How to Install a Solid-Surface Backsplash

By: Jennifer Stimpson, This Old House online

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Solid-Surface Wall Paneling. Look for 1/4-inch-thick material, available in large sheets at home centers or through distributors. Get the widest sheets you can find to minimize joints.

2. All Purpose Kitchen Cleaner, such as Formula 409 or Fantastik, to clean grease off the wall and prepare it for adhesive.

3. 1/4-Inch Plywood, aka luaun, to make the template.

4. Painter's Tape

5. Construction Adhesive to adhere the backsplash to the wall.

6. Tack Cloth

7. Heavy-Duty Double-Stick Tape to hold the panel in place while the adhesive sets.

8. All-Purpose Caulk to seal seams between panels and against cabinets. Get a color to match the solid-surface material, or else use clear.

9. 1x3 Pine Lumber to cap any exposed edges.

10. 1 1/2-Inch Finish Nails

11. Paint to coat any molding detail to match the backsplash material.

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Hot Glue Gun
- 4-Foot Level
- Circlar Saw
- Jigsaw fitted with metal cutting blade
- Drill/Driver fitted with with 3/8-inch masonry drill bit
- Utility Knife
- Caulk Gun
- Hammer and Nail Set
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Product Gallery
Product selections for this project
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Photo: William P. Fuller

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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1. Clean the Wall

Using an all-purpose cleaner and a rag, wipe down the entire surface that will be covered by the backsplash to remove grease and dirt. If you are replacing a backsplash, smooth any rough areas where there is leftover adhesive (use a fine-grit sanding sponge if necessary).