Grape Kitchen Wall Tiles

Sometimes the addition of grape kitchen wall tiles or murals can quickly warm up the look of a kitchen backsplash. Be sure to select your tiles carefully in order to get a tile that will provide both beauty and functionality for many years to come.

Grapes are a common detail in kitchen tiles.

Grape kitchen wall tiles are used as a way to add a wine or Italian theme to a kitchen decor. A few decorated tiles can be used to accent solid color tiles in a kitchen backsplash. For a more dramatic focal point, a group of painted tiles can be included into a mural over the stove or kitchen sink.

Grape design tiles are available in stock in many different styles, colors and materials. The tiles typically are painted with a neutral background color, with the actual grape design added last. The tiles are then coated for durability.

Some tiles are decorated with decals instead of paint. The printing of the decals provides a very clear, high intensity color on the tile. The downside to tiles with decals is that the decal may eventually degrade – either discolor, bubble, crack or peel – due to cleaning, water and the heat of the kitchen.

If you don't see what you want in stock while you are tile shopping, just ask. Tiles can also be custom-painted either as accent tiles or in a grouping for a mural. The design can be provided by the artist or can be developed from an image provided by the homeowner.

The tiles can be found in any of the typical materials for kitchen wall tiles:

• Ceramic – glossy, satin and matte
• Porcelain – glossy or matte
• Marble– tumbled to provide a rustic look

Look for tiles that are sealed to protect them against water. The specifications of the tiles will typically show the tiles as being either:

• Impervious – Tiles will absorb less than .5 percent of water.
• Vitreous – Tiles will absorb less than .05 percent of the water to which the tile is exposed.

If the tile is going to be used near the stove, it is also important to make sure the tile is coated. Coated tiles can be more easily cleaned and are less likely to absorb oils and steam from cooking.

Grape kitchen wall tiles are relatively easy to find. Remodeling stores, tile stores and online merchants have a wide variety of tile designs. An even wider assortment is usually available by special order. Be sure you understand the retailer's return policy on stock and special order items, including whether they pay for the return shipping. Tile is very heavy, so it is expensive to ship.

You might want to start your research close to home at a local home supply store or by talking to a tile specialist at a home or bath remodeling store. After a few conversations you will be knowledgeable about the type of tiles you need for your project, the best sources for grape-themed tiles, the pros and cons of making this a do-it-yourself project and the approximate cost of the project. With this basic knowledge you can then go out and finalize your decision on which tiles you are going to purchase and who is going to install them.

A large home supply store such as Lowe's is a good place to start your research. You can see and feel the various types of tiles. If you don't find a grape-design tile you like, you can also review the special order opportunities they have with their vendors. For example, you may find a background color tile in stock but you will need to order the actual grape wall tiles. Or, they may have grape-design tiles in stock but you want to special order grape vine border tiles.

After a little research you will know enough to obtain a rough estimate for the cost of your tiling project. Thinking of doing the project yourself? Lowe's offers free installation classes. They also offer free referrals to contractors who have proven their tiling experience and customer service.

This Northeastern United States vendor offers many tile showrooms to provide you with a variety of grape-design ideas. They can show you several vendors who offer a grape-motif tile as well as alternative ways to use the tiles in your project. Using a specialty tile store like The Tile Shop can also be a good source for design ideas. They can suggest grape-themed murals as well as solid backgrounds with grape-design accent tiles and borders.

The Tile Shop supplies tiles, tools and supplies for both contractors and do-it-yourselfers.

The online Pacifica Tile Art Studio has an extensive assortment of tile murals and backsplashes. In addition to their stock designs they are also able to create custom designs using other designs and colors.

Artist Linda Paul recreates her original paintings on natural marble stone tile at LindaPaul.com. The tiles are sealed to maintain the image and to provide an easily-cleanable surface. Stock designs are available and in stock. She will also design custom mural designs and sizes. If you would prefer single tiles instead of a mural, 4" by 4" accent tiles are also available.

The Tile Mural Store is an online supplier of painted tile murals. The murals can be orderered in a variety of tile surfaces including:

• Smooth surface ceramic
• Textured surface porcelain
• Rustic tumbled marble times

The murals are typically designed in 4" by 4" tiles. The overall size of the mural can be resized to fit any special needs of the project.

Be sure to purchase extra tiles in the background color. These extra background tiles can come in handy if a tile is damaged or has to be replaced for any reason. The extra tiles can also be used to fill in a blank area created by a future appliance replacement or kitchen remodeling. By purchasing the tiles when the project is first installed you are assured of matching tiles to be used for any future fill-in needs. If you never need the tiles you can always use them as trivets or as coasters to protect your table tops against moisture.

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