Erika explains, “A glossy subway tile can look brighter and more polished, often lending to a more formal look. It also hides water spots and fingerprints better than its less shiny counterpart. While a matte finish can convey a softer, more casual look.
Matte finish tiles do not require frequent cleaning, but when you do need to clean them up, it can be a little more time-consuming than the glossy finish tiles. Though matt finish tiles show up far fewer dirty marks, they are more difficult to clean than glossy tiles.
Matte tiles aren't often used for kitchen backsplashes but they look amazing and are worth trying. Matte black tiles in some geo shape will be nice for a masculine or just moody kitchen, matte white tiles will add texture to any kitchen and will look more interesting than usual white tiles.
If you want a classic, traditional look, ceramic is generally considered the best tile for kitchen backsplash. If you want a modern, creative twist, mix and matching peel-and-stick tile or using chalkboard paint will let you showcase your own unique style.
Ceramic. The original backsplash material, ceramic retains its popularity today as an easy-to-maintain, durable, versatile, and often inexpensive choice. Ceramic tiles come in a large array of shapes, colors, and sizes, making them easy to fit in with your vision.
The design should be used to balance out the light and dark shades of the other elements, so if you have light cabinets and countertops, you may want to choose a dark backsplash to bring more depth to the kitchen. If you have very dark cabinets or countertops, a light backsplash will help the kitchen feel fresh.
Porcelain, ceramic, metal, and glass tile top the easy-care list because they resist staining, are naturally nonporous, and don't require any special cleansers to do the job.
Porcelain tile is most likely the most durable option, while ceramic and glass, which aren't as strong as porcelain, can also last for years. These materials won't warp when wet and will keep their vibrant colors for a long time.
When you coordinate your design elements and architectural features, colors don't have to match, but they should coordinate. Your backsplash tile doesn't have to mirror the color of your countertops, but it should blend, harmonize and support the rest of the features in the room.
Choose a backsplash color that complements the countertop – it might create contrast or it might be in the same color story. The basic rule is that you shouldn't have a “busy” countertop with a “busy” backsplash. If you want one of these features to be a focal point, you should choose one or the other.
Spaces such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms will all benefit from matt tiles. Unlike gloss tiles, matt tiles can better conceal smudges, stains and dried water droplets. Matt tiles do not require frequent cleaning, and when you do clean them, there is no need to be as vigilant for water and soap marks.
Matte tiles also reflect less light, so they don't show up smudges or stains quite as much either.
Being durable and sturdy, matt finish tiles are very often used in both bathrooms and kitchens. One Reason why matt finish tiles are a perfect choice for bathrooms & kitchens is that, its rough texture makes it suitable for slippery floors, giving it a natural anti skid feature.
Cleaning. Whilst matt tiles show up far less dirt and marks, they are actually tougher to clean than gloss tiles. Gloss tiles are easily wipeable and you can easily remove any marks quickly and effectively. With matt tiles, you need to scrub a lot more to remove any stains that may have appeared.
Can be slippery – some gloss floor tiles can be slippery underfoot, particularly in wet areas like bathrooms. However, if you have your heart set on a polished finish for your home, opt for non-slip gloss floor tiles for added safety.
Matte tiles come in both glazed and unglazed form. They provide a more traditional look and feel in the space and allow for better traction. They are a great low maintenance choice for bathroom floors and entry areas where there is high traffic. Matte tiles also make it harder to see fingerprints/dirt/streaks.
Standard Backsplash. A standard backsplash continues from the kitchen countertops to approximately three to six inches up the wall, with four inches typically being the most common height.
The one spot where caulk, not grout, should be used is the seam between the countertop and the backsplash. The right material for that is a top-quality silicone caulk. The Tile Council of America suggests a 1/8-in. -wide caulk joint at the seam.
You can't go wrong with an all-white kitchen. If you've chosen white cabinets and countertops, adding a white backsplash, particularly the ever-popular subway tile, is a great way to guarantee that all your kitchen elements will complement each other.
Glass. Glass is one of the most expensive kitchen backsplash materials out there. The cost of glass is between $7 and $30 per square foot, and the installation cost of a glass backsplash is around $32 per square foot. Installing a glass backsplash needs a high budget as it can get quite expensive.
Quartz offers a number of benefits that are ideal for backsplashes. Not only does the larger piece do a better job at protecting the wall from moisture, but this man-made, non-porous material also is stain resistant, doesn't require sealing, and cleans easily.
Don't be afraid to mix two different materials together to create your perfect backsplash. Tiles and natural materials combined display different patterns, and because there are so many options for size, color and texture, there's bound to be a combination that fits with your style.
Peel-and-stick tiles provide a cheap backsplash idea that's easier to install than traditional tile. The self-adhesive backing can be applied directly to the wall with no grout needed. The wide range of patterns lets you recreate the look of a bold tile backsplash without the high cost.
A countertop needs to be installed before the backsplash is put on the walls above the countertop.
Well, the short answer would be a simple no – you should not attempt to install tile without grout.