If you are looking for a way to add some flair and style to your kitchen while protecting it from food damage and splashed water, a tile backsplash may be the best option for you. Backsplash keeps your walls safe from water and food damage, as it covers the areas behind the sink, cooking range and food preparation countertops.
A tile backsplash contributes to the stylish appeal of your kitchen by adding accents, colors, and variety to your walls. It is important to choose the right material with which to create the tile backsplash, so that it matches the current decoration of your kitchen. There are many very simple things that can be done to add variety to the look as well, such as turning the square tiles diagonally to create a diamond shape, or fitting them together to make a mosaic. Adding a tile backsplash to your kitchen adds maximum stylish impact with minimal investment of capital and time.
There is a wide variety of choice when it comes to shopping for materials for a new tile backsplash. Natural stone has become very popular in recent years, such as granite, travertine, slate, limestone, and marble. There are also metal tiles made of stainless steel, tin, bronze, silver, copper, and even gold. The most common materials that tile backsplashes come in are porcelain, ceramic, and glass or recycled glass. All of these materials have their own different pros and cons, so be sure to research each one and ask for samples to look at in your home before you buy.
Once you’ve chosen a material to use, it’s time to look for the style that matches your decorating taste. Tile backsplash comes in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, patterns, colors and textures, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste and budget. The most common sizes are 12×12, 6×6, 4×4, and 1×1 mosaic tiles.
Tile backsplash pricing
Now that you’ve settled on what material and style you want, it’s time to look at pricing. You need to know the dimensions of the area you are tiling before you buy the tiles so that you can buy the right amount. Be sure to also include partial pieces in your count, and buy extra in case some tiles break when they need to be trimmed to fit smaller areas.
The tiles come in a wide variety of prices, depending on the quality and brand. There are many factors that determine tile prices, such as the manufacturer who made it, the complexity of the design, the size of the tile, and the rarity of the material the tile is made of. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are cheaper than stone or metal ones, and rare stones such as marble, granite and travertine are the most expensive. The tiles can also be custom made, but keep in mind that if you want custom made tiles it can be very expensive. Stone tiles look very elegant, but they are expensive to buy. To keep the cost down and still get the classy quality you are looking for; try mixing stone and porcelain or ceramic tiles, alternating what you use. In addition, there are ceramic tiles available that look very similar to natural stone.
Buying tips for a tile backsplash
When choosing the decor for your tile backsplash, be sure to choose a style and pattern that matches the existing floor, walls, cabinets and countertops in your kitchen. If the colors are too dull, they will not be noticed and can make the room look drab, but if the colors are too bright they can overwhelm the room and make it look bright. It’s good to go with neutral colors in the middle of the spectrum that match everything you add to the room. If you floor is tiled, sometimes it is possible to find matching smaller tiles with which to create a tile backsplash. Additionally, if your countertops are already made of tile, the tile backsplash can simply be continued from the countertop to the cabinets. This can simplify the project, while tying the room together nicely.
Think about what kind of look you want. The texture of your tiles can add a lot to your kitchen. Do you want rugged, casual, rough-surfaced tiles, or do you prefer the classy look of polished, sophisticated tiles?
Lighter colors reflect more light, maximizing space in a small area. Large patterns will also add to the illusion of a larger space.
Larger size tiles will minimize the number of gaps that must be filled with grout during installation. This means that you will be able to clean your backsplash much more easily.
Installing a tile backsplash
Installing a tile backsplash takes a lot of expertise as each tile must be properly placed and leveled. In addition, improper handling can lead to tile breakage during installation or at a later stage. It is therefore best installed by a professional installer.
An experienced installer prepares a base for the tiles and then lays them piece by piece without leaving large gaps. He will then level them and fill the spaces with grout and apply sealant, if necessary, to form an almost uniform surface.
Tile backsplash maintenance
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
- Hot soapy water is best for cleaning the tile backsplash. Avoid harsh cleaning liquids as they can erode the surface and make it rough.
- Natural stone and unglazed ceramic tiles are porous and need to be resealed on a regular basis. Sealing prevents water and other liquids from entering the pores, as this can lead to staining or roughening of the surface.
- Copper tiles will tarnish after a period of use and the original color and shine can be brought back using a copper cleaning agent.
A tile backsplash can add variety and style to almost any kitchen, but design is also made for functionality. If you are looking to protect and spice up your kitchen in an easy way, a tile backsplash may be your best bet!
