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What Is Backsplash Tile & Where Should You Put It?

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Backsplashes are an expanse of material that usually sits on bathroom or kitchen wall between the countertops and cabinet. Done well, today’s backsplash designs can be a beautiful accent for rooms in your home by completing the interiors of your space with interesting patterns, colors and designs.  Ideally you will want to install a backsplash during your kitchen or bath counter installation. It is best to work with a professional for this type of project.

What are common types of tiles to use for a backsplash?

The most common tiles use for a backsplash are ceramic, porcelain, stone, marble and sometimes even glass.  You should be mindful that not all tiles will cost the same. Tiles are priced by square foot and the cost can vary depending on the type of material. Shopping smart can give you the look you want at a price that’s comfortable for you. Here are a few types of tiles to consider for your backsplash project.

  • The look of marble for less: To mimic the look of expensive marble go for a glazed porcelain tile, with high gloss coated over its surface for shine.
  • Porcelain and ceramic tiles: These types of tiles have many options to make your kitchen traditional to contemporary. With endless designs and options – you’re sure to find a tile that makes your kitchen unique.
  • Stainless steel and natural stone: This material offers a wealth of warmth to your kitchen space. Used together, these materials can create one of a kind looks.
  • Mosaic tile: Mosaic tile packs in smaller patterns and seemingly offer more bang for your buck. Depending on the range of materials – this can be an easy way to turn your kitchen space into a work of art.

Where is the best place to install a backsplash?

Most kitchen backsplashes will be on back walls surrounding sinks and stoves serving both an aesthetic appeal as well as a functioning component to protecting your walls from stains and damage.

In the bath, a backsplash can be added behind toilets and sinks, surrounding showers and even as a functional design element enclosing a sunken tub.  Recently there has been a trend to install a backsplash on a ceiling to define a shower alcove and prevent water damage.

Working with the design professionals at Fred Callaghan Carpet & Flooring will keep your project moving smoothly and help you find your design style.  Give us a call to make an appointment or stop by our Showroom to take a look at the many options available.

What Is The Best Floor Tile For Your Kitchen?

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What Is The Best Floor Tile For Your Kitchen?

 

 

Tile flooring is a natural choice for kitchens. Tile is hard, durable, and water-resistant and shrugs off stains. Plus, it’s beautiful—your kitchen flooring ideas will blossom when you look through the huge array of styles, shapes and colors available.

Kitchen floor tile comes in three primary types: porcelain, ceramic and stone. Prices of each type run the gamut, from $2 to $100 per square foot, based on a report from the DIY Network.

Types of Kitchen Tile Flooring

Ceramic and porcelain tile are both made from clay mixtures fired at high temperatures to produce a hard, durable tile. Both come either glazed or unglazed. However, there are important differences.

Porcelain floor tile has sand added to the clay mixture and is made with heat and pressure to produce a tile that’s harder, denser and less porous than regular ceramic tile. It’s a good choice for high-traffic areas, kitchens and bathrooms. It’s tough enough to be used outdoors in any climate.

Glazed porcelain tile has a glass-like coating applied during firing that produces a colored surface. Unglazed porcelain has color added to the clay mixture so the color and pattern is carried all the way through the tile. Any wear or scratches won’t show on unglazed porcelain.

Porcelain tile can be difficult to install and requires special tools and should be installed by a professional installer.

Regular ceramic floor tile is sometimes called “non-porcelain” to clearly differentiate it from porcelain. It’s softer than its porcelain cousin and glazed to create a hard wear surface in virtually any color. Because it’s softer, it’s easier to cut and install, but it is recommended to use a professional installer. Although it’s more porous than porcelain, the glazing creates a surface that’s impervious to kitchen spills and splashes.

Stone floor tiles are made from natural stone including slate, granite, limestone, travertine, and marble. Most stone tiles are porous and need to be resealed with a quality stone sealer every two to three years.

Stone can be polished or honed. Polished stone surfaces are slippery when wet, but the polishing lets the full beauty of the stone show through. Honed stone tiles provide more traction but have a less vibrant look.

While tile can be a great choice for kitchen floors, the hardness that makes tile so desirable as a kitchen floor surface can sometimes be a drawback.  If you are a serious cook be sure to wear comfortable shoes or use a floor mat at the work center, i.e sink, range ,cooking because standing on tile for long periods of time can tire out legs and strain your back.  Tile is also cold on bare feet and if you tend to be clumsy in the kitchen, dropped dishes, mugs and glasses will break on impact.

With today’s many designs and tile selections to choose from you are sure to find the best option to suit your kitchen.

Be sure to stop by our newly expanded Showroom and a take a look at our latest selection of tile for your kitchen project.