Wall
Here are the steps to take to ensure that that backsplash and uneven wall installation process does not end up as a disaster:
Step 1: Measure Your Space
After cleaning the wall, the next step is to measure the area you wish to use for your backsplash. This step determines how much material you need to fill your backsplash area.
To help with this, you’ll need a measuring tape to measure the height and width of your workspace.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 14, 2022.
Step 2: Layout Your Tile Pattern
Laying out your tile design near your work area lets you see how your backsplash will look once it is completed. It’s also useful for ensuring the tiles fit before glueing them to the wall.
Step 3: Cut Your Tiles
If you find out that some tiles don’t fit, measure and cut them using a tile cutter to fit your design template. When doing this, it is crucial to ensure safety by wearing protective gloves and goggles.
Step 4: Mix and Apply Your Adhesive
Carefully mix and apply your adhesive to the backsplash area with a trowel. Do this in patches so it doesn’t dry out before you can put a tile on it. To ensure that your tile stays in place, run the notches of your trowel along the adhesive to create ridges.
Step 5: Start Laying Your Tiles
After applying adhesive, start placing the tiles on the wall, working your way up from the bottom corner. This step should be taken with caution because it will decide how nicely your backsplash turns out.
Step 6: Apply the Grout
After allowing the tiles to dry for at least 24 hours, put grout between the tiles to fill voids and make the bond between tiles stronger. Apply with a rubber float and clean up with a damp sponge.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 14, 2022.