These Are the Best Tile Options for Your Kitchen Backsplash
Updated: May 01, 2023
A kitchen backsplash adds style and function. But what is the best tile for a kitchen backsplash? Well, that depends on a few factors.
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Think of a backsplash as an extension of your kitchen counter. A backsplash prevents grease splatters and spills from damaging or staining walls—especially behind the sink and stove. Yet, it’s not just functional. The best tile for kitchen backsplash accentuates the design of your kitchen. Depending on the type of material and color you choose for your backsplash, it can make the room feel brighter, bring depth to your kitchen aesthetic and show off your personal style.
What Kind of Tile Is Best for a Kitchen Backsplash?
From ceramic and glass to porcelain, stone and metal, there are many types of tile to consider when it comes to kitchen backsplash ideas. You’ll need to think about price, how easy it is to clean, durability and how the tile will look alongside your kitchen cabinets and countertops.
Price
The price of kitchen backsplash depends on what type of tile you choose. For materials only, you’ll likely pay $1 to $300 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor. Keep in mind you should order 10% more than you think you need for waste and reserve purposes.
Cleaning
Some types of materials are easier to clean than others. For instance, glass and porcelain tiles are easy to care for since they’re naturally nonporous and resist staining. On the other hand, tiles made of marble require a bit more effort and may need special cleaners.
Durability
The last thing you want is for tiles in your kitchen backsplash to start to crack or crumble, so durability is something you’ll need to take into consideration.
Color
Consider hues from your kitchen’s color story and those that are a bit lighter than your countertops. This keeps your kitchen bright and vibrant. Keep patterns in mind as well—if you have a busy printed countertop, choose a more neutral tile color.
If you worry how the tile will look alongside your kitchen cabinets, we have you covered. Find out how to choose a backsplash for light cabinets and the best kitchen backsplash ideas for dark cabinets.
Best Ceramic Kitchen Backsplash Tile
Bedrosians Cloe Ceramic Tile
The Cloe ceramic tile is the best-selling ceramic tile from Bedrosians Tile & Stone and tops our list of the best tile for kitchen backsplash. The Cloe tile comes in two sizes—rectangular and square—and has matching trim to help finish the look. While white is the most popular option, those looking for more showstopping kitchen backsplash ideas will be delighted to find that the tile is available in six other colors, from deep forest green to aqua to salmon. The square size also has an option for an eye-catching Loire pattern.
Pros
- Glazed ceramic material is easy to clean
- Durable
- Classic options as well as unusual colors/patterns
Cons
- Slightly pricier than other ceramic tiles
- Cracks can develop over time
Best Glass Kitchen Backsplash Tile
Modular Glass Mosaic Tile
Bring a look of tranquility and vibrancy to your kitchen with Mosaic Tile Outlet’s modular glass tile. This backsplash is straight out of the Art Deco era, with mixed size square tiles in various shades of blue and a splash of yellow.
“This tile is very nice. The pattern is high quality blue-green and a bit of gray. Also very nice to the touch,” says verified buyer Lisa. Another reviewer, Carl, notes that this tile is a great fit for other parts of the home too. “Perfect colors to tie our entire pool accents together,” he says.
Unsure how to get started? You can DIY a mosaic tile backsplash in just one weekend.
Pros
- Glass offers vibrant colors that look even better in person
- Easy to clean
- Good for outside the kitchen, too
Cons
- Costly depending on square footage
- Difficult to replace
Best Porcelain Kitchen Backsplash Tile
Stone Tile Depot Oxford Gris Matte Chevron Porcelain Mosaic
Porcelain tile is made by baking clay at high temperatures, giving it strong durability and resistance to everyday messes. A top seller from Stone Tile Depot, the Oxford gris matte chevron porcelain mosaic tile is a shade of gray that works well with most kitchen colors. Not only do the light tiles brighten up your space, the classic chevron pattern suits both contemporary and modern designs, and the matte finish brings a bit of sophistication. Fun fact: Chevron patterns are a popular non-tile backsplash idea, too.
Pros
- Porcelain looks more expensive than it is
- Matte finish hides smudges better than glossy finishes
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Porcelain can be difficult to cut and install
Best Stone Kitchen Backsplash Tile
Alexander James Calacata Subway Honed Marble Mosaic
Stone comes in a few varieties, including granite, limestone, marble and slate. The best tile for kitchen backsplash to achieve a classic look? Try the Calacata subway honed marble mosaic tile from Alexander James. These luxurious rectangular subway tiles feature a soft gray vein running through a cream background, a fitting choice for kitchens in nearly any color—especially those with dark cabinets that need an element of brightness.
The look of these marble tiles is timeless, meaning it will never go out of style. Marble is durable, but keep in mind that it’s porous, so it will need more upkeep than porcelain and ceramic tiles. Before you get started, consider these dos and don’ts of DIY tile backsplash install.
Pros
- Marble tiles are durable and timeless
- Luxury look that fits most kitchen color palettes
- Adds brightness and sophistication
- Increases home value
Cons
- More costly than other options
- Prone to staining
- Needs to be sealed each year for peak performance
Best Metal Kitchen Backsplash Tile
American Tin Ceilings Nail-Up Tiles
For a more antique look, consider these American Tin Ceilings nail-up tiles for your kitchen backsplash. The diamond-shaped, Victorian floral design measures 24 inches on each side. Tin tiles are a budget-friendly option that dramatically changes the look of your kitchen, plus they’re a great DIY option, even for beginners. If you’re looking for a kitchen upgrade, consider these remodeling ideas.
“I used this as a kitchen backsplash and it came out gorgeous,” says five-star reviewer K. Williams, adding that “the finished result is so easy to keep clean and has gotten us a lot of compliments.”
Pros
- Tin material and Victorian pattern provide an antique look
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Edges are sharp; take care when installing
Best Cement Kitchen Backsplash Tile
Alexander James Málaga Polvorin Tile
It’s probably not the first material that comes to mind when you think of the best tile for kitchen backsplash, but cement can be as eye-catching as glass or ceramic in the kitchen. Cement is both a sustainable and environmentally-friendly material that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Consider these Málaga Polvorin cement tiles. The eight-inch square tiles feature a Spanish style design and a white, gray and sea foam color palette that pairs well with both light and dark cabinets and countertops.
Pros
- Cement material is sustainable and eco-conscious
- Unique look
- Long-lasting with proper installation and sealing
Cons
- Requires more frequent cleaning to prevent stains
- Prone to breaking during installation
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