- Demolishing my kitchen backsplash would have cost me thousands of dollars.
- Instead, I decided to tile over the existing tile for only $600.
- The adhesive tile mat was the key to my successful DIY project.
Upon moving into our home, my top priority was replacing the kitchen backsplash.
The original mosaic design lacked a discernible pattern and felt overwhelming, especially since our kitchen is open to the living room and visible from the front door.
However, I was warned that replacing the backsplash would be a complex task involving demolishing the area, replacing the drywall, applying mortar for the new tile, and grouting the entire surface. Multiple contractors estimated the cost to be in the thousands, with one even suggesting it could reach $7,000 due to the size of our kitchen.
Despite these discouraging quotes, I managed to complete the project on my own for just $600 by tiling over the existing tile.
This is how I accomplished it.
As with any DIY project, my first step was thorough research. While I didn’t want peel-and-stick tile, I repeatedly came across the advice not to mortar over existing tile.
Enter the adhesive tile mat.
I chose to use the Bondera brand, which costs around $20 per roll and can be found in most hardware stores. MusselBound is another similar product on the market. To cover our kitchen backsplash, I needed approximately four rolls of Bondera, with half a roll left over.
What I liked about this product is that it functions like peel-and-stick tape but specifically for tile. After cutting it to the appropriate size, I removed the film from the back and applied it to the existing tile. When ready to tile, I peeled off the top film layer and pressed the new tile onto the adhesive, which firmly held it in place.
Bondera recommends grouting immediately after applying the tile. However, since the tile I chose was thin and lightweight, I waited a day with no issues. (Being a mother and working full-time can affect project timelines.)
I used standard pre-mixed white grout, as its forgiving nature worked well with the white tiles I selected.
Once dry overnight, I cleaned any remaining tile haze with a vinegar solution, caulked the seams, and sealed the tile.
Overall, I spent $600 on the tile, Bondera, and grout, and the transformation was incredible.
So, do I recommend tiling over tile? Absolutely.
Megan Willett-Wei/Insider
We have now lived with this backsplash through the summer without any issues. Though I made a few minor mistakes, such as not renting a wet saw and achieving perfectly straight tile cuts, the tile itself remains in great condition, and the difference it has made to our kitchen design is remarkable.
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