4 Best types of tile materials for your kitchen backsplash
In this article we will explore the 4 best types of tile material for your kitchen backsplash.
1. Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are made of clay, hardened by oven firing and coated with different types of glaze. They are one of the most popular options for a kitchen backsplash.
The glossy glazed ceramic tile is one of the least expensive tile. On the contrary, hand made fireclay ceramic tile can be as expensive as marble.
Pros
- Wide variety to choose from
- Can be low cost
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Hand made ones can be costly
- Can vary in size and color from lot to lot, especially the hand made ones
- Can crack easily during the shipping process
2. Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are actually a subtype of ceramic tile that are produced from compressing very fine clay dust fired at high temperatures. These tile are denser and less porous than ceramic, which makes them less absorbent.
Being a harder material, porcelain tiles are stronger, more durable, and less prone to chipping.
Porcelain tile costs more than ceramic, including higher installation expenses.
Pros
- Durability
- Can look like a more expensive material (marble)
- Excellent resistance to water infiltration
- Doesn’t crack or chip easily
Cons
- Less variety in shape, size, color and pattern
- More expensive than ceramic
- Requires modified adhesive for installation
3. Marble Tile
Marble is a metamorphic rock found in mountainous regions. It forms when a sedimentary stone, such as limestone, is transformed under heat and pressure into a harder stone.
This elegant and luxurious material is a great option for your kitchen backsplash.
Marble, though costly, demands more upkeep due to its tendency to stain and scratch easily. Regular sealing upon installation and yearly thereafter is essential to prevent stains.
Due to the natural variation in coloring and veining, ensure consistency by using marble tiles from the same batch for your backsplash installation.
Pros
- Elegant, upscale appearance
- Timeless look
- Adds real estate value
Cons
- Expensive
- High maintenance, requires regular sealing
- Scratches and stains easily
- High variation in coloring and veining from one batch to another
4. Glass Tile
A glass tile backsplash can add sparkle and brightness to a kitchen. They more “green” than other materials since most of them are made from recycled glass. It usually takes half the energy to make glass tile as compared to a ceramic tile of similar size.
Glass tile are easy to clean but shiny glass tiles are more prone to showing fingerprints and smudges. They are also mold and mildew resistant since they don’t absorb water.
Because glass tile need special adhesive and they are more difficult to cut and install, their professional installation is one of the most expensive.
Pros
- Expands the space through their reflectivity
- Easy to clean
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Expensive professional installation
- Can easily show fingerprints and smudges
- Being fragile, it can break during the shipping process