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Everything you need to know about kitchen splashback tiles 1

Everything you need to know about kitchen splashback tiles

By DIY, Kitchen Tiles, Tile Selection

The kitchen is one of the biggest investments you’ll make when building or renovating your home, so you want to make sure you get things right – tile selection included!

One of the key areas to think about is your kitchen splashback. For a while, glass and acrylic splashbacks stole the show, but kitchen splashback tiles are making a resurgence. They’re more affordable and the design possibilities are endless, with so many different materials, colours, sizes and shape of tiles to choose from.

To help steer you in the right direction, here’s our mini guide to choosing the right kitchen splashback tiles in Perth.

Everything you need to know about kitchen splashback tiles 2
What’s your style?

Are you going for a contemporary minimalist look or maybe you prefer a more traditional country style? If you’re not sure on the style of your kitchen, then a good place to start is by looking for inspiration. Pinterest and Instagram, design blogs, visiting Perth display homes, cafes or restaurants are full of ideas to help you visualise and lock in the style you like, and then put your own spin on it.

What’s your budget?

You may find you’ve decided on the style, only to get the quotes and discover it’s completely out of reach. Do your sums so you know what you’re up against, and what’s going to work with your budget to achieve the look you want.

Kitchen tile colours 

Do you want your kitchen splashback tiles to stand out as a feature or blend into the background, while another element – such as your benchtop takes the limelight? To create a pop of colour and aesthetic appeal, choose a tile colour or pattern that contrasts with the rest of the kitchen. Alternatively, select a similar tone to the other elements to  create a more subtle and consistent look.

Tile size

The smaller the tile, the more grout lines you’ll have, which inevitably will require more maintenance down the track. Sealing the tile grout will help to protect it from food stains, but if you’re after a no fuss solution, then consider a larger format tile. Not only are they easier to maintain, but they’re also quick and easy to install.

Types of kitchen splashback tiles

Ceramic and porcelain are the most common options for kitchen splashback tiles. Ceramic tiles are readily available and affordable. They’re made from a mixture of clays baked at high temperatures, then glazed so they become hard and resistant to water. 

Porcelain tiles are similar to ceramic tiles but they’re fired at even greater temperatures. This makes them practically non-porous and much tougher than ceramic tiles, which is why they do tend to carry a higher price tag.

Don’t be afraid to try one of these popular tile styles for your kitchen splashback design.

Subway tiles

Subway tiles are hands down the most popular choice for kitchen splashbacks. For a timeless classic look, you can’t go past the white subway tile stacked horizontally to give your décor versatility. Try going for a black grout for an edgy look or choose a black subway tile for understated elegance. If you want to make your splashback a feature, opt for a coloured Subway tile. 

Geometric tiles

Black and white geometric designs for splashbacks are very eye catching and are great if you’re going for a contemporary minimalistic style. While a colourful geometric patterned splashback will add vibrancy to your kitchen.

Mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles come in so many different shapes and vibrant colours. A mosaic tile splashback can really bring your kitchen to life. Kitkat mosaics – otherwise known as finger tiles are one of the most popular mosaic tiles right now that can suit a range of styles.

Everything you need to know about kitchen splashback tiles 3
Everything you need to know about kitchen splashback tiles 4
Glass splashback tiles

Glass tiles and mirrored glass tiles give off an amazing luminous effect and have the ability to bounce light around the room. They’re naturally non-porous, stain-resistant and a great alternative to conventional glass splashbacks. 

Metallic Tiles

Metal look tiles create a dramatic looking splashback. Great to make that kitchen style lean towards the industrial or minimalist style design. For example rusty metal look tiles can really make your kitchen pop when complimented with copper, brass or black matt tapware and accessories. 

Marble look tiles

Nothing exudes luxury and opulence more than marble, and you can recreate this modern interior design trend for less on your kitchen splashback with marble look tiles.

There are many other tile materials you can use for kitchen splashback tiles, including travertine, natural stone and cement. If you choose a porous material, such as cement or marble, make sure the tiles are sealed to protect them.

Done properly, your splashback can make quite the statement in your kitchen. Retrofitting a kitchen splashback though isn’t much fun, so make sure you choose something that won’t date too quickly. It can be costly and difficult to change, so it pays to do a little research before you dive right in.

Speak to the kitchen tile experts in Perth

No matter what style you’re after, you can choose from a wide range of kitchen splashback tiles at Ceramic Tile Supplies. Browse online for inspiration, or discover the full range of kitchen tiles in Perth at our Wangara and Myaree showrooms.

View our range of Kitchen Tiles

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February 18, 2021
Your complete rundown to choosing kitchen floor tiles 5

Your complete rundown to choosing kitchen floor tiles

By DIY, Kitchen Tiles, Tile Selection

Finding the right flooring for your home – especially the kitchen, is one of the most critical design choices you’ll need to make when building or renovating. 

Flooring can influence how your space looks and functions, and it impacts the overall flow of your home. Many Perth flooring experts and interior designers will tell you it’s best to start from the bottom, then work your way up when fitting out your house. 

Tile floors are a natural choice for kitchens over carpet or timber. They’re hard and durable, water-resistant and virtually stain proof. Kitchen floor tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic and everyday wear and tear, and with so many options on offer, you’re sure to find a tile to match your interior style.

So, what are some of the key things to consider when selecting a kitchen floor tile to ensure it will do its job for years to come? Let’s take a look at some expert tips from our Perth tiles team.

Your complete rundown to choosing kitchen floor tiles 6

The type of kitchen floor tile you choose matters

The 3 main types of tiles are porcelain, ceramic and stone. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are similar, which is often where the confusion lies for many Perth homeowners.

Both are made from clay mixtures fired at high temperatures to produce a hard and durable tile, but ceramic tiles tend to be softer than porcelain. People make the mistake of choosing ceramic tiles for kitchen floors because they’re cost effective, but the ugly truth is they aren’t hard enough to withstand the heavy use your family dishes out.

Porcelain floor tiles on the other hand are a mixture of clay and sand. They’re made using heat and pressure to produce a tile that’s harder, denser and less porous than your regular ceramic tile, making it a perfect choice for kitchen floor tiles.

Whether you choose a porcelain, stone or ceramic kitchen floor tile, here’s what you need to think about:

Durable kitchen floor tiles

Is your tile choice going to be tough enough to withstand everyday wear and tear? Check with your tile supplier that the tile has a high resistant glazing and will not wear off over time or easily chip.

What about texture?

Slip resistant tiles naturally make a floor less slippery, but they can be harder to clean and are usually reserved for commercial kitchens. Consider matt or lappato (semi gloss) tiles that you like the feel of or add mats in key areas such as the front of the sink.


How much maintenance is required?

Many Perth homeowners choose tile kitchen flooring because it’s easy to clean. As the space where you prepare and cook your meals cleanliness should always be top of mind. Ask us about which tiles are easy to clean and won’t stain or crack immediately upon impact.

Kitchen floor tiles that complements your space

It pays to plan ahead with your cabinetry selections to ensure your tile choice blends in seamlessly with the design of your kitchen. The cabinet finish can help determine your kitchen floor tile choice as together they create the right feel for your kitchen. You can play with cabinet samples in our Wangara or Myaree showroom when you are looking at the tiles to ease your selection process.

 

The right tile choice will enhance your kitchen floor and look great for years to come.

Your complete rundown to choosing kitchen floor tiles 7
Your complete rundown to choosing kitchen floor tiles 8

Kitchen floor tile experts in Perth

Need a hand with selecting the right tile for your kitchen floor? We have a wide range of kitchen floor tiles to suit your home. Explore our full range of tiles, visit one of our Perth showrooms, or get in touch for expert advice on your kitchen floor tiles.

View our range of Kitchen Tiles

Explore Our Range
February 18, 2021
Timber Wooden Tile

How to choose splashback tiles for your kitchen

By Kitchen Tiles, DIY, Subway Tiles, Tile Selection

A key component to any kitchen design or renovation is your splashback. Functionally, it’s there to protect your walls from spills and splatters, visually it’s something you can have fun with.

Although just a small part of your kitchen, your splashback is where you can inject a lot of personality and make it the focal point of your kitchen. This is especially true in situations where the other elements of your kitchen have a neutral feel.

Tiles are an obvious choice for splashbacks as they are hygienic, durable, non porous, heat resistant and easy to clean. So, how do you go about selecting a tile that complements your kitchen design and adds character? 

A few things to consider when choosing your splashback tile includes the colour, shape, size and grout. Usually it’s a good idea to pick your benchtop first (as your options are more limited), and then incorporate your splashback design around this. 

When looking at tiles, the most durable and low maintenance option would have to be ceramic or porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are the tougher of the two, but will generally attract a higher price tag. Luckily, because splashbacks cover only a small surface area, it may be one of those areas you can afford to splash out on (no pun intended!).

Let’s explore what you need to consider in more detail.

How to choose splashback tiles for your kitchen 9
Colour

Your choice of tile colour can either blend subtly into your kitchen design, or you can be a bit more creative with pops of colour that draws attention. So firstly, you need to decide whether you want the splashback to be the standout feature in your room. Whatever you choose, it should work with your overall bench top and cabinetry colour scheme.

As a general rule, use dark tiles where there are no internal corners or assisting elements like cabinet lights or ample brightness to the room by other forms of light prevents dark corners from forming. Lighter shades will help brighten up the room and create a more open airy feel.  

If you opt for a colour similar to your benchtops and cabinets, consider a tile with more texture to add contrast. But choose wisely, as a heavy textured tile can prove harder to wipe down and clean.

Shape

Another way to create impact – if not through your colour choice, is the shape of the tile. Some popular options include incorporating a grid like pattern, geometric, subway style, penny round, chevron, diamond tile and mosaic style patterns.

Size

The size of your splashback area will affect your tile choice. For a clean look, choose large format tiles. This will also cut down on your grout lines but not be the cost effective option. If your splashback area is medium to small, the varying subway tiles make an excellent option as the scale into this size very well. If you are happy with a little more grout mosaics are a great option and come in many fun colours and shapes.

How to choose splashback tiles for your kitchen 10
How to choose splashback tiles for your kitchen 11
Grout

In general, the smaller the tile, the more grout lines you’ll have. If you want to avoid cleaning too much grout, choose a large format tile which will result in fewer grout lines. You can also use a grout additive (booster) or grout sealant in your small tiles to ease the cleaning woes.

Consider using a fine sand Epoxy grout. It’s a little more expensive than cement grout and harder to apply, but it’s a great choice for kitchens because it resists stains, is easy to wipe clean and more consistent in colour.

Aside from your tile colour, there are a number of grout colour options too. A couple of things to take note of:

  • Unsealed white grout will easily pick up stains, so make sure if you do choose a white grout you seal it or use a grout additive.
  • Black grout will accentuate the design, so it’s usually best to incorporate black grout with more neutral tones to create the right impact. It is also suggested with Black grout to use a grout booster to hold the colour.

Lastly, it’s also important to take into consideration the type of cooktop you have or will install. There are different clearance requirements from the centre of the burner to the splashback. Most tiles are glazed at a high temperature making them withstand heat variations from a cooktop however if you are looking at other materials such as natural stone, resin or hand glazed tiles they may require further considerations.

Need some inspiration for your kitchen splashback tile design?

Get inspiration from Perth’s kitchen tile specialists! Take a look at our photo gallery for ideas or browse our kitchen splashback tile collection on display at our Myaree or Wangara showrooms.

Some of Our Best Selling Kitchen Splashback Tiles

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September 15, 2020
7 ideas to feature subway tiles in your bathroom or kitchen 12

7 ideas to feature subway tiles in your bathroom or kitchen

By Subway Tiles, Bathroom Tiles, DIY, Kitchen Tiles, Tile SelectionNo Comments

Versatile. Durable. Affordable. Aesthetically pleasing. What’s not to love about subway tiles?

By tradition, these rectangular tiles are usually twice as long as they are tall. But despite their simple structure, subway tiles lend themselves to many different design possibilities.

It’s the one tile that never grows out of style, so if you’re looking for a failsafe solution to your bathroom or kitchen, here are 7 ways you can incorporate subway style tiles.

Classic subway

Since its early 1900s debut in New York subway stations, the timeless subway tile continues to be a popular tile choice in kitchens and bathrooms. The classic look takes its cue from conventional brickwork using a white repeating bond pattern – often referred to as running bond or offset brick. This white tile, white grout layout creates a seamless effect and is the most common subway tile pattern you’ll come across.

Stack them up

Different lays can add interest to a classic white subway tile. Large subway tiles stacked horizontally bring out a clean and contemporary look to your bathroom or kitchen design. Or, flip them over and install them vertically to evoke height and create an illusion of taller walls and higher ceilings.

Herringbone at 90 degrees

Named for its similarity to fish scales, this arrangement of rectangles in an L-shaped pattern creates a sense of movement and visual interest by drawing the eye up. In this layout, tiles are arranged so that the end of one vertical tile meets the side of a horizontal tile at a 90 degree angle. It works well for taller spaces like a shower.

If you want to take your herringbone design to the next level, bevelled edged subway tiles will add even more dimension to your space. Many interior designers love this modern look to the classic flat subway tile.

Herringbone at 45 degrees

Another impressive herringbone design is to rotate your subway tiles at 45 degrees. This pattern looks great on floors or walls. It works well for smaller spaces because it keeps your eyes moving around the room making it appear larger than it is. If you want to draw attention to a specific area, then herringbone is the way to go.

Basket weave

Interchanging pairs of horizontally and vertically laid subway tiles creates a grid-like pattern that resembles – you guessed it a woven basket. For the real wow factor, go for a contrasting tile and grout. This will give your weave design a more distinct effect. If you want to be original, a double basket weave pattern will produce an even more modern look.

Mix up the grout

Who said your grout has to be white? One of the easiest ways to modernise your space is to apply a different coloured grout (and it makes for easier cleaning too). Popular choices include black and dark or light grey. Dark grout will make white subway tiles pop out, as will the opposite of black tiles and white grout. If you want to create a more edgy and industrial feel, than a contrasting grout is what you should be aiming for.

Experiment with colour and texture

The original subway tiles were always white, but nowadays subway tiles come in a wide variety of colours, sizes and textures. Make the look of your space your own by experimenting with different shades and surfaces to achieve a trendy yet timeless design. One way you can do this is with colour blocking, which is a great way to break up white tiles.

We’ve all heard how mirrors can help elongate a space and make it look bigger, and you can also achieve the same effect with mirrored subway tiles.

Perth’s tile specialists

Be inspired by Ceramic Tile Supplies’ wide range of premium subway style tiles. Browse our selection of classic and modern designs, or visit our Myaree or Wangara showrooms to view the full range on display.

June 1, 2020
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