Kitchen Backsplashes and Mosaic Ceramic Tile offer Beauty and Function
By Mark J. Donovan
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Kitchen countertops without backsplashes or ceramic tile behind them leave the kitchen drywall behind the countertops vulnerable to water damage and staining.
Two easy ways to address this issue, and to spice up a kitchen, is to add a kitchen countertop backsplash and mosaic ceramic tile above the kitchen countertop. A kitchen countertop backsplash only covers 3 or 4 inches of surface area behind the countertop and is thus very affordable to install. The transformation to your countertop, however, can be quite dramatic as the backsplash creates a focus point to your kitchen countertops. |
Kitchen Countertop Backsplashes
Kitchen countertop backsplashes can be constructed out of many types of material including granite, marble, Silestone, Corian, and wood laminates. They can be attached to the countertops and kitchen walls with glue, adhesives, or screws, depending on the type of backsplash and kitchen countertops you are installing. Visit your local kitchen cabinetry and home improvement stores to view all of the options that are available to you and to determine what will work best with your kitchen countertops and cabinets.
| Kitchen Countertop Backsplashes using Ceramic Tile
Installing mosaic ceramic tile above the kitchen countertop backsplash is another great idea for improving the look of your kitchen. The patterns that you can create with mosaic ceramic tile are limited only by your imagination. There are many mosaic ceramic tile patterns that you can view on the internet or at home improvement stores. Also consider installing ceramic tile on a bias, e.g. 45o angle. The look can be quite attractive and is eye catching. |
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Kitchen Countertop Backsplashes Using Stone or Glass Artwork
I have also seen kitchens where one large custom accent piece of stone or glass artwork (e.g. a topographical map of a lake or mountain) is centered in the mosaic ceramic tile pattern. Frequently this artwork is centered above the stove.
| When selecting ceramic tile it is best to consider using glazed ceramic tile as it is easier to clean and less likely to stain.
The installation of kitchen countertop backsplashes and mosaic ceramic tile also has a practical purpose. If your kitchen is used regularly, kitchen countertop backsplashes and ceramic tile help to minimize cleaning and maintenance efforts. Backsplashes and ceramic tile can easily be cleaned with just a damp dish cloth or sponge. In addition, kitchen countertop backsplashes and mosaic ceramic tile can help to hide gaps and prevent water from seeping behind the kitchen countertops. Kitchen countertop backsplashes and mosaic ceramic tile are two great ways to dress up your kitchen. |
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If your kitchen is lacking these amenities, visit your local home improvement store and see what you are missing. Both products are affordable, as the space they cover is limited, and they are easy to install. Most do it yourself homeowners can install kitchen countertop backsplashes and ceramic tile with a little up front knowledge and the right tools.
For help on your kitchen remodeling project, see my Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to prospective kitchen remodeling contractors. It also includes a comprehensive kitchen remodeling cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows the contractor to include his projected remodeling costs for every phase of the project.
Related Information
- Kitchen Countertop Backsplash Installation
- Buying Tips for Granite Kitchen Countertops
- How to Remove Kitchen Countertops and Cabinets
Additional Kitchen Remodeling Design Resources
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