Backsplash Tile Ideas

A tile backsplash can take your traditional kitchen design to new levels at an affordable price. Today, we’ll share some backsplash tile ideas for every home and advice on how to choose the latest kitchen tile trends for your home. Plus, connect with our local experts and installers at Flooring America, who can help you through all the steps of the process and make sure your project turns out great!

Literati Melville Mosaic Cast Stone Emser Tile

What is Backsplash Tiling & What Tools Do You Need?

A tile backsplash is a great touch that gives modern kitchens a fresh look without spending the time or money on a larger renovation. Backsplashes are an extension of your counter, which functions as a protection against liquids, but tile décor can also add a beautiful touch to the design of your space. Most kitchen tile designs can also be installed faster and more efficiently than larger renovations.

Choosing the Perfect Tile Backsplash

Carrara White Marble by Daltile

From subway tile backsplash to geometric tile backsplash and more, there's an endless amount of style options to choose from when it comes to finding the right backsplash tile ideas to match your design aesthetic and personal style. If chosen right, your backsplash can serve as a dramatic focal point and complement your existing kitchen design.

Consider your space and the color palette in your kitchen, and don't be afraid to play with textures, geometric patterns, and shapes. Your backsplash tile can be featured in light or dark hues to complement white cabinets or dark cabinets as well as many unique patterns like a vertical pattern or a herringbone pattern.

Now is the perfect time to bring out your inner interior designer to help you create designer spaces. Start off each new project by considering your existing space —think about what backsplash would match your marble countertops, your pendant lights, your white cabinetry and upper cabinets, or what backsplash would be the perfect complement to your antique dining chairs in your dining room.

What Materials Can You Use for a Backsplash?

Quartetto Cool Figura by Daltile

The right backsplash can elevate any cooking space in an otherwise neutral kitchen. With a specialist’s help, you can pick a material and pattern that work for your budget, timetable, and long-term goals. Ceramics, glass, natural stone, and porcelain all make for beautiful backsplashes.

Whatever you choose, make sure your material complements your kitchen countertops, your kitchen's color scheme, and your kitchen island. If you’re looking to sell your home in the future, keep the design simple and timeless to suit any neutral kitchen.

Picking Your Backsplash Installation Materials

National Marble Res tile Statuary Unity by Daltile

There are two main types of materials used for tile backsplash installation, mastic tile adhesive and mortar or thin-set. Your choice of material depends on your same material preference. Plus, it's important to consider whether or not the backsplash is easy to clean and maintain. Your installation expert can help you find the perfect material for your project.

• Ceramic tile offers an almost endless array of vibrant color options.  Ceramic tile can be applied with mastic tile adhesive.

• Stone backsplash tile comes in a variety of natural materials, from slate to marble to limestone. These tiles are installed with mortar and are perfect for those looking for a natural look.    

• Porcelain tile offers beautiful stone finishes as well as colors. Porcelain is also installed as mortar. 

• Glass tile is available in a variety of patterns and colors to give visual interest. Glass tile is applied with thin set mortar.  

When choosing appliances, think about kitchen backsplashes ahead of time so you can be sure they complement each other well.

How to Install a Tile Backsplash

Morocco Fawn Arabesque Gloss Mosaic Ceramic Emser Tile

With the help of your local Flooring America expert, the installation process for backsplash tiles is usually straightforward. Here is an overview of the process that our experts would follow:

1. First, we protect your countertop with plastic sheeting and lay out the location of the backsplash on the wall to assure a proper fit.

2. Next, we will remove all outlet covers and sand down the wall, wiping away any dust or debris with a wet cloth, and then mark a centerline halfway between your countertop and cabinets using a pencil.

3. We will apply a thin layer of tile adhesive or mortar on the wall using a trowel, beginning at the centerline and working outwards.

4. Then we set the tiles, beginning with the bottom row and working out from the center.

5. When we reach a cabinet or other area that requires a trimmed tile, we make sure we are using the proper equipment to make our cuts, mark the tile, and then cut to a proper fit.

6. Once finished with that, we’ll let the tile adhesive dry overnight or according to the adhesive instructions.

7. Once the adhesive is dry, we will fill in the joints with grout to create a seamless transition and clean the area with a sponge and water.

Installing tile backsplashes is a process, but with the help of one of our professionals, you can make sure the beauty, durability, and function of your tile backsplash is protected for years to come. 

Our experts are waiting to guide you through the process, so be sure to check out our Kitchen & Bath Projects page and shop our tile products catalog to begin your next home improvement project today!