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Given we were going to do a full kitchen reno but we're instead building a new home, we thought the splashback could at least do with a facelift, especially with how stoked we were with how our laundry reno turned out.
So here's a few pics of the process....
Before
Check out the ghastly powerpoints and red exposed on the tiles...
So off came the builder spec tiles (mmmmm satisfying)
Then as with any job, prep prep prep...
Getting the first row right is critical so take your tie, use your yellow wedge spacers and a spirit level if things are a bit off. I was going on a flat bench in great cond so no real issues for me but something to keep in mind especially if you're bridging a gap for example.
As you move up the wall it gets messy but don't stress, all that excess adhesive is easy to scrap/wipe off once it's all dry. To avoid too much mess a) don't overdo it with the adhesive, and b) just before you place you next tile run you finger along the side and top of the tiles it'll be going next to - it reduces the amount of adhesive that seaps out when you apply some pressure.
I used a grinder for all my cuts which I find easier for these small (200x100) subway tiles - you just need a steady hand. Obviously a tile cutter is a better way to go for the big tiles. Remember that if you use a grinder you lose about 4mm of the tile for your cut so if you cut a 200mm tile in half at the 100mm mark one piece will be 100mm and the other about 96mm - this is not good when following a pattern so keep the 96mm piece for small cuts you might need to make.
Always work with a clean station - it makes for a better end product. I thoroughly cleaned the tiles before startign the dreaded grouting stage. Again, when grouting the excess that gets on the tiles is easy to scrape/clean off so don't let it get to you. One thing I will note is that I personally find it better to focus your grout on the gaps needing grouting rather than smearing it everywhere like some people suggest - saves you cleaning up too much after and I feel it gives a better finish.
Note from the pic above what this would've looked like with a darker grout which is also common with subway tiles. We went with white to a) make the space look a bit bigger, and b) appeal to more tastes (given we're selling in a year). Make sure you seal the grout!
Grouting is done, bit of cleaning to go and silicone for the edges which means it's time to start celebrating 
Any excuse'll do for a beer, right?
Once the (tedious) silicone is done and the new white slimline powerpoints are on, time to replace the appliances and get the 'after' shot.
After
Would love to hear what you think...especially if you (honestly) think it'd make a difference to you opinion of the kitchen as a potential buyer.
I'll also be adding some box shelves in the whitespace next but was keen to share this now.
Looking forward to sharing the next one with you
G'day @ProjectPete mate,
I haven't completely read through your post yet but what you have done is nearly EXACTLY the same as what I am doing...if I had found this first I likely wouldn't have posted. Seriously I had the same range hood and the same set out for tiles...
The builder of your house didn't happen to think their Homes were a massive Celebration? Just because that is uncanny 
Cheers for the step by step mate
Peace
Josh
Quite the coincidence @Former Workshop member - I built that house with Celebration Homes
More recently I've built a new home with Aveling.
Where abouts are you located?
I am a Bunnings team member. Any opinions or recommendations shared here are my own and do not necessarily represent those of Bunnings. Visit the Bunnings website for assistance from the customer service team.
No shame at all @redracer01 - we're all in this together
I appreciate the kind words though! I do pride myself on doing my best work all the time.
I reckon we (workshop community) should all gather at your place for a quick bbq feed and enjoy your FIFA room when its done!
I am a Bunnings team member. Any opinions or recommendations shared here are my own and do not necessarily represent those of Bunnings. Visit the Bunnings website for assistance from the customer service team.
@gippslandhome wrote:One great thing about being in the construction industry is that no matter how old we get we can still keep growing in skills and knowledge.
That's what I love about this fabulous community is being able to share knowledge, but more importantly being able to have others share their knowledge.
Sorry @ProjectPete as this is hugely off the topic! I'd just like to drop another point of view on that thought - in total agreement @gippslandhome! - but I have encountered in some fields those who are VERY RETICENT to teach or give details of the skills they have learnt.
In some instances there can be liability issues (which I understand so that's OK); but it is a little saddening to put a post down on a forum (not here and totally unrelated topic) asking where I could get more information, training, experience etc...
One solitary response from a respected guy in the forum topic said 'no training courses around. Most of us [experienced guys with a heap of knowledge] don't frequent forums because we can't be bothered bickering with arrogant <people 
>; we meet up locally in small groups or stay in contact via email'. That response hints at an underlying arrogance issue to me. 'I only talk with people who agree with what I say'...what a loser!
My point is what do the next generation learn - albeit if they are willing (
) - if the older and more experienced guys/ladies have that attitude. My thanks to those who have experience and are willing to spend some time noting down what they know.
Peace
Josh
