Danze Faucet Kitchen

If you're looking to make a bold, modern statement in your kitchen, look no further than installing a stainless steel backsplash! These pieces really brighten up your kitchen environment and give it a clean, sleek look. But it can be interesting and warm too so, don't limit yourself... stainless steel can be incorporated into almost any design theme.

Backsplash Design

Used for decades in restaurants, stainless steel is undergoing a makeover as of late. You aren’t restricted to just smooth sheets anymore. Stainless steal backsplashes now come in a wide assortment of patterns and finishes and are an increasingly popular, stylish addition to today's updated and upscale kitchens.

When considering a stainless steel backsplash, think about what kind of look or design theme you have in mind for your kitchen. Stainless steel is an extremely versatile material and no matter what you are looking to do, stainless steel offers some interesting possibilities.

If you enjoy using lots of different tools and gadgets in the kitchen, considering using stainless steel as the primary design material and going for a highly-polished, ultramodern look. For something cozier, try a matte finish. Or combine stainless steel tiles with other materials, such as glass or tumbled marble. You could even do just a portion of the backsplash with stainless... say around the cooktop.

Cost

A stainless steel backsplash can be rather spendy, but it will vary depending on size and complexity. Tiles, for instance, can run from 40 to 200 dollars per square foot. Yikes! That’s more than many stone and glass tiles or other backsplash materials.

Sheets are less expensive, but will require expert installation. Expect to pay at least 20 dollars per square foot to fabricate and install stainless steel sheets.

Backsplash Care and Cleaning

Caring for a stainless steel backsplash is a breeze! For day-to-day cleaning, warm water and soap on a soft cloth will take care of this highly hygienic surface; for a spotless finish, remember to wipe dry. Also, new sprays can keep fingerprints under control.

Water and Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

So you’ve been looking at some beautiful art tiles that would look lovely in your kitchen. The question is, are they suitable for a kitchen backsplash? Some gorgeous tiles look as if they might absorb water and other liquids, which means they would stain easily. Nobody wants that problem for their kitchen backsplash!

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.