DIY Network

Glass Backsplash From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-408

In this last segment of the third "Rustic Contemporary" episode of four, host Paul Ryan and Darcy (homeowner) begin setting the glass tile using a procedure to hide the comb marks so it doesn't show through the glass. They also demonstrate how to cut glass tile with the wet saw.

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	It's hard to believe that this small, dated kitchen...
	is renovated into this spacious,...
	new cabinets, sparkling appliances and unique hardwood flooring!

Materials and Tools for Building a Frame Support for Sink --

Fabricated Sink
Silicone
2 x 4 lumber
4 x 4 lumber
Power drill
Tape measure
Speed square
Pencil
Hammer
Angle brackets
Screws

Materials and Tools for Countertop Installation --

Countertops
Tape
Putty knife
Glue
Suction cups
Silicone
Coloring pigment
Epoxy
Hardener
Caulk gun
Ruler
Pencil
Shim

Materials and Tools for Glass Tile Backsplash --

Glass tiles
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Adhesive
Wet saw with diamond blade
Dry cloth
Margin trowel
Spacers
Rubbing stone
3/16th" square notched trowel
Thinset

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Note: The homeowners are going with a couple of glass tile choices -- rectangular green and amber-bronze square (figure A).

Glass Backsplash

1. Lay out your tile and determine the pattern.

2. Mark the center of the backsplash area.

3. First, begin by applying thinset adhesive to the wall. You don't want to apply more than you can tile in five minutes.

4. Use the flat side of the trowel to apply a uniform layer of thinset (figure B).

5. Use a 3/16" square notched trowel and comb the thinset at a 45-degree angle. This will set the proper thickness of the adhesive.

6. Smooth over or "knock down" the thinset to get rid of the comb marks. Otherwise, you will see the comb marks through the glass tile. The trick is to do this without changing the depth of the thinset on the wall.

7. Use a dry cloth to wipe each tile clean.

8. Then with a margin trowel, apply thinset to the back of each tile (figure C). This is known as back buttering.

9. Set each tile in place making sure there are no air pockets in the thinset.

10. Give the tile a little wiggle to make sure it's set in place.

11. Use spacers to make sure the tiles are set in a uniform pattern.

12. To cut the glass tiles, use a wet saw with a diamond blade. A miter gauge holds the tile at the proper angle through the cut.

13. Use a rubbing stone to smooth out the edges. Be careful of the sharp edges with the glass.

14. The result is a beautiful glass tile pattern for the backsplash (figure D).

In this final "Rustic Contemporary" (4 of 4) episode things really come alive as Paul and the homeowners grout the backsplash. The high-tech appliances are installed and they use an airlifter to make moving the heavy fridge a breeze. The project is wrapped up by installing the period lighting and an all-in-one kitchen entertainment system.

RESOURCES :

Countertop and Sink Fabrication and Installation
Credit River Granite
Website: www.creditrivergranite.com

Marble Slab
Brand name: New Verde "G"
Color: Guatemalan Green
Midwest Tile, Marble and Granite
Website: www.midwesttile.com

Glass Tile for Backsplash
Product: Casa California 4 x 4 Field Tile
Color: Cane Irid. #006

Product: Haiku 2.5 x 5 Field Tile
Color: Equator Non-Irid. #137

Product: Terrain Canyon Liner
Color: Equator Non-Irid. #137
Oceanside Glasstile
Website: www.glasstile.com

GUESTS :

Steve Eckelman
President
Credit River Granite
Website: www.creditrivergranite.com

Paul McCabe
Vice President
Midwest Tile, Marble and Granite
Website: www.midwesttile.com