Ceramic Tile Backsplash: Popular Kitchen
Backsplash Ideas For Your Kitchen

Take a moment to look at a gorgeous selection of different materials at Build Direct. You can get an idea of what you may want to use for your new kitchen backsplash, and get free samples with just a few clicks of your mouse! If ceramic is not what you want...you will find an impressive array of glass tile.

Any type of countertop coordinates well with ceramic tile ranging from recycled glass countertops to Formica countertops. You are only limited by your imagination. You may even want to use decorative inserts or a combination of different material.

Designer inset tiles that contain an image can be dispersed in a way that you choose throughout the field of the regular tile. They may be placed, for example, in every other tile or every third or fourth tile in a horizontal run to add a unique flair.

This works very well to add character and break up a solid color. Be careful not to use to many. You don't want it to appear overdone.

You can do a checkerboard pattern with alternating tiles. The tiles can have a lot or a little contrast between tiles depending on your kitchen interior design. You can also add a listello accent tile as shown in the photo on this page for an added design touch.

Using The Space That You Have

The space between the counter and the wall cabinet usually ranges between 16" to 19," so you should plan to buy tile that will fit this space with as little cutting as possible. Try to plan so that there are not a lot of small pieces. Checking your dimensions in several locations is always a good idea when planning your ceramic tile backsplash project.

If you have a 16" space to cover, then 4" tiles will work quite well, keeping in mind that some space will be needed for grout joints. On the other hand, if you want to use larger tiles such as 12," they may look out of proportion in this small space. Many homeowners today are using smaller mosaic ceramics which is a look you might prefer.

When you measure the distance for the backsplash you will, of course, take into account the splash that is part of the countertop.

If you're getting a new top, it can be ordered with or without its own splash. If you are getting a backsplash as part of the countertop you'll be able to specify the height of the counter splash with many different kinds of tops.

You can then work the height of the countertop splash with your tile and grout joints together so that the dimensions work out perfectly. Having a backsplash as part of the top material is a personal preference.

You can request that there be no splash on the top and run the tile down to the top of the counter if you wish. Keep in mind that if you run the ceramic down to the surface of the top, it may present a cleaning issue where the tile meets the top. It's not a smooth joint like you would have with a short backsplash made out of the same material as the kitchen counter top.

Better Grout For Your a Ceramic Tile Backsplash

Wall tiles for kitchen backsplashes are many times installed with tight joints. This leaves very little grout exposed making the tile easier to clean. Grout is hard to clean because it is porous and can absorb stains.

New latex additives makes grout much more durable then in years past. Some grouts are available that are self-sealing to prevent dirt, dust, and grease from penetrating them.

If a grout joint is to be exposed, it is highly recommended that you seal the grout joints to make cleaning easier.

When installing a ceramic tile backsplash, be sure to check to see that the counter is level and there is an equal distance between the counter top and the bottom of the cabinets. Some adjustment may need to be made to correct for out of aligned cabinets or top or both. The counter can possibly be shimmed up to make the top of the counter and the bottom of the cabinets parallel.

There is a large selection of beautiful material out there for you to choose from in order to complete your ceramic tile backsplash. Look at some great choices and get free samples of your favorite material sent to you! You can have a backsplash that's not only beautiful but also unique, making your kitchen stand out from the rest.

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