By Kim Brown, Tulsa World, Okla.
Sep. 15–Metallics aren’t just for your shoes and handbags anymore.
As with most trends, the shiny metal-influenced hues of the runway have made their way into home decor accessories. For fall, metallics are everywhere, and copper is a timeless color that will add a modern look to your home.
From door handles to small and even large appliances, copper in the kitchen has extended far beyond those pots hanging from the rack.
If you’re looking for a fast and relatively inexpensive way to change the look of your kitchen, try copper on for size as a beautiful backsplash. Tin tiles are available in many colors, finishes and patterns and are a fashionable way to redress your kitchen.
Here is a how-to guide to add the backsplash from “The Home Depot Decorating Projects 1-2-3: Add Style to your Home with 50 Step-by-Step Projects,” (Meredith Books, 2007).
Tin Tile Backsplash
Time to complete: Eight hours for the experienced do-it-yourselfer; 10 hours for those who consider themselves handy; and 12 hours for a novice.
Tools: Tape measure, pencil, handsaw, hammer, heavy gloves, tin snips or large heavy scissors, drill
Materials: Furring strips, tin tile, finishing nails, copper nails, epoxy glue
1. Measure backsplash height. Measure from the counter to the base of the upper cabinets for the backsplash height. Continue measuring around the trim pieces and cupboards.
2. Mark furring strips. Furring strips are attached to the wall along the perimeter of the tiles. The tiles are nailed onto them. Transfer the backsplash height and other measurements to the furring strips.
3. Cut furring strips. Using a handsaw, cut the longest furring strips first. Wait to cut the remaining pieces until you have attached some of them to the wall and have checked measurements for the remaining pieces.
4. Install furring strips. Beginning with the longest pieces, nail the furring strips to the wall along the perimeter of the backsplash area. The position of the furring strips doesn’t have to be exact because the tin tile will cover them.
5. Measure for additional furring strips. Take new measurements for the remaining furring strips. Mark and cut the pieces.
6. Mark tile for cutting. Before cutting any tin tile, check the measurements you made for the furring strips. Measurements need to be accurate to avoid gaps between the tin tiles and adjoining surfaces. Before transferring the measurements to the tile, plan how cuts will interrupt the tile pattern. Overlap any connecting pieces so the pattern matches for a seamless look. Transfer cutting marks to the tile using a marker.
7. Cut tin tiles. Wearing heavy gloves and using tin snips, cut the tin tile along the marks. Take care to cut accurately to avoid gaps and uneven edges once you install the tiles.
8. Mark for cutouts. Measure and mark the location of outlets, switches, and other obstructions in the backsplash area. Transfer the measurements to the tile.
9. Drill pilot hole. Drill a pilot hole anywhere inside the area to be cut out. Make the pilot hole large enough so you can get part of the tin snips into it. If you don’t have a large enough bit, you can drill more than one hole to create a larger space for the tin snips.
10. Cut hole in tile. Insert one blade of the tin snips into the pilot hole and cut out the area for the outlet or other obstruction. Don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfect. The switch plate or outlet cover will hide uneven cuts.
11. Nail tiles in place. Nail tin tiles into place with matching nails. Drive nails along the edges of the tiles into the furring strips. Overlap adjoining tiles to line up the pattern for a seamless look and to avoid gaps between tiles.
URL: http://www.remodelingmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=149&articleID=573685
