Choosing to add a kitchen backsplash is an important decision to make. It’s a great addition to the style you want to achieve with your kitchen. Not only that but it keeps your walls clean from oil splatters.
If you plan on adding one, there must be a lot of questions you have in mind. Should you choose bold colors or go for a classic look? Should kitchen backsplashes always match the main theme of the kitchen? What style of backsplash tiles is available for you? These are just some of the questions you need to ask before buying kitchen backsplash tiles.
Designing the kitchen of your dreams involves a lot of thought and processes. But don’t make a backsplash tile get in the way of achieving the style you’re going for. To make kitchen renovation enjoyable, here are some tips for choosing a backsplash for kitchen stoves.
- Pick Functionality Over Style
Most people put style on top of other things when it comes to buying backsplashes. While there’s nothing wrong with opting for fancy backsplashes, consider the function of the backsplash. Kitchen backsplashes collect spills and splatter when you cook. For this reason, you should find one with a material that is easy to clean and maintain.
That’s what makes tiles a popular choice among homeowners. Wooden backsplashes may offer you great flexibility when it comes to style and design. The downside is that they are high-maintenance and can easily catch fire. So it’s not wise to use wood as a backsplash for kitchen stoves.
A kitchen backsplash tile can avoid fires and is low-maintenance. It also makes your kitchen look brighter and more inviting. The best part is that they come in different styles and designs. With a backsplash tile, you can decorate your kitchen in any way you want.
Make sure you get the right type of tiles for your kitchen needs. Here are some types of kitchen tiles you can choose from:
- Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles
If you’re a messy cook, the best backsplash choice for you is ceramic or porcelain tiles. These types of kitchen backsplash let you wipe off stains and spills easily. Not only that but they are also heat-resistant, perfect for long cooking.
- Glass Tiles
These are backsplash tiles that offer a classy look in your kitchen. And, no, they won’t crack that easily. If there is a lot of moisture in the kitchen, a glass tile for backsplash is a great choice since it is water-resistant. It also helps to know that glass backsplash tiles don’t scratch easily.
- Stone Tiles
If you want something more durable than ceramic or glass tiles, you should buy a stone tile. This type of backsplash tile can withstand time and show less wear and tear over time. They are also water- and stain-resistant especially if you seal them properly.
- Metal Tiles
A great alternative to porcelain tiles is metal tiles. Like porcelain tiles, this type of kitchen backsplash is also easy to clean and maintain. You only need soap and water to make them look brand new, which is perfect if you always have a busy kitchen.
- Check the Space for Your Kitchen Tiles
Before experimenting with kitchen backsplash ideas, check the space where you will put the kitchen tiles. If you don’t have much wall space behind your stove, pick tiles that look good vertically or horizontally. In this case, a subway tile can be your best pick. Since they are small square pieces of tiles, you can install them in whichever direction you choose.
- Mix and Match Your Backsplash Tiles
You don’t have to choose only one size of tile for your kitchen backsplash. To make the place look refreshing, use a variety of tiles in different sizes and colors.
You can use larger tiles to make the arrangement base. Conversely, pick smaller tiles of different colors that draw attention throughout the countertop length. In this case, you can choose between plain and patterned tiles.
- Match the Backsplash With Your Countertop
Since your countertops and backsplash meet in the middle, make sure that they complement each other. If your countertops and backsplash clash, the whole style of your kitchen will suffer.
Choose a backsplash color that matches the countertop. The colors can be contrasting or complement each other. Just keep in mind that you should not pair a “busy” countertop with a “busy” backsplash. If you want to focus on one of these qualities, pick one or the other.
For example, choosing a mosaic backsplash tile means opting for simple countertops. And if you have a minimalist countertop design, consider tiles in an accent color.
- Try Out the Style and Color for a While
When it comes to designing, seeing is believing. This means you need to see for yourself how the style and color of the backsplash tile will add to the looks of your kitchen. That’s why you need to get tile and color samples before deciding to buy a set.
Ask any tile store for this and some will offer you a low price for a sample. Some even have free shipping.
After buying the sample, tape it above the stove to see how it looks throughout the day. You can take note of how the light strikes the area and if it’s a perfect match for your kitchen theme.
- Buy an Appropriate Grout for the Backsplash
The grout is just as important as the kitchen tile you’re installing. When you choose the wrong grout for a kitchen backsplash, you can’t hide the mismatch.
There is a lot of grout to choose from, so which one should you go with? It all depends on your preference. Here are some grout materials available for you:
- Cement Grout
Most people use this type of grout for many years, but it may not be the best choice for you. Cement grouts can easily flow into cracks since it’s thinner than other materials. But you should know that the material is porous, which means dirt can get past the cement. This creates discoloration and permits mold and mildew to grow in the grout.
- Sanded and Unsanded Grout
Sanded and unsanded grouts are enough for residential use. You can use unsanded grout if you have narrow grout joints. Sanded grout, on the other hand, is best used for broader grout joints.
- Polymer Cement Grout
Cement grout with extra polymers can do everything that high-performance grout can do. When you combine the grout with water, the polymers become active.
Compared to typical cement grouts, the chemical reaction boosts water resistance and strength. It also offers abrasion and chemical resistance, which non-high-performance grouts may lack.
- Epoxy Grout
Epoxy grouts can absorb water, have chemical resistance, and are longer-lasting. To be more specific, epoxy can absorb 50 times less water than ordinary cement gouts. Not to mention that they have twice the strength and are easy to clean. That is when you clean them they return to their original color instead of becoming darker.
- Consider Your Budget
The budget is an important part of any renovation, including installing backsplash tiles. It helps to know how much each type of tile costs, as well as the installation fee and grout. The cheapest type of kitchen tile is ceramic tile. This costs around $1 to $100 per square foot, with an installation fee of around $11 to $110.
If you don’t have a huge budget, consider covering a lesser surface area. For example, you can choose to have a backsplash directly behind the range hood. You can also go with a cheaper mosaic or subway tile. There are numerous choices available to meet your financial needs.
Grout is a different matter altogether. This often depends on what type of tile you’re installing and how big the surface area is.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a kitchen backsplash shouldn’t be that difficult. With these tips, you can take some deep breaths and find the backsplash tiles that you need.
Kitchen backsplashes must be both functional and attractive. Consider some things in your kitchen such as the space, countertops, flooring, and overall theme. But, the most important thing is that the backsplash tile is resistant to water, stains, moisture, and heat.
