Finding Your Unique Backsplash Tile

Kitchen backsplash tile can be anything you want it to be. Think of your wall as a canvas and the tile as your paint. With enough searching, you can find anything. You can use glass, porcelain, metal, ceramic, marble …whatever texture, color and design you can dream, you can create for your backsplash.

Backsplashes made of tile are a great way to spice up an area while also keeping it water-proof. Backsplashes are truly a decorating investment. Tile can be expensive and there is a significant amount of labor required to install a backsplash. So, keep in mind when making your selection, backsplashes are not a short term decorating decision. Once you install your backsplash, it is not likely that you will change it for a long time.

Below, we will illustrate and describe several popular backsplash styles. We also provide links to sites where you can find the types of tile featured in the photographs.

Glass Backsplash

A glass backsplash is becoming one of the most popular types of backsplash. This is due primarily to the fact that glass is durable, easy to clean, and comes in such a huge variety of colors. You can even be eco-friendly and use recycled glass tiles. With such a range of choices, both in color and texture, it is easy to find materials to create a glass backsplash that will match your décor.

Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Backsplash

Porcelain and ceramic tile backsplashes are generally the easiest and cheapest way to create a backsplash (though tile can get pretty expensive depending on how it was made, so pay attention to price if you have a certain budget.) Select tiles that have a hard, non-porous finish to avoid staining and to help keep the tiles clean. There are so many colors, styles and textures of ceramic tile backsplashes to choose from, the hardest part may simply be picking it out.

Metal Backsplash

Metal backsplashes are very common in today’s modern kitchen. They come in either sheet form or tile. You can use nearly any type of metal, but currently the most popular choices are tin, stainless steel and copper. Though metal looks clean and attractive in a kitchen, it requires frequent cleaning, especially behind a sink or stove where splashes and splatters are common. However, one of the most appealing attributes of a metal backsplash is its reflective quality. Even areas with low lighting tend to look brighter.

Solid Surface and Stone Backsplash

Solid surface and stone are very commonly used countertop materials. Generally, stone and solid surface counters are designed with a 4" backsplash, but it is becoming more and more common to extend the 4" area to a full backsplash. Sometimes people really like the look of stone, but can’t afford to use it for the entire countertop. In this instance, you can consider using it just as a backsplash, making it a less costly alternative. One of the frequently sited reasons for not using natural stone is because of its porous nature, which requires it to be sealed periodically. Even so, it is a great alternative to the commonly used tile backsplash.

Mural Backsplash

A mural is a fun and yet elegant way to spice up your kitchen. Many online companies can paint the image of your choice onto tile for you. They can make any size you need to accommodate the space you have designated for your mural. You can then substitute your painted tile in place of the other tile chosen for your backsplash to create a custom mural. Other online companies offer murals that have already been painted onto the tile. Generally, a mural backsplash is more costly than the other styles discussed, but the visual effect of a custom mural may be well worth it to you.

Mosaic Backsplash

Mosaic backsplashes can be created using many of the same materials reviewed above. Typically pieces are cut or broken and then placed together about a ¼” apart in whatever configuration suits your taste and the style of your room. You can randomly add different types of tile and you can even recycle broken pieces of tile to use in your mosaic backsplash. There really are no rules that must be followed except that it is important to maintain the 1/4" spacing between tile pieces. Your finished product will depend entirely on your sense of style and what you personally like.

Whatever way you decide to go, a backsplash can transform an ordinary kitchen into an upscale room in your home. Good luck deciding which backsplash works best for you. It is not going to be an easy choice to make!