Installing a concrete backsplash is a great way to update your kitchen design with a fresh, modern feel. It's a simple DIY project that most homeowners can complete on the weekend, even if you don't consider yourself super handy. If you want to save money and tackle this project yourself, follow these steps and have a beautiful kitchen backsplash in no time.
Prepping to DIY a Concrete Backsplash
Before starting your concrete backsplash DIY, ensure you’re working on a flat surface. If not, you can repair the backsplash area before beginning this project. Next, prepare your tools and supplies, including concrete mix, drywall and putty knives, and a mixing tub. This is also a good time to grab your trash bags and painter's tape so you can seal off the areas you don't want to get messy.
Additionally, suppose you don't like the look of natural concrete and you have a stylish kitchen backsplash idea in mind. In that case, you can purchase color additives that create just about any concrete color you can imagine. All you need to do is mix the additive into the concrete until you get your ideal tint.
Prep the Room
Before applying concrete to your walls, take some time to protect nearby surfaces from concrete splatters. An easy way to do this is to grab some painter's tape and a few trash bags, then tape the bags over the surface you want to protect, taking care to tape down the area where the countertop meets the wall.
But if you get some concrete splatters on areas you didn't intend to, don't panic—it's typically pretty easy to chip these away once the concrete is dry.
Apply the Waterproofing Membrane
After prepping your room for the project, it's time to apply the waterproofing membrane. This step will help the concrete adhere to your walls and prevent it from cracking in the future. Use a paint roller to apply a thin, even layer over the area where you plan to apply concrete.
Once you've applied the membrane, let it completely dry before moving to the next steps. This typically only takes a few minutes, but check the manufacturer's recommendations to verify the drying time.
Mix the Concrete
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Once your membrane is dry, grab your mixing tray and stick and mix your concrete using the concrete-to-water ratio recommended by the manufacturer. If you decide to include color additives, now is when you'll mix them in.
Make sure to complete this step right before you plan to apply the concrete, so it doesn't dry before your application.
Apply the First Coat
Next, dip your 6-inch drywall knife into the concrete mix and put on a generous glob of concrete. Then scrape it onto the wall at a 45-degree angle, creating a thin, even layer. Repeat this process until you've covered the entire backsplash in a first coat. You can use your putty knife for minor details and cracks, like where the backsplash meets the countertop.
Don't worry if it's not completely even—subsequent coats will help even it out.
Apply the Second and Third Coat
After your first coat dries, use the same process from the previous step to apply a second and third coat, making sure to let the concrete dry between coats. If there are still some uneven areas after the third coat, you can apply another coat to even it all out. Let your final coat dry before proceeding to the next stop.
Apply the Acrylic Concrete Sealer
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Once all your concrete coats are dry, and you're happy with the look, apply a thin layer of the acrylic concrete sealer over the entire area. Pay special attention to the edges where the concrete meets your counter. This type of concrete sealer will help prolong the lifespan of your new backsplash, preventing future cracks and chips.
DIY Concrete Backsplash vs. Hiring a Pro
When done by a professional, the cost to install a backsplash ranges from $600 to $1,300. Since installing a concrete backsplash shouldn't cost you more than $25 to $50, you can save quite a bit by taking on this project yourself. If you’re looking for matching counters, concrete countertops cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
This is also a fairly straightforward project, so even homeowners without a lot of DIY experience can complete it successfully. Still, if you'd rather save some time and not tackle this job yourself, you can always hire a kitchen backsplash installer to handle it for you.
