Backsplash Installation
One of the most popular design elements of any home is often the kitchen backsplash. Backsplashes are practical and desirable because they protect the walls from stains and water damage. But the benefits of a tiled backsplash don’t stop there.
Installing a kitchen or bathroom backsplash can make a major impact on the look and feel of your home. Here are several things to consider when shopping for a tile backsplash.
A backsplash adds a personal touch to the room’s style
Your walls are open canvases. You can add your style to them with paint, but nothing adds an eye-catching and personal touch like installing a backsplash with unique tile. Tiled backsplashes also add a beautiful textured look to otherwise flat walls.
There are endless tile choices! Let your imagination and creativity be your guide and you can have something truly unique to you and your home.
Not all tiles will eliminate stain risks or be easy to maintain
If you love to cook and hate to clean, be careful which tiles you choose for your kitchen backsplash. Not all tiles are great at reducing maintenance and certain tile choices could actually add to your workload instead of reducing it.
For instance, while we love the look of natural stone, marble and stone are naturally porous materials that are susceptible to staining and require scheduled maintenance with specialty cleaners and sealants. Small tiles may also end up needing more maintenance as they require more grout joints, which is where grease and dirt tend to build up.
If low maintenance is a high priority for you, we recommend ceramic, porcelain, glass or even metal tile. Because these materials are non-porous, stains will not be able to penetrate the surface of the tile. We also recommend an upgraded grout with stain-resistant technology built in. One last thing to consider if you are concerned with less maintenance is that the larger your tile, the less grout joints to clean.
Think long term
Whenever investing in your home, you should make sure you are considering the long term impact. For example, if your current home is your forever home, you probably don't want to be remodeling every few years. It's important to take the time to choose the perfect tile and tile contractor the first time around to prevent repeated renovations. It would be a shame to choose something just because it was on sale (only to later find out it was discounted for a reason) or was a design trend that didn't align with your personal style.
On the other hand, if your home is temporary and you plan on putting it on the market within a few years, tile choices should be less about your unique taste and more catered to the general public. Lean towards neutral colors and tile styles that appeal to a larger group of people – like subway tile instead of mosaics. Subway tile is a timeless look that never goes out of style.
How do I choose the right tile contractor?
When considering a tile contractor to install your backsplash, don't rush to make your decision or choose based solely on something as fleeting as price. We understand HGTV makes it appear as if something like a kitchen backsplash can be installed, grouted and ready for action in just a couple hours, but that is not the case! They call that TV Magic in Hollywood, but in the real world there is a lot more involved in producing quality work that will last for generations to come.
When looking for any contractor to come do work in your home, it's important to ask questions. Not only does this help keep you informed, but it ensures that the person you hire knows what they're doing.
Ask contractors what methods and materials they will be using. What grout and why? How about silicone caulking, will they use it in between the wall and the countertop? Or will they be grouting that joint? If they are removing an old backsplash, how will they protect the cabinets and countertops? How about protecting the rest of the home from fine dust? These are all valuable points to consider and make sure you get the answers you need.
Recent Backsplashes
