Subway, Glass or Cement Tile? Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash
The best backsplash tile depends on the look you want, how you cook and how much cleaning you want to do. Here is how the most popular choices compare, from a tile setter who installs all of them.
By Steve & Angelo, Tile & Stone Installation · Published September 29, 2026
Which backsplash tile is best?
For most kitchens, ceramic or porcelain subway tile is the safest choice: it is affordable, easy to clean and never goes out of style. Glass tile adds shine and reflects light, which suits smaller or darker kitchens. Cement and patterned tile make a bold statement but need sealing. Natural stone such as travertine or marble gives a warm, high-end look but also needs sealing and gentler cleaners. Whatever you choose, the installation makes the difference: centered layouts, straight grout lines and clean cuts around outlets and windows.
We install all of these in kitchens across Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Camarillo. See our kitchen backsplash installation page for more of our work.
Quick comparison
- Ceramic & porcelain subwayLowest upkeep, classic look, works in any style.
- Glass tile & mosaicsBright and reflective; cuts must be precise because every edge shows.
- Cement & patterned tileBold patterns; needs sealing and careful pattern layout.
- Marble & travertineWarm, natural look; needs sealing and pH-neutral cleaners.
- Zellige & handmade-lookUneven, glossy character; grout lines are part of the design.
Which backsplash is easiest to keep clean?
Glazed ceramic, porcelain and glass are the easiest backsplashes to clean; natural stone and cement need the most care. Behind a busy range, grease and splatter land on both the tile and the grout. Glazed tile wipes clean with a damp cloth. Stone and cement are porous, so they need a sealer when installed and resealing every so often, and harsh cleaners can etch marble.
Grout matters as much as tile. Narrow grout joints and a stain-resistant grout make any backsplash easier to live with. We will talk through grout color and joint size with you before we start, since that choice changes the finished look more than most people expect.
Low care to high care
- Glass tileNon-porous; wipes clean.
- Glazed ceramic & porcelainNon-porous surface; grout is the only upkeep.
- ZelligeGlazed face, but wider grout joints to keep clean.
- Cement tilePorous; sealed at install and resealed over time.
- Marble & travertinePorous and acid-sensitive; seal and use gentle cleaners.
What makes a backsplash look professionally installed?
A professional backsplash is planned before the first tile goes up. The pattern is centered on the range or sink so the cuts on each end match, grout lines line up with the counters and cabinets, and tile ends cleanly at the edge of the counter with a finished trim or a straight, factory edge. Outlets are cut around neatly, and the joint where the tile meets the countertop is sealed with caulk, not grout, so it can flex.
Many kitchens also have a feature behind the range: a stone medallion, a diamond accent or a panel of patterned tile. Those are some of our favorite details to build. If you are also replacing the counters or floor, our stone and countertop work lets you plan it all as one project.
Signs of a quality install
- Centered layoutEqual cuts on both ends of the wall.
- Straight, even grout linesLevel with the counter and cabinets.
- Clean edgesFinished trim or clean tile edges at the ends.
- Tight cuts at outletsCovered by the plate, with no gaps.
- Caulked counter jointFlexible seal where tile meets countertop.
Kitchen Backsplashes We've Installed
Backsplash FAQs
Can you tile over my old backsplash?
No. We do not set new tile over old tile. We remove the old backsplash and repair the wall so the new tile sits flat and bonds properly.
How long does a backsplash take to install?
Most kitchen backsplashes take one to three days, including setting and grouting. Mosaics, patterns and stone take longer than standard subway tile.
Can I buy my own tile?
Yes. Many customers choose and buy their own tile. We are happy to look at your choice first and tell you how much to order.
Do you also tile kitchen floors?
Yes. See our tile floor page for kitchen floors and other high-traffic areas.
How much does a backsplash cost?
It depends on the size of the wall, the tile and the pattern. Estimates are available on request; text a photo of your kitchen to 805-341-5986.
Planning a New Backsplash?
Text a photo of your kitchen and the tile you like to Steve & Angelo. We will tell you what it takes to do it right.