More and more customers are tiling their backsplashes from their cabinets to the ceiling, behind stovetop hoods, giving their spaces a clean finish and a larger, more graceful sweep. We feel this method works well for most products and lends a modern, sleek feel. A more traditional look utilizes the area above the range as a framing feature, highlighting a decorative element that contrasts with a subtler field composing the rest of the backsplash.
Some of our clients prefer to use stone or porcelain slabs for a large, contiguous surface, often using the same material they’ve selected for their countertops. If using slabs, be sure that the slabs are large enough to continue veining from the countertops on to the backsplash, for a truly contiguous finish. Slab backsplashes, particularly of striking natural materials or their porcelain counterparts, impart a particularly modern, sleek appearance. You’ll find lots of slabs on our website, but they’re only sold offline, so please ask for help if you’re interested in finding the perfect slab for your project.
Measure the full height of the area that you’d like to tile, from the countertop to the ceiling or the bottom of your cabinets, depending on your preference. Measure the length you’d like the backsplash to run. Multiply the number of inches and divide by 144 for the required square footage. Add 20% overage, or 30%, if you’re setting your tiles on the diamond. If selecting a design with a panel over the range, make sure to measure for that detail separately than the surrounding field. Consider adding a finishing detail (such as a molding or border) to surround the panel. This will create a clean division between the panel design and the surrounding field.
Make sure to measure the linear feet around the panel to determine the number of pieces needed for the finishing detail. Add one extra piece per corner. Please note that some tile installation scenarios involve the tile ending before the wall does – so that the tile adheres to painted or papered drywall. If that is the case in your plan, you will need a finishing piece to cleanly edge the splash. To determine the linear feet needed for the edge tile, measure from the countertop to the space where that finishing piece will end. Opus and Chelsea moldings, bullnose tile, Jazz Glass liners, and Charleston mirror liners are perfect options. If using a linear decorative element in a horizontal design, measure the length of the backsplash in inches and divide by 12 for linear foot count. Note that items used for linear decoration are not always 12″ long and care should be taken when ordering the proper quantity. Consult with your tile installer or contractor to confirm the quantity needed. If using a linear decorative element in a vertical design, measure the height of the backsplash in inches and multiply by the number of times you will repeat the vertical element.
For glass, ceramic and porcelain walls, regular cleaning can be done with detergent and rinsed with water. You can also use household cleaners according to their label directions. Try not to use scouring powders or other abrasives, which can scratch the surface. Special cleaning may be necessary to remove soap scum, a rough white coating created from hard water and mildew. It is recommended to use a mixture of ½ cup of water softener, 2 tablespoons of rottenstone and 1 cup of hot water to remove soap scum. To remove mildew, use a mixture of diluted chlorine. And to eliminate the rough white coating that can appear on the tiles, use a commercial tile cleaner to dissolve it.
Waterjet Mosaics ship as intricate interlocking patterns. Figuring out project quantities may be difficult. Please contact technicalsupport@artistictile.com with detailed measurements of the area to be covered for us to assist you with quantities.
