When it comes to picking the right tile for the kitchen backsplash, it’s actually a really big decision. Not only does the backsplash offer protection from those grease splatters coming off the stove but it also acts as a focal point and a way to tie in all the colors in that area. If you’re on the fence of what tiles to choose, here are some ideas that may be of assistance!
I love a kitchen that has layers of elements. What I mean by that is that the kitchen space flows well but has areas that offer something beautiful to break it all up. A nice countertop, great paint colors, nice flooring and of course, a beautiful tile kitchen backsplash.
Who knew that there were so many options that one could choose for their backsplash in the kitchen? While it may seem that your choice maybe doesn’t matter all that much, it actually really does!
Picking the Right Tile For Your Kitchen Backsplash
I get it. Finding the best tile for your kitchen is hard. Trust me, I just moved into our new home about a year ago and I’m one of those people that want to have everything ready to go, right from the start. One of my biggest pet peeves is when the kitchen is outdated…I find that when the kitchen is updated and a little bit more modern, I just feel more at ease and at home when cooking.
When we moved into our new home, it needed some help. The kitchen was the first place for making some simple DIY Kitchen improvements that I knew wouldn’t bust the budget right out of the gate. I knew that one of the easiest ways to update my kitchen was to add an awesome backsplash on the wall.
Related: Tips for First Time Homebuyers
I love the Modern Chevron Designer Athens Wooden Gray Natural Stone Mosaic Tile from Mosaic Tile Outlet but you can choose whatever works for your kitchen. I will say that making a choice to add a beautiful backsplash to our current kitchen has completely changed the look of our kitchen. It’s made it feel lighter and have more depth than I ever thought possible. Guess what? This can happen for you as well!
Don’t let the stress of deciding what tile is best, to derail your kitchen remodel plans!
What is the best material for a kitchen backsplash?
This can all vary greatly on what you’re wanting but some of the top choices include:
- Ceramic Tile
- Porcelain Tile
- Glass Tile
And those are just a few of the most popular! There are actually a ton of choices that might be suitable for that area in your home.
Does your backsplash have the match the color of your countertop?
No way! Some people want it to while other’s don’t. This is totally up to you! If you pick a tile that doesn’t match, it may still look perfectly fine with the rest of your kitchen. Go for a look and style that you’re loving and then choose the color that makes your heart happy!
Kitchen backsplash ideas with white cabinets
White cabinets are really popular right now so there are a few different tile ideas to keep in mind. You can keep that white, clean look going and have white and gray patterned tiles as your backsplash or you can use your backsplash as the true focal point of the kitchen and make it really stand out. I’m talking gold, bright yellow or even some blues and reds. The great thing about having white cabinets is that any color that you choose will be a great accent with them!
Kitchen backsplash ideas for darker or wood cabinets
Darker cabinets can be a bit trickier if you ask me. I often find that I like darker tile with dark cabinets. Dark grays, light blues…those sort of things. If you can find some slate gray stones and make a funky pattern out of them, that could be a really cool backsplash idea for dark cabinets.
How much does backsplash cost?
This can vary greatly depending on the type of tile that you pick and the company that you have to install it. Some people attempt to install in themselves, but it’s actually a good idea to leave it to the experts. You can estimate that the cost of installing your backsplash can range anywhere from $500-$1500.
Prepping to Install a Kitchen Backsplash
While it is always a good idea to have the help of professionals, if you want to install your own backsplash, you can. Be certain to follow the directions for doing so that you don’t miss or overlook any of the steps.
1. Get the walls ready for installation
First and foremost, the power needs to be completely turned off in the kitchen. Once that is done, you can start removing any plugin covers on sockets that may be in the area. You’ll also need to move any appliances that might be in the way as well since you’ll likely be tiling behind them, too.
2. Wipe down the walls to get them clean
If you haven’t had any type of backsplash there before, you’re going to need to clean the walls and get off all that gunk. (There are certain cleaners that work best for this and are stronger than using just soap and water)
3. Make certain that the wall is flat without any nicks or dents
The tile that is being added to the wall needs to be done to a smooth and flat surface. If there any areas that need to be filled and level, do this now and allow time for it to try.
4. Spreading a thin layer of mortar
I recommend a quality square notch trowel to spread the mortar for your backsplash. Using a thin layer of mortar to stick your backsplash on is important! How else will it hold in place for years and years to come?
5. Laying the backsplash tile
Have fun with layering the backsplash! You can create patterns and designs to give your backsplash a truly unique look.
6. Cutting tile with a wheeled snipper (hand tool) so that you can fit the backsplash around the edges or outlets
Making certain that the kitchen tile backsplash fits around all the appliances. There is nothing worse than having big gaps and mismatched pieces of tile when you’re trying hard to give your kitchen that finished and upscale look. When laying backsplash, a wheeled snipper hand tool always comes in handy.
7. Spreading the grout
Using the right tools to spread the grout evenly is a must. I always recommend using a rubber grout float. The last thing that you want after adding the grout is to have it look all bumpy and uneven.
8. Sealing
When finishing your kitchen tile backsplash installation, it is always a good idea to apply a grout sealant to the tiles and grout. This will ensure the longevity of your backsplash and protects your grout from moisture and stains.
These are just a few of the beginner tips for installing backsplash.
When it comes to adding in a backsplash to your kitchen, take your time in picking out the perfect backsplash. Because once you have it added, it’s going to be one of the biggest focal points in that room!
Do you have any tips for picking out a kitchen backsplash?
Tyler Johnson says
That’s good to know that you could save some money by doing it yourself. I would think that a simpler design would be better if I was going to install the backsplash with no help. I’ll have to keep that in mind if when choosing a design for the backsplash.
joshua says
Your blog is amazing it gives so much ideas on why we should put kitchen backsplash.
Metal artist says
Nice thing about a copper backsplash is that it can go well in traditional design to warm things up and can also make a statement in contemporary design mymetalcraft.com