Surround Tile

Decorative and functional

Tile is one of the most durable materials you can use in your new bathroom design. Tiles are made from many different materials into many sizes and colors, giving homeowners almost limitless options to work with. Designers love to use this material and will be thrilled that you’re willing to spend a little extra money up front to have a better product that will last longer in the end.

In the old days, backsplashes (also called surrounds) were typically restricted to surrounding the tub and the sink with 4 inches of protection. Now, they’re used just about anywhere and often cover areas that splashes will never reach.

Variety

Tiles in ceramic, glass, clay and various stones and stone composites provide a huge variety of colors for a designer to work with. Different thicknesses and textures add interesting flow and movement to backsplash designs. Tiles can provide an earthy Tuscan look or a sleek modern look.

A backsplash can be an arrangement of tiny tiles or a simple line of larger ones, or a mixture of both. This gives designers a chance to lay out patterns and pictures within the tiles that are virtually unachievable with other materials. Borders can be added to frame the tiles, or specialty tiles can be inset for a unique look.

Grout

The grout you choose to fill your tile backsplash can change the look of the finished product, too. Different colors and textures of this spacing material give different effects, as does the thickness of the grout line. Some grouts are more stone-like and others are epoxy-based, but they all finish the look of the tiles.

Grout Care

Backsplash grout must be cleaned and sealed regularly to prevent mold and mildew growth and / or grout deterioration. Cement-style grout is particularly vulnerable to powdering over time and wearing down to risk the strength of your tiles. Routine cleaning can be done with a household cleaner that will remove soap scum and other bathroom buildup. There are industrial-strength grout cleaners available commercially for deeper cleaning. Depending on the quality of the sealer you use and the traffic your tile sees, you may have to reseal your grout annually.