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Designer tells me 4x4 tiles for backsplash too small??

15 years ago

I went to see a designer at a tile store today on my never ending quest for my kitchen backsplash. I already had in mind that I would be using 4x4 tiles set on a diagonal. However, this designer said that was too small and that everyone was moving away from smaller tiles for backsplashes in favor of larger tiles. She even showed me pictures of backsplashes using 12x12 tiles on a diagonal. To be honest, it wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm just wondering if there are people out there that regret using smaller tiles (too many grout lines?) and wished they had used larger.

Featured Answer

growlery

15 years ago

I'm planning 4x4s.

There's no right or wrong. It's what you like.

Try a mockup if you're concerned; either marking a large piece of paper with a 4x4 diagonal grid, or cutting out some 4x4 paper tiles, as others have done.

I personally see them making a comeback, for their clean style, but everyone sees what they want to see.

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Comments (11)

petra_il
15 years ago
I thought about using 4x4 tiles on diagonal but after some very good advice and examples I'v got on this forum, I went with 6x6, still on diagonal. The size is perfect for my space and liking -- I could not be happier (other than splurging for much fancier tiles but that's another story). I completely understand your hesitation about 12x12, those are huge, I don't care for that look either.
cindyinsocal
15 years ago
My tile contractor, who lives next door, says that he much prefers 4x4. He feels that the 6x6 is just not the right scale. He has also been installing quite a bit of subway tile lately. These are just his opinions, but I thought I'd pass them along.

I had a designer tell me to go 12x12 as well, but I agree, I don't care for the look. His theroy was that when you do 4x4 of 6x6 in the field tile, it is hard to differentiate in the focal point behind the range if you want to do something different there. With 12x12, you basically get one tile, then two pieces in a normal back splash.

I guess I am going 4x4.
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I agree with GD that this doesn't sound like the guy you want for tile work. If this contractor is doing the other portions of your remodel himself then I'd tell him I prefer the tile work be subbed out. Red flags start going up for me whenever a contractor tells someone what he's willing to do vs finding a way to build what you want. Charges per square foot can vary depending on where you live, and I find an upcharge of $400 to be high for 20 sq ft. I think he's quoting that because he doesn't want to deal with the design. I've installed my share of tile and don't find a brick pattern to be 6x more difficult than a straight. I'm not a professional but anyone who understands tile can figure out the design without much difficulty. I suggest you visit some tile stores (not big box) and ask for referrals for installers. Then have them come out and bid the job.
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Thanks y'all. Good ideas! The Corian is only dirty because it doesn't show dirt so it doesn't get cleaned (it was a great countertop aside from being so darned ugly). I think we'd be OK with marble there, but would still want to keep any grouted bits (tile) up high or away from the cooktop. I WILL check with other fabricators before ruling anything out due to a seam. I'm too lazy to clean my kitchen to get a picture of the sink, but here's an old one. If you squint you can sort of see how the stainless 4" backsplash goes along the wall, and you can see the spot under the window over the sink that I'd want to cover with an extra large window apron. Or I could tile the entire sink wall--if I use tile on the cooktop wall I could see doing it on the other side. It's not a big room and the fridge might end up being stainless so I'm not sure I want to put even more stainless on the walls. (If the pictures aren't clear--they aren't--the main counters are stainless steel.)
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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 )
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bronwynsmom
15 years ago
Four by four tiles can look a little bathroom-ish, and the 6" ones solve that problem. I agree that the 12 X 12 ones are dramatic, but huge, and only really work in a pretty big space.
larrylwill
15 years ago
I would say that most of the pictures I have looked at on this site are 4x4 could be wrong but I don't think so. I went with 4x4. Could be he doesn't like the extra work? 12 x 12 goes about 9 times faster than 4x4 and 6 x 6 is 4 times faster. Back splashes are only 18" high. 3 - 6 x 6 or
5 - 4 x 4 or 1.5 - 12"
4" laid diagonal with a 2" border is only 3 tiles.
Fori
15 years ago
I prefer 6x6 or 4x4. The 12x12 can look good, but often it looks like floor on the wall. :)

Go with your preferences--your kitchen, so YOU are correct!
bill_vincent
15 years ago
I can't count the number of backsplashes I've done even just in the last year... two in the last month, and overwhelmingly, the choice has been 4x4 tile, either tumbled marble or ceramic.

That being said, it's not a matter of what WE think looks good, or even what the designer thinks. The designer is there to make suggestions. It's up to YOU to decide what looks good to YOU, being that you're the one who'll have to live with it.
gshop
15 years ago
We went with 4x4's and love it! I don't think it looks too busy, I had mocked up with paper "tiles" 6x6's and I thought it looked too big. Just my opinion, go with what you like and what your overall look is for your kitchen. Good luck!
jujybean
15 years ago
We went with a 6.5 tile on the diagonal, but then we also have a 4" silestone splash.
kenrbass
15 years ago
I just removed the 4x4 "bathroom" tiles in our home and installed 12x12 floor tiles on a diagonal with accent 2x2 medalions mouted level. I have done about ten of them in the last year. All but one wanted them diagonal, and only 2 of those didn't want accents. whatever you like is what is right for you.
tobokat
15 years ago
Hi

I agree with Bill V---do what you like (but if you are like me you like what you see the most and anything different looks funny,odd,etc)

I also agree with your designer---the sizes are beginning to change.

I went out searching for mosaics, 4x4, 6x6 and even asked catmom about her gorgeous tiles.I eventually fell in love with 24x24 tiles (cut to backsplash size).Everyone thinks its wallpaper because of the subtle pattern.Cleanup is a breeze.

Good luck and have fun on the journey (something I forgot to do).

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