skip to main content

Building a Home Design Dilemma Kitchens

Is backsplash tile a specific type of tile?

Karen Muchow Heisick

5 years ago

So I am wanting the look of a slab backsplash but it being 12' long that is not possible. I found some gorgeous 36x36 milk glass style tile but the company says it is not suitable for backsplash. It says it is wall tile but they said only feature walls.

There is no sink along the backsplash wall and it is an induction cooktop so the heat would not translate from the cooktop itself. Could I still use it?

Featured Answer

PRO

Virgil Carter Fine Art

5 years ago

"Backsplash" tile refers to the location of the tile...not the type of tile or other material.

I certainly would not use any tile or other material for which the manufacturer says it is not suitable.

Some interiors folks will be along shortly with recommendations.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

Karen Muchow Heisick
Original Author
5 years ago
I am not sure it is even their product? It is from mineral tiles website
Related Discussions
Removing old tile counters without damaging backsplash tiles
Q
Comments (11)
Protect your wall tiles with cardboard and take a hammer to the row of counter top tiles that are against the wall. Break them up good. Wearing gloves and using putty knives and screwdrives pull out all the little pieces of tile from that row closest to the wall. Wiggle them out from under the backsplash tile, they should come out fairly easily. This clears a distance the thickness of the tile for the counter to pivot up upon removal before it contacts and loads your backsplash tiles. If that proves to not be enough set the depth right on a circular saw or rotozip and zip through the cement board and pry that off too. It will take more finesse then normally is used when demoing kitchens but with a little caution, it should be very doable.
...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
Looking for mondrian type kitchen tiles for backsplash.
Q
Comments (2)
Thank you very much.
...See More
Tile dilemma - Back-splash
Q
Comments (4)
they sound interesting enough to me, being crackled and having variation. larger size might work..what size you consider? Gray is already considered dated lol. Makes no sense to me personally as all this dated thing is a new concept I'm still struggling with-how a color can be dated? but in terms of what happens in trends etc-it's on its way out, yes. they move into warmer tones. they're still into greiges for now to bridge between things a bit. white is becoming big as a neutral. wood stains are making a big comeback. this update on trends can go on and on but i'm sure you can find thousand threads here discussing it so i'll make it short. if you're really worried-it might be you're simply are not attached to a color enough. which is okay, really. then pick off-white. off white is pretty. Even very much so. I like both off whites and grays(I do have preference for much warmer grays though) so I have off whites and warm grays. And many other colors too since I love them too. I commit by choosing something of course,-but it's fine since commitment, paradoxically, is a road to freedom:) But I admit I was also worrying when choosing..well choosing everything except for stuff like toilets etc. Of course one worries, it's a hassle and an expense and you want to love it in the end. So. Try to worry less. If you can remove "dated" from the equation- great. Go with your heart's desire. If no-then ok, take it into equation and don't do gray. Worry less. You did a great job on everything else, so no reason to think your backsplash won't turn out well either. It will.
...See More
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
A lot depends on the size of the wall and why is there no backsplash on the most important place at the sink. A 36 x 36 tile needs a large wall to look right . Maybe post a pic of your space .Did you ask why they don’t reccommend the tile .BTW laying those large tile requires some real tiling skill and definately not your contractor doing the work. The food you are cooking still produces heat and steam and grease.
Karen Muchow Heisick
Original Author
5 years ago
the sink is in the island. I attached a 3d rendering I made of the kitchen. it is a 30"x144" section.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
My comment about the wall size certainly applies since every tile would have to be cut and then IMO the effect gets lost when the tiles are not whole. I went to the Mineral Tiles web site there are no warnings about the tile that I could see. Maybe the store where you are shopping has had issues. Have you looked into back painted glass I can be done custom and might be the answer.. I have clients with glass tiles behind a gas range and in 5 yrs not one issue so I am not sure what the deal would be with the back painted panels but worth checking out.
Karen Muchow Heisick
Original Author
5 years ago
I purchased the samples and spoke directly with mineral tiles. Because I cant do a slab this was the look I was going for. with the least amount of seams as possible.
artemis_ma
5 years ago
Karen, I like your concept. The least amount of seams, the better the cleanup. Depends on if it works in your specific kitchen and home.
User
5 years ago
That is not tempered, and it will be a nightmare for an installer. 3x the usual $1500-2K per splash labor cost. Just get standard back painted glass. It’s tempered. It doesn’t matter what the heat source is, a pop of grease on a non tempered glass and it will shatter. No one wants to pick out glass from their chicken piccata.
Karen Muchow Heisick
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks! I am actually looking at back painted glass as well in 3 sheets of 30"x48" so there would only be 2 seams.
mnmamax3
5 years ago
Check out porcelain slabs. I want to say the ones I had seen here in MN are called Neolith. Lighter weight than granite but similar look.
PRO
Anglophilia
5 years ago
Neolith requires a truly experienced fabricator/installer. For those who have tried to use this product without such, it has been disastrous.

I wouldn't worry too much about the grout. I have 3x12 white honed marble tiles behind my stove and for all my backsplashes and used a matching white non-staining grout. Nearly 3 years later, it looks fabulous and has been very easy to keep clean. As you can see, using the same color grout makes it look very "solid".

Related Stories

TILE Let’s Talk Tile: An Alphabetical Guide to Tile Terminology

Get set for a tile project with this handy glossary of shapes, materials, finishes and more

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Gorgeous Backsplash Alternatives to Subway Tile

By Vanessa Brunner

Artistic installations, back-painted glass and pivoting windows prove there are backsplash possibilities beyond the platform

TILE 5 Head-Turning Tile Styles for Backsplashes and More

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If plain subway tile would derail your bold decorating vision, these dashing tiles can help you arrive at a brilliant solution

KITCHEN DESIGN 5 Stunning Alternatives to the Tile Backsplash

By KitchenLab Interiors

Try Stone Slab, Glass, Steel, Concrete or Beadboard Above the Kitchen Counter

KITCHEN DESIGN Paisley Tile Backsplash Takes This Kitchen to a Whole New Level

By Jess McBride

The remodeled Toronto kitchen features a soapstone-topped island and a bold backsplash that makes an impression

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES 6 Ways to Add Style to a Basic Tile Backsplash

Bold grout lines, bright colors and unusual layouts can turn rectanglular tiles into an eye-catching focal point

DIY PROJECTS DIY Backsplash Makeover: Get a New Tile Look for Less Than $50

Give old tile a painted faux-stone facade for a brand-new look at a superaffordable price

KITCHEN DESIGN 8 Top Tile Types for Your Kitchen Backsplash

By The Inman Company

Backsplash designs don't have to be set in stone; glass, mirror and mosaic tiles can create kitchen beauty in a range of styles

KITCHEN DESIGN Ecofriendly Kitchen: Recycled Tile for Backsplashes

By Ivon Street Studio

Pick a popular look for your kitchen backsplash design and go green as well, with beautiful tiles made from recycled materials

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Beautiful Backsplash Tiles for Every Budget

By Stephanie Sabbe

Explore 20 tiles curated by a pro interior designer, ranging from everyday affordable to art for the kitchen

Sponsored

More Discussions

Anderson Woodwright vs Marvin Elevate

12

Roof Framing Looks Worrisome

12

It's May 2024. How is your build going?

19

How to compensate for an off-center window?

17

building costs in Seattle

10