FAQs About Tile, Kitchen Floors, and Backsplashes
Are you ready to redo your kitchen floor or backsplash? You need tile—but you're not sure which type is the right one for your home improvement project. Before you get deep into the design process, take a look at what you need to know about the most popular options.
Can You Use the Same Tiles for Your Floor and Backsplash?
Yes—and no. Some products pull double duty, allowing you to use identical pieces or the same basic material for both a floor or a kitchen backsplash. But other products won't work as well on the vertical surface of a wall as they will on a flat, horizontal floor, or are too delicate to handle heavy foot traffic.
Common options that you could use for both areas include ceramic, porcelain, cement, travertine, and marble. Easily breakable products, such as glass, won't work well as a kitchen floor.
Along with the type of material, you also need to consider the size, shape, and thickness. A weighty marble slab may look or feel off on a backsplash area. Slim or small porcelain and ceramic tiles could create a visually interesting design on the backsplash area—but often are too intricate or delicate for the kitchen floor.
Which Products Will Last the Longest?
Durability and a long lifespan are important factors when you choose your kitchen building materials. Even though aesthetics are a major consideration, you don't want to select products that are all form and no function. To create a functional space that you won't have to repair or replace in a few years, weigh the expected lifespan of each material against how it fits into the overall room decor.
Granite, slate, and marble flooring products all have a lifespan of 100 or more years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). In comparison, a vinyl product or linoleum may only last for 25 years. While these are generally expected lifespans, factors such as tile installation, product quality, use, and care can affect the durability of each flooring or backsplash product.
What Colors Are Available for Kitchen Projects?
The answer to this question also depends on the tiles you choose. Some materials, such as marble, come in a natural palette of brown, taupe, white, gray, or similar muted hues. If you want to make a designer statement with a standout or drastic color, then glass, ceramic, or cement products offer a rainbow-filled range of options.