6 Tips for Finding the Right Kitchen Backsplash Tile
There are lots of things that you need to consider when it comes to your kitchen renovation. One thing you can’t afford to forget is your kitchen backsplash tile, as when done right, it will pull the entire kitchen together. Not sure how to pick the right one for you? Don’t worry; here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
1. Measure the Area Before You Start Shopping
Before you think about what kind of backsplash tiles you want, you’ll need to work out how many tiles you’ll need. To do this, take the length of the area you’ll be tiling and multiply it by the height. Do this for each area you’ll be tiling, and add all those results together. Take that number, and multiply it by 1.1. That will ensure that you know just how much you need, plus give you extra for any breakages or issues that may occur during the installation process.
2. Explore All Your Options for a Timeless Look
When planning out your kitchen renovation, one thing you may be trying to do is get a timeless look. It’s tempting to go for something on trend right now, but you don’t know how that look will age. That makes sense, as you will be spending a good amount of money on your kitchen, and you want the look to be as ageless as possible. If you want something timeless, it’s easy to think that the best option is subway tile.
You’ll see it in so many different kitchens now, and it will stand the test of time. However, if you want something a little different, you can still get that timeless look. The key is to get them in a neutral color that will work with any other theme. For example, you can go for hexagon tiles, picket tiles, penny tiles, square format tiles, and many more. That way, if you do renovate again in the future, the tiles will still work.
3. Don’t Go Over Budget
Regarding your kitchen renovation budget, it’s hard to know where exactly you can make cuts to keep costs down. You don’t want to cut corners, but you can’t blow the budget on everything. If you don’t know where you can keep costs down, that backsplash tile will be an excellent place to start. More tiles on the market are now cheaper than ever and still give you the look you want.
You don’t have to spend much money on them to get what you want. For example, porcelain tile is often a good choice, as it’s a good dupe for many other materials. It can be crafted to mimic different tile types and even wood and slate. Plus, it’s highly durable, so you can use it without too much upkeep. Make sure you shop around to see what options are out there for you. You don’t have to spend much on your tiles if you don’t want to.
4. Be Mindful of the Grouting and Layout
Once you’ve nailed down the tiles you want, you’ll need to consider how they’ll be laid out and how the grouting will be done. This is where you can make that tiling job unique in your kitchen and get a look that works for you. For example, you can make it very simple by adding a row of differently colored or shaped tiles along the top of the backsplash.
You can also add a differently colored grout or play with the joint size to get a look that will look good in your kitchen. This is very personal, so pick something that appeals to you. If you do choose to use colored grout, it’s essential that you ensure it will work with the tile that you’ve picked out. For example, a very dark grout could bleed into a very light tile, so keep that in mind. Any natural stone will absorb some grout, so it’s a good idea to do a test before you start tiling.
5. Pick Your Kitchen Backsplash Tile Early
Many people end up treating the backsplash as an afterthought. In fact, they pick everything else out first, then pick the backsplash tile last. That can work out, but it can also lead to the design not working once that backsplash has been added. That will cause much stress at the last minute, so you want to avoid it.
Instead, make sure that you pick out your backsplash first. Remember that it will be the backdrop to everything, so you don’t want it to be less than ideal. Pick that out, and then start picking out things like the cabinets, hardware, etc. It’ll be much easier to do when you already have the tiles in your mind.
6. Consider How Scale Affects Your Kitchen Backsplash Tile Design
Something that you may not have even considered when it comes to picking tiles is the scale. The size and scale of a tile will change the whole look of your kitchen, so that’s something that you need to be aware of. This is something that’s personal to you, so you’ll want to pick the scale that makes the most sense to you. For example, a larger scale tile has a more modern and contemporary feel, while smaller scale tiles, like mosaic tiles, are considered more traditional.
Conclusion
These are just a few things you need to keep in mind if you’re considering renovating your kitchen and need a new kitchen backsplash. Take your time thinking about what you want and how the backsplash will fit in with the rest of your kitchen. When you do this, you’ll be ready to start renovating.