Home Kitchen

Installing a Kitchen Backsplash – Part I – Choosing Tiles

A tile backsplash is a beautiful focal point that adds interest and style to a kitchen while making cleanup a breeze. The abundance of available tile options allows homeowners to customize their kitchen backsplashes to suit unique preferences. While a kitchen backsplash certainly presents the opportunity for unlimited creative freedom, most homeowners choose a backsplash style that is neutral enough to appeal to prospective homebuyers.

Here are some considerations for choosing tiles for a kitchen backsplash:

  • Textures and colors in the kitchen and throughout the house. Incorporating consistent styles throughout the home establishes the flow and contributes to a quality overall aesthetic. If most of the home uses neutral tones and stone textures, you may want to incorporate a similar look into your kitchen backsplash to keep the look consistent. Similarly, a modern glass tile backsplash may be more suitable for a home with other modern architectural and style elements. As with other home improvement projects, a kitchen backsplash needs to fit right in with the aesthetics of the home.
  • Maintenance associated with different types of tiles and grout. When shopping for tiles, keep in mind that some require more maintenance than other types. For example, porous tiles like natural stone tiles will need to be sealed and resealed periodically. Be sure to read all of the manufacturer’s recommendations for any tile you are considering installing in your home to ensure it meets your maintenance expectations.
  • Tile color and texture. The colors and finishes of the tiles are practically infinite. A kitchen backsplash in a vibrant color can make a bold statement, and one with neutral tones can create a sleek, understated look. While the color and texture of your backsplash is a personal preference, remember to consider whether you intend to sell the home one day and what future buyers would prefer. If you want to add color but don’t want the backsplash to be too personal, you might consider installing a neutral-toned backsplash and achieving a bold look through a vibrant wall color, which can be easily changed later. Remember that a tiled backsplash should complement the other elements of the kitchen, such as the cabinets, countertops, and floors.

Once you’ve chosen the tile and grout that best suits your needs and preferences, careful planning is necessary before installing your backsplash. In Part II, we looked at some of the steps involved in preparing to install a kitchen backsplash.

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