Tile School: Tile vs Glass in the Kitchen, Which is Best For You?

Tile shown: 3 x 6 in Sky Blue; Image: Paul Dyer: Design: Eco + Historical Homes

*Please note that we have discontinued our Glass tile.

In today’s world of renovation, the kitchen backsplash has been the focal point for creativity and expression. Unlike floors and countertops, backsplashes don’t have to endure much more than the occasional splatter from the stove top or bump from the toaster. This means you don’t have to consider as many variables when it comes to choosing tile for your backsplash, giving you a lot more flexibility and creative license when choosing a design.

Tile is a popular solution for kitchen backsplashes because of its diverse design options and low maintenance. The hardest part about choosing a tile backsplash? Deciding on the one you want. Here, we’re going to dissect the pros and cons between our ceramic Tile and glass product lines to help you determine which might be the best option for you.

Learn the 6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Tile Backsplash

Ceramic Tile in the Kitchen Pros

1. Our ceramic Tile is an affordable backsplash solution that still gives you the ability to customize and design according to your style. At only $18.00 (for our Foundations Collection) per square foot, it can cover a larger area at the fraction of the price of Glass.
2. With over 100 colors and 30 patterns to choose from, our ceramic Tile offers a lot of room for creativity that isn’t possible with other types of tile.
3. Naturally water and heat-resistant, tile is prized for its durability. When maintained correctly, it’s easy to clean in the face of water, hot grease, and cleaning solution.
4. Although we will always recommend hiring a professional to install your tile for best results, ceramic Tile is very DIY-friendly if you’re up to the task. Just make sure you do plenty of research and are prepared with the right tools.
5. If your backsplash transitions into the wall or is turning a corner, we offer tile trim options in every style for a seamless installation. Its also customizable to suit your needs (get in touch with one of our Design Consultant for details).
6. Our Recycled Tile is made of locally sourced materials and is handcrafted in our Aromas, CA. factory.

Tile shown: Ogee Drop in White Wash; Image: Shooting LA; Design: AIH Development

Ceramic Tile in the Kitchen Cons

1. The handmade nature of our ceramic Tile will inevitably result in some variation. We’ve noted the degree of variation on a scale of v1 (low) to v4 (high). Some of our shoppers love the artisanal look this creates. However, you should keep it into consideration when envisioning your installation.
2. Even though it’s feasible to install tile on your own, we recommend hiring a professional, especially if the design features an intricate pattern. This will increase the cost of your installation, so make sure you factor it in into your budget.

Image: Malcolm Fearon Photography

Glass Tile in the Kitchen Pros

1. Aesthetically, Glass tile offers a fresh, contemporary look that feels clean and modern. Its glossy surface reflects the light to visualize expand the space, making it a great design solution for smaller kitchens. Each and every glass is hand-poured so it gives you a chic yet artisanal look.
2. Mosaics are gaining traction in the design world. Try our Mosaic Tool now.
3. Glass is less porous than ceramic Tile. It’s easy to clean and will stand up to water and hot grease that might splatter from the stove top.

Glass shown: 2 x 4 in Dew Drop, Forget Me Not, Spearmint, and Plankton; Image: Dan Cutrona; Design: Nicole Goldman at g Green Design Center

Glass Tile in the Kitchen Cons

1. Although it’s water-resistant, it’s translucent surface will make grease spots and marks more prominent. If you’re not one to clean your kitchen weekly, then you might want to opt for ceramic tile.
2. When it comes to tile, Glass can veer on the more expensive side. Our glass tile starts at $35 per square foot, while ceramic tile starts at about $10 per square foot. If you find that a Glass tile exceeds your budget but there’s one that you absolutely love, consider incorporating into your design as an accent to bump down the overall price.
3. You’ll need to hire a professional installer to install your glass tile, which is another expense to consider when choosing a glass tile backsplash.

Still need help figuring out which Fireclay product is best for your tile project? Simply call, chat, or fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you shortly.