Tiles have found a use in the kitchen environment as a wall covering for many years.
As an option for helping to create a picturesque, bright, and above all hygienic environment they have many advantages over other systems like wallpaper or bare wall.
The tiles are generally made from ceramic or porcelain material and are often finished with a glaze which adds a sheen to the surface appearance.
The history of kitchen wall tiles For thousands of years tiles have been used in human culture as a device with which to create beautiful living spaces.
Evidence of this can be found in Egyptian ruins, sites in ancient Babylon and Greek historical areas.
Decorative tiling had its first major flourish and variety in application in Persia (Arabia, Southern Europe and North Africa) during the Islamic period where great value and beauty were placed in geometric tile compositions which often used bold colours and intricate design, sometimes spanning entire rooms.
That so many examples of these tile displays have survived to modern times is an indication of their longevity.
It wasn't until the 12th century that tiles became popular in Europe, starting with Renaissance Italy then spreading through Bavaria to Germany, the Netherlands and England.
The benefits of tiles in the kitchen Kitchen wall tiles offer many advantages over alternative kitchen surfaces.
Firstly ceramic tiles naturally contain no substances harmful to health.
During the production process the tiles are fired at a high temperature.
This seals the clay's natural pores and generates a closed surface, making it almost impenetrable.
As a result the tiles are odourless and resist odour absorption from the atmosphere.
Linked to this is an ability to resist absorbing liquids or be stained by foodstuffs.
Wall tiles are easy to clean and have a high durability and resistance to fracturing.
Kitchen wall tiles can unite the colour scheme of a room, adding a gloss to the kitchen and a great opportunity for creative flair.
In small kitchens, lightly coloured tiles that have a gloss finish will reflect the available light in the room and give the impression of a larger space.
Installation and maintenance Installing kitchen wall tiles is an easier process than most would imagine.
The only critical point of consideration is whether the surface the tiles are mounted to will be able to take the tiles' combined weight.
The surface that will receive the tiles needs to be roughened to ensure a good bond with the adhesive used to fix the tiles in place.
Plastic spaces can be used to give an even spacing across the whole area, and a professional level of finish.
These spaces are then covered over in the application of grout to the tile spacing and wall edges, helping to seal of the tile from the environment.
The kitchen air is not affected by either the kitchen tile adhesive or the grout used during installation, making it a non-hazardous process.
It is suggested that whole tiles be used, but individual tiles can be cut to a specific height relatively easily.