For two years, I walked past the same cracked, yellowed backsplash and told myself I’d “deal with it later.” One weekend, I finally did.
Removing the old tile was messy louder and dustier than the videos promised. But it was also incredibly satisfying watching those outdated squares fall away. Once the wall was clean and patched, I took my time laying out new tiles on the counter first. Seeing the pattern dry helped me avoid mistakes.
The hardest part wasn’t actually installing the tile. It was slowing down. I learned to double-check spacing, wipe away extra adhesive immediately, and step back every few rows.
When the grout dried, the kitchen suddenly looked brighter like the room finally exhaled. Friends assumed we hired someone. I didn’t correct them right away.
What I love most isn’t the tile itself. It’s that every time I see it, I know I built something with my own hands.
Conclusion:
DIY isn’t about perfection it’s about gaining confidence, one small upgrade at a time.
