10 Steps to Remodeling Your Kitchen

Obviously, if your backsplash is the same material as your countertop -- assuming it's fabricated from the same product such as quartz, granite, soapstone or a number of others -- the backplash can be installed at the same time as the countertops.

However, if you choose a material that differs from the countertop such as tile, aluminum, concrete or wood, that backsplash cannot be installed until after the countertops are installed.

Waiting for Settlement Before Installing a Backsplash

Most heavy stone countertops require a few days to settle before an installer will come out to put in a backsplash. That's because the countertops may settle a little. It might not be significant, perhaps 1/32nd of an inch, but it could result in an unwanted seam if you don't wait.

Choosing a Backsplash

I'm going to make your job a whole lot easier right now. Just take a sample of your countertop and cabinet door to your favorite and highly recommended tile store. Many tile stores employ design-oriented individuals who will help you to choose the perfect backsplash.

Some involve designs on the diagonal, employing various sizes and types of tile as accents. Consider picking up an complementary color in your kitchen this way.

_{At the time of writing, Elizabeth Weintraub, DRE # 00697006, is a Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, California.}