Few additions to your kitchen or bath add more color and variety than a glass tile backsplash. Furthermore, few installations fit the particulars of glass tile better than backsplashes for sinks and countertops. Most glass tile is manufactured in smaller, mosaic type tiles. While this makes glass tile installations particularly vibrant and colorful, it also makes them one of the most time-consuming and challenging tiles to lay down. It's why backsplashes and countertops are two of the best uses of glass tile. They are wonderful ways to display your new glass tile, yet because they are smaller projects, your glass tile backsplash or countertop won't take the rest of your life to install.
Glass Tile Backsplash Design
There are so many different ways to use glass tile on backsplashes and countertops that it's often hard for homeowners to choose which method will look best in their home. Multi-colored, glass mosaic tile is probably the most popular choice because it adds vibrancy and life to any room. Single color tiling projects shouldn't be overlooked, however. A modestly colored backsplash made of narrow, alternating glass tiles can be just as attractive, especially if you're looking for something a little more understated. Finally, the small size of many glass tiles makes these tiles perfect for mixing and matching with other tiling materials, such as stone, ceramic, metal, and even cork. If you're still feeling stumped when it comes to design, visit some websites of the most prominent glass tile manufacturers, such as Oceanside glass tile, to get a taste of some of the most cutting edge tile design in the industry.
Glass Tile Types
Besides basic backsplash and countertop design, you'll also need to choose between different tile types for your new tile installation. Glass tile comes in an almost infinite range of colors and shapes and in many different types of glass as well. Bubble glass tile, for example, is made by trapping air bubbles in the glass during the manufacturing process. The bubbles give the tile character, texture, and a less formal appearance than other glass varieties. Glass tile sheets make installation easier by pre-gluing mosaic glass tile designs to easy to install sheet backing. And if you're looking for something a little more natural, you might look into iridescent glass tile and glass tile that mimics certain varieties of slate and stone. Oceanside glass tile, for example, has a stunning line of high-end glass tile options that really push the limitations of what most homeowners expect glass tile to look like in that regard.
Install a Green Glass Tile Backsplash
Other than designs and tile types, you also have a say in where your new glass tile comes from. The glass tile industry has been a leader in using recycled materials to create stunning new products. In fact, there are entire companies that specialize in selling only glass tile made from recycled materials. Even if those companies aren't carrying exactly what you want, you can rest easy knowing that new tiles, like those sold by Oceanside glass tile, can always be recycled and reused again when you're ready for a new look for your glass tile backsplash or countertop.
Call In the Pros
If you're interested in having a new glass tile backsplash or countertop installed, don't hesitate to call a qualified tile installer or a retailer like Oceanside glass tile. Because glass tile can be so difficult and time-consuming to install, this is one installation that many homeowners don't hesitate to call in an expert to perform.

Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.