What to think about when you choose a kitchen backsplash

Grout colour on your backspash tile

Tile in the kitchen has always been very popular with most homeowners. Most people like to match the colour of the mortar to the colour of their backsplash tiles, however this is one place where you can be a little bold without being too over the top . Grout colour plays a significant role in the overall look of your kitchen. A contrasting grout colour draws attention to the entire tile pattern and makes your backsplash even more visible.  A grout colour that is the same or close to the tone of your tile can give a broader more expansive look and lessen the ability to see the shape and size of the tile.

If you have a dark kitchen with black tile as your backsplash, you could consider using a tan or rust color grout to reflect your granite counter top. The darker color will be easier to keep clean and could give your kitchen a whole new look. Choosing black tile with black grout will have a different look and white grout will again look entirely different. Experiment with some samples and see what visually looks best for you. 

The height of the backsplash

Height is an essential detail that most homeowners overlook. You don’t need to set a specific size for your backsplash; however, it does need to be uniform across the space. 

You could choose to set it to a specific height, or you could run it the full height between the countertop and the top cabinets. You can even extend the backsplash to the ceiling if you want it to have a greater effect.

Your budget for your kitchen backplash

As with all other kitchen remodelling considerations, choosing the best backsplash for your kitchen will depend on your budget. Different tiles and materials have different prices. For example, ceramic and porcelain tiles are cheaper than laser cut and stone mosaic tiles. Once you've decided on a suitable height for your backsplash, calculating the cost based on your budget is a lot easier.

If you have cabinets surrounding the backsplash (to the side and over the top) your backsplash size may be reasonably small. If that is the case,  you could consider materials that are a much higher per square meter rate, as you don’t have a massive area to cover. If a tile is $45/sm but you only need 4qm that’s $180 + installation, however, if you wanted to tile a 3 meter long wall with that tile it could run into the thousands. This could be your opportunity to introduce some higher value materials into your kitchen for a more upmarket look.

If you need inspiration in choosing the right backsplash for your kitchen, please be sure to reach out and discuss it with a member of our team.

Shape and pattern of your backsplash

Do you prefer classic shapes or fun patterns? This is another important decision because if you want your kitchen to stay timeless in design, we recommend keeping a classic tile size. While you might like to replace the tile backsplash in 10 years, it will be more cost-effective if you have kept to a standard size and shaped tile. 

If you are renovating your home specifically for sale, you might like to consider a material that isn’t necessarily to your taste. While trends are a factor, prospective purchasers can be put off by very "trendy" or custom fixtures. The likelihood of a buyer saying no because you have clean crisp white tile as a backsplash is slim, but the chance of someone saying no to your home because you have aged copper as a backsplash could be a lot higher. 

If you are building your forever home however, this could be a good chance to express your personality.

Consider Eco-friendly Options.

Cork mosaic tiles are suitable for walls or floors, and 100% bamboo tiles are sealed for a warm and contemporary backsplash. Recycled glass tiles are durable, stain-resistant, and come in a range of unique colours that result from the amalgamation and reuse of recycled glass, says Khan. These tiles come in all sizes, from fingerprint-sized mosaics to larger squares.

Backsplash Materials

When choosing a backsplash for your kitchen, the material is just as important as the colour is to the overall look. At this point, you can consider the many options available regarding the materials you could use for your backsplash. These typically include ceramics, stone tiles, and bricks, to name a few. The material that you choose mainly depends on the overall look you want to achieve in your kitchen. For example, if you want a more rustic look, a brick backsplash is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a modern style, ceramic tile with a clean matte glaze may appeal to you.

Tile

Tile continues to be the most popular material for backsplashes in general, however, there are several variations within the tile group, which are broken down here according to the tile material and manufacturing process.

Ceramics

Ceramic tiles are a mixture of clay, minerals, and water that are burned at high temperatures. These unglazed tiles are often referred to as quarry tiles. Quarry tiles usually add a top-notch quality to your home. They are monochrome over the entire length and have no cover glaze. This is often referred to as body build-up. Ceramic tiles are generally affordable, durable, easy to install and come in a nearly endless variety of colours and patterns.

Handmade (ceramic)

Handmade ceramic tiles can be tailored to your specific needs. Each tile is cut and designed by hand. The quality control at this level cannot be surpassed by any mass production. If you can't find what you're looking for, tile made to your specifications might be the way to go. Expect the price to be high however.

Glazed ceramics

Glazed ceramic styles are ceramic tiles that are treated with liquid glaze and fired again. Liquid enamel is made from a derivative of glass. The enamel is either applied with a high-pressure spray or poured directly onto the tile. If you look at a glazed tile from the side you will see 2 layers. The body of the tile is thicker and covered with the glaze on the surface. Glazed tiles have a hard, non-porous, waterproof surface after firing. They are more dirt-repellent than unglazed tiles and easy to clean.

Glass

Glass tiles are made from a mixture of glass and paints that are brought into a molten state. These are then poured onto an iron table and pressed with a mold to make the tile. After cooling, the parts are separated and the tiles can be assembled into easy-to-install sheets. These tiles are colourful, reflective, and easy to clean. They can be sold individually or as a mosaic on a mesh back. Because the tiles are transparent, the adhesive is visible through the tile and requires an experienced tiler to apply.

Backsplash Considerations

You can be overwhelmed with all of the backsplash materials to choose from. Tile alone has hundreds and hundreds of varieties. It doesn't end there, however. keep the following in mind when choosing the backsplash of your dreams.

• Wall Area of Application - how much sqare meters you have to cover could limit your budget for materials.
• Height of Backsplash - there are varying thoughts on where it should end but you should consider this decision in your overall kitchen design. You stunning white Hamptons style kitchen might look somewhat less impressive with a 600mm high backsplash than it would if your vertically laid subway tile went all the way to the ceiling.
• Full or Partial Window Surround - tiling to a window can increase the costs. Consider whether you are happy to spend the extra tiling costs and have that light filled farmhouse sink blend perfectly into your design.
• Should your kitchen and stove backsplash be the same or would a variety of backsplash material look better?
• Tile Arrangement – horizontally, vertically, at an angle, in a pattern (i.e. herringbone). This is a great way to put a spin on more traditional materials. Simple affordable square white tile can look amazing laid on a 45 degree angle.
• Substitutions – wood-like tile may be used in place of real wood and be heaps more servicable.
• Do you need to consider your backsplash before you get your building quote. If you would like rustic recycled brick, that may have to be added into the build cost, not just allocated as a backsplash expense.

No matter which type of backsplash you decide on, they can be a real feature in your home at an acheivable price point. If you are renovating your home a new backsplash can really modernise your kitchen.

Good luck in making your decision and of course, please feel free to get in touch should you need any help with your Gold Coast home build or renovation.