How to Choose a Kitchen Tile Backsplash on a Tight Budget
The tiles you choose for your kitchen backsplash add style and color to your room as well as protect the walls above your sink and stove. Backsplash tiles come in a variety of styles and materials, which are available at many different price points. While designer backsplashes can be quite expensive, it is possible to get a stylish look on a tight budget if you are careful with the materials you choose and are creative with the placement of the tiles. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Set yourself a budget and stick to it. It is easy to fall in love with an expensive tile sample when visiting a tile store. If you know what price point you're looking for before you start shopping you will be less likely to exceed your budget.
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Draw out a kitchen plan and determine how much wall space needs to be tiled. Some kitchen designs feature a backsplash that reaches all the way to the ceiling on the wall behind the stove while others have a strip that only reaches six inches high. You can choose a slightly more expensive tile if you have less space to fill.
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Purchase tile made of porcelain or ceramic. Ceramic tile that measures six square inches tends to be less expensive than smaller mosaic tile. Materials like glass, metal and natural stone are usually more expensive than ceramic. You can also save money by varying the colors of your tiles, as the price can go up if you try to match solid colors perfectly.
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Position expensive hand-crafted or stone tiles as a focal point in your backsplash. Buy a limited number of these pricier tiles and put them directly above your stove or sink. Surround them with less expensive plain ceramic tiles.
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Break leftover or discounted tile into pieces to create a mosaic look. Any ceramic material will work with this technique, including old plates or dishes. If you do not have enough material on hand to make a broken mosaic, call a local kitchen decor shop and ask if they will give your their discarded samples or cast-offs. You can also find old dishes, and in some cases ceramic tiles, at thrift stores and yard sales.
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Tips & Warnings
You can save money if you do the tiling work yourself rather than hiring a contractor.
Look for sales and reduced prices on discontinued tiles at your local hardware store.
References
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