Kitchen Tile Backplashes
Contents
As a material with the dual purposes of looking beautiful and protecting the wall from splatters and wear and tear, backsplash tile offers a number of advantages. Chief among them is a huge array of color and style options to choose from. Here are the facts.
Costs
Installing a tile backsplash depends entirely on the type and quality of tile used, the cost of labor (if you aren't a DIY'er), and the size of the job. With that being said, expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $100 per square foot, plus the cost of installation.
Pictures
Kitchen BacksplashPros
Tile comes in a variety of shapes, colors and styles to choose from.
Replacing chipped or broken tile is far easier than repairing a slab of granite or other seamless material.
Homeowners can find tile options at many price points, making it a viable option for any budget.
Cons
Unglazed tile is not suggested for a kitchen because it can absorb ambient liquids and grime.
Tile can be costly and time-consuming to install.
Grout around the tiles is a challenge to maintain and keep clean.
Durability
Tile is a very durable backsplash option, as long as the type of tile used can stand up to the common wear and tear of the kitchen. Avoid using porous, unglazed tile if you don’t want to worry about grease and food stains.
Maintenance
If you want a tile that is relatively simple to maintain, choose a glazed tile that can be easily wiped clean.
- With a soft cloth, wipe tile with a soap-free detergent. Avoid acidic and abrasive cleaners to avoid damaging the grout around the tile, and the face of the tile itself.
- Routinely ensure that your caulking is keeping the tile free from water damage and mildew.
Common Questions and Answers
Is there a certain design style that works best with tile?
Actually, with a wide variety of tile shapes and colors available, it’s a material that can work with virtually any style, whether it’s Tuscan or techno, urban or country, traditional or ultra-contemporary.
Can a tile backsplash be mounted on fiberboard first?
Fiberboard is very porous and tends to swell, so it’s not recommended. We suggest that you don’t install tile on any type of thin wood.
History
Perhaps one of the oldest home-building and decorating materials, ceramic and glass tile have been a mainstay of kitchens on several continents for centuries.
More Information
When you're ordering tile for your project, be sure to get enough extra pieces in each style that you'll be prepared for future mishaps. Even if the tile is widely available today, it may not remain so over the life of your kitchen.
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