Although the primary purpose of a kitchen backsplash which is a must-have for any cooking space is protecting the walls above a work area from grease and moisture, it also serves as a focal point, creating a beautiful addition to your design. It should showcase the color scheme of your kitchen, and its style, whether traditional or contemporary, injecting personality in a kitchen design scheme. A backsplash gives you a great opportunity to be creative because there are countless styles and design options to choose from.
Due to its versatility, variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, tile has always been the most common backsplash choice. Selecting the right backsplash involves many decisions but first, you have to decide what types of tiles you want. In this article, we will discuss different types of backsplash tiles available on the market to help you decide which type of tile is right for your kitchen.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic tile backsplashes are the most common type found in homes. Ceramic tile is affordable, durable, easy-to-install, and gives homeowners a great opportunity to experiment with bold designs, colors, and patterns. Actually, a sub-type of ceramic tile, porcelain tile is a durable alternative to natural stone. Porcelain tile is denser and less porous than standard ceramic because it is fired at higher temperatures but it is also more expensive than ceramic tile.
If you want a durable, budget-friendly option, choose ceramic or porcelain tile backsplash. These materials also offer a wide range of options in terms of their look and texture and you can even achieve a natural look if you choose a tile that mimics the look of stone. It’s better to select glazed ceramic and porcelain tile that stands up well against water and are extremely easy to clean which is a very important quality in any busy kitchen.
Glass Tile
You can’t go wrong with glass tile backsplash which has a cool, sophisticated look. Glass tiles are luminous and colorful so you can install them to add texture and color to your kitchen. They offer great benefits in terms of maintenance and aesthetics. Glass tiles have a non-porous surface and are stain-resistant so it will be easy to keep them clean. You won’t need any special cleaners to do the job. Modern glass tiles come in just any color you can imagine and can give your kitchen a completely unique look. They can even mimic the look of other types of materials. Glass tile is the perfect option for a classy, contemporary kitchen backsplash and most designers think that glass tiles in backsplashes will likely always be in style and will look fashionable almost forever.
Travertine Tile
A beautiful travertine backsplash is one of the classical options and will fit elegantly in any kitchen space. There is something truly timeless about travertine tile so it should be your choice if you want to create an Old World look in your kitchen. Travertine is a natural stone with a pitted, mottled texture and a neutral warm color which will give your kitchen an ancient Roman look. The warm colors and varying finishes of travertine tiles offer plenty of design options for your kitchen backsplash. You can mix up tiles of different colors and finishes to create an eclectic design or use only one color to keep the style understated. But because travertine tile is made of natural stone, it is porous so it should be sealed periodically with a special stone sealant to prevent staining.
Granite Tile
Granite is an excellent material for kitchen remodeling due to its beauty, durability, and easy maintenance. It’s a high-end stone but granite tile is a budget-friendly and more versatile alternative to a granite slab. Granite tiles are a popular option for a kitchen backsplash because of their strength, durability, and resistance to high temperatures and acidic conditions. Being water resistant, an eye-catching granite tile backsplash will look terrific, enhancing the beauty and elegance of your overall kitchen design. Granite tiles are available in many styles of dramatic and exclusive patterns and color choices. If you want to come up with a timeless and classic look in your kitchen, granite tile is an ideal choice that will add value to your home.
Marble Tile
Being definitely more affordable than large marble slabs, marble tile is durable and provides an elegant polished look to create the perfect kitchen backsplash that will remind you of the old-world charm. A marble tile backsplash can transform your kitchen into a glamorous high-end space and gives you a chance to create unique patterns and mix colors with different types of marble. A marble tile backsplash can look elegant and stylish but it requires constant maintenance. Marble tiles are porous so they need to be sealed regularly – at least once a year.
