Your Guide to Choosing the Best Backsplash Tile
Your go-to reference for all things backsplash tile.
When used in your kitchen or bathroom, a tile backsplash has the capacity to add unique value and beauty without the need for a costly or complicated installation. In this guide, we'll cover topics such as tile types, materials, and installation to show you how to choose the best backsplash tile to upgrade your home.
In This Guide
Types of Backsplash Tile
Backsplash Tile Sizes & Pricing
Backsplash Tile Materials
Backsplash Tile Appearances
Backsplash Tile Shapes & Designs
Backsplash Tile Finishes
Types of Backsplash Tile
There are two main types of backsplash tile to choose from: field and mosaic. Here is a closer look at them both to help you decide which will work best with your tiling preferences.
Mosaic: Mosaic tiles are backsplash tiles that are set together on a sheet with a mesh backing, allowing them to be installed neatly and quickly. The tiles on the sheets can be small or large, simple or decorative, textured or smooth. Mosaic backsplash tile sheets are usually an easier, more affordable option for those who plan on a DIY installation, especially when using very small tiles. Instead of positioning each tiny tile one by one, you can place dozens at once with just a few mosaic sheets.
Field: Field tiles are installed over the main area of a space (also referred to as the "field" of the space). These differ from border tiles, which are used to line the edges of a tiled space, and decorative accent tiles, which add sporadic pops of color or texture. Field tiles can be simple and solid in color or decorative and patterned and are usually smooth rather than textured. Since they are designed to cover large areas, these backsplash tiles tend to be larger than mosaic tile sheets. Many field tiles are sold individually, though some are available in mosaic form.
Most backsplash tile sizing and pricing depends on one factor: whether you are buying each tile individually or as part of a preassembled mosaic sheet.
Individual tiles can be organized and browsed by their dimensions in inches (look at 1" x 1" tiles for grid or penny-round tile designs and 3" x 6" tiles for traditional subway tile designs). Mosaic tile sheets are also organized by their dimensions in inches, though their dimensions tend to be much larger (think 12" x 12" sheets or 24" x 24" sheets). That said, you may also be able to find individual tiles listed with those dimensions, so pay attention to the product description to clarify whether it's an individual tile or part of a sheet.
Backsplash tile is most often priced by the square footage, although you can often purchase backsplash tile by the box too. Prices may vary depending on the tile material, size, and type (mosaic or individual). We recommend determining the precise square footage of the backsplash area you'd like to tile before you start shopping so you can weigh your options against your budget.
Backsplash Tile Materials
Another key characteristic to keep in mind when choosing the best backsplash tile for your renovation project is material. A backsplash tile's material will not only dictate what it looks like, but also its price, weight, durability, and ease of installation.
Ceramics
Great for bathrooms and other high-moisture areas, ceramic tile is generally moisture-resistant and ultra durable.
Ceramic: Ceramic is renowned as one of the best backsplash tile materials thanks to its crisp, clean appearance, durability, and versatility. Ceramic tiles are made from clay that has been fired at a high temperature in a kiln, which renders it hard and durable. Once fired, ceramic can be further transformed to have different finishes and textures – they can be glazed, chiseled, painted, polished, made to look like stone, and more.
Although glazed ceramic tiles are hardy and relatively moisture- and stain-resistant, they can crack if heavy objects are dropped on them – however, this likely will not be an issue if you are installing them for a kitchen or bathroom backsplash. Ceramic tile can vary in price depending on the tile design you choose, but in general, ceramic is recognized as an affordable, DIY-friendly tile material.
Porcelain: Porcelain is a subtype of ceramic and is also made from kiln-fired clay. However, the clay used to make porcelain tiles is more refined, rendering it harder, denser, less porous, and more durable than plain ceramic. In fact, porcelain tiles are some of the most durable tiles available – excellent for high-traffic areas or spaces that come in contact with moisture frequently. If you're interested in tiling a bathroom backsplash, porcelain tiles are a great choice.
This higher quality does come at a slightly higher price, though an investment in porcelain backsplash tile will last you a lifetime. Porcelain tiles can also be a bit more difficult to cut using common home improvement tools, so if you don’t have access to a wet saw with a diamond blade, you might need to hire a professional to cut your porcelain tiles for you.
Tip!
Read Porcelain Tiles vs. Ceramic Tiles: Know the Difference for more on these two materials.
Engineered Materials
Unlike materials that come straight from the earth (such as clay and stone), engineered tile materials are human-made. This generally means that they will be less expensive and more versatile than natural material options. Many engineered tiles can be made to order so that they look exactly as you'd like.
Glass: Naturally shiny, reflective, and saturated with color, glass tiles are an attractive choice for a kitchen or bathroom backsplash. Glass is nonporous, meaning these tiles are moisture-, stain-, and fade-resistant. Cutting glass tiles at home is straightforward and DIY-able with the right tools. For large glass tile installation projects, you might need a wet saw to get the job done, but for smaller projects (such as tile backsplashes), you may only need a scorer and a set of pliers specific to glass cutting, both of which are usually affordable.
Cement: The most remarkable characteristic of cement tiles is their durability; sealed cement tiles can outlast even some of the most expensive ceramic tiles. And don't worry – cement tiles aren't drab; they are available in countless gorgeous shapes and patterns to match your existing decor. But keep in mind that most cement backsplash tiles are thicker and heavier than those made from other materials, so you will need to check with a professional to ensure that your walls can support their weight. You will also likely need a wet saw to cut cement tiles if you plan on installing your backsplash tile on your own.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is highly durable and stunningly beautiful, rich with unique, varied textures and colors. Some natural stone tiles are cut neatly into regular shapes (squares, rectangles, etc.), while others show off their texture. Natural stone backsplash tiles compare well with ceramic tiles in terms of durability; however, they can be more expensive and more difficult to install yourself. Because of their porosity, many natural stone backsplashes will need to be professionally sealed once or more each year to ensure they remain durable and water-resistant.
Marble: Highlight your kitchen with stunning glamour by installing a marble tile backsplash. Marble is a subtype of natural stone that is celebrated for its smooth texture and gorgeous pattern – its striking white base color is streaked with veins of gray and black. Marble backsplash tile can be expensive and difficult to install without professional help, but the finished product is worth it – marble is as durable as it is beautiful.
Travertine: Rugged and dimpled in texture, travertine natural stone backsplash tiles are excellent if you want a more subtle, natural texture in your kitchen or bathroom. As a form of limestone, travertine is available in a calming range of warm earth tones, excellent for Italian-inspired spaces with a well-worn feel. Travertine can be expensive, heavy, and difficult to install without professional help, but it's remarkably durable.
Slate: Derived from sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash, slate is a uniquely attractive natural stone material for backsplash tile. Usually smooth in texture and colored in hues of dark gray, slate backsplash tile can instantly add stunning drama to a space. Though slate backsplash tile can be expensive, the investment is worth it – these tiles boast the same unmatched durability and long life as the other natural stone backsplash tiles in this guide.
Granite: There's no material quite as perfect for a kitchen as granite. Commonly used for kitchen countertops, granite's beautiful dappled finish and exceptional durability renders it perfect for flooring and backsplashes as well. Unlike the other natural stone backsplash tiles in this guide, granite is naturally water-resistant and thus requires less maintenance. Granite may not be the best option if you are looking for a budget- and DIY-friendly option, as granite is heavy, fairly expensive, and tough to cut without heavy-duty tools.
Tip!
Stacked-stone backsplash tile incorporates natural stone tiles of different thicknesses to create a uniquely textured appearance.
Mixed Material: Mixed-material backsplash tile incorporates multiple components. For example, rather than being composed of all glass tiles, a panel of these tiles might comprise some glass and some natural stone tiles. This variation in material can add unique depth and intrigue to a backsplash, though it can make installation more complicated.
Metal: Sleek and impressive in appearance, metal tile is an edgy backsplash choice that will instantly set your kitchen or bathroom apart from the rest. Most metal backsplash tiles are made of stainless steel – a gorgeously shiny material that is both durable and water-resistant. Other metals, including tin, copper, and brass, can add different levels of shine and depth to your space. These tiles also tend to be lightweight and easy to install without the need for heavy-duty machinery.
Shell: Opalescent and incomparably gorgeous, shell tile is a uniquely stunning choice for a backsplash. These tiles, which are cut from real seashells, maintain the natural colors and textures of ocean-tumbled shells and are available in a range of colors including white, silver, light blue, and more. Shell backsplash tiles are easy to install and surprisingly durable, though they may require regular cleaning to avoid permanent staining.
Wood: Another unique choice for a backsplash, wood tiles are available in a variety of compelling shapes and designs. Some wood backsplash tiles have the look and feel of wood, retaining the earth tones and fibers of their wood grain, while others do not. Wood backsplash tiles are DIY-friendly as they are super lightweight, affordable, and easy to cut. They have been treated and sealed so that they are suitable and durable enough for use in kitchens, but they might lose their water resistance if they are not properly sealed after cutting.
Backsplash tiles can also be made to look like all kinds of materials, ranging from from marble to metal. If you like the aesthetic of a certain material but its price doesn't fit your budget, consider installing a backsplash tile that was designed to emulate that look instead.
Stone-Inspired: Designed to look like real natural stone but made from a wide variety of lighter materials that are easier to install, stone-inspired backsplash tiles are attractive and affordable.
Marble-Inspired: As one of the most gorgeous backsplash tile materials out there, marble is a must-have for particularly refined or glamorous kitchens and bathrooms. Get the look of this luxury mineral for less by opting for marble-inspired backsplash tile.
Pebble/Rock-Inspired: Want your backsplash to resemble a mosaic of pebbles that look like they were just plucked from a stream? Go for pebble-inspired tiles for a natural feel.
Concrete-Inspired: The muted colors and smooth texture of concrete tiles fit right into industrial and modern spaces, but the weight of these tiles make them difficult to install. For an easier installation process, opt for concrete-inspired backsplash tiles instead.
Brick-Inspired: Brick-inspired backsplash tiles are an ingenious solution to the absence of a brick wall. Instead of embarking on an expensive brick renovation project, just install these backsplash tiles over your existing wall to achieve the same aesthetic for less.
Metal-Inspired: Would you describe your home decor style as edgy? If so, browse our selection of backsplash tiles that were designed to look and feel like metal.
Wood-Inspired: For a more durable alternative to real wood backsplash tiles, opt for wood-inspired instead. These ceramic or porcelain tiles come with faux wood decals affixed to them.
Fabric-Inspired: If you really want your backsplash to be unique, go with fabric-inspired tiles. Embellished with fabric-weave decals, these tiles are smooth and soft (in appearance only).
Vintage-Inspired: True vintage backsplash tiles have a unique, well-worn, well-loved look that is sought after in many farmhouse or eclectic spaces. Unfortunately, they can also be hard to find and quite expensive. Instead, opt for vintage-inspired backsplash tiles as they have all the charm of true vintage tiles at a much more affordable price.
Patterned: Eager to introduce a vibrant pattern to your space? Add it to your backsplash by tiling your kitchen or bathroom with a patterned tile.
Spanish/Moroccan-Inspired: Traditional Spanish and Moroccan tiles are hand-painted with a range of geometric or floral patterns; however, they can be expensive and hard to come by. That doesn't mean you can't incorporate them into your space though. Bring your kitchen or bathroom to life by installing a more budget-friendly Spanish- or Moroccan-inspired backsplash tile instead.
Another key consideration when choosing the best backsplash tile for your space is shape and design. Tile shape refers to the shape of each individual tile, while tile design refers to the pattern created by placing tiles of certain shapes beside each other.
Backsplash Tile Shapes
Square: Uniform in shape, square backsplash tiles are used to create grid tile designs. They are also key components of basket-weave tile designs, as they fill the space between the rectangular tiles.
Rectangle: Longer than square tiles, rectangular tiles are used to create subway, brick, linear, herringbone/chevron, and basket-weave tile designs.
Hexagon: Hexagonal tiles are some of the more uniquely shaped tiles available. When placed together, they produce a hexagonal tessellation called a honeycomb design.
Arabesque: Arabesque tiles are uniquely shaped tiles designed to fit together neatly. These tiles vary in exact shape, though most arabesque tiles incorporate curved lines rather than straight ones.
Diamond: Diamond tiles are some of the more versatile options, as they can be placed in several different positions in relation to each other and still fit together neatly with no gaps. You can stagger them for an argyle-like design or place three of them in a hexagonal shape to give your backsplash a unique, almost three-dimensional appearance.
Subway: Equal parts trendy and retro, subway tile designs incorporate lines of rectangular tiles that are neatly staggered. Traditional subway tiles are 3" x 6", though you can use any rectangular tiles with 1:2 proportions. Subway tiles can be used in farmhouse kitchens, industrial bathrooms, and more. If you want your subway tiles to really stand out, consider installing them using contrasting grout.
Brick: Brick backsplash tiles resemble the subway design in that they incorporate staggered rectangular backsplash tiles, except that the proportions of the rectangular tiles may not be an exact 1:2 ratio.
Linear: Long, rectangular tiles characterize linear backsplash designs. The rows of tile may or may not be staggered and may or may not incorporate tiles of different lengths. The finished look is more elegant and detailed than the finished look of subway or brick backsplash tile designs.
Herringbone/Chevron: Herringbone and chevron backsplash tile designs are made up of long, rectangular or diamond tiles that are oriented in zigzags rather than straight lines.
Grid: Don't want to deal with evenly lining up dozens of square tiles one by one? Opt for grid mosaic sheets where all you need to do to create a gorgeous grid backsplash is place the pre-set tile sheets beside each other.
Honeycomb: Likewise, if you'd like to incorporate hexagonal tiles in your tile backsplash but don't have the time or energy to align each hexagonal tile individually, a honeycomb mosaic tile sheet design is the solution for you.
Penny Round: Penny-round tiles are some of the smallest tiles available (and thus, are some of the most tedious to install individually). Save yourself tons of time by opting for mosaic penny-round tile sheets instead of individual ones.
Basket-Weave: Basket-weave tile designs incorporate long, rectangular tiles that are placed to look almost like they're weaving over each other, hence the name. Small contrasting square tiles fill the spaces between the rectangular tiles.
Octagon & Dot: Effortlessly retro, octagon-and-dot tile designs incorporate octagonal tiles with small squares (the "dots") placed along four edges of each octagon. Most octagon-and-dot backsplash tile designs use white octagonal tiles and black square tiles, though other color options are available as well.
From glaze type to shine level, the tile finish can be an important factor when choosing the best backsplash tile for your kitchen or bathroom.
Glaze Type
Unglazed: If you want the natural texture of your ceramic or natural stone backsplash tile to really stand out, opt for unglazed. Despite being unglazed, most of these tiles have been professionally sealed for durability and moisture resistance.
Glazed: Glaze can add vibrant color and shine to ceramic and stone tile. Fused to the clay by being fired in a kiln, hardy glaze can also improve some backsplash tiles' water resistance and durability.
Shine Level
Glossy/Polished: If you're unsure yet what material you'd like best for your tile backsplash but know you want it to shine in the sunlight, browse our selection of glossy/polished backsplash tiles. Some polishes and sealants can even improve a tile's durability, depending on its material.
Matte: Muted and modern, matte backsplash tile has an understated refinement with which polished backsplash tile just can't compare. If you're looking for smooth tiles that won't reflect any light, matte backsplash tiles are the way to go.
Satin/Honed: Satin or honed backsplash tile, also called semigloss backsplash tile, has a shine level that is between matte and polished; it doesn't glint or sparkle, but it also doesn't look flat in the daylight. It has a subtle shine to it that adds dimension to a space without too much glitz.
Special Finishes
Textured: Textured backsplash tile can instantly make a space feel more compelling. Unlike patterned tile, which can sometimes steal the show, textured tile has a more subtle beauty that will make the room look more dynamic without becoming its focal point.
Frosted: Typical of glass backsplash tile, frosted finishes can give tiles depth without introducing too much texture or detail to their surface. Some frosted backsplash tile is in-your-face retro, while other options are less noticeable.
Mirrored: If you really want your backsplash to amplify light, mirrored tile is the choice for you. Not only does it reflect light, but it can also create the illusion that your space is larger than it actually is, an invaluable benefit for small kitchens or bathrooms.
Iridescent: If ethereal beauty is what you seek, iridescent tiles can't be outdone. These tiles capture light in a uniquely brilliant way, shining in different colors depending on the angle at which the light hits them.
