skip to main content

Backsplash tile -- how to shop; where to buy

13 years ago

We've made the big decisions (appliances, cabinets, and countertop, and we're close to choosing the flooring), and now we need to start arguing about -- um, discussing -- backsplash tile. I have some random pictures from the Web and from magazines for inspiration, but I'd like to bring a cabinet and countertop sample to a few tile places and get a sense of how everything would look together. Is this a reasonable way to proceed? Any suggestions? And, for those of you in the NY/Long Island area, any recommendations of places to look? We're a few blocks away from a ParmaTile, but I haven't felt inspired by them in the past.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

johnnyl53
13 years ago
We got our backsplash tile at the same place we got the granite, Fordham Marble. They have locations in the Bronx and CT. We wanted to be able to easily match up door, paint and tile samples with the granite. Our needs were simple...3x6 subway in something that was sorta beige/biscuit and interesting at the same time. The DW wanted a beige that had some color variations. We had no idea that what we needed was beige that was light on the pinkish elements and had more gray but they found something for us. We really liked working with the people in the Stamford, CT office both for the tile and the granite.
sas95
13 years ago
We got our backsplash tile at Walker Zanger in Mount Vernon. (They have a store in the city, but the service was atrocious there, as opposed to Mount Vernon, where it was excellent). We picked the backsplash before we picked the cabinets. Since I wanted 2 color painted cabinets, I thought it would be easier to find the tile I liked first and then get the exact shades of cabinet I wanted based on the tile. But for our bath I did the opposite and brought in samples of the vanity wood and flooring, and we chose our vanity backsplash tile from there. So I think it could work fine either way.

Anyway, the people at Walker Zanger were really helpful and showed me a lot of good options that I wouldn't otherwise have considered.
Related Discussions
Metal Tile Backsplash Where to Buy?
Q
Comments (5)
Plus, if you're not looking for made-to-order tile, you can get zinc sheet remnants at rotometals.com and copper sheet at stormcopper.com, pre-patinated copper sheets at colorcopper.com; this type of sheet can be snipped as desired and adhered with epoxy. Plus you can patina it to your hearts' content, turning copper green or zinc black, etc. Happy hunting & let us know more about your project --
...See More
Backsplash? No backsplash? What kind of backsplash?
Q
Comments (25)
didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )
...See More
How to make your own tile and back-splash (pic heavy)
Q
Comments (25)
I'm not sure how I came across this post, I think it was displayed on the right side and I clicked on it being intrigued by the tile making. I was at one time interested in working with papercrete and hypertufa. But after enlisting my brother, who wasn't as enthusiastic, and my niece, who poured cement down my laundry room sink, which original to the house had lasted 70 years, and ruining three blenders, my interest waned. True to form, if I come upon difficulty in a project, I think of it as a sign for me not to continue. And really, after all these years of trying various crafts that result in crap, I should know better. I also should have known better than to ask my brother, who always says it can't be done to any of my unique design ideas. And I should have known better than to ask my niece, who once stayed up all night before having to drive to LA for an art show, cutting mat after mat after measuring once, twice, sometimes ten times, but always coming out with the wrong size. I think we both have math dyslexia. I should video us trying anything crafty to see where we go wrong. I think both of us having ADHD might have something to do with it. Sorry for the backstory and run on sentences. So, I just wanted to see if you continued with your venture. And to say sorry for whatever tragedy occurred to cause you to have to move to Florida. Not that there is anything wrong with Florida, but it isn't Panama. Which is one of my favorite places in the western hemisphere. I hope no one is upset that I brought up a seven year old post.
...See More
Pot filler w/ this backsplash too busy? Slab or tile backsplash?
Q
Comments (9)
Hi Katie, Demo starts tomorrow, so no pics on progress yet, but I'll post when I have some. I'm working a little bit with a KD, and doing the rest myself with cabinetmaker. KD suggested open shelving like in the inspiration pic (but in stainless, specifically). I think it would stress me out though, lol! Having all of my bottles and stuff right out there (the range area is the focal point to basically my whole downstairs living area). My pantry rarely looks fabulous, and I'd be moving the pantry out into the open. So, I think we'll be making the vertical column things on either side of the mantel style range area into pull-out shelves for sheet pans, spices, small bottles, etc. I considered the open shelving with a pretty display of white bowls and dishes, but then I'd lose the storage space for the stuff I really need at my fingertips. Feel free to email me, too, if you want to exchange more ideas. It's a fun process!
...See More
ellendi
13 years ago
I would reccomend Greenwich Tile. William was the only one who was able to solve my problem of how to tie the kitchen and the granite together. He gave me one choice! We looked at Rye Ridge Tile in Port Chester, I went to Mount Kisco, on and on. This tile search became a second job! I even had a KD look at my kitchen. When I went back to Greenwich, and asked about other possibilties, he flat out said "No" to all of them. He was right.
You are on the right track with bringing everything with you. Then, bring the sample boards home. The boards give you a better idea than just a few tiles. Lighting can change everything.
Maureen Dimitri
13 years ago
Marg2-

I have not even ordered cabinets let alone bs, but some friends of mine have used Cancos (multiple locations) or Old Country Tile (Westbury and Pt. Jeff). I also found a store in Woodbury....Fancy Fixtures that has a lot of higher end tiles if that is what you are interested in. Good luck

Maureen
empratt1_myfairpoint_net
12 years ago
I found beautiful, one-of-a-kind, handmade, ceramic backsplash tile online at www.unaluntile.com. This tile is all handmade, sgraffito-carved and glazed in rich colors. The staff at Natalie Blake Studios was great to work with. I had never seen the product and they sent me samples. They designed exactly what I wanted and kept me apprised of the tile-making process. I love it!

Here is a link that might be useful: unalun tile

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Where to Splurge, Where to Save in Your Remodel

By Laura Gaskill

Learn how to balance your budget and set priorities to get the home features you want with the least compromise

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Power to the People: Outlets Right Where You Want Them

By Mitchell Parker

No more crawling and craning. With outlets in furniture, drawers and cabinets, access to power has never been easier

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Hard Questions to Ask When Shopping for Stone

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn all about stone sizes, cracks, color issues and more so problems don't chip away at your design happiness later

REMODELING GUIDES Your Floor: How to Shop for Tile

Here's how to read a ceramic tile box and get exactly what you need

MOST POPULAR 9 Reasons to Buy a Painting

By Laura Gaskill

No print or poster can rival the power of an original painting, chosen by you, for where you live

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES How to Install a Tile Backsplash

If you've got a steady hand, a few easy-to-find supplies and patience, you can install a tile backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom

FURNITURE What to Know Before Buying Bar Stools

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Learn about bar stool types, heights and the one key feature that will make your life a whole lot easier

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space to a Shower — the Fixtures-Shopping Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 2 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Determine your mechanical needs and buy quality fixtures

THE HARDWORKING HOME Where to Put the Laundry Room

By Mitchell Parker

The Hardworking Home: We weigh the pros and cons of washing your clothes in the basement, kitchen, bathroom and more

BATHROOM DESIGN Bathroom Storage: Where to Keep the TP?

By Sheila Schmitz

The Houzz community steps in with 19 tidy toilet paper storage solutions

Sponsored

More Discussions

kitchen design feedback

6

Thoughts on making galley kitchen more open?

31

Kith cabinets? They look great and well made?

4

Silver colored drawer pulls and faucet

1

contractor chooses kitchen

13