Backsplash Glass Tiles

Tips in Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash Glass Tile

It is often said that the heart of a house is the kitchen. You congregate there with your family and friends so as to eat, talk, laugh and share. Since the kitchen can be the liveliest area of your home, you should make it look nice, clean, inviting and comfy. If you have a limited budget, you can make your kitchen look great with a kitchen backsplash glass tile because of its beauty and elegance. Here are the tips in choosing the right backsplash glass tile for your kitchen.

A kitchen backsplash glass tile has so many colors and shades out in the market these days. Rest assured the color you desire is available. Your tiles should match the colors of the fixed elements of you kitchen which you have no plans of changing at all. Check the color of your cabinets. If your tile is light, your cabinet should also be light. This is the same with dark cabinets and tiles so that your kitchen space appears seamless and cohesive.

Cane Series Blend Glass Tile Backsplash

When you buy a kitchen backsplash glass tile, you can buy them in singles or in sheets which a mesh backing holds together. When you buy single tiles, you will be given the option to make patterns with various tiles or installations. If you overdo the patterns on your backsplash with the goal of adding variety and color, this may appear busy or chaotic. It is important to get a backsplash design that you shall not be tired of quickly. Go for simple designs but if you prefer something bolder, create an intricate pattern underneath the range hood.

The kitchen size should be taken in consideration in selecting the size of your kitchen backsplash glass tile. If you have a huge kitchen, you should then choose a large glass tile. If your kitchen is small, go for smaller tiles. When you place small tiles in your big kitchen, these may not be noticed in the room’s dimensions. If you have large tiles in a small kitchen, the former will look overpowering.

If you have the time and a good budget, you can actually transform your kitchen into something new and elegant as long as you install kitchen backsplash glass tiles. You should select your tiles wisely so that you will be happy with the finished product. Do not forget to include your own personal style and taste when choosing such tiles so that your personality will shine in your kitchen.

Mosaic Glass Backsplash

Mosaic Glass Backsplash Tile Can Create A Truly Unique Kitchen Focal Point

One of the reasons many of our customers are quite taken with mosaic glass tiles is that they offer nearly limitless opportunities to create truly unique focal points for one's home.

"Mosaic" traditionally refers to the art form of creating an image using small chips of stone or glass. Mosaics are wonderfully complex and intricate. Sometimes, they present a picture that is meant to be taken as a whole, and other times, the color, placement, shape and pattern of the mosaic tiles is used more to evoke a feeling or abstract impression.

As used in home decor, mosaic tile can be used to create functional art, like a mosaic glass backsplash tile. As we said, our customers like to experiment with the following qualities of mosaic tiles until they come up with something truly special and tailored to their individual tastes:

• Color: Would you like a tapestry of, say, complementary blue hues, or would you like to go more exotic and play around with tiles of different colors entirely for a more stained-glass effect? 
• Texture: Do you prefer a rough texture, or does a smooth and shiny finish speak more to you?
• Shape and size: Even with square tiles, shape presents its own array of options. For instance, square tiles with 90-degree-angle corners look quite different from ones with more "organic" edges.

With mosaic tile, we strongly recommend looking at pictures of available options and "living with" your choice for a little while. By that, we mean you should consider taping a photo of your preferred choices in the spot where you plan to create your backsplash and keeping them there for a few days. That way, you can decide how you feel about the options you have selected as they look in different lights and when you're in different moods.

For more information on mosaic glass backsplash tile, you are welcome to contact us.

Crystile Glass Tiles

Crystile Series Glass Tiles

The crystile series glass tiles is compromised of several sizes and colors of a beautiful 8MM crystal glass tile.  Offering sizes of 3 x 6 glass subway, 4 x 12 large subway tile, a 1 x 3 glass mosaic tile solid color, a 5/8 x 12 glass liner bar and a glass mosaic blend tile as well.

The Crystile Series glass tile is a crystal clear tile with the colored backing baked on the back to give it the beautiful color that it has.  The glass subway tiles are sold by the box of 15 pieces and the mosaic mesh mounted sheets are sold by the sheet and the glass liner bars are sold by the piece, with only a minimum order of 5 on the glass liner bars.

The Crystile Blend glass tiles are a showcase of popular colors blended to be perfect color set for any kitchen backsplash or even an accent tile in a shower or wall design.  Mesh mounted for easy installation, it can also be cut down into a listello size deco for a kitchen backsplash.  Can easily be blended with the crystile glass subway tiles as well.

For more information, please feel free to visit our site at www.belktile.com!

Slate Tile and Sealing It

Going back to high school science class discussions, it is known that slate is metamorphic. This means the stone is comprised of compressed mud layers. Just like a lot of stones, slate can absorb moisture as it is porous. This also means that slate tile backsplash must be sealed properly so that the stone will not be weakened. If foreign substances can penetrate the tile, it may be difficult to remove as the slate surface is rough.

As kitchen backsplashes are susceptible to juice, grease, and various other liquids, it is important to regularly reseal the slate tile backsplash to help protect against potential stains. The first step in resealing is spraying stone cleaner to the slate and buffing it with a very soft cloth. Then any existing surface dust, debris, grease, or stains must be removed as they may be sealed into the stone’s surface. The slate is then left to completely dry. The second step is pouring sealer into a shallow dish and dipping a clean cloth into the dish. The cloth should be properly wrung so that the cloth is damp with sealer but is not dripping.

The third step is applying the sealer to the stone with the cloth that has been soaked with the sealer. The surface should be wiped with clothing, and being mindful to cover all the areas. Some slate tiles have cleft surfaces, which means that more sealer is required to cover fully all the nooks and crannies of the tile. The slate tile backsplash must appear wet where the sealer is rubbed. It is important to look for areas that are dry on order to ensure the one gets the right coverage.

The fourth step is waiting for about 10 minutes for the tile sealer to fully penetrate into the slate. Any excess sealer is buffed away with a clean cloth. Then the drying and rubbing is continued to the slate until the material is not tacky. The surface should also be dry. The tile sealers will do its job of curing for the next 2 hours.

However, there is a warning when it comes to slate tile backsplash sealing. Several sealers have high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). It is best to open a window or turn on the exhaust fan while working in order to facilitate the ventilation in the area. When the backsplash is properly sealed, homeowners can now enjoy their kitchens.

Ideas for Stained Glass Tile

Stained Glass Tile Ideas

Stained glass is one of the world’s most beautiful building materials. It has been around for more than a thousand years and has graced many cathedrals and churches all over the European continent. While stained glass continues to be used as a building material for churches, its uses are now expanded to homes. Stained glass is also even considered a hobby for arts and crafts enthusiasts.

Stained glass tiles are very useful in mosaics as mosaics are a great way to add texture and color to any interior and exterior environment. However, using stained glass tiles to make mosaic patterns creates a dazzling effect as the colorful glass reflects light for extra dimension. If the idea of stained glass is desired for home use, there are many ways of incorporating stained glass at home. The important thing is focusing on areas where the mosaic could have maximum exposure to light as well as impact.

Stained glass tiles can be used on Mediterranean-inspired backsplashes. If a homeowner has a Mediterranean kitchen full of earth tones in warm colors, it is best to use stained glass in cool colors and tones to create a dazzling look behind the stove or sink. Best for use is stained glass tiles in greens and blues to offset the warm colors of yellow, terra cotta, cream, red, and brown that fill out the room.

By partnering green and blue glass tile with earth colors, homeowners and designers can create a combination that brings out the sense of earth and sea, which is the hallmark of Mediterranean interior design. Homeowners can opt for single green or single blue shade, or derive from several tones of green and blue to create a multi-faceted backsplash made of mosaic to be the kitchen’s focal point.

Stained glass tiles usually do not come with the mesh backing. It is important to plan ahead as these tiles take more installation time. What is good about stained glass is that homeowners have many options regarding color and pattern, since the glass will not be purchased in sheets. Recycled glass is also becoming popular for homeowners who are environmental advocates. Not only is recycled tile environment-friendly, recycled glass has that rustic and shabby chic character that is absent in new tile.

One can never go wrong with a glass backsplash. Even the classic blue and clear tiles have a custom feel. Stained glass is also a customizable material. 

Travertine and Glass Advantages

Travertine and Glass Tile Backsplashes

Travertine is a stone that is formed naturally in rivers. This stone has a porous quality and beige and brown earth tones. Tiles that are made of travertine make a great kitchen backsplash because they give your kitchen an earthy look and do not get damaged or eroded by water. You can make a travertine tile backsplash more eye-catching and beautiful by incorporating glass tiles into the backsplash design. In this article, you will learn more about the advantages of using a travertine and glass tile backsplash as well as some tips on cleaning and selecting travertine tiles for your backsplash.

Advantages

One of the main advantages of using a travertine and glass tile backsplash is its durability. Travertine is formed naturally in rivers, so it is completely waterproof and does not get eroded by water. Another advantage of using travertine tiles are the different hues and colors available. Travertine tiles are attractive and you can use it on almost any kitchen design. Combining the travertine tiles and glass tiles on your backsplash will make you feel like you are washing your hands in a stream. Travertine tiles are also easy to cut because of its porosity, so you can create different unique finishes and tile sizes for designing your own custom backsplash. A travertine and glass tile backsplash is also resistant to common kitchen stains and very easy to clean and maintain.

Cleaning Tips

A backsplash made of travertine and glass tiles is easy to clean, but you will have to clean it regularly in order to avoid scum accumulation. Scum accumulation can damage the grout and ruin your backsplash. You can clean the backsplash using mild soap and warm water. Spray a mixture of mild soap and warm water into the backsplash and let it settle for two to three minutes to soften the dirt in the pores of the travertine tiles. After waiting for two to three minutes, wipe the travertine and glass tile backsplash with a soft, clean sponge to remove the dirt. For stubborn stains, use a mixture of baking soda and water.

Selecting Travertine Tiles

Travertine tiles come in a wide variety of colors. Some of the most popular colors are silver, gold, walnut colors (light, medium, and dark), dark brown, ivory, and beige. Travertine tiles also come in different finishes such as bush hammered, polished, tumbled, and honed. When selecting travertine tiles for a travertine and glass tile backsplash, choose a color that complements the color of the glass tiles that you plan to use. The color of the travertine tiles must also blend well with the colors of the countertops and cabinets of your kitchen.

Tips on Selecting Tile Backsplashes When You’re on a Tight Budget

There are loads of discount tile backsplashes out there. The pattern that’s going to be perfect for your bathroom or kitchen may be available. However, before you get ahead of yourself to make the purchase for just any backsplash, try to listen to advice. Here are some tips that could help you out.

Picture the Finished Project

If you’ll be setting up the backsplashes on your kitchen or bathroom, you should get around to knowing how you would prefer that area to be. It’s up to you to get creative. Don’t forget that the most important thing to consider is what you want. In your head, try to visualize how it’s going to turn out. See if the pattern of the tiles you’ll have put up will pass your standards.

Consider the Setting

Select the backsplashes that will blend in with the rest of the equipment you have. What you’re going to buy may cost you less but it would be an impractical move if it’s not right for a room. Choose a design for your tiles that’s appropriate. Because you’re on a tight budget, you shouldn’t be too daring. Otherwise, you might end up with a finished set that makes an entire section in your home strange.

Think of the Colors

Ask yourself whether the colors for your tiles will be something you’ll be happy with. For a safe choice, go with those that come in plain themes or solid ones such as black or white. Aside from the fact that the backsplashes should either complement or be complemented by the things around, they should be in shades that you won’t have problems with soon. If you don’t want them, go ahead and choose something that you know you will love for a long time.

Browse Photo Galleries

Take a look at the available discount tile backsplashes out there. You could try going over various designs on websites. See if there’s one in particular that you like and while you’re at it, jot down the price. This way, you’ll have an idea whether you can go ahead and buy something like it later on or you should pick another one that is less costly.

Especially if you have no plans of spending a fortune on your home remodelling project, you should consider checking out the correct discount tile backsplashes. Although you’re thinking of your budget, try not to be too focused on the cost of things. Instead, center your attention on how your home is going to turn out. Otherwise, you’ll end up having wasted your money for wanting to have the whole attempt redone eventually.

Why Use Glass Tiles for Your Kitchen?

Glass tiles for kitchen backsplash are the perfect choice when renovating your cooking and preparation area because you are guaranteed to get what your money is really worth. Not only are they elegant but utterly practical as well. Glass tiles in general are costlier than ceramic and tin tiles, especially for the textured glass tiles and mosaic glass tiles. In return for the higher prices, you are getting a lifetime of backsplash that requires less maintenance.

Glass tiles for kitchen backsplash have more to offer. The benefits are as follow:

1.      Last longer

Glass lasts longer than ceramic, both under well-maintained conditions and harshness of elements. You may not even have to replace it again during your lifetime. The natural iridescence of glass keeps it looking brand new for years, compared to the luster of ceramic tiles that fades year after year.

2.      Maximize natural lighting

The high reflective property of glass tiles can enhance natural and artificial lighting, making them the more practical choice. When the backsplash is integrated with the design of the whole kitchen, systematically placing it to complement natural lighting or compensate for the lack thereof, if will even be more effective and save you tens of dollars on electric bills.

3.      Give illusion of a larger kitchen

Homes with smaller cooking areas are recommended to use glass tiles for kitchen backsplash as they give the illusion of a larger space. A well-reflected kitchen also looks less cluttered and restricted, perfect in brightening up your mood when cooking your family’s favorite dish.

4.      Don’t grow moulds, mildew and fungi

Glass tiles are water-tight, non-porous materials. This means you are safe from moulds, mildew and fungi even with minimal cleaning routine. Pairing them with antibacterial tile grout makes your backsplash even more resistant against unwanted microbes.

Mosaic glass tiles and glass tiles with carved designs are more prone to these growths, but proper cleaning will solve the problem.

5.      Easy to clean

Because glass has natural smooth and non-porous surface, cleaning is minimal and mild agents will work just fine. Glass tiles for kitchen backsplash will surely save you time.

6.      More resistant to scratches

They are not totally resistant to scratches, but compared to ceramics, you are better off with a more durable material like glass.

7.      Environment friendly

Recycled glass tiles are preferred by many home designers because they are cheaper and safer yet equally astonishing as non-recycled materials. This will complete your green architecture and design – an authentic green!

8.      Looks more elegant

Glass tiles for kitchen backsplash can easily transform your kitchen to a five-star restaurant, inundating with elegance and class. The simple complexity glass has is sheer high-end.

The Best Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

A traditional subway tile is rectangular and has a size of 3 x 6 inches. These days, subway tiles are being produced in other sizes such as 2 x 6 inches and 2 x 4 inches. These new subway tile designs allow you to use them on your kitchen backsplash and create innovative tile patterns and styles. The offset pattern is the most popular pattern for traditional subway tiles, but you can now create other patterns because of the new subway tile sizes available. Here you will find some of the best subway tile backsplash ideas from home improvement professionals and home design enthusiasts.

Parquet Patterns

The best patterns for 3 x 6 subway tiles are parquet patterns. The parquet pattern is one of the best subway tile backsplash ideas for kitchen backsplashes. To do the parquet pattern, lay 2 subway tiles next to each other on their ends. Beside those 2 tiles, lay another 2 tiles lengthwise with one tile on above the other. Next, reverse the pattern and continue to build on top until the entire space is covered. You can use this pattern cover the entire kitchen backsplash. Parquet patterns work well if using a combination of matte and glossy tiles for additional depth.

Herringbone Pattern

Rectangular tiles or subway tiles can also be laid out to form a herringbone pattern. The herringbone pattern can be used everywhere along the backsplash or just behind the cooktop. To create the herringbone pattern, lay a subway tile at an angle of 45 degrees to the counter. Next, get a second tile and lay its short end against the long, bottom end of the first tile. The rest of the tiles are then placed off of the first two tiles in a pattern of offset V shapes that are moving across the backlash to add a detailed and subtle design.

Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas for Modern or Contemporary Kitchens

For modern or contemporary kitchens, use subway tiles that are 4 x 12 inches instead of traditional subway tiles. You can install the subway tiles by stacking them directly on top of each other. You can also create a random pattern so that the grout joints don’t line up. Either way, you will be able to create a modern look for your kitchen which is different from the usual subway design.

There are many other subway tile backsplash ideas out there. You can learn more by reading online guides and tutorial videos on the internet.