Before You Buy A Backsplash
Backsplashes are available in an almost endless variety of colors, materials, styles, textures, and sizes. However, all that variety - and therefore all those decisions - can be a real challenge for the unknowing shopper.
Here's a little information that will make these decisions easier.
Customization
Your backsplash can be creatively installed to create a completely custom look.
You should use the following steps as a guideline for choosing and creating a custom backsplash.
1. Select the type of tile.
2. Choose the color and shade.
3. Determine the texture and size.
4. Work with a designer, account executive, or installer to design the custom layout of the backsplash.
5. Finalize the choices of all decorative patterns and trim pieces.
6. Select the color and type of grout.
Trim Types
Bullnose - Trim piece with a rounded finished edge on the tile to give a nice finishing touch.
Corner Bullnose - Trim piece with two rounded finished edges on the tile to be used to complete a corner.
Sanitary Cove Base - Trim with a rounded finished top like a bullnose to cover up the body of the tile.
Variation in Texture, Shading, and Color. - Many of today's popular styles of tile have natural or intentional variety of color and shade.
Ask your designer for assistance and samples concerning shade variation in natural stone products. However, be aware that the samples you view at our store can have very different veining patterns or color variations compared to the stone installed in your home. Irregular markings, lines, veins and crystallization are not cracks or imperfections, but rather a natural part of the stone's beauty.
In ceramic and porcelains, shade variation is usually listed on the back label of each sample.
Color Shade Variation Guide:
V1 = Uniform Appearance: Differences among pieces from the same production run are minimal.
V2 = Slight Variation: Clearly distinguishable differences in texture and/or pattern within similar colors.
V3 = Moderate Variation: While the colors present on a single piece of tile will be indicative of the colors to be expected on the other tiles, the amount of colors on each piece may vary significantly. The color that's an accent on one tile, may be the primary color on the next tile.
V4 = Random Variation: Random color differences from tile to tile, so that one tile may have totally different colors from that on other tiles.
Grout
When choosing a grout color, you can select a color that blends in with the overall color of the tile to minimize the appearance of the grout. Or, you can select a grout color that is lighter or darker than the tile to call attention to the color of the tile or to exaggerate the geometric pattern.
Exact layouts, type of grout and grout joints widths are determined by the tile setter at the time of installation and are governed by the actual size and shape of the tile, and the exact dimensions of the areas to be covered.
Grout is typically mixed on site, but slight color variations can occur within different areas of the same installation with the same grout color, and can vary from the manufacturer's sample you saw in the store. This variation can be attributed to variations in temperature and humidity at the time of grouting and it's just a fact of life.
It is also common to see grout variations when comparing the grout color in a tile floor and the same grout color on the tile countertop or backsplash.
Once the tile has been laid and grouted, it is your responsibility to maintain all caulked areas to guard against water damage. Grout may also darken over time in areas with heavy water use.
Special Considerations
- The increased height of the backsplash behind the stove is an opportunity to do something special. Ask you designer or sales person for options.
- When mixing different tiles, take in to account any difference that may exist in thickness. Your designer or sales person may need to consult with the installer to confirm smooth installation of tiles of different thicknesses.
- Decorative tiles with relief textures are often beautiful, but can be difficult to keep clean.
- Make sure that the tile you select has the necessary trim pieces for your specific installation.
- Choose starting and stopping points, especially when corners, countertops, bottom cabinets, and top cabinets do not all perfectly align.
- Grout should be sealed to prevent staining from food, water, beverages, oils, etc. If you choose not to have your grout sealed, select a grout color that will reduce the visibility of stains.
- Canisters, mixers, or other kitchen items can interfere with your pattern.
The Total Cost.
The square-foot price of your backspalsh is just one component of the entire project cost. Here's a list of potential additional expenses you may incur:
- Removal and Disposal of Old Backsplash (if applicable)
