We chose a subway tile for our new backsplash and need some help about it’s application. Tile is longer than traditional subway tile–I think it’s 3x10. New kitchen is what I’d call transitional–a blend of traditional and modern/contemporary styling–simple white cabinets (think Shaker, but not really), navy island, clean lines, stainless appliances, brushed chrome contemporary kitchen faucet, simple brushed chrome cabinet hardware, very contemporary stainless/glass hood vent. Tile is a pale gray with matching grout. Granite is white with gray veining and small, deep burgundy/rust flecks (It’s called ‘River White’.) I was tempted to go with a granite slab for the backsplash but chose not to spend the extra money. I visualize a simple, crisp, clean look…
I’m thinking I might like to horizontally stack the tiles rather than stagger them, as is more traditional. I’ve read stacking lends a more contemporary tone, which I would welcome. I’m feeling unsure about it and must admit I haven’t seen this done in many kitchens. (Online research, yes–in person, not so much.) I’ve seen more stacked subway tile in Europe than I’ve seen here at home. Suppose it’s always possible I just haven’t noticed…
It’s not a big backsplash–under cabinets that flank the sink and a small (+/-2 ft) landing area next to the 'fridge–countertop to bottom of cabinets. (FWIW, tile guy describes it as a ‘small job’ and says he’d stack if it was his own kitchen. Kitchen designer says stacking would look fine but it’s my call.)
A few thoughts/questions: Will it look too ‘different’? Should I just stagger the tile since it’s more commonly seen… Will stacking distract from a simple, clean look? What am I missing? Am I overthinking it? Wondering if any of my CC ‘consultants’ have stacked their tile and if they like it? Feedback welcome! Thanks~
I think either way will be a simple, clean look. With matching grout I don’t think the pattern will be very noticeable. Traditional staggered subway tiles are always appropriate but do what you like best.
We staggered, but it’s really a matter of choice. I would do epoxy grout no matter what you do. It’s much easier to care for in a kitchen than traditional grout. It is a pain to do though.
I personally epoxy grouted a shower. It was not as bad as it is portrayed, but even if it costs you some extra, it will be worth it in the long run. I would never use regular grout anywhere in my house.
I love the stacked look and think it looks cleaner. With that sais, you - or your installer - may find that the space isn’t quite plumb enough or that there are too many odd areas to work around to do this. I would definitely ask first and find out where they will end up having to cut tiles and how.
We are in the midst of updating our kitchen and this is how our new tile backsplash lookS. The cabinets will be painted white and the island will be navy so you might want to zoom in on backsplash
Looks nice, @harding! OP, look at area under window, for example. You will end up with a long sliver there. It can be done, but it may not have quite the look you expect. You can also consider running your tiles vertically – it may get you around problem areas.
My friend did a stacked subway in her new kitchen and it looks great. Definitely more contemporary. From what you described, it sounds like stacked would work great in your new kitchen!
I have done both. Old house was from 1918 and I did running bond (staggered.) Current house is 1953 and I did stacked. Neither house was plumb, and it was not a problem in either case. Easy to install, I did it myself. Used regular grout then sealed grout with a sealer. Have not resealed and grout still looks new 7 years later. Trust your gut on this. Worst case is you end up not liking it, you spend a day chipping it out, and you re-do it. But I really doubt that will happen. Don’t think about resale value, the next person may want something totally different anyway.
Here is my thought - if you do stacked it draws your eyes up and down - if you do staggered if draws your eyes horizontally - which way would work best with your space?
If there are lots of other linear elements in the kitchen, then staggered might add a very subtle interesting texture (I say subtle because grout will be matching) and that might have more visual appeal than the added modernity of stacked (I say this as a 100% modernist - I have stacked in kids’ shower but staggered in kitchen backsplash and I don’t regret not stacking). There are times I tend to be rigid and always choose the most geometric/linear/modern option available but I think inspired designers know when to choose “hygge” elements. For example the chunky sweater weave pattern in a rug or blanket when used in a modern room. I think staggered could add something like that for you.
Yea, it’s not challenging per se…unless you don’t read the directions. My tile guy grouted like he was using traditional grout, covering too much area. When he came back to wipe, it had dried. It was a big challenge for him to get it off. My take…follow the directions like you did and it’s not that different.
A backsplash is horizontally oriented, so I think running bond (staggered) will look better. For vertical spaces like showers and large walls, stacked would be a more serious alternative.
Another consideration is the type of tile. For a traditional ceramic running bond looks better especially for white tiles. For glass tile, or colored/textured tiles, those look good both staggered and stacked.
Also adding that stacked to me gives a modern monolithic look to a space, which works well on a large rectangular wall (like a shower) but not so much on a small wide narrow space with multiple height and length variances like a backsplash where many tiles will end up getting cut, detracting from the monolithic look.
Stacked to me looks modern. I always notice it and finding it slightly distracting - in an “Oh look! I’m doing something unusual here!” sort of way. Staggered just disappears. So if you want to make a statement with the backsplash by all means stack them. If your kitchen is more traditional in feel I’d definitely go with staggered.
. New kitchen table chandelier is my favorite
My tile guy grouted like he was using traditional grout, covering too much area. When he came back to wipe, it had dried. It was a big challenge for him to get it off. My take…follow the directions like you did and it’s not that different. 