Backsplash Tiles | Subway, Arabesque & More | The Tile Shop (2024)

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Ask the Tile Experts

• Why install a backsplash?

  A tile backsplash will protect walls from moisture and stains in high-use areas of the home, like behind kitchen and bathroom sinks. As a result, cleaning is easier, and your walls are protected, lasting longer. Best of all, a tile backsplash creates an opportunity to add style, personality and visual interest to any room.

• How thick are the tiles?

  The thickness of tiles varies widely, ranging from approximately 7 mm up to 12 mm. Ceramic tiles tend to be the thinnest, generally ranging from 8 mm to 10 mm. 10 mm is the standard thickness for porcelain tiles. Natural stone tiles can be up to 12 mm thick.

• When do I need to seal it?

  Not all tile needs to be sealed. Ceramic or porcelain tiles likely won’t need to be sealed. Stone tiles, on the other hand, usually do need to be sealed because their porous surfaces are more susceptible to retaining the things that come into contact with their surfaces. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Your grout should be sealed for the same reason—if unsealed, its surface is more likely to absorb spills and stains. Grout will last longer and be easier to clean when it is sealed. Some grouts sold at The Tile Shop have sealers built into them to save you a step, so always refer to the instructions to confirm whether or not you need to seal your tile and grout.

• How should I clean my tile?

  The cleaning procedure for each tile depends on its style and material. The important thing to remember is that, if tile is maintained properly, it should be easy to clean. Porcelain is usually the easiest type of tile to care for. Natural stone is the most sensitive to harsh cleaners so special care should be taken.

• Do tile and grout stain easily?

  Tiles that are properly installed and maintained should not stain easily. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most stain resistant which is why they can sometimes be left unsealed. Natural stone tiles have a more porous surface which is why sealing is usually recommended. Once stone tiles and grout are sealed, they are much less likely to stain and are easier to clean and care for.

• How do you pick the right backsplash for your counter or cupboards?

  This is where your personal style and taste come into play. You can choose to coordinate your tile with your cabinets and countertops or you can choose to contrast them. Your backsplash can be the attention-getting centerpiece of your room or it can be subtler to let other design elements shine. The key is not having too many focal points in a room at once. Prioritize your favorite elements and let the rest serve to make those elements look good. If you choose to feature your backsplash, the sky’s the limit. Unique colors, materials and shapes can all be utilized here.

• Can you mix different tile materials for your floor, walls and backsplash?

  Absolutely! This is the place to experiment and have fun. We encourage you to mix materials to your heart’s desire. And if you need help choosing, stop by one of our locationsfor expert design help.

• Where do you end the backsplash?

  A backsplash generally stretches from the countertop to underneath the cabinets vertically and to the edge of the countertop horizontally.

• Can you install a backsplash over wallpaper or paneling?

  We do not recommend installing tile on top of any other materials and always suggest you start with a clean, blank wall or floor.

• How does backsplash tile work around electrical outlets?

  Just like you would tile around the toilet or sink in your bathroom, simply cut your tile to fit around electrical outlets in your backsplash. We recommend using The Tile Shop’s Beast brand of tile saw to get a smooth cut every time. You can even get decorative switch platesto coordinate with your tile.