How To Install A Custom Steel Back-Splash In Your Kitchen

9 October 2014
 Categories: Industrial & Manufacturing, Blog

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The kitchen in your home likely takes the most abuse over the years. Heat, grease, moisture and the traffic of your family can all wreak havoc on the appearance of your kitchen. One way to keep your kitchen looking great after years of meal prep and service is to install a steel back-splash. Here, you will learn how to install a steel back-splash of the drywall in your kitchen.

Work with a Steel Fabricator

To get the best results, find a steel fabricator that will work with you to custom cut the steel for your back-splash. Draw a sketch of your kitchen walls that you want to have the steel cut to cover and measure. Write the measurements on the sketch and take it to your local steel fabricator. Discuss what you need and want and listen to any suggestions or ideas that the fabricator may have for the project.

Tip: Include the exact measurements of the location of the light switches and plugs. This will save you a lot of time cutting your own holes in the steel when you get it home.

Note: If you do not have a vehicle that can haul the finished steel back-splash, be sure to inquire about the availability of delivery of it. Not every fabrication shop will offer delivery, so ask ahead of time to avoid complications.

Prepare the Wall for Installation

Clean the walls where the steel back-splash will be installed. Use a tough grease-cutting cleaner to make removing built up grease easier. If the grease is really caked on, you may have to spray the cleaner on the wall and allow it to sit for several minutes.

Run a circulating fan in your kitchen to quickly dry the wall. You do not want to proceed until the wall is completely clean and dry. Failure to wait will result in the adhesive not sticking to the surface of the wall.

Install the Back-Splash

Cover your countertops with a thick drop-cloth or cardboard to protect it from getting scratched during the installation.

Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your walls. Use a pencil to mark the location of each stud on the top of the countertop or cardboard covering it.

Apply construction adhesive to the back of the back-splash and the wall. Carefully position the backs-plash on the wall with some help from a friend or family member. Drill one hole at the top and one at the base of the back-splash where the studs are. Insert a few screws to ensure it will stay in place.

Apply a bead of silicone caulk where the back-splash meets the countertop. This will prevent water, food and grease from falling behind the countertop and causing damage to the wall below.

Tip: Wear gloves when handling the steel sheets. There could be sharp edges that could easily cause severe cuts.

A steel back-splash is easy to clean and will last many years. Talk with a skilled steel fabricator about custom making a steel back-splash for your kitchen.