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Adorn your kitchen with attractive Kitchen tiles

Author: alixaaron

Kitchen is the most dynamic and high-traffic area of your household. Therefore it goes without saying that while you choose to decorate your kitchen there are many things that needs to be considered in order to get a perfect kitchen. Installing kitchen tiles at various different places in the kitchen can transform the look of your kitchen. It can be used at the sink and counter tops and of course the major surface area that is of flooring. You also need to make sure that the tiles that you use complements with the kitchen. This needs some effort and therefore several people prefer to hire a professional to do it all for them. But these days, with information pouring in from various places like on the Internet, people can afford to take the risk of doing the tiles in the kitchen themselves. But of course with the right equipment and adhesives to achieve the best results.

The most crucial thing that you’ll want to decide is the budget on the entire kitchen and how much you can afford to splurge on the tiles themselves. The market is flooded with several kinds of tiles. Some are expensive while others are economic. Some are very glossy, while some are of the matt finish. For this you will need to do some ground work to find the price tag of tiles so that you get an idea as to what part of the furnishing budget you would need for kitchen tiles. After having done with the budgeting, you need to decide on the perfect material for your kitchen wall tiles. Glass tiles are hugely popular as backsplash as these don’t have endure much harshness during their lifetime, you can choose your favorite tiles from an exciting menu of porcelain, travertine and ceramic. Your choice will depend on your budget and your of course your personal taste.

Some popular kitchen tiles are:

Ceramic Tiles: These tiles are formed due to high pressure and temperature under the earth crust. Therefore, they can easily endure high temperature which makes them an ideal material for installation in kitchen. It is established fact that the kitchen slabs come in contact with high heat throughout the cooking process. Moreover, these tiles are very durable and can be cleaned easily.

Porcelain Tiles: One striking point about these tiles is that they are highly resistant to scratches and cracks. Hence, they are ideal for kitchen floorings because of their ability to withstand high foot traffic. Moreover, they are things of beauty for your kitchen. Glass Tiles: These tiles are perfect for constructing a beautiful mosaic pattern for your kitchen. These tiles also have a unique ability to reflect light which increases the beauty of each and every tile.

Hence, you can rest assured about the beauty and worth of the final product. Kitchen is always associated with your health, so you better take good care of the place, this will surely ensure good results. Perfectkitchen tiles first step to it.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/adorn-your-kitchen-with-attractive-kitchen-tiles-1617901.html

About the Author

Alix Aaron is an experienced tile dealer and advisor. His articles provide informative data on maintenance and installation of different categories of tiles such as Glass tiles , Limestone tiles, Marble tiles, Bathroom tiles,kitchen tiles, Travertine tiles and Ceramic tiles etc.

Travertine Tiles 

Backsplash tiles made from travertine deposits found in natural springs and rivers are very much in demand nowadays. Available in the gamut of white shades and earth hues such as coral red, these tiles are preferred not only for kitchen backsplash but also for constructing countertops, patios, and hearths. Talking about the textures and patterns, such tiles are available in matte, tumbled, brushed, and finished forms.

These tiles are permeable enough to absorb the fluid rapidly. However, they are vulnerable to dirt and stain and that they are not resistant to scratch and chemicals, which calls for special maintenance.

Glass Tiles

In case you need a unique backsplash tile in your kitchen, consider the glass material. Most people who need a sophisticated look in their kitchen prefer glass tiles. Available in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes; these glass tiles render an artistic look to your backsplash.

Coming to the functional qualities, these tiles are resistant to stains and are also non-porous by nature. The best part is that their light reflecting ability offers a gleaming look to your kitchen and also makes your cooking space look bigger. However, glass tiles are costlier than other tiles for backsplash.

Ceramic Tiles 

Ceramic has always been the most loved material in the world of tiles because of its high durability as well as flexibility. Further, they are also easy to install, clean, and maintain. You can install them at several places in your home right from floors to kitchen backsplash and to bathroom walls. Available in a multitude of vibrant colors and attractive patterns, the cheap ceramic tiles are scratch resistant. So, if you prefer ceramic, pick the color and design that go with the color and design of the countertop and kitchen walls.

Stainless Steel Tiles 

Stainless steel? Yes, you have heard it right! A stainless steel backsplash tile is for those who need a modern look without compromising on maintenance, durability, and on the benefit of easy cleaning. Interestingly, you can also consider mixing these tiles with other tiles such as stone or glass tiles. The best part of this tile is that it blends well with all other kitchen interiors. However, such a tile is more prone to be affected by scratch, stain, and chemicals. And yes, it goes without saying that such a backsplash tile is expensive.

Multihued Drawing 

This is the simplest and cheapest way to decorate your backsplash tile. Consider different tiles in terms of size and shape and you can have a nice random pattern by joining them in the desired way. To do so, first sketch a rough draft of your pattern for your backsplash. Then, smoothen the wall surface, apply a thinset layer, and stick tiles on the surface with the help of glue. Now, let the tiles dry for 20 minutes and then clean them with a wet cloth for discarding the remains. Finally, wait for 24 hours to pass and then apply grout. That’s it! However, this drawing is not for a contemporary kitchen or a kitchen that is loaded with stainless steel appliances.

Ceramic or Glass Mural 

A ceramic backsplash tile design is so versatile that it enables you to incorporate any theme of your choice. On the other hand, a glass tile for backsplash is an expert in offering a contemporary touch to the interior. However, on both the tiles, murals are regarded as the best designs if you want a chic, arty exhibit in your kitchen or bathroom.

The chosen mural is either sculpted directly on such tiles tile or is painted on a glass sheet that is installed later. Between the two tiles for backsplash, murals look more spectacular on the glass tiles. If you are a DIY person, consider glass painting that will definitely trigger satisfaction in you. However, if you really want something professional, be ready to pay handsomely to a commercial artist. Irrespective of how you go ahead, it is good to ensure that the mural design goes well with rest of the kitchen interior. But again, this is not a rule. You can even try a totally different theme on your backsplash tile. For example, nowadays, the trend is to paint an artist on backsplash tiles.

Mosaic Pattern 

Such a design can range from geometrical symbols to humans. If you like the mosaics on the walls and floors of great churches, you can consider it to accentuate your backsplash as well. You can implement a mosaic as a painting on a ceramic backsplash tile or on a glass piece as well, but it will be a bit expensive than the former two options.

Will kitchen backsplash tiles absorb water? Yes, no, and maybe! It all depends on what tiles you choose.

The terms vitreous and nonvitreous are used to indicate the density and porosity of a tile. These characteristics determine how likely a tile is to absorb water. Tile manufacturers rate tiles in four categories.

Nonvitreous

Nonvitreous tiles are very porous, so they will easily absorb water. The standard absorption rate is 7 per cent of the tile’s weight or greater. These are not a good choice for a kitchen backsplash tile. If your heart is set on a nonvitreous tile, be sure to use a good sealer, and be prepared to reapply it frequently.

Semivitreous

Semivitreous tiles can be used for most indoor applications. The absorption rate is between 3 percent and 7 per cent by weight. If you use semivitreous tile for a kitchen backsplash, a sealer is helpful.

Vitreous

Vitreous tiles are very dense and not at all porous. They are resistant to stains and absorb very little water. Absorptions rates are between 0.5 per cent and 3 per cent. Vitreous tiles are an excellent choice for kitchen backsplash tiles.

Impervious

Impervious tiles are very dense. Water absorption is at a rate lower than 0.5 per cent. These tiles can be used in the wettest locations — even in showers or outdoors, if you like.

If you aren’t sure about the rating of a tile, you can easily estimate it yourself. Put a few drops of water on the back of the tile (not the glazed or finished surface). If the water soaks in quickly, the tile is nonvitreous. If the water beads up instead of absorbing, the tile is vitreous.

You’ll have to use a sealer if you have your heart set on a nonvitreous or semivitreous. Using a sealer on the grout will make your life easier even if you choose an impervious tile.

Several kinds of sealer are available. The toughest ones form a surface film over the tile and grout, but they can darken the surface and leave a glossy sheen. Sealers called impregnators soak into the surface and fill the pores of tile and grout. They are a little less durable but are also less likely to alter the appearance of the tile. Some surfaces require a special kind of sealer — slate sealers, for example, contain adhesives. Check with your supplier to determine what sealer is required for your tile.

Know if that beautiful tile will absorb or repel water before you install your kitchen backsplash, and seal the surface if necessary. That way, you’ll be really happy with your beautiful backsplash!

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Water-and-Kitchen-Backsplash-Tiles&id=629885

You will have to ask your supplier some questions to choose quality granite tiles for your kitchen backsplash.

How was the granite quarried? Because it is such a hard material, quarrying granite can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Using explosives makes the work easier, but the force of the explosion can create tiny fault lines throughout the granite. These are often too small to be seen with the naked eye, but they can widen and create problems over time.

What solvents were used in cutting the stone? Kerosene and other petroleum-based byproducts are sometimes added to the coolant used when the stone is cut and shaped to make the work go a little faster and reduce processing costs. Afterward, the stone is washed to remove the chemical smell. It looks just the same as stone cut using only water as a coolant when it is viewed in the showroom, but it doesn’t wear as well. When the petroleum product comes in contact with the ferric content of the stone, rust begins to form. The marks will be visible sooner or later, often within a year.

How much variation is there in the dimensions of each tile? They should meet ASTM standards. All the tiles should have a uniform thickness, and the maker should calibrate them carefully. Each tile should should have precisely square corners. The sides should be slightly smoothed. If the tiles are shaped to standard, they will be easier to install, and the kitchen backsplash will be satisfactory.

Were the tiles sealed? Granite tiles are typically shipped unsealed, so that the homeowner can use their sealant of choice. If your tiles were sealed in advance, you need to know what kind of sealer was used.

Who is responsible for replacing tiles if any are broken during shipping? Although granite is a very hard stone, granite tiles are somewhat brittle. Tiles are usually shipped in styrofoam boxes placed inside a wooden crate, with 5 to 10 tiles in each box. Some companies place a thin foam sheet between each tile, which is always a good idea.

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose the highest quality for your backsplash. You’ll find that granite kitchen backsplash tiles are easy to care for. On a daily basis, the best method is just to wipe down the surfaces with a soft cloth that has been wetted with soapy water. You may wish to brighten the tile by polishing it occasionally or using a cleaning-and-rejuvenating product designed for granite surfaces.

Because granite is a porous material, it will stain. It’s important to clean up all spills promptly. A paper towel will blot up a spill quickly. Avoid wiping; that will just spread the spill! After the spill has been blotted up, use a soft cloth to dry the area completely.

Organic stains, caused by coffee, tea, or food, are the most common type. Red wine is the worst! Biological stains like mold or mildew are also common.

If your granite tile is stained, proceed cautiously. Ask your supplier about recommended cleaners when you buy the tile. Liquid cleaners are usually not very effective. Poultice powders are designed to re-absorb a stain from a stone surface, and they are often the best choice. Be sure to follow directions carefully. Never use lime and scale remover on granite. They are strong acid-based cleaners and they will etch the stone.

Granite tiles are usually sealed to reduce stains. Sealers can be water or solvent based, but most professionals think the solvent-based sealers do a better job. The sealer works by penetrating the stone surface and creating an invisible barrier. Sealer is easy to apply and usually dries in about an hour. Stone surfaces should be resealed periodically. Generally, kitchen countertop and backsplashes need resealing every 6 to 12 months, depending on how much use they get.

Ask the right questions before you install your granite kitchen backsplash tiles, and you’ll live easily and happily-ever-after with your new backsplash!

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Granite-Kitchen-Backsplash-Tiles—Choosing-and-Caring-for-Them&id=629882

Ceramic is one of the most ancient used materials in history. Ceramic kitchen backsplash tile are enduring because of their myriad uses including flooring, bathrooms, fountains, countertops, swimming pools, fireplaces, doorways and any wall covering to name a few. Ceramic is easy to maintain and can endure heavy traffic. (Tiles are also available in marble)

Today, the choices of kitchen backsplash tile are very extensive. Colors can be muted, as with natural and warm slates, stone, marble or granite. Or they can be as bright or as pale as any color in your imagination. The kitchen backsplash tile finishes and textures are also very varied. They come glazed or unglazed to accentuate the mood and function of your décor. Kitchen backsplash tile can help create and embellish any decorative style from Traditional, Contemporary, French Country, Mediterranean, or Asian. Kitchen backsplash tile designing leaves room for immense inventiveness and originality to create a desired style. Sizes for kitchen backsplash tile commonly are 4″ x 4″ squares. However anywhere from 2″ x 2″ to 24″ x 24″ is within the usual range of dimensions to cover a backsplash area.

Mixing different shapes and sizes of kitchen backsplash tile can create a wonderful composition, such as a landscape surrounded by a border. The possibilities are endless with the use of shapes such as hexagons, octagons, squares, diamonds and rectangles. Bas-relief tiles can be used as an elegant border to any design.

In our day and age, the kitchen / family room is the hearth of the home, the social gathering center. The kitchen has limited space for artwork to reflect the essence of your personality. There is no better ingredient in interior decorating design to invoke character and warmth with practical functionality as with a kitchen backsplash tile. Please feel free to visit [http://www.inzeninteriordesign.com] if you are interested in viewing a variety of kitchen backsplash tile.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Kitchen-Backsplash-Tile&id=518384