How To: Choosing Your Backsplash

From backsplashes to flooring to countertops, tile has become a popular choice in the kitchen thanks to its durability, low maintenance, and inexpensive cost. However, it’s installation is fairly permanent so it’s important to choose a tile with a style and strength that will last throughout the years. Follow these basic guidelines before you roll up your sleeves and start laying out some mortar.

1. Decide On The Location

Tile does very well throughout the kitchen thanks to its ability to withstand messes and rough wear. They are an inexpensive way to add strong flooring and beautiful backsplashes. Although tile countertops used to be a popular choice for when you wanted granite or quartz but couldn’t quite afford a full slab, years of scrubbing and relaying those grout lines have proven its real-life application not as worth it. So generally we stick to suggesting tile for beautiful backsplashes or low maintenance flooring.

2. Determine Your Budget

Whether you use high-end materials like quartz or marble or less expensive options like ceramic or glass will be determined by your budget. Tile is usually priced by the square foot so you can get a good idea of how much you want to spend based on the actual square footage you plan to cover (plus 10% for extra cuts). However, it’s possible the tile is priced by each individual tile, making a 6” x 6” tile may seem reasonable at $5.99 a square foot unless it’s actually priced by an item which makes its cost closer to $24 a square foot! So keep your eye out not to be fooled by the price. It’s also important to include the cost of mortar, grout, sealant, supplies, and labor.

3. Consider Your Lifestyle

While tile designed for kitchens is resilient, it may still require certain upkeep and maintenance. Consider your family’s lifestyle and how much traffic and general wear-and-tear it will receive. Marble flooring, though beautiful in appearance, is susceptible to scratching and staining so it’s unlikely a good option if you foresee your kitchen actually being used.

4. Choose The Right Tile

Since backsplash tiles don’t tend to see a lot of action other than some splattering, you can choose an array of materials just as long as they clean-up easily. If your range butts up to a wall, you may want to consider staying away from porous or unsealed stone that is difficult to clean and instead opt for a smooth surface or even stainless steel just for the space behind the cooktop. Otherwise, the limits are pretty unlimited. Floor tiles, on the other hand, will certainly see heavy traffic so it’s important to purchase tile actually labeled “floor tile” designed to withstand damage and has the correct friction to prevent slipping. Ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and quarry are all great options for tile flooring.

Schedule an appointment with one of our kitchen design experts to put tile in your kitchen today!