Use Laminate Flooring as a Durable, Easy to Clean Backsplash in Your Kitchen3/19/16 12:00pm Wood-paneled walls are all the rage these days. You can get that look in your kitchen, but for much less money if you use laminate flooring for your backsplash.That’s what Katie of the BowerPower blog did when renovating her kitchen. The flooring only cost $60 total to cover two walls, the laminate was easy to cut and install, and it’s really easy to clean. What more can you ask from a backsplash?Head to the link below for more instructions. Laminate Flooring Backsplash (It looks like WOOD!) | Vinyl floor tiles double as an attractive, modern backsplash. vinyl tile decorative outlet covers measuring tape craft paper/newspaper masking tape marker tile cutter or utility knife straight edge or ruler safe cutting surface level rolling pin screwdriver extra outlet cover screws 1. Take a tour of vinyl tile available at your local home or hardware store. The variety of looks is amazing.

Stay focused on peel and stick tile. This is the easiest tile to work with. Tip: Some tile options may need to be pre-ordered. 2. Bring home samples. Individual tile pieces are typically under $2 a piece. Reviewing them in your space makes the selection process much easier. Tip: The backsplash area is a perfect spot to introduce an accent color or to tie together your kitchen's design elements. Ford F150 Spare Tire For SaleKeep in mind pre-existing design elements like wood tones, metal tones and wall color.Need Help Moving Furniture Upstairs 3. Select new outlet covers. Reclaimed Wood Towel RackDecorative outlet covers are a great way to increase visual interest in your kitchen and maximize the effect of this project. Make a note of how many switch plates you'll need.

Tip: Be sure to include switch plates with multiple switches or oversized outlet covers. Knowing this information before you go to the store allows you to purchase with confidence. 4. Depending upon the amount of backsplash area you wish to cover, one or two boxes will be all you need for the project. It's always better to have extra material on hand. 5. Purchase your new outlet covers. Purchase extra screws that fit the outlet covers but are a longer than the ones included. The vinyl tile adds additional thickness, so having longer screws available makes life easier. 6. Clean the backsplash area thoroughly. The cleaner the surface, the better the adhesive will stick. A paper template allows you to pre-cut tiles before applying. 7. Create your template. Tape craft paper or newspaper together to make a complete template of the backsplash area. Lay your completed template out on your floor. Make sure you mark on the template all switch plates and electrical outlet locations.

8. Using your template, start laying tile pieces out on top of the template. You're not adhering the tile to the template, but creating a clear understanding of how the tile pieces will be placed on the wall. This simple step allows you to maximize the visual effect of your tile and establish where cutouts are needed. Use full tiles for as much of the backsplash as possible. 9. Remove all outlet covers or switch plates before installation. Score tiles with a tile cutter and snap off the excess. 10. Using a tile cutter or straight edge and a utility knife, cut your pieces as needed to fit within the backsplash area. This process is very simple because vinyl tile is easy to cut. Tip: Having extra tile takes the stress out of making these cuts. Once all the tile is in place, install your new outlet covers. Peel and stick tiles to create a backsplash. 11. Start adhering the tile toyour wall. Begin this process where the largest expanse of tile is shown. Typically this is over the sink area.

Critical step: Check with a level to ensure you're adhering the tile to the wall properly. 12. Use a rolling pin to press the tiles on the wall. The added pressure makes the adhesive stick better. Variations: There are other materials that are easy to install as a new backsplash. Cork tiles come in a wide variety of colors and are easy to cut. Pressed tin tiles are another option to review. Always review manufacturers' installation guidelines and materials lists. For more great backsplash ideas visit 8 Fresh Ideas for Kitchen Backsplashes.Spotlight32 Doable Projects to Freshen Your Kitchen See the full spotlight Next GalleryCan You Spot the 9 Kitchen Design Details That’ll Make You Fat?Need a durable, affordable countertop for your kitchen or bath? Install a laminate countertop to refresh your kitchen or bath’s appearance. You can build a laminate countertop  from scratch or purchase a pre-manufactured countertop, which is called a post-form countertop. Post-form countertops are made in standard-sized lengths and come pre-assembled complete with backsplash.

This project guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing a post-form laminate countertop. • When you measure for your countertop, be sure to include the counter overhang, which is usually between 3/4-1 inch in front and on open ends. • The point where two counters meet in a corner must be square. Make a mark 3 feet from the corner on one wall and 4 feet from the corner on the other wall. If the distance between marks isn't 5 feet, consider having a professional make and install a custom counter. • Measure twice for accuracy. • Always shut off water to the sink area when working in and around it with power tools.• Double-check to ensure your sawhorses are level and stable before placing the countertop on them. WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS PROJECT Belt sander (rental available at our Tool Rental Center) • Set and clamp the countertop in place. • Shim as needed to make it level. • Check for gaps between the backsplash and the wall.

If the gaps are narrow, fill them with caulk and proceed to Step 4. If the gaps are large, follow Steps 2 and 3. • Set a drawing compass to the span of the largest gap between the backsplash and the wall. • Set the compass point next to the wall and the marker on the backsplash. • Pull the compass along the wall to mark what will need to be removed on the backsplash. • Remove the countertop and clamp it in place on sawhorses. • Use a belt sander to sand the backsplash to the line drawn with the compass. • Place the countertop on the cabinet and ensure the backsplash is flush against the wall. • Where two pieces of the cabinet meet, glue them together with the glue from a miter-clamp kit. If the kit has no glue, apply a thin bead of silicone caulk to the edges of both pieces. • Apply wood glue to the rest of the edges per instructions on the glue’s packaging. • Press the edges together. • Make sure the entire surface is flush at the seam along the front edge of the counter.