Your Buying Guide To Selecting The Best Tile For Your Kitchen Backsplash
The backsplash is an important but easily overlooked part of a kitchen remodel, and folks generally don't know the best material for it or where to start. After all, it's supposed to complement the countertop, coordinate with the floors and cabinets, and be a focal point of the room.
Having done thousands of these over the years, I've put together this buying guide to point you in the right direction.
Money-Saving Tips & Best Places To Buy Backsplash Kitchen Tile
Having worked in retail flooring for over 20 years, I can tell you it will be significantly cheaper and quicker to buy your backsplash material online and have a competent installer install it.
I usually buy backsplash materials for my clients from either of the three online retailers below. They're particularly good at shipping things quickly and cover all of the US, just like Home Depot or Lowe's, but with a much better selection and pricing. What's unique about them is that they have some kitchen backsplash tile you can't get elsewhere.
Like these absolutely stunning Mother Of Pearl tiles.
Quick Tip: Each store has an overwhelming number of options/products to look at, so use their convenient sorting tool, allowing you to narrow your options super quickly!
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If you go through retail, not only will you pay between 20% and 50% more for the same materials, but you will usually have to wait a lot longer to get it installed because a good portion of these backsplash materials are special order and take between 1-6 weeks to arrive.
If you'd like it sooner than that, order them online, and you'll usually receive them within a few days.
Depending on your installer, you may be able to negotiate with them to include the thinset, grout, and other required materials in their quote. Most are happy to provide this anyway, as they have their go-to brands, so keep this in mind.
What Material Do I Use?
Ok, first up...
When choosing your kitchen backsplash material, the first thing you need to keep in mind is your lifestyle. This alone will dictate the most suitable material. Then, from there, you can work out what look you like.
That way, you get something that looks great and is functional. So, for example, if you don't entertain/cook often, you can pretty much go with any material you like. Still, if you cook daily, you will want to steer clear of certain materials like natural stone that require more maintenance over the years.
Let's look at the pros and cons of the major materials used for backsplashes:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic/Porcelain | Resilient, Inexpensive, Cleans Easily, Unique Look | Can be plain |
| Glass | Lightweight, Non-Glossy Finishes Available | Scratches easier than tile, Can streak |
| Natural Stone | Timeless Natural Beauty, Known To Increase Value, Easier To Coordinate With Appliances, Cabinets & Floors | Higher Maintenance, Expensive |
| Hybrid | Resilient, Original, Striking Impact | Harder To Seal, Non-Stone Components Can Streak |
| Metallic | Flows with Stainless Steel, Makes An Excellent Accent/Insert | Can Emit Glare, Can Scratch Easily |
Now let's go through each major one so you can see if it works for you:
1. Porcelain/Ceramic Tile
Ceramic (or porcelain) tile for a kitchen backsplash is the most popular and widely used option, mainly because it's very resilient and the most economical. It often comes in complementary sizes with larger field tiles for the floor.
I've seen people put huge field tiles on the backsplash - I'd advise against it mainly for lack of creative design. I mean, if you want a minimalist look with little grout lines, then do a larger field tile.
Slate Looking Porcelain
Otherwise, go for smaller formats like 3 x 6, 3 x 8, 6 x 6, 6 x 13, 4 x 4, or similar sizes. This allows you to really get creative with your color and design selection and fully utilize the limited space your backsplash has.
If you want to go with a mesh-mounted mosaic (pictured), you have an array of excellent choices that mimic just about any look you like. Here is a backsplash mosaic that simulates the natural look of slate - without the maintenance and worrying about the tile chipping, peeling, and cracking over time.
Go with this option if you're looking for a bulletproof tile that will last forever and with very little upkeep.🙌🏼
2. Glass Tile
Glass tiles for a kitchen backsplash have fast become the "in" thing, and with good reason: they come in a gazillion different sizes, colors, and mesh-mounted mosaics, super easy to clean, and can make a backsplash pop.
They first gained popularity in restaurants, home bars, and bathroom backsplash areas, where they bring out the smaller sinks, faucets, and countertops even more.
Folks who go with glass tiles usually want something slightly different from what porcelain or ceramic tile offer. Glass tile comes in so many different finishes like plain and shiny (pictured), "cracked," frosted, and infused.
It's not near as tough as porcelain, but how tough do you need it on your kitchen wall? Unless you're habitually throwing barbells at it, the tile will last and look great for many years. Since glass tile usually comes in a higher gloss finish than other backsplash options, be aware it's more likely to show imperfections like streaks, etc., if it's not pristine.
So, when you put it up against the wall, assess how any outside light hits it to decide if it'll work for you.
Go with this option if you're looking to make a real impact and draw attention to the backsplash area. 💥
3. Natural Stone (marble, slate, travertine, etc.)
There's nothing more beautiful than natural stone on a backsplash to complement countertops, but you need to know what to expect with natural products.
Natural stone backsplash tiles are much softer than porcelain or ceramic tiles and are porous, so they stain easily. That's why they must be well sealed before regular use.
If they are not, they will absorb stains like a sponge, and the only way to remove the stain is to remove the tile. An excellent penetrating stone sealer like Aqua Mix will fill all the micro holes in the stone, making it resistant to everyday kitchen products.
If you clean your backsplash regularly and cook often, you might want to reseal it yearly. So the maintenance for this material is relatively high if you entertain a lot, which you need to be aware of before getting natural stone products.
This is a beautiful choice if you're showcasing a home or don't cook much.
Natural stone is timeless and never goes out of style, so it's always a safe choice if it's suitable for your home. Expect to pay considerably more on natural stone backsplash tiles and mosaics than other materials. Some installers will charge more to lay them, so check with them beforehand.
Finally, you will need a different grout when putting in natural stone, so you should choose unsanded grout instead of sanded grout.
4. Hybrid (natural & synthetic blend)
Hybrid mosaic tile is a combination of different materials like glass and natural stone, or porcelain and glass, or even a mixture of all three. Relatively new, these backsplash tiles are designed to get the best of both worlds.
So, for example, if you mix one with natural stone and glass, you get the timeless beauty of the stone but with the impact of the glass pieces. These are becoming increasingly popular because they are so flexible.
They almost always come on a mesh, so installation is very straightforward. Now a common question I receive with this tile type is, "is it necessary to seal the natural stone portions of the mosaic?"
The short answer is it's probably a good idea to do so only if your kitchen is used heavily daily and your backsplash would get a lot of attention as a result. Otherwise, the presence of the glass helps offset sealing the natural stone portions.
Plus, doing so across an entire backsplash would be very tedious as you would need to ensure the sealer doesn't stay on the glass for too long. In my experience with this material, folks don't seal it for everyday use, and it holds up very well!
Go with this option if you want a middle ground between the plain ceramic/porcelain look and the more eye-catching glass. ⚡️
5. Stainless Steel / Metallic
Stainless steel or metallic backsplash tile includes all colors and finishes, such as stainless steel, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, etc. It can come in coated forms or solid, but this type of tile needs a little explanation because if you use it wrong, it can be a nightmare!
These tiles are best suited as inserts/accent pieces rather than blanketing the entire area. That way, you can still bring in silver, chrome, and steel colors without worrying about keeping them streak-free.
However...
This material has a "grain." If you hold the tile one way, it runs east-west, and if you turn it around, it'll look like the grain is going north-south.
If you do the entire section with this material, be aware of installing it with the same grain direction; otherwise, you will get patches of two colors. You will get the classic silver look if it's installed "correctly" with the grain running horizontally (like your appliances).
When installed vertically, the tiles take on a blue look from a distance; if you mix and match them, you will have clear patches of both.
When you clean them, clean them with the grain.
This type of backsplash tile is often seen in glitzy restaurants, bachelor pads, and display homes. It also works perfectly with kitchens with stainless steel appliances and fixtures.
From experience, you need to be extra careful when installing these types of tiles as they can scratch and ruin the face of the material. It's best to keep the protective plastic sheet on until after installation.
Go with this material if you're going for a striking Bladerunner look 🔥😉
Final Thoughts
Unless there is a compelling reason to use a different material for your kitchen backsplash, stick with one of the five reviewed in this guide, and you can't go wrong.
Figure out how often you use your cooking area, then go with a material that suits your lifestyle and looks great. Keep in mind that kitchen backsplashes transition between the countertops and cabinets, so the more you can pull from both, the better the flow will be.
The other option is to use a completely different color as a contrast. Both are beautiful, so it will get down to your taste.
Finally, don't shy away from a particular material because of its price. Remember, most backsplashes are between 30 and 50 square feet, so you're not looking at large areas like you would if you were doing your floors.
I hope this overview has been of help in selecting the best backsplash tile for your kitchen!
Please reach out should you have any questions.
