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slate vs glass tile backsplash -- durability, care, and cleaning

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I'm debating between using a slate vs glass tile for a kitchen backsplash. I was told the slate would have to be sealed twice a year; the glass would also need to be sealed periodically too because of the grout. Glass is appealing because it is extremely durable and impervious. What about slate? Would it be difficult to clean or should I be concerned about durability? Thanks for any thoughts!

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Comments (3)

cat_mom
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
We used Aquamix Gold sealer when our glass mosaic backsplash was installed. I think it was rated for 15 years? Still looks good as does the glass tile.

It wasn't available when we did our kitchen reno, but it we were doing the backsplash today, we'd probably have them use TEC XT grout, which is stain, crack, mildew resistant (more so than their regular grout).
betshsu thanked cat_mom
dcward89
9 years ago
Our backslpash is a combo of crackle glass and slate. We sealed everything shortly after install last July. Currently everything looks as good as the day it was installed. Haven't come across anything that was difficult to wipe off or clean. I should say though that we have a sheet of stainless behind the range. I cook every single day and most of the time quite messily so the stainless has been awesome and easy to clean in that area. Here's a close up pic of our backsplash...it may not be for everyone but I just love it. I wanted all slate...hubby wanted glass so this was a perfect compromise! This was right after install and all the grout wasn't cleaned off the slate yet. I just love all the different colors in the slate!
betshsu thanked dcward89
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Sealing slate in the shower and sealing slate countertops I used some Enrich N'Seal to enhance some China Black Slate (1'x2') for a bathroom and shower's floor and used the same sealer for the "Mustang" honed vanity top (shown above). I like the Enrich N'Seal because it tends to hide minor surface flaws and small scratches. All ways test your sealer first. Some times Ultra Solve or another equal product is a better choice. Also understand that some times "The Tile Fairy" comes when working with natural products and if you have the chance seal a few tiles and soak them for a day. Does the water discolour? Does the sealer change? What happens a week later after it is dried out. "The Tile Fairy" can be really mean but then sometimes she comes back and like magic the job looks great - weird. It happens... A simple procedure that takes a week Here is a link that might be useful: Sealing slate - Pictures
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I guess ceramic subways are out of the question? Maybe with a line of glass mosaics in yellow a row or two from the bottom? I think that would give a nod to the nostalgia/age of the home but bring in some pop and the color that you've incorporated into your kitchen with the wall color. The ceramic subways are generally cheaper than slate (I think?), and with only a little bit of the pricy tile interspersed, it wouldn't be all that expensive. I think Bill V. usually says that Dal-Tile is perfectly acceptable tile to use--and I take what he says like the gospel!! I'm (personally) not a big fan of the tin ceiling tile backsplash look. Can't really tell you why--no real rationale. I know some people really like it. For a real budget makeover for the backsplash in an old country home, I prefer painted beadboard. (oh, and do you have pictures of the rest of your kitchen and/or house? I have an 1870's Victorian farmhouse and rarely get to sneak a peek at other homes of the same age!!) Looks great--and I love the stainless/white combo on your appliances!! :) Sarah
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What Lascatx says is ture, but there are no standards for the definitions and manufacturers tend to use the words "porceline" and "ceramic" to mean the same thing in tiles. There's a good reason for that. Porcelain IS a ceramic tile. It's just a denser clay baked at a much higher temp, producing a much harder, practically absorbent free, and MUCH more durable product. I would NOT take a salesperson's word that a product is porcelain. If it doesn't say it on the sample board, assume it's not porcelain. Also, if all they show you is a piece of tile, and when it comes in it doesn't say porcelain on the packaging, refuse the delivery and demand your money back if you're set on porcelain, because someone's BSing you.
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Thank you moma. The window is leaded glass that opens as you can see on some of the pictures. It's original to the house which was custom built in 85 and I too love it. They don't build-em like they used to! The marble is Statuarietto. We absolutely love it! We were going to do White Carrara which is beautiful. However the Statuarietto is even more intricate. It is more white and has lots of long veining etc. Yes, it is more challenging to maintain than granite but well worth it. Eventually you stop worrying so much with confidence that you have a timelessly elegant and durable material so just enjoy.
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betshsu
Original Author
9 years ago
Yeah, behind the range is probably the area of most concern. We will have a window behind the range, so I'm not sure how well a sheet backsplash would work there.

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