From the Floors Up

Why Do I Need Backsplash?

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When you think of your dream kitchen, it probably has beautiful cabinetry, a gorgeous sink setup, plenty of counter space, and of course, a backsplash.  Backsplashes are the perfect remedy to take your kitchen’s aesthetics to the next level because tile is a timeless home improvement that can make any room feel more luxurious and personalized. Additionally, tile can help tailor the design to your liking. 

Think of a backsplash as a blank canvas to express your design theme.  From monochromatic tiles to intricate mosaic glasswork, your backsplash can be designed in a variety of different ways to make a statement.  That being said, backsplash serves more than just this purpose.  Here is everything you should consider prior to adding your backsplash to your kitchen:

Functionality

Kitchens can get messy, and drywall does not respond well to sticky messes and water.  Backsplashes primarily protect your walls and can make messes easier to clean.  Think of your backsplash as an extension to your countertops that runs up the wall.  They can easily be wiped down and help prevent stains from getting on the walls.  Backsplashes work great for behind the sink, range, or countertop where food prep is done.  You can even include backsplashes in your bathrooms as well to protect your walls.

Aesthetics

Functionality aside, backsplashes are downright beautiful.  Adding a backsplash in your kitchen or bath can help enhance your home’s aesthetics.  There are many wonderful selections to choose from when choosing your tile.  Consider mosaic, handpainted looks, ceramic, subway tile, or even creating your own design by picture framing a design with decorative trim.  Your walls are blank canvases for you to create your very own masterpiece.  The next step is to find a complementary grout.  You can go with a close neutral color or even a contrasting color to help make your tiles pop.  A general rule of thumb is to choose a grout color that blends and fades away. Remember that you’re paying for the tile and not the grout.

Other Materials

There are more than just ceramic or glass tiles you can use to create your look.  You can invest in granite, marble or other natural stone in slabs rather than tiles.  Decide what backsplash will enhance your design the most while considering how messy your walls may get and what application works best.  Find the best solution for functionality and then go about the design for your home.

Backsplashes are perfect upgrades to improve your home’s beauty and value.  Get inspired on Pinterest, look online or in person at your local flooring store for a style you would like to replicate. If you haven’t shopped for a backsplash, you might not realize how many design possibilities are out there!  

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Different Types of Backsplashes

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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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Re-Grouting for Beginners

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Tile is a beautiful decorative floor and wall covering. It is not uncommon for it to be in many homes today. While tile can look great, poor or dirty grouting can really ruin the aesthetics completely. Your first attempt should be to clean your grout lines. This step can be done with a grout cleaning brush, baking soda, and water. Use the paste to scrub away any debris. Clean up the paste afterward with just some vinegar water and a mop. However, sometimes the grout installed is broken or just completely off-color. So if you are looking to replace your grout, here is everything you need to know:

Oscillating Tool

Safety is essential, start by putting on safety goggles to prevent debris from shooting back into your eyes. An oscillating tool may be better to use a cordless version. This tool requires some precision work, and a cord may get in the way. Use your blade on each grout line to remove the grout. This step takes patients. Be careful and delicate, not to chip or break any of your tiles. Use this tool to remove as much as 80% of the grout. You do not need to be perfect for the first time. Lastly, use a shop vac to vacuum up the remaining debris.

Extra Clean Up

After your first run, you can use your oscillating tool to remove more grout. For harder areas, a flat head screwdriver can do the trick. Use the screwdriver to trace around all grout lines and remove more grout. You can finish with a dull utility knife or carpet knife. Be very careful not to break the blade and cut yourself.

Regrouting

For larger grout lines, use sanded grout. You may need unsanded grout for grout lines that are thinner. Delicate tiles may also scratch with sanded grout as well. Make sure your tiles can withstand sanded grout before investing. Next, mix your grout and water thoroughly. It should create a thick paste. Use a grout trowel to apply your grout directly into the seam. You can use your grout float to wipe away excess grout. Next, use a moist sponge to remove the excess grout haze from the top of your tiles. You may also want to invest in cheesecloth to help clean as well. Remember, you can only swipe one time with a sponge to wipe clean. Several swipes will just smear your existing grout. Rewet the sponge, ring it out, and repeat until all grout is gone from the top of your tiles.

Re-grouting can be a great project to spruce up your backsplashes or tile work. Do not rush the process and be thorough. The prep work can take some time but is worth the extra effort. For more insight on flooring tricks and tips, make sure to subscribe.

How to Seal Natural Stone Floors Yourself

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Do you love your natural stone flooring? No doubt, selecting the right flooring that best complements your home was challenging. Now that you have settled on a flooring material, it is time to protect your investment. Unlike traditional flooring materials, natural stone requires special attention so that it keeps its natural glow. Since stone floors are especially vulnerable, you will need to apply a sealant to ensure that it stays intact.

Hiring a flooring expert to do the job for you is excellent, but if it is not in the budget, it is something you can complete yourself. To help, here is how you can achieve professional results when sealing your natural stone floors:

Materials 

  • Stone sealant that has been manufacturer-recommended for your specific stone floors 
  • Vacuum cleaner 
  • Cloth 
  • A soft bristle brush 
  • Residue Remover 
  • Pair of gloves 

Begin by Cleaning

Before you begin sealing your stone floors, you will have to conduct a thorough cleaning of your floors. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust, and be sure to get the corners as well. Next, use a mild cleaning solution to clean the floors further. Instead of using a mop, dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the floors until they are spotless. Just remember, using harsh materials during the cleaning process can erode the natural stone. Instead, use a residue cleaner to remove stubborn stains. After you have cleaned the floors, you will need to make sure the floors are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Select Your Sealant

Next, it is time to select a sealant that is right for your natural stone floors, and that fits your personal taste. The sealant should be derived from fluoropolymer technology. Make sure you purchase a sealant that is compatible with your stone flooring. For example, do you want to achieve a glossy or matte finish? There are sealants on the market that can provide you with either look.

The Type of Stone Matters

What type of stone flooring are you utilizing? Because the sealing method is mainly dependant on the stone type. Terracotta, limestone, and sandstone should be sealed before it is installed, and tile grouting takes place. Apply sealant to the front, back and side surfaces. Marble, travertine, and granite have to be sealed at the top and edges. These stone types can be sealed after they have been laid and grouted.

Applying the Sealant

While wearing your gloves, you can apply the sealant solution with a paintbrush to the floors. To create a polished look, apply the sealant in the same direction. Just remember that the sealant needs a couple of hours to cure.

Voila, you successfully sealed your natural stone floors! You can expect the sealant to last for at least five years before you will need to redo the process. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment.

How to Select a High-Performance Grout

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Whether it is on the floors or the walls, most homes across the world use tile products to add aesthetic value. As manufacturers continue to produce quality products and technology allows advances in the tile industry, we can expect for the use of tile to increase steadily.

Perhaps one of the biggest complaints from homeowners with tile floors and walls is that the grout, which holds the tiles together, quickly becomes cracked or mildewed. Why is it a challenge to keep grout looking just as clean as the day of installation? This usually happens if an economy-grade grout is not capable of adequately supporting the joints surrounding the tile.

There are approximately seven types of grout; however, if you desire your tiled walls and floors to look great over the next couple of years, you should purchase a high-performance grout. Here is why:

Drawbacks of Standard Grout Products

Standard-quality grouts are popular because they are specially formulated for ease of use. These grout products usually require very little working time or they dry quickly during installation. While standard grout does contain polymer, it is not created using the latest advances in polymer technology, which is vital to ensure great color consistency.

Many standard grout products can be porous, especially cement-based grout. Therefore, you can expect a standard grout product to be more prone to staining. Depending on the product, it also may not be able to defend itself against moisture and mold.

Why Select a High-Quality Grout?

Using a high-quality grout is important for a tile installation project. Of course, as a homeowner, you want the grout to be aesthetically pleasing, and it should not stain easily when exposed to normal household liquids and dirt. What many homeowners realize is that grout does not just fill the void between tiles, but it bonds tiles together and prevents the edges from chipping.

In the last few years, grouts have advanced significantly. High-performance grouts, especially when combined with a quality sealant can be easy to clean, offer vibrant color saturation and consistency.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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