Backsplashes | From the Floors Up

Different Types of Backsplashes

September 30, 2021 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

Many homeowners include backsplashes in their kitchen and bathrooms as a decorative layer. The real value of backsplashes is providing a protective layer to your walls. A backsplash behind your stovetop can serve as a shield to your walls during greasy, saucy, or messy meals.

There are thousands of different types, styles and textures you can choose from for your kitchen or bathroom. If you want to install a backsplash for wall protection and decoration, keep reading! To help you rein in all of the choices, we have created a list of the different types of backsplashes. Keep in mind, there are endless custom options and designs. The items listed below are some of the most popular backsplash choices.

Different Materials for Backsplashes:
Tile: ceramic tile, glass tile, porcelain tile, mosaic tile, handmade tile, tumbled natural stone.
Metals: stainless steel, copper, bronze.
Natural Stone: marble, limestone, granite, quartz, soapstone, travertine, onyx

Backsplash Patterns:

Running Bond Tile Pattern (Also known as subway tile pattern)

Herringbone Pattern

Mosaic Pattern

Straight Lay Pattern

Diagonal Pattern

Checkerboard Pattern

Basketweave Pattern

Windmill Pattern

Versailles Pattern

Pinwheel Pattern

Full slabs

Backsplash Areas:

Between the upper cabinets and countertops in your kitchen or bathroom

Behind the kitchen’s stovetop

Behind the kitchen faucet

Area behind the bathroom sink between the mirror

The entire wall behind the bathroom mirror

Lining the space above your bathtub

When you think about a backsplash for decorative purposes, your mind naturally thinks of other places to add decorative tiles. Fireplaces, the wall above the fireplace, the wall behind a bed or other focal point in a room are all great places to add tile! Use your imagination and imagine all of the places you can add tile for decoration or functional purposes!

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Are You Thinking of Using Mosaic Tiles?

October 16, 2019 By creatingyourspace Leave a Comment

Do you find yourself looking at your kitchen and bathrooms and realize they need special attention? If so, or your taste and style have changed, mosaic tiles are a great place to start jazzing up your dated home design!

If you have a plain ceramic tile backsplash and plain ceramic tile shower enclosure, they tend to become dull and lifeless over time. Mosaic tiles can transform your home’s surfaces into an artistic canvas that pops with style and boldness! There are so many options available, and mosaic tiles are the perfect choice to liven up your design style.

When shopping for mosaic tile, there are various materials to choose from, like porcelain, slate, and glass. We are going to concentrate on glass mosaic tiles due to their versatility and multiple advantages shown below:

Numerous Options are Available

Your local tile stores will have a large assortment of glass mosaic tiles. They are available in almost every color and various styles. Some will have a metallic look, and others will look like mirrors.

Visual Appeal

Glass mosaic tiles have a luminous, mirror-like look or a translucent, pearl look that creates a stylish, high-end design look. Do not overlook upgrading your current lighting to enhance them and play off the reflection of the new tiles.

Design Flexibility

Glass mosaic tiles do not have only to be used in kitchens and baths. These tiles can be used in conjunction with wood, metal, and stone elements in various applications. Many pieces of wall artwork or furniture pieces contain these fabulous jewels that push the piece over the top. They can do the same for your home.

Durable, Easy Maintenance & Environmentally Friendly

Glass mosaic tiles are strong and resistant to most chemicals. They are easy to clean and maintain because of their smooth, non-porous surface. They do not stain while dirt and grease can be wiped away quickly with a cloth. Plus, many glass mosaic tiles are eco-friendly and recycled tiles.

Drawbacks

Glass mosaic tiles are often more expensive than ceramic and slate tiles. Depending on the pattern, the maintenance is more – due to a detailed pattern when installing.

What are your thoughts on glass mosaic tiles? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

Five Fabulous Ways to Use Laminate on Your Walls

November 29, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Homeowners are raving about the wonders of laminate. Not only does laminate work well on your floors, but you can also install it on your walls! With the broadest selection of colors and textures available to consumers, you can create a stylish space on a budget. Let’s take a look at five ways homeowners are using laminate on their walls:

Five Fabulous Ways to Use Laminate on Your Walls:

1. Featured as an Accent Wall.

Laminate can help make a statement in your space by using it to frame your room. It can work exceptionally well in bedrooms that do not feature a headboard. When selecting your laminate, if you already have hardwood floors in the space, you want to choose a laminate in a contrasting/complementary color. You want the wall to stand out as well as accent the space.

2. Displayed inside of Built-In’s/Shelving/Insets.

Installing laminate inside of your home’s built-in’s, shelving, or insets is a unique approach to this classic storage option. The laminate helps to draw attention to the cut-out and frame it as a visually appealing piece. For even more creativity, design experts recommend switching back and forth between vertical and horizontal installment in each different cut-out.

3. Placed above Your Fireplace.

By lining the top of your fireplace with laminate, you can help elevate your room and make the room look larger. This is an inexpensive way to create a larger space on a budget.

- - - Pro-Tip: If you decide to hang your television on top of the laminate, experts recommend adding a sheet of plywood underneath for support with weight-bearing screws. This will help ensure your television is secure and ready for watching.

4. Installed as a Kitchen Backsplash.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly and rustic backsplash for your kitchen, laminate is the perfect choice for you! It can help add character to your kitchen with its charming wooden look. This design works well in kitchens that have painted cabinetry or open shelving because wood (backsplash) on wood (cabinets) can feel a bit intense.

5. Designed into Bathroom.

Laminate can be an affordable, durable option for homeowners looking to dress up their bathroom walls. It helps to give the bathroom a cozy, cabin feel and creates a breath-taking finished product.

We hope that you feel inspired by all the different possibilities. For more user-friendly tips and tricks, please visit us at From The Floors Up.

Expert Advice on How to Install Backsplash (Part Three)

November 21, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Once your tile has been installed, allow the adhesive to dry. You may want to keep outlet covers off while grouting. Know that some sanded grout can actually remove the finishing on tiles. You may need to invest in grout without sand for your home project. You should also check with the manufacturer for the proper grout sealer. An appropriate sealer of grout will help prevent cracking in the grout. It can also prevent spills from absorbing into the grout and discoloring the area. Grout sealer is an important step to make sure your home backsplash looks perfect for years to come.

Grouting

Once your tiles are set, you can remove your tile spacers. Put on your rubber gloves when applying sanded grout. You may need to mix your grout depending on your purchase. Use your bucket and add water and grout to create a homogeneous mixture. For premade grout, you are ready to go without mixture. Once your grout is prepared, apply the grout onto tiles. Use your grout float at a ninety-degree angle and sweep grout into the crevasses. Next, use a wet sponge to remove excess grout from the top of tiles. You may need to repeat this process several times. Make sure you do not remove grout from where you want it to be while cleaning the tiles. Now use a dampened rag to remove the remaining grout from the tile surface. This must be done before the grout hardens, so be wise with your time. Once your grout has set, you can apply the recommended sealer. Using a paintbrush, apply your sealer to your grout. Allow your sealer to dry. Most sealers do not appear glossy when applied, so read the manufactures recommended drying time.

It is best to hire a professional for this type of installation. If you do decide to install backsplash yourself, be careful and do your research. Measure all cuts before making them and have fun. This project can be a day-long project so prepare for it. For more tips from the floors up, visit our blog hub here.

Expert Advice on How to Install Backsplash (Part Two)

November 19, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Having the right tools for the job will set you up for success. Like any project, your preparation is crucial before installation. Learn how to properly prep and install your tiles below to have a better understanding of the installation process:

Prep

First, you need to measure and decide how you would like to layout your backsplash. Decide if you want your tiles on a forty-five-degree angle or straight across. Wipe down your wall with a wet sponge and remove all dust and dirt. If there is prior adhesive, you may need to sand to get your wall to an even coat. Remove all outlet covers as well as light switch covers. You will want to loosen your outlets as well, so they can sit on top of your tiles you are installing. Use your notched trowel and spread out your tile adhesive. Next, take your level to make sure your tiles are level. You may also want to pencil in all the spots you are tiling, so your adhesive is not spread in access areas. Spread your adhesive in the regions that you can tackle in thirty-minute increments. Do not put adhesive over the whole wall immediately. Some wall tiles will come with built-in spacers, but if not, make sure to have your spacers ready.

Installing Tiles

By now, you should know how you want your design to look. If you are doing a brick layout or a herringbone, measure your tiles and make your cuts using a tile cutter. Start from the bottom up and use your spacers to keep the tiles even and from sliding. You can now use your grout float as well to press the tiles and make sure that they are evenly spaced from the wall. For your outlets or cuts that may need an “L” cut, use a pencil or washable marker and draw out your cuts. Take your tiles to your wet saw and make the appropriate cuts. Whenever making any cuts, remember to put on your safety glasses and be extremely careful. The wet saw is not forgiving and can severely hurt you. Remember, loose particles can also fly into your eyes even without power tools when cutting. Continue installing your tiles and making cuts as needed. Build the pattern of your tiles as you go and do not try to jump ahead. Use your rag or sponge to remove any access glue that may have come through the grout lines. Allow tiles to set depending on the time length your tile adhesive suggests.

Cut your tiles slowly and carefully. Try to be meticulous on your cuts and sand and rough edges. The time you invest in the project can show in the end-product. Check out Expert Advice on How to Install Backsplash | Part 3 to find out the final stage of grouting your tiles.

Different Types of Backsplashes