Kitchen Backsplash Tile
A kitchen backsplash is an ideal area to add a punch of color, a dash of personality, or a bit of pattern to an otherwise straightforward room. Now, more than ever, kitchen cabinets are simple and clean, so your backsplash is the perfect place to take some liberties and add style. The most common type is a tile backsplash. Its durability and wipe-clean surface makes it an easy sell, but tile is also highly customizable. Tiles in all shapes, sizes, and colors can be configured into one-of-a-kind backsplashes.
Mosaics are a popular choice because of the range of colors and styles available. A mosaic is a grouping of tiles -- often glass, stone, or a combination of the two -- arranged in a pattern and adhered to a piece of mesh. The mesh helps the tile go on to the wall faster and ensures a consistent pattern. Unlike placing individual tiles, mosaics on a mesh backing are perfect for a new do-it-yourselfer.
Subway tiles are a classic choice for backsplashes in both residential and commercial applications. White subway tiles are one of the most popular colors and are often applied in a railroad -- or staggered -- pattern. Since the tiles are manufactured and sold individually, the design options are practically endless. A wide variety of color options are available, making it a good choice for any style kitchen.
Natural stone such as marble, travertine, and slate work great as kitchen backsplashes since they aren't hardworking surfaces and mainly serve as decoration. Many of the mosaic backsplashes incorporate glass and natural stone tiles into the designs, creating drama and interest.
Penny tile has been around for decades but is becoming popular for people who want to instill some vintage charm into their modern space. The classic choice is a white porcelain penny tile with dark grout, but bright colors are available for those wanting to make a splash.
Intricate patterns are seen less often in kitchens, but the beauty and craftsmanship can stop you in your tracks. Patterns such as a basket-weave, listello, Versailles, or herringbone can dramatically change a kitchen from work-horse to wow. Subway tile lends itself well to large-scale patterns, while smaller tiles can be used to create patterns such as herringbone pattern and basket-weave.
Using tiles in varying colors can create interest and a one-of-a-kind look for your kitchen. Create a railroad pattern using three different colored tiles. Separate sheets of glass mosaic with a border tile or a line of a contrasting color. Using a tile backsplash in your kitchen is a quick and easy way to add personality and fun to the heart of your home.
Ultimate Guide to Tile
-Durable and low-maintenance tile is the classic flooring for moisture prone room. I'm Lacey Howard. How do you know what's right for you when there's a multitude of shapes, sizes, and colors to chose from. All types of tiles are very durable and resistant to stains, odors, fires, scratches, and water. Tile can be categorized into ceramics and porcelain. At first glance, they look similar. The difference comes in their durability. Porcelain tiles they do have much higher temperature and it's harder, denser, and nonporous. Porcelain is a great choice for floors, where it shows less because the color permeates the tile body. Ceramic tile is a mix of clay molded into a shape and hardened by firing. Ceramic tiles can be glazed, which gives the tile its color and nonporous impermeable finish for interior walls. Unglazed or thorough body construction offers a more dense and durable surface perfect for heavy activity areas. Tiles come in a variety of shape and sizes. Tiles as large as 16 inch and 24 inches square are a popular choice because they allow a solid surface look because of fewer grout lines. At the other end of the spectrum, tiny mosaic tiles are at their largest 2 inches square. They look tricky and time consuming, but they can be mounted on a mesh backing for easier installation. No matter a tile size, check for its ASTM rating. Tiles are measured on moisture and slip resistant as well as abrasion. Abrasion resistance is broken into classes. Class 1 the weakest is suggested for wall applications only. Class 3 can be used for residential floors. Class 5 can be installed anywhere, even commercial setting. Slip resistant is rated by a tile coefficient of friction or COF. Look for high COF numbers for wet floors. Another important rating for [unk] to water is moisture absorption. Non, semi, and vitreous tiles are suited for indoor use only. Impervious tiles are frost prof and can be used in exterior areas where [unk] condition exists. Finally, shade variations is an inherit element in all ceramic products. If you want consistent color and texture, look for low variation ratings. If you embrace naturally occurring changes, random is the highest shade variation available. I hope this overview of tile flooring has given you an idea of what options might work best in your homes.
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