Are you looking to redecorate or spruce up your kitchen? For a small change with a big impact think kitchen backsplashes. A backsplash makes a statement and can help you achieve the look you desire for your kitchen. Your backsplash choice will bring together all the different elements in your kitchen adding that perfect finishing touch. Alternatively it can be the starring factor in itself expressing your creativity and originality. So don’t be shy, go ahead and create your perfect kitchen backsplash –with some research and confidence you’re on your way. Here we present some different choices to get you started.
CERAMIC TILES
Popular, practical and affordable. In addition to the hundreds of choices of colors and patterns, ceramic tiles are also available in many different finishes. If you are looking to add texture to your kitchen, this can be a good option. If choosing ceramic, make sure the finish of the tile is appropriate for your work space. If it will be near water or spills the tile will need to be glazed so that it is impervious to water.
Using ceramic tile will also afford you the opportunity of being able to add your own totally unique touch onto the tiles themselves by painting, stamping or using stickers or decals. You can really use your creativity and originality here and create a backsplash you can call your own.
STONE TILES
Beautifully natural, rich in color and texture, very durable and easy to maintain. However, stone will cost you –the material is expensive. Here are the many different stone options:
GRANITE, MARBLE, SLATE – THE MOST POPULAR OPTIONS
Of the 3, granite is the hardest and comes with a polished surface making it water proof. Marble is less durable than granite and more costly though undisputed for beauty and texture. Slate is softer than marble and needs to be sealed for water penetration (as does marble) but it is also a good choice as it is durable, versatile and offers many different colors and textures.
BRICK, CONCRETE, SANDSTONE, TRAVERTINE AND ENGINEERED STONE ARE OTHER STONE OPTIONS
They have a rustic, textured appeal and are very durable. Be sure to see and touch your different stone options to get a feel of the look you are trying to obtain and bear in mind the many different finishes available for stone tiling.
PORCELAIN TILES
Durable, dense, versatile and water resistant. porcelain tile is much harder than ceramic tile so it lasts longer and better and will not stain. These tiles are unglazed and allow for more texture and richness. You can also achieve a stone-like look using porcelain tiles yet still have a denser, stronger tile since it is not a natural stone tile. It is unbelievable to see how closely porcelain tiles can mimic the look of marble, granite or slate. Porcelain is very easy to maintain and the tiles will retain their beauty and durability for years.
Granite Tiles
Made of natural stone but using tiles is more affordable than using a single custom slab. Granite is as gorgeous as it is durable. It comes in a variety of colors both rich and deep. no two pieces are alike and they come in many different shades so granite tiles will work in any color kitchen. In addition, granite offers incredible endurance, is non-porous and won’t stain.
Glass Tiles
Luminous, beautiful, chic and modern. Most often utilized for kitchen backsplashes and walls. Glass tiles come in a rainbow of vibrant colors and will add drama and pizzazz to any kitchen. These tiles are unlike any other as they are transparent and light moves through them thus enlarging the space and catching your eye. The glass is reflective and will add a luminous glow to your kitchen. Since glass is impervious to water and won’t stain it is a perfect choice for use near cook tops and sinks. Clean up and maintenance is a breeze; simply wipe down with water. Glass tiles come in brick, mosaic, large and small tile sizes and offer unlimited color and pattern options making this a great choice for a stunning kitchen backsplash.
