Installing a Kitchen Backsplash - Part I: Choosing Tile
by Guest on Feb 8, 2011
A tile backsplash makes a beautiful focal point that adds interest and style to a kitchen while making cleanup easier. The abundance of tile options available allows homeowners to personalize their kitchen backsplashes to accommodate unique preferences. While a kitchen backsplash certainly presents the opportunity for limitless creative freedom, most homeowners choose a backsplash style that is neutral enough to be appealing to future home buyers.
Here are a few considerations for choosing tile for a kitchen backsplash:
- Textures and colors in the kitchen and throughout the home. Incorporating consistent styles throughout a home establishes flow and contributes to a quality overall aesthetic. If the majority of the home utilizes neutral tones and stone textures, you may want to incorporate a similar style into the kitchen backsplash to keep the style consistent. Likewise, a modern glass tile backsplash may be better suited for a home with other elements of modern style and architecture. As with other home improvement projects, a kitchen backsplash should fit seamlessly with the aesthetic of the home.
- Maintenance is associated with different types of tile and grout. As you shop for tile, keep in mind that some tile requires more maintenance than other types. For instance, porous tiles such as those made of natural stone will need to be sealed and periodically resealed. Be sure to read all manufacturer recommendations for any tile you are considering installing in your home to be sure that it fits with your expectations for maintaining it.
- Color and texture of the tile. The colors and finishes of the tile are practically endless. A kitchen backsplash in a vibrant color can make a bold statement, and one with neutral tones can create an understated, elegant look. While the color and texture of your backsplash are a personal preference, remember to consider whether you intend to sell the home someday and what future buyers would prefer. If you want to add color but do not want to make the backsplash too personal, you may consider installing a neutral toned backsplash and achieve a bold look through a vibrant wall color, which can be easily changed later. Remember that a tile backsplash should complement the other elements in the kitchen such as the cabinets, countertops, and floors.
Once you have chosen the tile and grout that is best suited for your needs and preferences, careful planning is in order before the backsplash can be installed. In Part II we examine some of the steps involved with preparing to install a kitchen backsplash.
Maria Polidoro is the owner of Ace Tool Online, a leading dealer and service center for hand and power tools offering over 70 major brands. Please visit Ace Tool Online to find the right Festool router, sander, or saw as well as tools from 70+ other brands.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
70609 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
67427 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
62893 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
43091 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
26841 Views
Latest Articles
Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You MUST Be Clued Up On Rainwater Drainage Systems
In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimetres of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...
on Feb 2, 2023
What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof
Metal roofing is durable and beautiful, allowing a home to stand out from others with conventional tiled roofs. A metal coating can last a...
on Feb 1, 2023
How Much Does it Cost to Install Hardwood Floors
There are specific considerations to make before laying hardwood flooring in your house. The first thing you need to know is that the price of...
on Jan 19, 2023
Home Maintenance Jobs You Need to do This Winter
Winter is the perfect time to get some home maintenance jobs completed. Not only are you stuck inside because of bad weather, but this same bad...
on Jan 10, 2023
Design Tips to Level Up Your Kitchen
Kitchens are the heart of the home. Aside from being where we cook and eat, kitchens can be our workspaces, spaces for relaxation, and - in the...
on Jan 9, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You MUST Be Clued Up On Rainwater Drainage Systems
on Feb 2, 2023
Plumbing / Basements
In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimetres of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...
Real Estate Investment for Future Generations
on Mar 14, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Purchasing a home is not simply a financial commitment. It is also an excellent way to start accumulating your wealth. Your home is also a...
Can I Sell My House with a Leaky Roof?
on Oct 28, 2021
Real Estate / Finance

The answer to this query is YES. It is possible to sell a house with a leaking roof, but it's always essential to evaluate some factors before...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 194
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 183
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 143
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 116
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Home Decor Ideas and Benefits of Aluminium Window Installations
Decorating a home is a rewarding experience when you are equipped with some knowledge before the process begins. One of the goals of home decor is...
The Right Decking Material to Choose and How to Maintain it for Your Specific Needs
There is no better place to create memories with your family or to entertain than the great outdoors. As an extension of your interior, a deck can...
Exploring Outdoor Kitchens
What is an outdoor kitchen exactly? Did you know outdoor kitchens are the second most popular home remodeling project in America after the good old...
Electric Range Purchasing Guide
Many different types of electric ranges are available for purchase in today’s commercial market. Many private homes and commercial kitchens across...
French Door Refrigerators -- Where Style Meets Function
If you are in the market for a refrigerator that will add style to function, you may want to consider shopping for French door refrigerators....