By A kitchen can be the dream of every house owner. Not only does it get rid of that worn-down, outdated look, but it also makes life easier for you and your family members. Knowing what to look for in kitchen remodeling materials is essential when choosing the materials for your new kitchen.
It’s because this will influence how well your utilities operate, including appliances like stoves and dishwashers.
Kitchen tiles are great for floors and backsplashes because they resist heat transfer while looking beautiful at the same time. They come in various colors, styles, patterns, and textures allowing homeowners to make their dream kitchens come true.
When it comes to kitchen renovation materials like tiles, background information can help you make good choices about your remodel.
Should You Go for Wall Tiles or a Backsplash?
There are a variety of remodeling materials for your kitchen, such as tiles and backsplash.
Do you like to cook? If so, you may be thinking about redoing your kitchen. When you need to choose the best quality tile or backsplash for your new kitchen, some things make them different from one another and will affect how easy they clean up and whether they’re safe around food prep areas.
The first thing to consider is whether you prefer wall tiles or backsplash. Tiles are durable and relatively inexpensive, but installation can be time-consuming.
For example, if your countertop is extra thick or uneven, it may not work with tiling. It also requires a good bit of drying time between each layer of grout used to seal the tiles together for strength.
- Backsplash tiles should be chosen with care using some simple guidelines to ensure good results. To select the best backsplash tiles, you need to consider three main factors: function, design, and budget.
- Backsplashes are easier to install because they usually go against an existing countertop surface. They are less expensive than tiled walls, but that depends on what kind of material you use for your backsplash installation.
However, it might seem like they don’t offer as much durability as tiled walls do.
Finding the Best Place to Add Your Tiles or Backslash On
One of the most important things to consider is where you want your tiles or backsplash. You can install them near a stove or oven if they are subject to a lot of heat and splatters, but there are some types of materials that can handle it better than others.
It’s also advisable to choose non-porous and easy to clean materials, especially if you have kids in the house who try to eat off the wall behind your stove.
Another thing people may overlook is whether they’re okay with plastic laminates for their backsplashes. In addition to being relatively inexpensive, it’s thinner and lighter than other types of materials.
If you go with glass tiles as a backsplash, they might not be able to withstand the heat from stoves and ovens very well.
To finish up, you’ll want to think about decorative backsplashes if that’s an option. Mosaic tiles tend to come in different sizes, making it easier for someone who doesn’t have much time or patience when tiling a wall.
If you’re feeling creative, there are even companies that will sell drywall compounds you can imagine so you can make your free-form mosaic designs!
Choosing the Suitable Tiles for a Backsplash
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing between ceramic vs. porcelain tile for a backsplash:
Ceramic Tiles
- Ceramic tiles have a glossier appearance but show more fingerprints than porcelain tiles. Ceramic is softer, so be careful not to drop any items against them, or they may crack or chip.
- Also, remember that ceramic grouts are porous, allowing liquids from spills to seep inside where they become difficult to clean out later.
Porcelain Tiles
- Porcelain tiles are rigid, dense materials. They are less expensive than ceramic tiles but tend to show water spots if you don’t pay proper attention to their care. Porcelain tiles are more durable but don’t have as glossy of an appearance as ceramic tiles do.
Subway Tiles
- Subway tiles and penny tiles (also known as herringbone or brick pattern) make great choices because they create a unique look, unlike any traditional backsplash tile.
- Subway is one of the most popular styles of kitchen backsplash tile, and it’s easy to see why: this type of pattern creates a simple yet elegant effect without appearing too busy or taking too much space.
Penny Tiles
- You can install penny tiles with grouts between them for those who prefer less pattern and more grout lines in their backsplashes.
- When choosing between subway tile vs. penny tile, keep in mind how easily you can clean these materials.
- Since they have a smooth surface, it’s best to ensure that each is resistant to water spots, so you don’t have to worry about your new renovation looking shabby too soon after installation.
When you’re choosing between subway tile vs. penny tile, consider the number of tiles that will go into the job and use this to make your decision. Subway tiles are long rectangular shaped, while penny tiles are square or rectangular shapes arranged in a diagonal pattern.
You can also compare prices because both options create unique-looking backsplashes at an affordable cost. Another guideline for choosing between subway tile and penny tile is to consider the size of the tiles. Subway tiles are more extensive than penny tiles, meaning that they take up more space but create a bolder design.
Can Kitchen Remodeling Contractors Help You?
Kitchen remodeling is a fascinating project, but it can also be overwhelming. If you have never done a kitchen remodel before, or if this is going to be your first remodel, then there are several things that you need to consider before you jump right into the first contractor’s office.
- First, how much money would you like to spend on your new kitchen? Your budget will determine who you choose as your contractor or if you even attempt to do any of the work yourself.
- Once that’s settled, what type of design do you want in your new kitchen? Do not just color schemes and themes; think about appliances and plumbing fixtures! And finally, what is the square footage of your existing kitchen?
- You might find that you need to remodel your kitchen more than once, so having an estimate of the space will help make sure you are not overspending on the new kitchen!
Once you have answered all of these questions with rough estimates, it’s time to start looking into kitchen contractors. There are several different kitchen remodeling materials that you can use, depending on your design and budget.
Tiles are available in every color, shape, size, and finish. Backsplashes can add a great deal of character to any room because it is something that most people see while standing at their kitchen sink or stovetop.
Before you make your final decision on kitchen remodeling materials, be sure to consult with several kitchen remodel companies and compare costs. You ought to choose the best contractor and the suitable contract materials.
