If you want your kitchen to remain timeless in design, we suggest sticking with a classic field tile size such as a 3 x 6 subway tile or a 4 x 4 in a straight-set pattern. Or add some design detail with a herringbone pattern. Field tile will transcend trends, making your tile backsplash a sustainable design feature.
The simplest way to choose the right size tile is to choose a tile relative to the size of your space. A large area like an open floor kitchen and dining room, or a large living room will be able to handle large tiles.
Standard backsplashes are typically 4 inches but you can make them taller, even double the height up to 8 inches. You have full control over how you want it to look.
This is a question I occasionally receive regarding kitchen backsplash tile. Sometimes people get a notion that if you go with a large tile you have less grout lines which equals less maintenance, right? So, just make sure you don't go much bigger than this size (above) which looks like about six inches square.
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.
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.
Matte Tile Vs Glossy Tile
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.
Use a tape measure to learn the square footage of the floor space. To do so, measure the width and length of the room then multiply the two together. Small to medium-sized rooms typically work better with larger-sized tiles. Remember the larger the tile size, the bigger the space appears.
Actually, bigger tiles are easier to lay compared to their smaller counterparts. Bigger tiles typically measure 12 x 12 inches. However, there are times when that measurement may range up to 24 x 24 inches depending on where the tiles are to be installed.
It's very common for people to use 12″ tiles in the kitchen. Some even prefer 18″. In all cases, you have to make sure you have exact measurements.
A small kitchen design can actually benefit from a large tile. With fewer grout lines the walls and floor are less cluttered and the room visually expanded.
A larger tile means less interruption of the flooring surface, which makes the floor look more streamlined and open. They also tend to have more movement and colour variations, making them more consistent than smaller tiles.
Installing 12×24 tile can be a little tricky compared to smaller tiles, but with a little planning, and a few tricks up your sleeve, this can be a great DIY project even if you don't have a ton of tiling experience. 12 x 24 tile is everywhere lately.
The bigger the tile, the more the tile will feel the effects of deflection in the subfloor, and as a result the stronger the subfloor should be in order to use large format tile. As for the thicker tile being less prone to cracking, yes, you're correct.
Generally, it is easier to install large tile. Large Format Tile that is around 1′ square, 1'x2′, or 5″x36″ in size is usually faster and easier to install than small tile and extra large tile.
Choose a subway size appropriate for the project by looking at how much area will be covered with the tile. Â For small tile areas, smaller to medium sized tiles are best, where larger tiles will beautifully compliment larger, more open areas. If you're looking for a white subway tile, not all whites are white.
Subway tile is traditionally 3 x 6 inches and this is the most popular size of subway tile. However, any rectangular tile with 1-to-2 dimensions can work as subway tile, with other subway tile sizes including 2 x 4, 4 x 8, and 6 x 12.
Ceramic tile is the most popular option for a kitchen backsplash. Ceramic tiles are incredibly versatile—they come in many shapes, sizes and colors and can be installed in numerous patterns.
Subway tile is by definition a rectangular, thick, low-fired, glazed ceramic tile, traditionally 3" by 6", though it comes in a variety of sizes for home use.
Essentially, the glass sheet backsplash is a sheet of glass that can be painted in the color of your choice and then installed on your wall. This approach offers a completely customizable look while being highly functional as it is easy to maintain and clean.
There are many timeless options for a kitchen backsplash such as hexagon tiles, picket tile, penny tile, and square format tile (just to name a few). Timeless Backsplash Tip: Opt for a natural stone like marble or slate for a more traditional and timeless look. For example, marble or slate mosaic tile!
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.
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.