UK homeowners can expect to pay between £3000- £5000 for a small new kitchen. So, it’s safe to say that your kitchen plays an integral part in your home. With its growing popularity, tile splashbacks are great for adding eye-catching detail and personality to your kitchen. You can upgrade your splashback for as little as £100, which can rejuvenate your kitchen walls without breaking the bank.
Say ‘bye bye’ to unsightly splatters, dirt, and damage and ‘hello’ to clean and shiny new walls!
Can I use tiles as a splashback?
Yes absolutely! Tiles are a great way to update your splashback. Splashbacks are usually no larger than 2m² unless you have a large double oven! You can find tiles to cover 2m² for less than £100 to keep your project low-cost and within a small budget.
It is a simple way to make your kitchen feel brand new. With added benefits such as ease of cleaning and long-lasting durability. Maintaining your kitchen will be a breeze!
If you are feeling adventurous, selecting bright and bold new tiles can make your kitchen feel brand new. You could also opt for a different coloured grout for a real centrepiece. For example, white tiles with black grout or vice versa.
Which tiles should I choose for my splashback?
Choosing the tiles for your kitchen splashback is half of the fun! You are almost ready to create your dream splashback! However, it is important to consider the following aspects when choosing your tiles:
Water resistance
Your kitchen goes through a lot, so choosing a tile which is water-resistant is necessary. It will help keep your walls protected from excess moisture and damp.
Non-porous
Selecting a non-porous tile simply means that the tile is not susceptible to air, water, or any other fluids.
Hard-wearing capabilities
The tiles you choose for your kitchen should be able to withstand much wear, so you can cook and bake away without a worry in the world.
Colour
Choosing the perfect colour for your tile splashback will make a world of difference. Lighter colours and glossy surfaces will create a brighter open space. Dark-coloured tiles can make a room feel much cosier and warm.
Tile size
Tile size can make or break the look and feel of your kitchen. Larger tiles can be better for functionality and looks. Whereas smaller tiles will look more detailed and uniform.
Helpful tip: Choose a tile size that will help to elevate the look and feel of your kitchen.
Number of tiles
It would be wise to purchase more tiles than you need to complete your tile splashback. Let’s be honest there may be a few mishaps along the way, like the slipping tile. It can be frustrating when you do not get it right the first time but at least you are prepared. You may also need half a tile to fit a small corner to finish a run uniformly.
Don’t be the person who runs out of tiles. Seriously it is not a good place to be!
Once you have considered the practical side of tiling your splashback, it is time to decide on the style you are looking to achieve.
Are you going for a modern look, country, minimalistic or perhaps something more practical as a solution?
If you are looking for inspiration, you could browse Tile Superstore’s selection of tiles suitable for a kitchen splashback.
What tile material can I use in a splashback?
•Porcelain tiles (Gloss, Matte and Polished):
Porcelain tiles are a great addition to your kitchen. A porcelain tile splashback is ideal for your kitchen due to its hard-wearing, durable and water-resistant nature. They are attractive, inexpensive, and available in a wide range of styles and designs.
•Glass tiles:
Glass tiles are more commonly used on the splashback. They have the advantage of inviting more light to the room, creating a brighter and larger space.
What types of tiles can I choose?
•Mosaic tiles
Mosaic tiles make for a stunning splashback with intricate detailing and can be customised to your liking. Mosaic tiles usually come in tile sheets, making it that much easier to install on your wall.
•Border tiles
Border tiles cut to different sizes offer an eye-catching centrepiece in your kitchen. Border tiles are usually bought in packs and are available in many different sizes and measurements.
What tile pattern should I use?
Once you have chosen the tile material, the next step is determining the tile pattern. With so many different layouts to choose from, it can get a little bit frustrating to figure out what you want.
You could go for a simple boxed pattern, or release your inner Van Gough by using a geometric tile pattern. Whatever it is that you choose to do, make sure to bring your own personal flair to it.
If you are still racking your brain for the perfect tile pattern, take a peek at the most common tile layout patterns below:
- Classic brick
- Stack bond pattern
- Brick bond
- Herringbone
- Basket-weave
- Versailles (French)
- Modular
- Pinwheel pattern
For a more in-depth review of tile pattern options, check out our guide on tile patterns.
How to tile a wall
Just before you get excited and start to tile away, it’s best to plan your tiling to avoid any mistakes along the way. Follow these few tips to help you get along your way:
- Figure out whether you have any hidden pipes and electrics behind the wall.
- Make sure to prepare the surface
- Calculate the number of tiles you need for the splashback
- Figure out what tile adhesive will you need
- How would like the tiles to be laid out
- Have you got the right tools for the job?
- Have you got the correct sealant for your tiles?
Don’t sweat it if you are unsure about the logistics of tiling your splashback. We have made a step-by-step guide so you can tile your wall like a pro!
Other areas of your home you can tile
If you have some tiles left over, don’t leave those tiles lying around in the shed. Re-use them in your home to get the most out of the tiles. Sell them online for a little extra cash or you could give your tiles away to someone you know. After all, sharing is caring and right now more than ever, we could all use a little bit of a helping hand!
In need of some inspiration?
Check out some of these innovative ways of reusing your leftover tiles to turn them into something amazing:
- A mosaic mirror made from broken tiles
- A feature countertop piece in your family bathroom
- If your garden is looking a little sad and in need of some TLC, creating a garden walkway feature will help spruce it up.
- A splashback behind your kitchen sink made from square tiles
- You could re-vamp an old table with some colourful recycled mosaic tiles
- Create a bathroom feature splashback out of glass hexagonal tiles
- You can get super fancy with how you put those leftover tiles to good use!
Need help finding the right tile?
If you are still feeling stuck on what tiles to choose, contact one of our friendly advisors. They will be happy to help, with their expert knowledge. You’re sure to find the tile suited to your personal style to bring your kitchen splashback to life.
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