Backsplash Bonanza

tile backsplash Photo: Roger Turk

Ceramic-tile murals are custom-made or come in preassembled kits. They highlight specific areas of the room.

diamond pattern backsplash Meredith Art Tile

Rotating tiles degrees produces a diamond pattern -- an easy way to add motion to a static area.

sink backsplash Roger Turk, Northlight Photography

Mixing tile shapes and sizes is another way to add interest to this relatively small area

stone tile backsplash Walker Zanger

Stone is available in standard-size tiles as well as slabs, which are cut to order. Slabs are more expensive than tiles, but their hefty, timesless appearance can't be matched.

solid surfacing Wilsonart

In conjunction with counters of the same material, solid-surface backsplashes have an appealing seamless appearance. They also lend themselves to more decorative treatments, with inlays and sandblasted details.

glass block sink backsplash Tria Giovan

Glass-block lets natural light in while providing privacy. Its strongly geometrical patterns make it most suitable for forward-looking kitchens.

Glass Plate backsplash Tria Giovan

Plate-glass panels can be effectively used with any style room.

Easy removal of glass plate Tria Giovan

The protective panels can be removed -- carefully -- to repaint the walls

spread mastic install tile Tim Austin

Spread the mastic on the wall with a notched trowel, and apply the adhesive to low spots on the back of any uneven tiles.

support tiles Tim Austin

Heavy tiles can slip before the mastic cures unless they are supported from below. Small screws driven into the drywall are enough to hold these 8x8-in. tiles in place.

cut last row Tim Austin

Plan on cutting the last row of tile beneath the upper cabinets for a full-height backsplash.

Wet Saw cuts ceramic tile Tim Austin

A wet saw makes short work of cuts in stone and ceramic tile. This saw is small enough to sit right on the kitchen counter.

polymer-fortified grout Tim Austin

A polymer-fortified grout makes a durable joint between tiles. Porous stone tile is often sealed before grout is applied.

Browse Images

How-To Video

Browse More

How to Work with Glass Tile

In this how-to video, This Old House tile contractor Joe Ferrante tiles a kitchen backsplash with translucent glass tile

On Newsstands Now

 

In the Magazine


Easy Upgrades That Say Welcome Home

overall kitchen remodel how to build a bar bedroom remodel this old house editor Scott Omelianuk desk and bookshelf

Ceramic Tile

By virtue of its sheer variety in color, shape and size, ceramic tile is undoubtedly the most versatile backsplash material. Even simple tricks— turning square tiles on point, varying and combining standard shapes, adding the occasional accent tile—can spice up your kitchen without emptying your wallet.

How the tile is set depends on where you live. In the West, installers often set tile in thinset adhesive over a "floated" mortar bed usually about 1/2 in. thick. This traditional construction technique is not recommended for novice tile setters. But when a pro does it right, it's virtually bombproof.

In the East, you might get a blank stare from your tile installer if you ask him if he intends to float a mortar bed for your backsplash. He'll likely use cement backerboard as a substrate—1/4- or 1/2-in.-thick sheets screwed to the wall. Either method is okay. Prices start at $2 per square foot for 4-in. machine-made tiles and can easily top $20 per square foot for handmade tile. Mesh-backed mosaic tiles in a 151- or 152-ft. sheet start at $5 or less per square foot; their glass counterparts are considerably more, starting at $25 per square foot. Mass-produced tile murals may cost as little as $45 for a six-tile pattern of, say, flowers or vegetables. But you can also spend thousands of dollars for hand-painted murals designed by an artist who creates original designs.

Labor rates for setting tile vary by region as well as by the complexity of the job. Robert Daniels, of the Tile Council of America, says labor rates average from about $2.50 per square foot to $8.50 per square foot. But prices are higher in some local markets. One tile contractor in the San Francisco area, for example, calculates labor at $9.50 per square foot for setting standard-grade tile (more for mosaics, stone tile and custom installations). In other parts of the country, like Florida, setting rates are less than $2 per square foot. But wherever you are, look for established tile contractors. One trade-group executive warns that tile work is too often backed by only a "taillight guarantee." That is, it's good only as long as you can see the installer's taillights. When he's gone, it's gone.

Most wall tiles require little maintenance (porous stone and clay tiles must be sealed periodically). However grout between tiles should be sealed so it won't stain or absorb water. Epoxy grout, says Chip O'Rear, assistant executive director of the National Tile Contractors Association, is water- and stainproof, but it is harder to install and may yellow over time. O'Rear says a strong solvent will remove the yellowing. Just remember, you have to use this type of solvent with caution and adequate ventilation.

Page:
Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Next
Step By Step: How to Install a Tile Backsplash

Add new comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, report the comment to us.

1000 characters remaining

Need More Info? Ask a question on Kitchens

Advertisement

This Old House > To Go

  • Add ThisOldHouse to my:
  • Add
Advertisement

See More on Kitchens

AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED HOME IMPROVEMENT BRAND