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Please help me choose 3x6 or 4x8 backsplash tile

13 years ago

Hi everyone; haven't posted in well over a year. Finish work on our new construction was postponed because DH was deployed to Afghanistan. 2yr old DD and I have been living here 9 mo. alone with no finish trim, no backsplash, etc...quite interesting! Anyway, DH due back in early March (fingers crossed)and I want to get backsplash up soon thereafter (after R&R of course!). Want a white crackle tile and need to buy at the Tile Shop to get our builders addl. %15 off, plus it's the most economical I've found. Cost is major factor -- love those beautiful handmade tiles, but there's far too much on the remaining punch list to justify. Do I go w/ 3x6 or 4x8? There aren't alot of extra accent pieces to do a neat area above sink and range (both of which are big open spaces -- no window over sink, its to the side). Soooo with those big open spaces above range and sink, would the large size look better? I saw segbrown's and it's very similar and she used 6x8 which I like. Just curious if 4x8 screams bathroom, etc... Any thoughts MUCH appreciated!! Happy New Year!

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doggonegardener

13 years ago

I don't know your kitchen at all but my feeling is that 4x8 always makes me think of a very modern design while the 3x6 are more traditional to my eyes. What does your kitchen look like? Got any pictures?

Ne

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Comments (9)

carolinesmom
Original Author
13 years ago
I don't have photos to upload but it is traditional; beaded inset raise panel white cabinets, dark hickory floors. Thank you for your help!
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I think you should go for it. I think that a big hangup is cost. With tile it is 1. costly, and 2. A big ordeal to replace. But, when talking about using a paint color that is a little outside the box, people say, "oh, it's only paint, so pick a color you love and change it down the road if you want". However, let's be real people....paint is not cheap. Not if you buy expensive paint, equipment, or hire someone to do it for you. And just because it is expensive, it doesn't mean you probably won't change your mind and repaint at some point. I think most of us with a tile backsplash would be less likely to change it out because we remember the cost, but do we remember how much that paint job cost 8 years ago? Probably not, therefore we would repaint but not retile. So, if you love that blue tile and live with it for many years and for some reason you hate it in 10 or so years, rip it down and replace it. And by the way, orange goes very nicely with blue. :)
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plllog
13 years ago
Welcome back!

If you have a lot of uppers, I'd suggest the 3"x6". The smaller format will help disguise where you have to cut for fit. Smaller tiles also go better with a traditional look. Larger read as more contemporary.
blondelle
13 years ago
I agree that the 3 x 6 tiles offer a more traditional look. What you can do is hang open shelving over the counters on those open walls. Use pretty, decorative brackets. That will give you a natural place to end the tile without having a wall cabinet above to end it at. That way you don't have to tile all the way up You can use pretty plates, cookbooks, pottery, photos, and such there, and a larger accent piece over the range. That will give your kitchen a warm, unique look and provide extra storage.
rhome410
13 years ago
I had the same thoughts before reading everyone else's posts...The 3 x 6 is more 'standard' and traditional, while the 4x8 would be a little more unique and bring a modern or industrial twist or zing to your kitchen...which I can like with traditional elements. Depends on what you want it to do.

And Plllog does have a point about smaller tiles fitting in around things better, but I wouldn't necessarily let that decide it for me.

Will one fit in the spaces using whole tiles, while the other will require cutting all the way along? (Remember to figure in grout lines) Even if I liked one better, if the other fit in whole, THAT could sway me to change my mind.
chocolatebunny
13 years ago
I think I know the tiles you're referring to at The Tile Shop. They are also on my list :) If I do go with them, I am personally going to do the 4x8 because I prefer a more modern look.

Are they the Imperial Bianco Crazed Subway tiles? I cannot seem to post a pic.
carolinesmom
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks everyone for sharing your comments, and yes chocolatebunny it's the imperial bianco crazed. I haven't really measured to see how much would have to be cut/pieced to compare the two. I think perhaps I will wait until DH gets back in the states to make this decision, since he's the installer! :) I love to see how others successfully mix up traditional and modern and it looks great, I just usually end up being drawn to the traditional elements in the end and can't commit to something modern. I wish I was more daring in that regard. I can only do it with accessories. Anything I have to live with I chicken out. Thanks again!
rhome410
13 years ago
It's good to know yourself and know what you'll be comfortable living with. No reason to apologize or feel badly about it! It's smart.
lartinger7
5 years ago
Do most of you find that the 4x8 tiles are not offered on many colors, especially ceramic?
Thanks

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