Kitchen Backsplashes

Tips

Kitchen backsplashes can be created out of any tile, stone, or brick. What is important is that any raw stone be properly sealed with a penetrating sealer, not a surface sealer. This applies for grout in all cases. The grout around the stove, sink and work areas is liable to be stained from oil, grease and sauces so it should also be sealed with the same type of sealer.

In some cases where an existing ceramic tile backsplash is inplace, it may not be necessary to remove the tiles if all sides of the backsplash are up against a wall or door frame where the layers of the old and new tiles won't be seen. This cuts time, cost and mess.

This was a tumbled marble decor piece framed with with marble molding.

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Tumbled marble

The tear you see was in the photograph that I. It was done before digital cameras were around.

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A glass tile that wasn't grouted for greater effect. Since there isn't a moisture issue like a bathroom it works.

These tiles were 1 1/2"x 10"

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This one was very tricky since there were no flat edges to the sheets and they interlocked in a step-like fashion.

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I did this backsplash in my own kitchen. The edging still has to be finished around the cupboards and on the corners.

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4 x 4 inch Tumbled Marble with a 1 x2 inch tumbled marble mosiac pattern above the stove

In cases where a pattern is being incorporated into the design, it's best to have it centered. the cuts in the corners are in areas where most of us keep our appliances and cover that area. the same goes for obvious places like under windows.

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Ceramic tile that looks like tumbled marble with copper inserts.

White marble cut in wavy patterns. Because the stone is so soft and flakes when

cut, it was easier to remeove each piece to be cut, use tile knippers and place it back in its place.

The other problem with cutting tile using a wet saw is that the water will disolve the glue on the backing that hold the tile on the mesh and when lifting the sheet to place on the wall, the tiles fall off the sheet. Not fun! This goes for both stone or ceramic.

4 x 4 Tumbled Marble

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1"x 1" Glass tile

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Single piece 3 x 6 Glass tile

Most glass tiles have a white backing painted on but it may not be enough to hide the ridge marks of the notched trowel used to spread the white thin set on the wall. In this case each tile had to be buttered first on the back then pressed into the thin set on the wall. This prevents the trowel lines from showing through. It's more work but the result is worth it.