Kitchen Backsplash help...

Sonicstef Posted: Oct 30, 2003 10:35 AM

Kitchen Backsplash help...

Not sure what to do...we originally thought stainless steel but that is turning into too much of a hassle.

We have a small kitchen and i think there is already too many textures..but my contractor is urging we consider tiling the backsplash as opposed to just leaving it bare.

Right now we are going to have cherry stained cabinets, pergo wood laminate flooring, an exposed brick back wall and granite countertops.

Suggestions? Photos?

Kate Posted: Oct 30, 2003 11:07 AM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

I wonder what a granite backsplash would look like?

Sonicstef Posted: Oct 30, 2003 11:22 AM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

A full granite backsplash would be several thousand extra and i dont want to go down that road. We can do the standard 4 inch backspash and then paint the rest or do the tiles (or im sure there are other options). Not sure what to do.

Whenever i see kitchens in mags, there are no tiles...but my contractor is telling me it looks great and is not overly expensive.

ChristineC68 Posted: Oct 30, 2003 11:25 AM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

DH's cousin has a tile back splash but they were put up in such a way that they are diamond shaped (corners point up & down) instead of square. It looks really sharp!!

I'll email her and ask if she has a picture of it she can send me to show you.

jennbaby Posted: Oct 30, 2003 11:42 AM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

I love a tile backsplash, my DH does tile on the side (when he feels like it) and I love the different shapes or patterns you can make with tile. Very pretty!

What about a nice neutral color?

KarenK122 Posted: Oct 30, 2003 11:56 AM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

My aunt just redid her kitchen and she used small glass tiles for the backsplash. Her tiles were kind of coppery and greenish but they come in any color combo and look also. Her titles were small 1 inch by 1 inch but they come larger also.

Sorry no pictures though.

Sonicstef Posted: Oct 30, 2003 11:56 AM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

I guess i have never seen tiles that i like...but its not like i go shopping for them everyday.

If someone has some photos or resources for 'different' tile looks, i would really appreciate it.

Also - we are having a sort of 'shaker/mission' style to our kitchen...so when i evnsion tiles, they just seem wrong to me.

Help!!

MarcellaBella Posted: Oct 30, 2003 12:11 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

I just love how the pressed tin looks!!!

Why not do a pressed tin backsplash?

Kate Posted: Oct 30, 2003 01:00 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

I think the exposed brick sounds nice, warm and homey, I see what you're saying about too many textures.

some other photos

Shaker Kitchen

Granite w/granite Maybe you can find a tile that resembles granite?

No backsplash

Arts & Crafts Kitchens

mlp924 Posted: Oct 30, 2003 01:12 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

My countertops are granite and my backsplash is limestone tiles with a diamond shape insert of matching granite. Its my favorite thing in the house.

jennbaby Posted: Oct 30, 2003 01:12 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

Kate, great pic.

I like some sort of a backsplash over no backsplash.

Fran M Posted: Oct 30, 2003 01:29 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

I would go with tile - just try to stay away from white grout. Spills and Splashes wipe off easily, less maint. and $$$ than granite. Brick or Tin would be nice too. I saw really nice tin at Expo.

Sonicstef Posted: Oct 30, 2003 03:21 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

I love the tin idea but i think my kitchen is too small and already has too many textures to add a print like that.

Michele just sent me a site for stainless steel and cooper tile and I LOVE IT. But alas, way too expensive!

Sassyz75 Posted: Oct 30, 2003 03:31 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

I have a shaker kitchen with large terracotta tiles on the floor and smaller terra cotta tiles on the arch that the oven is under... Our back splash is formica I think... but it's the whole wall between the cabinets and the counter.. it's sort of a weird concept but it looks good... especially because it's the color of terra cotta.

However- I don't think if it were my kitchen I'd do it...

On 22nd Street between 6th and 7th there is an amazing tile shop... I think you work near there, so you should check it out.

Claud2001 Posted: Oct 30, 2003 04:37 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

Stef - stainless steel or copper for a backsplash LOOKS nice, but it's definitely *not* low maintainence for someone who cooks everyday....the cleaning would be such a hassle just to boil a pot of water next to it!

We have yet to do our backsplash ( give me strength!) b/c we have to find someone who can put it up for relatively little expense. But, we are getting the matching tile to our kitchen floor. It is the diamond shaped pattern, as someone suggested already, and every ten inches, there will be an 'accent' piece, which breaks the monotny and gives the eye something interesting to look at.

IMO, I would definitely do SOME type of backsplash over not doing any at all....you don't want to have to re-paint the wall every year, just from wear/tear and cooking messes. However, if you don't plan to cook much, than you won't have a problem!

Sonicstef Posted: Oct 30, 2003 04:42 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

Thanks Claud..im not really worried about maintence. Ive seen metal backsplashes before and they seem fine to me plus restaurants all have them and they are not that difficult to clean. If we got the copper (which we wont b/c it crazy expensive) i would WANT it to patina.

Anyway - my problem is that i HATE tiles. I dont think i have ever seen a tile that i would want to put in my house...so i was hoping i could find somethign that is tile but doesnt look like tile, you know?

And i agree, i would rather have some backsplash than none since the installation will not cost me much and im redoing everything now so why not? But i hate every kind of tile i have seen (hate is a strong word, i just dont like it in my kitchen).

yabbobay Posted: Oct 30, 2003 05:18 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

we have tile right now...counter and backsplash and I HATE it as a counter...

the reasons are avoidable...
1. its white...and is so dingy looking
2. its bumpy...you can't write something down without hitting the grout

but I think in your case - you won't have these problems...but do not get white or light grout!!!

if I were you...I may leave it for right now and then decide later...

Sonicstef Posted: Oct 30, 2003 05:21 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

Unfortunetely, i need to decide fairly soon. Im getting ready to order cabinets and i need to let the contractor know if he should schedule some time to do the tiling or will we just be painting. Unless i get the tile that is already in the store, i will need to order.

Jan05Bride Posted: Oct 30, 2003 08:06 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

I worked in ceramic tile for a long time ... tile backsplash is a great option for a kitchen - it cleans easy, it never stains and lasts forever.
Someone mentioned a diamond pattern instead of a grid - that's a great idea to jazz it up. Also, did you look at Tin tiles? I don't know the proper name of them, but if you know what tin ceilings from the old days looks like you get the idea. I think Home Depot sells them for a reasonable price .. you can get it in silver or copper and it is a cheaper alternative to stainless steel.

RichsBride Posted: Oct 30, 2003 08:17 PM

Re: Kitchen Backsplash help...

Stef,
Have you considered just doing behind your stove or that wall(not sure of your kitchen design, but you don't need to do a backsplash through the whole kitchen)
I can't find a good pic right now, but they sell DIY stainless & copper tiles that are 4x4 or 6x6 & you could put them up yourself. Tiling a backspleash in a brand new kitchen is actually a great homeowner project-everything should be plumb & require very few cuts. You could do it in a weekend.
this is granite with tile b/s