Tile Kitchen Backsplash: Ceramic vs. Metal
Kitchen backsplashes are more than functional, these days a kitchen backsplash can also be a work of art. Backsplashes protect your kitchen walls, but they also serve as a beautiful compliment to your kitchen décor. There are many options for backsplashes, ranging from tile to metal, in a variety of surfaces, hues, and themes. With all of the great ideas, sometimes the most difficult part is deciding which one to install.
One of the most popular backsplash ideas for a kitchen is ceramic tile. A tile backsplash is not only highly durable, but beautiful. The tiles come in such a wide variety of colors and textures that it is difficult to imagine that if you look long enough, you won’t find the exact tile to complete your kitchen in just the way you want to. You can even find kitchen tiles to create hand-painted pictures.
However, there are several things to be aware of when shopping for ceramic tiles. The first is that the nature of a backsplash exposes it to food and grease from cooking surfaces. A porous or unglazed tile will often become discolored or stained from these exposures.
A glazed tile will solve these problems, as the glaze becomes a barrier between the potential staining agents and the tile backsplash. Another thing to pay attention to while shopping for tile is if there are any special tools or instructions that will be needed for installation or cutting the tile.
Metal is another popular choice for backsplashes. Metal is generally easily cleaned and still can offer a large amount of good design options. Metal is also widely used as accent tiles. Stainless steel is frequently used for a modern look, or in restaurants as they can be used frequently and harshly and still withstand beautifully.
When looking into metal backsplashes, bear in mind that it may take longer to find exactly what you are looking for as there are fewer carriers of metal tiles. Also, while metal withstands cleaning and heat very well, it is also easier to scratch or dent. If you are using a metal other than stainless steel, such as zinc or brass, it will need to polished. These same metals also may show oxidation through time.
One further note, metal tile tends to be far more expensive and somewhat more difficult to manage than ceramic tile. However, both will create a useful backsplash that will be a fantastic touch to your new kitchen.