Tiles and Stones
Let's dive into the variety of bathroom and kitchen tiles and stones used not only in floors, but also as back-splashes. You may not find yourself working with a full kitchen or bath remodel often, but it's great information to have in your back pocket when the time comes in helping your client choose the right ones for their home.
DIFFERENT TILE BACK-SPLASHES
Choosing the right tile for the kitchen back-splash, or even for the bathroom, can be tricky and overwhelming. Most tiles are made of ceramic, porcelain, and natural clay. Porcelain tiles have become more and more popular these days. They are stronger and less porous than ceramic, have low water absorption, high resistance to stain and are offered in a wide range of colors, shapes and surface finishes.
When laying out the back-splash, think about the style you want to create and what will be more harmonious with the rest of the kitchen. Here are the most popular layouts for tile back-splash installation:
BRICK & SUBWAY
This is a classic and timeless layout and works perfectly well with any rectangular tile shape. It does visually widen the area. You can use small or large tiles for this layout. Keep in mind that with larger tiles, there will be less of a visual impact from the contrast of the grout as it offers a more seamless appearance and it is easier to clean.
STACKED
This style works for small or larger tiles. It offers a more modern look, a sense of alignment and symmetry to your client's kitchen. Not as commonly used as the subway tile variation, but the stacked look is becoming more and more trending in rustic/farm house style homes or in very modern, symmetrical designs.
MOSAIC
Mosaic tiles are typically 3”x3” or smaller. They are rich in texture, pattern and help in creating a multidimensional look. They can be harder to maintain when it comes to cleanness but are certainly full of character. Mosaic tiles can be fitted to fit a large variety of designs and colors to fit into your client's kitchen.
HERRINGBONE
Herringbone tiles are not cut at an angle but are rectangle tiles installed at an angle. This style offers a more sophisticated look and high-end appeal. A great style to add to a kitchen if your client likes the clean look of subway tiles, but wants a more elegant look.
CHEVRON
With Chevron pattern, tiles are cut at an angle and fitted together to form a “V” point. This angle is what identifies a chevron pattern from a herringbone pattern. Chevron designs can be a complimentary touch to a modern kitchen.
DIAMOND TILE
Diamond tiles exude elegance. Especially when used with the right stone. Most commonly found in higher end properties, diamond stones are a great touch to a kitchen to add a traditional beauty.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF STONE
MARBLE
Marble starts life as limestone. But under certain conditions, the components of limestone crystallize, creating veins and changing its texture.
GRANITE
Granite, which is available in a broad spectrum of colors, is often flecked with bits of minerals that produce a salt-and-pepper look. In some instances, the minerals form veins.
LIMESTONE
Limestone, which comes in an array of textures, is frequently formed from the shells of marine animals.
ONYX
Onyx is distinguished by its translucency. The layered stone often comes from caves.
SLATE
Slate is formed from the clay of ancient seabeds.
TRAVERTINE
Travertine has a porous surface, the result of the stone's forming near hot, mineral-rich bubbling springs.
SANDSTONE
Sandstone comprises dense layers of sand for earthy tones.
SOAPSTONE
Soapstone gets its soap-like feel from the element talc.
