crackled tile -can it be used behind the cooktop?

13 years ago

I fell in love with crackled subway tile the designer showed me to use for my backsplash. I went to another tile place and was told it was not a good idea to use a crackled tile behind the cooktop. She said the heat and grease over time will get in the crackle. And yes she does sell them. She has been in the tile business for many years. Is she right?

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Comments (7)

scoutcat
13 years ago
I hope she's wrong. We installed crackled subway tile behind the cooktop. We sealed both the tile and the grout. I was told that the crackle tile will absorb grease or dirt through the fine lines, but that sealing it would fix the problem. So far, so good, but it's only been 3 weeks!
bill_vincent
13 years ago
You should be fine, so long as you keep it sealed.
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willowdecor
13 years ago
I have had crackle tile behind my stove top for almost two years. I do a lot of cooking with no problems. I sealed them, but also I try to be careful by using a splatter screen when frying. Not crazy careful though. Here is a link to my kitchen. My tiles are Horus Art Bianca white subways with white grout. Really not issues.

Here is a link that might be useful: Horus Art Crackle Subway tile
ehs20815
13 years ago
I had crackled subway behind the range at my last house. I didn't realize it would be a problem until I started noticing some darkened areas. I gave the area a good scrub down (water diluted with bleach), allowed for good airdrying, and then used a grout sealer, brushed over the entire tile and grout area several times until no more would absorb. After that process, maintenance was easy.
I should note that I do heavy cooking--searing, roasting, frying--and the sealing process was enough to keep the tile looking good.
sue15c
Original Author
13 years ago
Back to the tile place today, she still thinks it is not a good idea. Brochure from the company (Serendipity) says to seal before and after grouting. She said the sealer will make the tiles "gummy" over a period of time. ehs20815 how long have you had your cracked tile and when did it start to darken? Had you sealed it before, once or twice?
gbsim1
13 years ago
I just can't imagine sealer making tiles "gummy"... after all you'd be sealing the grout no matter what type of tile you'd be using and it doesn't get gummy.

Since crackle shouldn't be used on floors on in showers/wet spots, if you couldn't use it for backsplash then what exactly would you use it for?
clergychick
13 years ago
Those of you who have tile that has been sealed, is this something that needs to be done annually (or more)or is it a one time thing? (I'm hoping that my Rixi Crema tiles will be installed next week!) TIA. -- Amy