Make a splash in the kitchen with colorful backsplashes

[Huligar]

It's a quick, easy and fairly inexpensive way to change the look of a well-used room.

August 6, 2006

Updating the kitchen backsplash is becoming a popular and easy way to add a new, sophisticated look to kitchens, according to the experts at do ityourself.com.

When you are creating a kitchen backsplash, consider these materials: ceramic or porcelain tiles, natural stone tiles, glass tiles, metal tiles, faux painting or durable wall paper and stainless steel.




Adding colorful tiles to the backsplash opens up many creative possibilities. Experimenting with different color tones, for example, can dramatically liven up the space in a simple, inexpensive way.



Marble and granite are the most popular natural stone choices, says James Mahoney, one of the doityourself.com experts. "Marble captures more detail than granite and, since it is a softer stone, it is good for applications like kitchen backsplashes," he adds.



In country-themed kitchens, metal tiles can work quite well, says Mahoney. "The tiles can be installed as the entire surface from counter to the bottom of the cabinets. Brushed aluminum tiles are good for modern or 1950s retro-design kitchens. Metal tiles should match the color of the faucets and lighting," he says.

Easy-to-clean and scratch-resistant glass tiles are new. These textured tiles are usually installed between the cabinets and counters.

Durable and washable wallpaper is a tried-and true backsplash option. It requires little effort, and prepasted wallpaper has made the materials easier for novices to apply. To maintain, gently wipe clean after messy cooking chores are completed.

Stainless-steel backsplashes add a modern look to kitchens. The sleek lines work well with stainless-steel appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers. They are easy to clean and stain-resistant.

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.