Kitchen backsplashes not only protect your walls from water damage and stains, but they add style and visual interest to your kitchen. With so many backsplash options to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to buy your new kitchen backsplash. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the major retailers, online stores, and specialty tile shops to consider when shopping for kitchen backsplash tile and materials.
Overview of Backsplash Options
Before deciding specifically where to purchase your backsplash, it’s helpful to understand the different backsplash materials and options available. Here’s a quick overview:
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is one of the most popular choices for kitchen backsplashes. It comes in a vast array of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns. Ceramic tiles are durable, easy to clean, and provide a high-end finished look. Subway tiles, mosaics, and decorative tiles are common ceramic backsplash options.
Stone Tile
Backsplashes made of natural stone like marble, travertine, slate, or granite tiles add natural beauty and texture. Stone tiles come in an array of colors and finishes. They are more expensive than ceramic, but provide a luxurious, high-end look.
Glass Tile
Glass backsplash tiles make a gorgeous contemporary statement. Available in unlimited colors, textures, and degrees of opacity, glass tiles have a luminous, shiny appearance. Glass tile backsplashes make the kitchen feel bright and spacious.
Metal Tile
Metal backsplashes provide an industrial, sleek look. Made from materials like stainless steel, tin, copper, or aluminum, metal tiles have a unique shiny, metallic appearance. Metal backsplashes work especially well with professional-grade appliances.
Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tiles use small, individual tile pieces to form an intricate pattern or image. Mosaics come in ceramic, glass, or stone. The many grout lines create visual interest. Mosaic tiles work well for backsplashes because of their small scale.
Brick, Wood Planks, and Other Materials
In addition to tile, some other creative backsplash options include reclaimed wood planks, faux brick, penny tiles, mirrored tiles, and peel & stick backsplash panels. Get creative with materials to make your backsplash uniquely you!
Now that you know the most common backsplash materials, let’s explore the best places to shop for your new kitchen backsplash.
Big Box Stores
For convenient one-stop shopping, big box home improvement stores likely have the largest selection of backsplash tile and materials in stock at affordable prices.
The Home Depot
With over 2,200 home improvement stores across the US, The Home Depot is a prime spot to shop for backsplash tile. They have an impressive selection of ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, and other backsplash tiles. Convenient online shopping and in-store pickup is available.
The Home Depot’s in-house brand Hampton Bay offers a wide range of backsplash collections like subway tile, glass mosaics, marble, and metal tiles at budget-friendly prices. Name brands like MSI, Daltile, and Emser are also sold. Shoppers can view tiles by color, material, style, pattern, and finish to find the perfect backsplash.
Knowledgeable sales associates in the tile department can also help you calculate how much tile is needed for your project. Shoppers can even take home tile samples to visualize options.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s has over 2,000 home improvement stores across North America stocked with backsplash tile options. They sell an assortment of ceramic, porcelain, glass, mosaic, metal, and stone backsplash tile collections. Brands carried include Daltile, American Olean, MSI International, Merola Tile, and StonePeak Ceramics.
Lowe’s website makes it easy to shop for backsplash tile online and filter selections by material, color, finish, style, and availability. Order online for in-store pickup or delivery. Their mobile app also simplifies shopping on the go.
In-store designers can provide backsplash design ideas and recommendations. Take advantage of Lowe’s in-home and in-store design consultations. Installation services for backsplashes are also available.
Tile Specialty Shops
For unique, specialty tiles not found at big box stores, visit a tile-focused retailer. These specialty shops offer an unparalleled selection of high-quality tiles for backsplashes and beyond.
Tile Shop
With over 155 locations across the US, Tile Shop is North America’s leading tile specialty retailer. They have an incredible selection of ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, mosaic, and stone tiles for kitchen backsplashes. Unique artisan-crafted tiles and designer collections are available. Brands include Jeffrey Court, Ann Sacks, Methis, and Crossville.
Shoppers can view the vast inventory online and order samples. Tile Shop offers design consultations, professional installation, and knowledgeable customer service. Their Inspiration Studio helps visualize how tiles will look installed.
Bedrosians Tile & Stone
Family-owned Bedrosians Tile & Stone, established in 1948, is a leading specialty tile retailer on the West Coast. With showrooms across California, Bedrosians offers a vast collection of ceramic, glass, metal, mosaic, porcelain, and stone backsplash tiles. Designer brands available include Heath Ceramics, Waterworks, and Ann Sacks.
Online shopping, design services, and installation options make the backsplash process seamless. View tile collections online, then visit a showroom to see tiles in person. Residential and commercial services are available.
Arizona Tile
Founded in 1977, Arizona Tile has over 20 showrooms stocked with quality ceramic, glass, metal, mosaic, porcelain, quartzite, and stone tiles for kitchen backsplashes. With locations across the Southwest in AZ, CA, NV, NM, and TX, they sell high-end tiles from brands like Ann Sacks, Artistic Tile, Walker Zanger, and Waterworks.
Arizona Tile’s website has each location’s inventory visible online. Shoppers can purchase tile online, in stores, or via phone. Sample loans, design services, and installation options are offered. They also carry unique artisan tiles from around the world.
Online Retailers
Online-only backsplash tile stores provide added convenience by delivering tiles right to your door. Buying backsplash tile online provides access to specialty collections that may not be locally available.
Wayfair
At Wayfair, shoppers can browse thousands of backsplash tile options from the comfort of home. Filter by material, color, size, and style. Ceramic, glass, marble, mosaic, metal, and subway tiles are available at every budget point. Designer brands include Merola Tile, Emser Tile, MSI International, Jeffrey Court, and Daltile.
View tile sizes and colors vividly in the online product photos. Order samples to view at home. Wayfair provides free shipping on most purchases. Their mobile app also makes designing and shopping for backsplashes easy.
Overstock
Overstock.com sells affordable ceramic, glass, marble, metal, mosaic, and subway tiles for kitchen backsplashes. Shop by material, shape, and pattern. Designer brands like Jeffery Court and Emser Tile are offered at discounted prices.
Order up to 6 free tile samples to see quality and colors. Read customer reviews on the site to help guide purchasing decisions. Overstock provides free shipping on orders over $45. They also have an easy online guide for calculating how much tile is needed.
BuildDirect
BuildDirect has a wide variety of backsplash tiles available for order online including ceramic, glass, marble, metal and subway tile. Their Metro Collection and Stacked options are very popular choices. Brands carried include Daltile, Jeffrey Court, and Emser.
Shoppers can order samples and visualize products using BuildDirect’s Room Visualizer tool. Order tracking and discounted shipping rates are also provided. Read their detailed buying guides on picking the perfect backsplash tile.
Local Tile Showrooms
Unique artisan tiles are often found at smaller, local tile showrooms. These specialty retailers offer customized service and expertise. Purchasing tile in person allows you to get a true sense of colors, textures, and quality before committing.
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Visiting local tile showrooms can uncover that one-of-a-kind backsplash. You also get personalized service. Just be sure to call ahead since smaller retailers may not keep their entire inventory on the showroom floor.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
While DIY backsplash installation is achievable for many, hiring a professional tiling company has advantages:
Benefits of DIY Installation:
- More affordable
- Total control over project
- Learn a new skill
Benefits of Hiring a Pro:
- Ensures proper installation
- No need to buy tools or supplies
- Saves time and hassle
- Get advice on tile choices
Regardless of whether you DIY or hire out, be sure to thoroughly research proper installation techniques and safety precautions. Patience and attention to detail are musts!
Where to Buy Backsplash for Kitchen – FAQs
How much does a kitchen backsplash cost?
The cost of a kitchen backsplash can range widely from $500 to $5,000+, depending on the size of your kitchen, tile material chosen, and whether you DIY or hire a pro. Simple subway tile backsplashes start around $5/sq.ft. More intricate designs in stone, glass or metal tile cost $50/sq.ft and up.
What tiles are best for kitchen backsplashes?
The most popular backsplash tile materials are ceramic, porcelain, glass, and stone because they are durable, easy to clean, and water-resistant. Subway tile, mosaics, marble, and metal tiles are top choices. The style you choose depends on your kitchen’s decor.
How do I choose a backsplash color?
Pick a backsplash color that complements your cabinetry, countertops, flooring and overall kitchen decor. Neutral colors like white, gray and beige provide flexibility. If your cabinetry is neutral, opt for a bold, colorful backsplash. For dark cabinets, choose a lighter tile.
How long does it take to install a kitchen backsplash?
DIY backsplash installation typically takes 2-3 days. Hiring a professional tiling company can cut installation time down to 1-2 days. The total time depends on the tile size, complexity of the design, and square footage being covered.
Can you install a backsplash over existing tile?
It is possible to install a new backsplash over existing backsplash tile. The old tile must be firmly attached to the wall and smoothed with filler if necessary. Be sure to use a high-quality tile adhesive meant for going over existing surfaces.
Conclusion
Determining where to buy your dream backsplash involves considering the tile style, materials, cost, and retailers that meet your needs. With an array of options from big box stores to specialty tile shops, the choices can feel endless. Spend time looking at backsplash photos and samples to zero in on your perfect style. Carefully measure your kitchen and use a tile calculator to determine how much you need. Stick within your budget and project abilities to ensure success. With the right backsplash tile and some careful planning, you’ll have a kitchen you love.