Kitchen Backsplash Ideas, Trends & Design Guides

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas, Design Trends & Expert Guides

Transform Your Kitchen with these Backsplash Tile Ideas

Jan 3, 2018 Mike Belk

Installing a new backsplash in your kitchen is an easy way to change the look of the whole room. Backsplash tile is easy to install and fits any design. Your backsplash tile choice dictates the tone of your kitchen. Do you want a fun, playful design or something more reserved? You should consider the material, color, pattern, and height of your tile when designing your backsplash. This article will help you make all of those choices to transform your kitchen for an affordable price. Let's get into it! Backsplash Tile Materials Tiles are available in materials from ceramic to metal. Make sure to choose the right backsplash material for your kitchen for the best look. Ceramic is one of the most basic tile materials. It's versatile and cheap, so you see it in many kitchen backsplashes. Consider choosing a unique tile instead of ceramic for a backsplash with more impact. Glass Tile We've shared our tips on glass tiles before. They're available in straight cuts and mosaic cuts to fit any design. Glass comes in different styles, too. It can be clear and sparkly to add a reflective touch to your kitchen. For a less shiny look, frosted or textured glass tile is available. If you want the shine but still want color, these tiles come in a range of colors. Glass is stain resistant and easy to clean. If you have a house full of messy cooks, you might appreciate the ease of wiping it down with a damp cloth. As a big bonus, it doesn't require maintenance. Once you install it, you're done. Natural Stone For something eco-friendly, choose a natural stone like granite, slate, marble, limestone, or sandstone. This naturally sourced material shows your love for the environment and design. While marble and granite are pricey, limestone is a cheap alternative to fit your budget. If you have the budget to get a stone like marble, it adds value to your home. Natural stone needs more maintenance than other materials, but the look is unique and worth it. Each stone is uniquely beautiful. Unlike other materials, scratches aren't obvious or detrimental to the look of your backsplash. Plus, they're heat-resistant, which makes them a good material for the kitchen. Metal Tiles Metal tiles offer a high design impact for a reasonable price. Go for a shine that doesn't require maintenance or something with more natural patina. Materials like stainless steel are cheap and resist stains and corrosion. They'll fit your budget and hold up over time, so you only have to transform your kitchen once. Installing antique copper or brushed gun metal tiles is an easy way to add a high-impact piece of design if the rest of your kitchen is neutral and understated. Plus, many varieties are heat resistant, water resistant, and fight off bacteria. Color Once you've picked your material, the next major design element to consider is the color of your backsplash tile. Consider the design effect you're going for here. Calming and Natural You might enjoy a kitchen with a calming, natural feeling to it. Your backsplash can play into this by staying neutral. The natural color of stone tile maintains a nice design without adding bright color. Or, you might rather have something with no design whatsoever. Plain glass or a flat-colored metal can still bring design impact without adding loud colors. A neutral design scheme might also benefit from the plain facade of a ceramic tile, which can adapt to any color scheme. Bright Accents If you want to bring a pop of color to your neutral kitchen, a backsplash is an easy way to do that. Choose tiles in a bright color for a nice accent against neutral cabinets and counters. Tiles with designs on them, such as florals or geometric patterns, are another easy way to bring a pop of color. Consider Your Kitchen Take a look at the rest of your kitchen before choosing tile color. What counters and cabinets do you have? If you want metal tiles, for instance, make sure the metal looks nice with that of your appliances and fixtures. A stainless steel backsplash would clash with brass fixtures. Choose colors that fit cohesively with the rest of your kitchen. Patterns Whatever material and color you use, fun patterns transform the look of your kitchen. Choose a pattern that's basic and classic, or crazy and fun! Classic Patterns The easiest backsplash tile patterns to make are the classic patterns. These are the patterns that easily line up square or rectangle tiles, so you don't need much skill for installation. Perfectly align square or rectangle tiles for a grid, or offset them for a more interesting subway tile design. Alternate tiles of different colors to create a checkerboard pattern. If you turn square tiles, you can make an easy diamond pattern. Fun Patterns If you're choosing a basic color or material, you might want a fun design to bring an impact. Mosaics are a fun design that require little skill to pull off. Natural stone mosaics are an underrated, gorgeous way to use stone. For a smaller budget, mosaics turn basic ceramic tiles into something unique! Break up square ceramic tiles of different colors with a hammer to make a one-of-a-kind backsplash. If you want a more geometric design, try a chevron or zig-zag pattern. Height The height of your backsplash tile is an underutilized design element. You might be thinking "Doesn't it just go up to the cabinets?" Well, it doesn't have to! For more impact, consider continuing the backsplash up to the ceiling in areas where you don't have cabinets, like above the kitchen sink. If you have open shelving, you can also continue your backsplash on the wall behind it for some subtle design. This is dependent on your budget, however. If you're choosing an expensive material, you might not want to continue it the whole way up the wall. Bringing it All Together If you're tired of your kitchen but don't have the budget to renovate the entire thing, new backsplash tile is an easy way to transform the entire room. Turn it into a neutral, calming space or liven it up with funky colors and patterns! Whatever your personal preference, you can create a gorgeous backsplash to turn your kitchen into a room you'll love. Contact us for help choosing your backsplash tile, and leave a comment letting us know what kind of backsplash your dream kitchen would have!

10 Alternative Kitchen Tile Ideas for A Subway Free Kitchen

Sep 29, 2017 Mike Belk

Have you ever walked into a kitchen and been overwhelmed by the boring white subway tile backsplash? While subway tiles can make a kitchen look incredibly welcoming, they are almost always labeled as bland. We don’t like the idea of a bland kitchen, and neither should you! Your kitchen should be a cheerful place for your family and friends to gather. To help combat the boredom of subway tiles, we’ve compiled a list of ten non-subway tile kitchen tile ideas for your next kitchen renovation.10 Non-Subway Kitchen Tile Ideas You will LoveHerringbone Tile Herringbone seems to be on everyone's kitchen tile ideas list. An elegant and versatile design, herringbone creates clean lines for the eye to follow. Many herringbone backsplashes you’ll find are monotone, adding to its clean appearance. However, some designers have branched out and created designs with two or three colors. If you plan to use a two to three-toned herringbone backsplash, try to keep your counters and cabinets neutral. The contrast will help your backsplash pop and get noticed!Fish Scale Tile You don’t need to live in a coastal region to have an excuse to buy this next kitchen tile idea. Fish scale tiles have been making a huge splash in the kitchen design scene for their whimsy and eye-catching shape. These tiles come in a number of materials, including glass, terra cotta, and marble, leaving plenty of options for your specific taste. There is no one set way to have fish scale tiles in your kitchen. Some kitchens feature a single color in their fish scale backsplash while others opt for a tri-colored theme to make their kitchen look like a fish’s tail. These lovely tiles might also go by the name fan tile or scallop tile, so keep that in mind as you shop.Penny Tiles In recent years, penny tiles have been making a comeback in the form of tiled floors, showers, and kitchen backsplashes. Penny tiles provide a bold yet downplayed feel to a kitchen and add a touch of elegance. There are many ways you can use penny tiles in your kitchen. A light neutral adds to the overall clean feeling in a kitchen while venturing into a colored penny tile can help tie your hardware and cabinetry together. Penny tiles also add a bit of texture if your kitchen is fairly sleek.Arabesque and Lantern Tiles If uniform polka dots aren't your thing, arabesque and lantern tiles might be for you. The arabesque shape arose from Islamic art, which does not allow the artist to portray living things. Instead, artists came up with the arabesque shape to depict vines and flowers. These lantern-shaped tiles are perfect for creating spaces to which you want the eye to be drawn, whether it's your kitchen backsplash or a tiled floor. While these look great in a single color, the real magic happens when you have two solid colors mixed with a patterned tile. Square Tiles We know, this sounds plain, but square tiles are extremely versatile and don't have to be boring. Here are some square kitchen tile ideas you'll really love. Like a penny tile backsplash, small square backsplashes in one color can tie together different parts of your kitchen or serve as an accent piece. If you upgrade a few sizes, you are opened up to a world of checkerboard and plaid backsplashes. Because square tiles are so versatile, they're easy to incorporate throughout your entire home to tie everything together.Azulejo Tiles Azulejo refers to a method of tile decoration that is popular in Spain and Portugal. The technique itself is Egyptian, but the Portuguese popularized the method and made it into an art form. Azulejos are vibrant and colorful. When used in architecture, they typically depict a story, but for use in the home, they usually have a geometric design. If you're looking for a real pop of color and interesting focal point in your kitchen, definitely consider using azulejos. In most cases, you'll likely have to go through an importer of Portuguese goods to find these colorful tiles.Distressed Wood Ok, no, distressed wood is not tile, but it makes a great backsplash. Having a wood backsplash brings a rustic and homey feel to your kitchen and can even make you feel like you're in a small cabin in the woods. When selecting wood to use for your backsplash, you can go with new wood and distress it yourself, or you can take a trip to your local reclaimed lumber yard to see what they have on offer. You'll never know when you'll find a diamond in the rough.Geometric Tiles Next on our list of kitchen tile ideas are geometric tiles which extend beyond simple parallelograms. Geometric tiles allow you to easily create optical illusions and gradients on your walls. One such optical illusion can be created with diamond-shaped tiles that are popular in Scandinavian countries. To level up, you can now purchase textured geometric tiles which add tons of dimension to an accent wall like a backsplash.Oval Tiles Oval tiles are a bit like penny tiles because of the uniformity they provide a backsplash. These tiles can easily be passed off for penny tiles when you're not looking carefully but will be a real conversation starter when your guests realize what shape they actually are. If you think you need to keep the ovals lengthwise, you are wrong. Installing them vertically can help elongate the wall and provide the optical illusion that there's more space under your cabinets.Copper Tiles These showstoppers might only seem like they'll cost you a pretty penny when, in fact, they are a great investment for your backsplash. Copper tiles are stain resistant, durable, and anti-bacterial. Of course, it takes a very specific kitchen to accommodate a copper tile backsplash, so it's best to consider this if you're doing a full kitchen renovation. Remember, your kitchen should look however you want it to. If you think you'll pick a tile from our kitchen tile ideas list, we'd love to hear your comments in the box below!

Top reasons why Copper Tiles are the Best Choice

Aug 10, 2017 Mike Belk

Backsplash tiles are typical ceramic tiles available in varying colors. Some homeowners find these options too conventional or boring. Antique copper mosaic tiles, another backsplash tile option, are anything but. Several reasons show why getting them for your home is the best choice. Attain that Classic Traditional Home Design Most property owners today want modern home designs, but others still prefer the traditional look often brought by rustic woodwork. Antique copper mosaic tiles can bring the same design for homes because of their unique feature. These tiles come in a copper color that had been used for many rustic homes. The shade promotes that traditional appeal that many homeowners would like to have. Copper's shade looks aged and presents an appeal that you can only see in old houses today. Aside from traditional design, copper tiles can also be merged with modern home designs to attain neo-classical interior design that many property owners would like to have in their houses. Promote Design Consistency What's good about antique copper mosaic tiles is it complements a lot of traditional design elements in houses. It works well with wood cabinets and other metals installed at home. Combining this material with other home designs will result to consistent home interiors that appeal to everyone. Add Class to Your Home Copper adds class in your house, which is the reason why many copper fixtures are more expensive than other materials used for home design. Using antique copper mosaic tiles as backsplash ensure your home attains a classic look that older houses possess. Shades that Promote Unique Appeal Copper color is typically available in single shade option. However, manufacturers of antique copper mosaic tiles now offer them in an array of shades that attract a lot of buyers. Instead of polishing copper surfaces, they subject them to aging treatments to make them look older and classier. Some sellers also use this treatment to deliver multiple copper shades on a single tile. When tiles are installed together, the shades complement each other and result to a unique backsplash appeal. Make Your Home Stand Out While copper tiles are becoming popular, only a few homeowners choose them for your home. If you want your home to stand out, these tiles as backsplash are the best ones for you. Aside from backsplashes, copper tiles can be placed in different parts of the house as a main walling option or as accent. Use them according to your preferred design and ensure a unique home. Antique copper mosaic tiles are now widely available for buyers in search of a unique backsplash tile option. Consider your current home design then figure out proper tile placement to maximize its aesthetic appeal. Get them from top caliber sellers to ensure quality and value for your money.

15 Fresh Ideas for Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

Apr 7, 2017 Mike Belk

It's a staple of the real estate industry: Kitchens sell houses. Along with the bath, they're the most-inspected rooms in a house. And the most lived-in. So an investment in an updated kitchen can significantly increase a home's value. And even if you're not selling, the kitchen should be a pleasure to spend time in. The question is, what to update? The answer? Maybe you should consider kitchen backsplash tiles.Setting a Focal Point Whether or not you're selling, it's a fundamental principle of home design that a well-designed room usually has a focal point. Often, it's the first thing you see when you walk into a room. It gives the eye a landing place, and it provides an organizing principle for the rest of the room's design. In the kitchen, appliances, cabinets, and countertops are all candidates to be a focal point. But appliances are expensive, and you may already have contemporary appliances. Cabinets and countertops are expensive and installation can disrupt your lifestyle. Kitchen backsplash tiles, on the other hand, offer a perfect focal point along with a number of other benefits. They're functional. They help protect walls from water, grease, stains and mildew. They're durable. Tile, glass, and metal all will last a long time with relatively little maintenance. Stone is also durable but, because it's porous, it must be resealed periodically. Depending on the material, they can help cut down on cleaning. Their prominence on the wall behind a sink or stovetop makes them ideal candidates for a kitchen focal point. They come in styles, colors, and materials to suit virtually any budget. Should you decide at a later date that you want to make a change, kitchen backsplash tiles can be relatively easy to switch out. Bottom line: If you're thinking about updating for any reason, kitchen backsplash tiles make a lot of sense. As you think about where to go from here, remember that the possibilities are almost unlimited. For example, think about some of these approaches. Think Higher and Wider Most backsplashes start at countertop level. But the height is up to you. Some people tile around their windows right up to the ceiling. Some stop at the base of their upper cabinets. By the same token, you don't have to confine your backsplash to the area immediately behind the sink or countertop. A backsplash extending around the room can make its own design statement and pull the room together. And if your kitchen is small, extending the backsplash around the room will make the room appear bigger.Think Colorful Colorful doesn't have to mean patterned. Consider a quilted effect or a random look with a backsplash made of an assortment of compatible colors.Think Patterns With Color Regular patterns - herringbones, plaids, geometric designs - can add visual interest. Thinking colors in combination with patterns can give you a look as bold or refined as you want.Think Grout It comes in colors for a reason. In fact, the right color grout can have a dramatic impact on a backsplash, accenting and highlighting your design or blending harmoniously with it.Think Focal Point for Your Focal Point Your kitchen backsplash tile pattern doesn't have to be uniform. Backsplash plaques, framed by other tiles, can provide a focal point for your focal point, adding visual interest.Think Mixed, Not Matched In redesigning a kitchen, many people start with the countertop, making it the focal point and relegating the backsplash to a supporting role. But if you're updating only the backsplash, that may not be possible. In either case, countertop and backsplash should complement rather than compete with or run into each other.Think Texture With or without color, textured tiles can add visual interest and drama to your kitchen backsplash.Think Darker Kitchen backsplash tiles don't have to be bold or bright. Especially with wood cabinets, darker tiles can add warmth and drama to your kitchen.Think Neutral Your kitchen may already have a focal point, or you may be planning other updates in addition to the backsplash. A neutral backsplash can accentuate your cabinets, appliances or other kitchen features.Think Retro Subway tiles were first introduced in New York subway stations about a century ago and quickly became fashionable in homes. They're no less popular today. In addition to the reflective, easy-to-clean traditional rectangle, subway tiles are now available as hexagons for added visual interest. And don't imagine that "subway tile" means "white." The tiles come in a wide variety of colors and finishes, including metallic.Think Angles Just because everyone else applies their kitchen backsplash tiles in straight horizontal or vertical patterns doesn't mean you have to. Rotating tiles from the horizontal or vertical can add interest and even a sense of movement to your backsplash.Think Materials Ceramic tiles may have tradition on their side, but you have lots of other options: Glass tiles come in a variety of patterns, colors, and styles. Stone tiles can add character and dignity to your kitchen. Metal accent tiles in gunmetal, antique copper and stainless steel look beautiful and are extremely durable.Think Waterjet Glass Tiles Most people think of tile in terms of traditional, regular geometric cuts. But waterjet tiles add a world of possibility. Waterjet machines cut glass into precise and intricate patterns that can't be duplicated with traditional tiles. They can give your kitchen a unique, unexpected and elegant look.Think Combinations Your backsplash doesn't have to be uniform in materials, pattern or price. For example, consider using fewer, more expensive glass or handmade ceramic tiles as accents for less expensive tiles.Think Mosaics Feeling creative? Maybe mosaic is the way to go. You can pick a design or have one created to your specifications. If your kitchen backsplash is one of the best ways to update your kitchen, it's also one of the best opportunities to have fun with your design. You're limited only by your imagination and budget.Now that you've learned all about kitchen backsplash tiles... It's time for you to start thinking about incorporating a backsplash into your kitchen. If you need a hand in thinking about your options, please contact us. We'll be happy to help.

How Kitchen Backsplash Plaques Become the Perfect Focal Point

Feb 2, 2017 Mike Belk

You always hear about the importance of having focal points in your living room, but what about your kitchen? The job of a focal point is to immediately capture and draw in attention from incoming guests. In your living room, that focal point may be an impressive mirror, a piece of artwork, or a stellar view if you're lucky. But when it comes to your kitchen, you can create one or more focal points with just kitchen backsplash plaques alone. Focal points don't have to be a stationary object either, such as a chandelier or a designer sofa. You can also create focal points with texture, color paneling, and patterns too. That's why tiling and backsplash plaques are ideal for creating strong focal points in your kitchen. That's why tiling and backsplash plaques are ideal for creating strong focal points in your kitchen. And the best part? New kitchen backsplash plaques won't cost you an arm and a leg, unlike a complete kitchen overhaul. If you're curious about what a new backsplash can do for your kitchen, keep reading because we're dishing on our favorite trends in kitchen backsplash plaques right now. Tell A Story With A Mural It's no secret that we love backsplash murals. They add personality to your kitchen, plus, they make fantastic focal points too. Just like adding artwork to your living room, adding a kitchen backsplash mural is a great way to draw attention to your new kitchen. Your kitchen is all about food, family, and good times. Consider these kitchen backsplash plaques for your focal points: Cast metal harvest themed plaques complete with corn, grapes, and wooden food crates. Silver "royal" theme plaques featuring chalices spilling over with fresh produce. Mediterranean themed mural plaques with olive trees, pottery, and an ocean view. Kitchen murals showcasing families eating or food preparation. Murals that depict classic still lifes of bread, fruit, meat, poultry, and other classic foods. Kitchen plaques with sunsets, landscapes, and celestial night sky themes. Want to tell your own unique story? You can use a variety of ceramic and metal tile inserts to create a totally unique mural that's all your own. Antique Chic One of our favorite backsplash designs is simple white subway tiles. Subway tiles pair well with a range of colors and kitchen wallpaper, but they can also look too repetitive without a strong focal point. That's why your subway tiles need an eye-catching plaque to look their best. There are a lot of plaque styles you can use. But right now, we're loving the look of classic subway tiles juxtaposed with antique kitchen backsplash plaques. These are some of our favorite trends happening now: Bronze cyclone plaques and backsplash inserts Inca style bronze plaques Ancient Maya style silver plated plaques Textured metal pyramid motifs Metal olive trees Silver leaves and grapes plaques Your kitchen doesn't have to have just one focal point either. Go crazy and add two or even three antique backsplash plaques to your subway tile motif. The Cubist Look Master painters like Picasso, Georges Braque, and Paul Klee put Cubism on the map. But the renowned art style also makes for amazing kitchen decor. Cubism motifs are typically denoted by strong geometric shapes, cubes, sharp lines, and bold color. We love the cubist styles we're seeing in today's modern kitchens, and your backsplash is the ideal setting to make a strong focal point with cubist style tiling and backsplashes. Need some inspiration for cubist kitchen backsplash plaques? Check out the top trends we're seeing in kitchens right now: Tiled reproductions by cubist masters Stainless steel cubed backsplashes You can also create your own cubism inspired kitchen backsplash plaques by purchasing a variety of tile designs and arranging your own pattern. Keep It Cool With Stainless Steel We saw some awesome stainless steel cubist trends, but the possibilities for stainless steel doesn't end there. Stainless steel is not only modern and sleek, but it's also a safe and sanitary option for your kitchen. Stainless steel kitchen backsplash plaques are perfect for bachelor pads, minimalist home plans, serious foodies, and urban lofts. It also pairs well with vintage motifs to create that classic "new-meets-old" style. Check out these awesome stainless steel designs to make your backsplash pop: Quilt stainless steel backsplashes can create that "executive chef" look. Alternate between ceramic and stainless steel tiles to create an attractive backsplash. Keep it simple with just plain rectangular stainless steel plaques "Raised" stainless steel tiles and plaques. Even More Kitchen Backsplash Plaques To Consider There are so many great backsplash plaque ideas that we couldn't leave out these honorable mentions. Glass backsplash plaques work well with different textures and mediums. Try adding a couple of glass plaques to a backsplash full of shiny subway tiles to create that "high-gloss" look. Glass plaques also look great with stucco backsplashes, terracotta, and Spanish motifs too. We're also seeing a lot of reclaimed wood backsplashes lately. Reclaimed wood can be anything from old heirloom furniture to salvaged boat wood. These types of kitchen backsplash plaques would look fantastic in any nautical themed kitchen. Ceramic has always been a go-to source for backsplashes, but for good reason. You can find everything from Japanese-inspired designs to fun bubble motifs the kids will love! Of course, natural stone plaques made from marble, granite, and limestone are ideal for rustic homes, bungalows, and those family cabins in the mountains. Next Steps Once you have your materials and design plan in tow, you can finally install your new kitchen backsplash plaques. And believe it or not, installing your new backsplash isn't as hard as you may think. While it never hurts to hit up the tile experts for extra tips, you can take matters into your own hands and install your own kitchen backsplash plaques right at home! Once you're a master at DIY backsplash installation, creating focal points in your kitchen will become a piece of cake.

Glass Mosaic Tile Backsplash: The Easy Way to Install at Home

Jan 5, 2017 Mike Belk

Glass Mosaic Tile Backsplash: How You Can Easily DIYGlass mosaic tile backsplash is a design that's never going out of style. Here's our guide on how to DIY at home - read on, and transform your home. Tiles can totally transform a kitchen. Whether you’re using subway tiles to make your kitchen seem bigger or are just looking to spruce things up in general, tiling can be a kitchen reno’s silver bullet. But it often scares off DIY-ers for fear it’s too hard and too specialized. But, fear not! Replacing or adding your own glass mosaic tile backsplash is a totally manageable DIY job. This post will walk you through everything you need to do in a step by step guide. Let’s get started! Step 1: Gather your tools First off, you need to get together everything you’re going to need to install your new glass mosaic tile backsplash. You’ll need: Glass mosaic tiles Grout Toothed or V trowel Tile mastic Clear acrylic caulk Hammer Sandpaper Tile spacers There are also a few things that you’ll likely have around your house that you might want to keep on hand: Rags Scrap wood Scrap cardboard/newspaper Painters tape A measuring tape A level Step 2: Prepare your workstation You’ll need to get your workstation ready before you start. Remove as much as you can from the wall where you’re going to be working. This includes things like your range, your fridge, and any and all moveable kitchen tools or ingredients. You want as much clear space as possible to work with, and you want to avoid getting nasty tiling mastic over all your dishes. You also want to unplug and unscrew anything that’s attached to the wall you’re tiling. Things like hanging shelves, light fixtures, or those Ikea wall storage things. Why? Because this way, you will be able to tile more closely around them which will give you a cleaner, more professional finish at the end. You’ll need to fix a ledger to the wall anywhere that doesn’t have a counter (for example, the hole where your stove recently lived). To do this, simply get a two by four cut to size and screw it into the wall flush with the counters. That way, the tiles can rest on the ledge while the mastic cures. Lastly, tape off and cover everything to keep it clean while you work. Now you’re ready to start!Step 3: Measure out your tiles Now, you need to measure your glass mosaic tiles. Starting from a central focal point (e.g. the middle of the range or over a sink - whatever works in your kitchen) layout the tile sheets on the counter, working out. Pro tip: Lay an old piece of plywood over the gap where your stove was so you can lay out tiles accurately. When you get to the edges, you’ll have to start to get a little creative. Hopefully, the tile sheets fit perfectly. However, since that’s pretty unlikely to happen, you’ll probably have to do some cutting. Try and work with whole tiles wherever you can but if you can’t, don’t cut them smaller than in half. You’ll end up with tile slivers instead of tile pieces. Instead, shuffle your entire outline to make up the difference so you can condense any gaps so they’re big enough to fill with a complete tile. Also, don’t worry too much about the lone or incomplete tiles looking out of place - when the whole glass tile mosaic backsplash is up, no one will even notice.Step 4: Sand your wall Now that your tiles are outlined and you know what’s going to go where, it's time to prepare your wall. Essentially, what you’re aiming to do is create a surface that’s rough enough that the tile mastic has plenty to grip to. Some surfaces,like unfinished drywall, are rough enough already. But if you’re tiling over paint, then you’ll need to rough it up yourself. Easily done. Just take some sandpaper (80 grit or so) and roughly sand the whole surface. Remember: because you’re tiling in sheets, you to don’t need to get every single little scrap of the wall since the sheet distributes the load of the tiles over a larger surface area. So get as much of the wall as you can, but for most kitchens, this should only take 5-10 minutes or so.Step 5a: Apply your tile mastic Not a lot of technique here. Simply spread the mastic on the wall with the smooth side of the trowel in a curving, arched motion. The same motion you’d make if you were waving to get someone’s attention. Then, cut through the mastic with the toothed edge of the trowel so it looks textured. If your mastic starts to harden to your trowel, just keep a wet sponge and a rag handy to wipe it down. You’ll want to work in smallish batches, probably doing one sheet at a time because you want the mastic nice and pliable when the tile hits it. If you do too much, then the mastic will start to harden before the tiles go up, leading to a weaker hold and problems both right then and down the line. If your mastic starts to harden before you’re ready, no problem - just scrape it away and reapply a fresh coat. Easy!Step 5b: Mount your glass mosaic tile backsplash It's time to mount up. This needs to be done quickly after you apply your mastic so the tile hits it while it’s still wet. All you need to do is take your sheet and press it into your prepared mastic on the wall. Then, get a hammer and beat in the corners to make sure it stays attached. You’ll need to blunt the blow with a block of wood, and don’t be tempted to use a rubber mallet. While this is gentler on tiles, it actually bounces too much and jiggles the tiles, meaning that they won’t set the way that they’re supposed to. You’ll also need to make sure that there are tile spacers between the tiles and the ledger and the edge of the counter. This creates a gap that you’ll later seal with caulk. Repeat steps 5a and 5b until the entire backsplash is done.Step 6: Leave it to cure Let the mastic cure according to the instructions. It’s usually about 24 hours. For ease, we recommend not using your kitchen for that time - take the chance to order a pizza and put your feet up!Step 7: Apply grout Almost there. Grout works about the same as mastic. Apply it over the tiles in 3 feet sections at a time always moving diagonally to the grout lines. Leave it to semi-dry for a few minutes then take a sponge and clean off the tiles themselves. Grout’s left in the gaps between tiles, and you’re almost good to go!Step 8: Finish up Finally, caulk around the perimeter of the tiles and dry according to the instructions. Again, this is anywhere from 12-24 hours. Then, remove all your newspaper, your ledger and put your stove back, and clean up the kitchen. Two weeks or so down the road, you’ll need to apply grout sealant to the tiles but other than that, you’re all done! There you have it. How to tile your backsplash with mosaic tiles in 8 easy steps. Still got questions? We’ve got answers. Get in touch today and we’ll help you with all your tiling needs

Kitchen Backsplash Tiles and More: DIY Home Upgrades

Oct 6, 2016 Mike Belk

Looking for a few easy ways to add pizzaz to your home? From kitchen backsplash tiles to using ribbons, we've got your easy DIY upgrades here. DIY projects are our calling. There's an argument that we're a group of DIY nerds...ok, there's no argument: We are a bunch of DIY nerds. Don't call us with a physics question, but - if you need advice about kitchen backsplash tiles we've got you covered. When we're not selling DIY supplies, we like to help out our friends become DIY experts too. We realized keeping the knowledge between friends was doing a disservice to our customers, and our blog was born. But enough backstory, let's get to the good stuff. Our brightest minds have put together a little list of the best DIY home upgrades for any skill set. Get ready to put the local handyman to shame. Decorate With Kitchen Backsplash Tiles Yeah, yeah, we know. Tiles, of course, tiles. What can we say, when you're an expert on tiles, you write about tiles. Backsplash tiles keep the wall behind your sink from succumbing to water damage. They're way more important than people give them credit for. They can also be downright ugly if you're not aware of your options. Style trends are always changing, and what looked great for the previous owner (or maybe you're just ready for something new) might not be right for you. We like to think outside the box when it comes to creating a backsplash. You'll want it to match the rest of your kitchen, but it can also stand out. Glass tiles are a great way to add a unique flair that's not often seen. They're installed in the same way as conventional tiles, and available in a variety of patterns and designs. If you can't find what you're looking for, they also look nice when painted. If you're not into glass tiles, look into natural stone tiles. Each tile is unique and has its own characteristics that are one of a kind. They can be so striking that we recommend basing your kitchen design on the tile, and not the other way around. DIY network has a great video explaining exactly how to install a kitchen backsplash. The process is essentially this: -Remove your old tile -Make sure the drywall is structurally sound -Cut your tile -Apply the mortar to the wall -Apply the tile to the wall -Finish with grout work The video goes into much more detail and makes a good visual aid. Revamp Your Fixtures We continually see otherwise great looking homes with old fixtures. We're talking handles, door knobs, faucets, and the like. They're easy to replace and can help bring a cohesive feel to your home. Since we're on a kitchen theme, we'll start there. A screwdriver and time are all you need to replace your kitchen cabinet handles. Most people stick with neutral colors that match their cabinets, but we like to switch things up. Think about installing handles that match the rest of the room. Consistent fixtures throughout a room create cohesion. Cohesive fixtures also extend to your faucet and doorknobs. There are two ways to go about getting them in line with the kitchen's overall theme. The first is a coat of paint. If their style matches and it's just a matter of color, paint is probably the best option. The other option is purchasing new fixtures that match the other hardware in the room. Doorknobs are easy to replace, but faucets take a bit more work. If you do choose to change out the doorknobs, just grab that screwdriver again. For the faucet, you'll need a wrench and bucket. Turn off the water lines under your sink and unhook them from the faucet. Disconnect the P-trap and use your bucket to catch any water left in the pipes. Once you've unhooked the faucet, just follow the instructions provided with your new hardware. Concrete Countertops Most people don't realize that concrete works just as well as marble for a countertop surface. The material is versatile, and can be colored, overlaid, or textured. Concrete is also durable. Our goal here is to end with a material that matches the rest of your kitchen, but that's also worth the DIY effort. Your first step in creating a concrete countertop is to create a mold to pour your concrete into. Measure out how large of a countertop you'd like and use wood to build a frame in the shape you desire. Next, we pour the concrete. Spread it out even and flatten it before letting it sit for a few days. The third step is to add any color or texture and then seal your countertop. Acid stains, dyes, and powdered pigments all work to add color and even intricate designs to your counter. Now, install the countertop and you're done! Install Some Wall Storage Many people don't realize that you can drill through tile with the proper equipment. A diamond drill bit will let you bore holes through your tile backsplash and into the drywall behind it. This sets up the opportunity for installing storage hooks. Every kitchen is low on space, and storing knick knacks or other frequently used items on your back splash leaves cabinet space open for larger items. To get started drilling, first, stabilize your drill against the tile. Any contact with the surrounding tile can leave unsightly scratches. A block of wood works well for this. The actual drilling process is simple. Keep the drill bit wet to prevent it from overheating and wearing or breaking down. Use moderate pressure and drill speed to penetrate the tile. Once you're through the tile surface the rest of process is the same as drilling wood. Hopefully one of our ideas has sparked some DIY creativity within you. We think our list covers a variety of skill ranges for beginners and experts alike. With any home upgrade, it's important to understand your project and work within your skill level to ensure your process is safe and your finished product is of high quality. If you're looking for a place to buy items for your DIY projects, look no further. We sell high-quality kitchen and bathroom remodeling supplies for reasonable prices. We also like to think our tile selection is one of the best around. Though, we'll let you be the judge of that.

The top 5 things to consider for a design project for your Kitchen

Sep 30, 2016 Mike Belk

How do you make that dream kitchen you have in your mind a reality? Before you start anything, a well laid out plan that’s put together with the help of a qualified kitchen designer can be just what you need to make your new kitchen design project a success. Working together with a good kitchen designer you should be able create the design that suits both your needs and your budget. 1. How Much Do You Have To Spend? Discuss with your designer how much you have available to spend on the kitchen design project. You should inform your designer of the amount of money that he or she has to work with before drawing up your design plans. This ensures your designer and contractor know from the start that you have set a clear budget and they shouldn’t overspend when selecting materials or labor costs for the project. 2. HOW LONG WILL THE KITCHEN DESIGN PROJECT TAKE? Before any of the necessary construction work begins on your kitchen, you need to consider how long it will take and how it will fit in with your personal needs. By having a consultation with a good kitchen designer you can estimate the time required to complete your kitchen design project and provide a time frame that your family can work around. 3. PREPARING FOR YOUR KITCHEN DESIGN PROJECT Your kitchen design project may cause disruption to the day to day running of family life for a short time but with effective planning your project can be run quickly and smoothly with minimal disruption. It is a good idea to separate the living area and the kitchen design project area. This ensures you can be out of the contractor’s way while work is being done and also for obvious safety reasons. Setting up a temporary kitchen in another room can also make life easier. You could schedule your kitchen design project around the holidays or summer months where it may be possible to cook and dine outside. 4. What do you use your Kitchen for? A kitchen designer may have many questions at your first meeting. You need to sit down beforehand and consider some of the following questions and what functions you want from your new kitchen: How many people will use the kitchen on a daily basis? Do you like to do a lot of entertaining of friends and family? Which is more important- workspace or dining area? Is there room for an island area? You should also consult the rest of the family for any input or ideas they may have. 5. What Type of Style Have You In Mind For Your Kitchen Design Project? Before you meet your kitchen designer you need to do a lot of research and try to put together as many ideas as possible for your new kitchen. So where should you get these ideas? First of all a good starting point is kitchen design magazines that will have lots of style ideas and elements of design that you may wish to use in your own kitchen. Start a scrapbook using the clips from the magazines or catalogues along with examples of materials or other design features that you might like in your new kitchen. The Internet is a great resource and you can also visit kitchen design showrooms to check out various products, which can then be added to your list of requirements. Compile your wish list and use these to demonstrate the vision you have for your new kitchen to your kitchen designer. You may also bring a list of questions that you may wish to put to your kitchen designer at the initial meeting.

What kind of Backsplash Tile are you?

Sep 23, 2016 Mike Belk

WHAT KIND OF BACKSPLASH TILE ARE YOU? Whether you’ve got a family with 4 four kids, or you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of options for your to choose from when it comes to getting your home tiled. The question is which way should you go. Frankly, browsing around for the best choice for your tiles could take you hours, and you at least need a starting point. The team at BELK Tile is well versed in tiling for nearly any part of your home. That’s why we’ve designed this quiz to help you get started on the right track. Remember to ask yourself each question and help determine the right style for you.DO YOU HAVE KIDS?Ceramic is one of the easiest tiles to clean up, so when it comes to having kids, that’s the first thing you should think about. You’ll appreciate how much easier ceramic tiling can make your life . At the same time, you’ll still have access to lots of beautiful colors and patterns.KEEPING A LOW BUDGET?We know that home remodeling can often be expensive, and the last thing you need is a huge bill on your hands that you have to pay off. Porcelain can usually make for the perfect option for those trying to save some money. Porcelain tiles are relatively low-maintenance, and they are available in a wide variety of colors and textures.Going for an Earth Look?Whether you’re a nature lover or just love the look of natural elements, natural stone offers an amazing look for kitchen backsplashes, and still allows you to keep the inviting tone that you’ve set with the rest of your home décor.Want to Make Your Tile Stick Out?Glass tile is a very reflective element that can be used to enhance your backsplash or other areas of your home, both indoors and outdoors.Finally, you have everything you want to know about Backsplash, from our early roots to our goal here at belktile.com. Get the facts on tile and rely on us as your number one resource for getting the perfect tiling for your next home project.

Ceramic Tile Backsplash

Sep 15, 2016 Mike Belk

CERAMIC TILE BACKSPLASH – ADDING CLASS AND ELEGANCE TO ANY ROOM When any home owner looks for backsplash tile ideas online, they often are given several different options of materials to work with. From glass tiles to ceramic tile backsplash material, the choice on which product to use very important and can be rather difficult. But when it comes down to it – the biggest issue tends to be cost of the materials. And when you’re looking for discount tile backsplash materials that are highly functional and extremely attractive, ceramic tiles tend to be the best option.SHOP FOR DISCOUNT DECORATIVE BACKSPLASH CERAMIC TILE: Bullnose and Corners Crackled Ceramic Tile Decoratives and Accents Field Tile Pool Tile Ceramic tile is extremely affordable for any budget, but they are also very attractive and create a highly elegant look for any room where you install ceramic tiles. There are many different styles, shapes and colors to choose from – increasing the amount of options that any home owner can have to create the décor perfect for each room that you seek.CERAMIC FIELD TILE When you’re looking for an inexpensive tile to create a ceramic tile backsplash, ceramic field tile is a great option. Designed for use in kitchen and bathrooms primarily, field tile is mainly solid color tiles that can be placed individually or among other solid color tiles to create the pattern which will enhance the overall look and feel of the room you are redecorating. Ceramic field tile is also manufactured to be extremely strong, which make them reliable and provide more value for any home owner who is redecorating a kitchen or bathroom and wants to enhance their room with a solid color tile. DECORATIVE AND ACCENT BACKSPLASH TILES A second option for home owners is to install decorative and accent tiles to spice up any room you are decorating. This is a perfect option for somebody who is looking to accent a room with a particular design pattern. When you’re trying create a ceramic tile backsplash that will enhance the overall motif of your room, installing decorative or accent tiles often accomplish this feat. Every decorative or accent tile is unique, hand-made to ensure a beautiful touch of elegance for any remodeling project you are undertaking.CRACKLED CERAMIC TILE When it comes to adding a finishing touch that is home-made and decorative, many interior designers choose to install crackled ceramic tile. This type of tile is designed to be more of an accent piece as opposed to standing on their own. And they truly accomplish this job thanks to the handcrafted design that each crackled ceramic tile is manufactured. When you’re looking for discount tile backsplash material that will put a perfect finishing touch on your tile project, crackled ceramic tile is the option for you. At belktile.com, consumers can find the perfect ceramic tile accent pieces to enhance any room you are remodeling. Ordering online is safe and secure thanks to the verified SSL Security Certificates installed on the website. You can feel safe about shopping online and taking advantage of below retail pricing on ceramic tile backsplash materials. So when you’re looking for discount tile backsplash materials, sold online through a safe and secure online shopping portal.

Latest Trend! Metal Accent Tiles for Backsplash Poise

Aug 9, 2016 Mike Belk

These days, more and more people are keeping up with the trend of using metal tiles as accent tiles in their backsplash. They are unique, attractive, and easy to install; in fact, anyone with DIY skills can install them. Aside from their charm, metal accent tiles for backsplash are also quite easy to maintain. Like other things in the house, you will eventually need to clean metal tiles to keep them looking good as new.You may use different types of maintenance and care for metal accent tiles, depending on the type of metal tile you have and the effect that you want. For instance, copper may be stained when it is exposed to moisture and air unless you seal it. However, there are some people who prefer this type of aging. Others want their metal accent tiles for backsplash to look as shiny as they did on the day they were installed. For iron metal accent tiles, they will rust if you do not care for them regularly. If you want to keep iron pristine, you need to seal and clean it.Sealing the Metal TileThere are only two types of metal tile that need to be sealed: copper tiles and iron tiles. Sealing the metal accent tiles for backsplash will help protect the finish of the metal and prevent oxidation that will eventually happen as the surface acts with moisture in the air. As mentioned, iron will show rust, and in the case of copper, it will turn darker and acquire a patina.You can prevent this from happening by using a reliable solvent-based sealer. You can spray or brush it on the metal tiles and it will create a barrier to keep moisture from passing through the metal accent tiles for backsplash. However, make sure that you cover the whole surface of the tile because even a small area that is left untreated will oxidize.Cleaning the Metal TileYou can clean most metal tiles using dishwashing detergent and warm water. Wash them down using micro fiber cloth, making sure you rinse them thoroughly so there will be no smudges.Do not use water and soap on metal accent tiles for backsplash that are made from stainless steel. Instead, use a proper cleaner for stainless steel. Apply it using a dry, lint-free cloth and make sure that you do it carefully because stainless steel tiles scratch easily.For copper, you have a few choices, unless you have sealed the surface. You may allow the metal tiles to age and simply clean them on a regular basis using water and soap. You may also use a copper cleaner if you want your metal accent tiles for backsplash to remain shiny. However, patina copper tiles have a clear coat protection, so it will not do any good if you use a copper cleaner on them. Instead, just stick to water and soap to keep them clean.You have to apply special care on titanium tiles, even if they are only titanium-colored. Never use water and soap on them. Instead, prepare a solution with equal parts of water and vinegar, and then apply it on the tiles using a clean, dry cloth to keep them shiny and clean.Removing StainsStainless steel tiles may still end up having blemishes caused by hard water deposits. In these instances, the tiles tend to look unpleasant, but these blemishes are quite easy to remove. Create a paste using either water and baking soda, or water and borax. Apply it to the whole surface using a cloth, rinse it using warm water, and then wipe it with a dry cloth. Do not rub too hard so you will not scratch your metal accent tiles for backsplash.

The Finest Collection of Kitchen Backsplash Tiles That Make a Difference

Jul 7, 2016 Mike Belk

Finding the best collection of kitchen backsplash tiles that could accentuate your kitchen could be a fun experience. You can go wild and be creative or draw out your inner peace and choose to be minimalistic. Either way, you would need to know a bit about the basics of this process. Your kitchen is a place in your house that is usually bustling with activity each day. In this place where people gather and bond as a family, it is important for the kitchen to be comfortable and pleasing to the eyes and other senses.There are a few things to remember if you are looking for kitchen backsplash tiles to keep your kitchen looking good. You need to take note of certain things to consider before choosing the design and color of your backsplash tiles. If you are not that familiar with these things, then you should not worry because, the basics are laid down here for you. Here is a list of the things that can guide you in choosing kitchen tiles:1.Establish your budget – As for any home improvement project, your budget will determine what you can aspire to do. An ambitious project would need intricately designed kitchen backsplash tiles which will cost a lot. On the other side of the spectrum, you can have a more minimal design idea which will be simpler and cost less. No matter what choice you make, you have to be clear about how much your budget is so that you will not overspend unnecessarily on your tiles. 2.Check your house’s overall design – Your kitchen tiles should not clash with your house’s design. The paint on the walls and the color of the backsplash tiles must work together. They do not necessarily have to be the same color. You can actually have contrasting colors. You want the entire look to be cohesive. 3.Try to experiment – If you want a more out-of-the-box style and design, you can try experimenting with swatches and samples. Put the colors and patterns side by side and see if they have visual appeal. You might even surprise yourself and discover a new color or design combination. 4.Choose your focal area – you can have a focal point when it comes to your kitchen backsplash tiles instead of having the same design or color all around your kitchen. The countertop that faces the entry to the kitchen, for instance, would be a good focal point to put a special tile design or pattern. 5.Ask your supplier about the maintenance and the durability of the tiles – As with any construction or design material, you should ask your supplier about how to maintain your kitchen backsplash tiles. This is so that you can extend its beauty and longevity. Most tiles are not immune to regular wear and tear and could be damaged over time. Knowing how to take care of your backsplash tiles will help you keep them for a longer time. 6.Make sure your choice is on stock – It is an exciting feeling once you find the perfect set of backsplash tiles after hours and hours of searching. It would be unfortunate to get started on a kitchen redecorating project only to find out that your perfect tiles are not available. In this case, you would either have to settle for another tile design or redo your entire redecorating plan. This can be a big setback for your timetable. This tips are just basic stuff that you should remember when shopping for kitchen backsplash tiles. Some things may have been left out in the article but what you see here covers the essentials. If you keep these in mind, then the process will be easier. Everything else that you need to learn will follow.

Looking for the perfect kitchen backsplash? Whether you're planning a complete kitchen remodel or simply updating your walls, our kitchen backsplash blog is packed with expert advice, design inspiration, installation tips, and the latest tile trends. Explore ideas ranging from classic subway tile backsplashes to modern glass mosaics and statement-making feature walls. At BELK Tile, we help homeowners, designers, and contractors create beautiful kitchens with confidence.

Why Trust BELK Tile?

BELK Tile has helped customers transform kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and outdoor spaces with high-quality tile solutions. Our blog provides expert resources, practical advice, and design inspiration to help you choose backsplash tiles that combine beauty, durability, and long-term value.

Explore More Kitchen Backsplash Inspiration

From modern glass mosaics and classic ceramic subway tiles to natural stone and decorative patterns, our growing collection of articles helps you stay informed about the latest kitchen backsplash trends and design possibilities. Check back regularly for new ideas, installation advice, product recommendations, and expert insights from the BELK Tile team.