Backsplashes: is it tiled, do you like it, and why?

[babylonsister]

If it's not tiled, what is it/what would you prefer?

That's about it; I'm trying to design!

[DrDan]

1. ours is currently tiled

and we are planning for new counters - so will need a new backsplash

I have been loooking at the stainless tiles. I think they would go well with our stainless appliances.

[NMDemDist2]

4. here's a great thread from our resident commercial kitchen designer

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=236&topic_id=5704

edit to add, he addresses stainless back splashes further down in the thread

[NMDemDist2]

2. mine is tiled now

it's the first one I've ever had, and she's a doozy

I don't see any great improvement over the coved stuff I've had with formica and corian. I guess it depends on what you are using as a counter top. price makes a diff too, it's an added expense you can use somewhere else if the budget is tight

have fun designing :hi:

[babylonsister]

8. Very pretty! I'm sure laminate will make up the majority of the

kitchen project, but haven't broached the backsplash topic yet to see if we might do something different, or even if we want to. Just collecting ideas at this point.

[NMDemDist2]

10. in that case, I like Warpy's idea of a framed set of metal tiles that

you can take down and clean to hang behind the stove

I saw a Design on a Dime show (or was it Decorating Cents?) they did that and it looked great!

or here's another idea that would be pretty cheap

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/decorating/article/0,1793,HGTV_3545_1449443,00.html

[babylonsister]

13. NMDD6, I hope you check back in 'cause I have a question.

Where did you find the tiles for your backsplash? I've gone to the big box stores, but their selections are lacking. Did you go to a tile store? Did you guys DIY?

[NMDemDist2]

15. at our little local tile store and no, the owner's paid our handymen todo

it as i was smart enough to get it written into the contract that the tile was completed. she had already bought it but hadn't installed it yet

[Warpy]

3. I now have the prefab backsplash on my laminate countertops

in back of the sink. I have a shelf over the stove, so it doesn't need a backsplash. They're both really easy to clean, and that's a plus.

I'd think the problem with tile would be that it's an uneven surface and that grease would be difficult to clean out of grout after a while. The tile itself would be a breeze to clean.

Still, I think when I redo the kitchen, the area in back of the stove will have a framed and detachable backsplash made of tin ceiling tiles. Making it detachable will allow me to take it down and into the back yard for a vigorous degreasing should it become discolored.

I'm not into trophy kitchens, though. I just want one that will work.

[Kingshakabobo]

5. I did both my counters and back-splash in granite tile. I love it.

I figure I save 80% versus solid granite.

[Warpy]

11. Black tie kitchen!

That's exactly what I'm going for if I can get a contractor who's hungry enough to want the work.

[babylonsister]

14. I love this look; nice and clean. My cabinets are dark brown,

which makes the kitchen dark, so rather than re-do the cabinets, I'm trying to lighten everything else up.

[we can do it]

16. I Whitewashed My Cabinets - It Really Brightened Up the Room

[CoffeeCat]

17. Wow, that is totally amazing!!

I have never seen a counter/backsplash in granite tile, but
it looks so amazing. You have a GORGEOUS kitchen. I feel
like coming over and having coffee! :) I love the
combination of white cabinets/stainless appliances and
the black counters.

We have hardwood similar to yours, except it's a bit lighter
with more yellow. Our cabinets are nearly the same color
as the floors--and I would really like to go with black
on the counters/backsplash.

So, did you do this yourself? If so, was it difficult?
We want granite counter tops, but we don't want the expense.
This seems like a superb alternative.

I would have never thought of it myself! Thanks for posting this.
I can't wait to show this to my husband.

You rock! (Get it...granite). Ok, I'll stop now.

[Kingshakabobo]

18. Thanks! here is the original thread.

I stole the idea off the internets. let me know if you have questions.

I wouldn't have thought of it either until I found this idea on-line. Now that i did it, I notice it all the time on home fix up shows. I really didn't want to spend 4 or 5 thousand dollars for granite on top of 10 year old cabinets and I REALLY didn't want to replace the old cabinets since they are in great shape.

One step I skipped(out of ignorance) is I should have primed the plywood before laying down the bed of thinset and backer board. I guess you are supposed to waterproof the plywood - just in case. I'm not worried about it though.

The floors are actually 100 year old maple. I made the floor re-finisher stain them because they were really washed-out looking. He put up a bit of an argument but I like the way they turned out.

Link to original thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=287x1766

[wildeyed]

6. The grout on my last tiled backsplash became discolored.

Even so, I opted for a tile backsplash when I replaced it because I like the way tile looks. I sealed all the grout, so I hope it will not get as grungy as the last go round.

Another option, if you like the look of tile, tile everywhere except behind the stove where it tends to get really greasy. Use a stainless sheet there, or something else that can take a hard scrubbing.

[babylonsister]

7. Thanks, everyone. The choices are daunting. I guess I need to

take a trip to my friendly big box store to see what's available.

[mopinko]

9. i have a quarry tile counter, and

a crazy mosiac backsplash. mine stays clean because you can hose down the whole thing, and scrub it with comet. i pitched the front row of tiles, as well as putting a small pitch over the length of the counter. hose off, drip dry.
needless to say, i love it. i just love tile.
i know. pictures.
but, it is a small space, and you can spend a little to get a one of a kind effect.

[politicat]

12. It's gonna be *something*....

she says in that threatening tone of voice....

Right now, the backsplash is 4 inches of not-formed in laminate that matches the countertops. And it's bubbling from the base in far too many places, so it's going away. (Have I mentioned how much I want to find the three handed jack of no trades that "remodelled" this kitchen and beat him about the head and shoulders with his own nail gun?)

So I do not, repeat, do not recommend non-formed laminate. I presume that the formed stuff is somewhat better, but can't guarantee it. We're back and forth right now on tin tiles, ceramic tile or beadboard. No decision yet.

[babylonsister]

19. OK, we're getting going, the kitchen appliances were bought today.

Our entire budget (my Xmas gift) went to the appliances. :nuke: I ordered the stove, oven, and a new (built-in) microwave today. Because we're having them rigged up for gas, the charges for installation were about $800 for both stove/oven. I never realized that expense. They claim it's to cover any liability; so if my house blows up, they're covered?:banghead:

At any rate, measurers will be here next week to deal with the laminate and backsplash (I've settled on multi-colored slate). Then that stuff goes down, after which the appliances go in. I'm very grateful I didn't have to deal with the floor or fridge; the cabinets, all 31 of them, will have to wait.

[NMDemDist2]

20. congrats!

even that much will make a huge difference

take pics!! :bounce:

[babylonsister]

21. Oh, I already have the 'before' pics; can't wait to take the 'after'. And

I have a question for you. How do you restore wood cabinets w/o painting or scraping or replacing them? Didn't you use some product to make them look better? I'd like to do something to those "31" cabinets to try to rejuvenate them. They are about 30 years old, but still hanging in there (no pun intended!).
Thanks!

[NMDemDist2]

22. Old English

if they are bleaching out from years of drying like ours were, we got Old English to replace the color then I oiled them (linseed IIRC) to bring back the shine

You have to clean them very very well first and that might make them worse. My thing was a very temporary fix and I had to do them right before all the open houses or they looked like crap

If I had had more time, I would have painted them (or if I was staying)

Now I have these stupid mobile home cabinets with a plastic veneer and I can't even paint them :banghead:

[babylonsister]

23. Hmmm. I'll have to sleep really well on this one; I'd shoot myself

if I made them look worse. :dilemma:

Thanks!

[Grateful for Hope]

24. Tell me about the mobile home cabinets

seems that the ONLY way to improve them is to replace them. UGH!!

[NMDemDist2]

25. how is the new place Hope?

I know you've had a rough winter up there.....

[Grateful for Hope]

26. Thanks for asking!

It's good so far -- we have only had one real snow storm all winter here. I haven't really done too much to the house except paint a few rooms as I am still looking for employment.

A few pics:

Kitchen (there is a lot of counterspace not showing in the pic)



Living room fireplace:




As I mentioned, the cabinets leave a lot to be desired, but, I did buy new hardware for them which helped a little.

I hope life is treating you well, AZDem!

[NMDemDist2]

27. what a lovely fireplace!

so glad you are settling in, good luck on the job, I feel your pain

[Grateful for Hope]

28. I know you do...

but, I hope you no longer feel it!

[NMDemDist2]

29. we are employed and cash flow is good

but the jobs stink LOL

but in a small town like this one it takes awhile to find a good 'fit'

hope your search pays off real soon and that you are enjoying your new place.

I am getting my garden ready for this summer and just found out the State sells windbreak trees CHEAP so i'm researching that too :bounce: