YES! Installing stainless steel tile is similar to installing regular tile, with a few notable exceptions. In many ways, stainless is easier than stone or ceramic tile. Many people choose to install our tile tightly together. This way, you do not need spacers and will not have to grout. Not grouting will shorten the job by at least two days. You have to let regular tile cure before grouting, then the grout has to cure before sealing. You skip those steps if you choose not to grout. If you are using the standard hardboard backer, the tile is installed with a construction adhesive (like Liquid Nails) instead of Thinset. You apply the adhesive using a standard caulk gun, directly to the back of the tile, and press it on the wall. Cutting metal is probably the most challenging part of the process. However, if you are comfortable cutting regular tile with a wet saw, you should have no problem mastering stainless tiles. There will be less waste as well. You will not crack our tiles, but you may have a bad cut or two. Typically, we do not recommend getting a lot of extra tiles (10% to 20% for a regular tile project). So if you are moderately skilled and have the right tools, this project is well within the capability of many homeowners. We are just a call away and enjoy working with our customers to achieve a great result.
KAIYAO Product Page
We also have two installation guides available here: How To Install and here: Installation Guide
When the tile is formed, it creates a void on the back of the tile. By applying a backer inside this void, the tile gains added rigidity and provides a suitable surface to bond to the substrate. The hardboard is the standard backer and works great in most situations. It is not affected by occasional splashings, like behind a sink. We use a 3/16" thick hardboard which stays mostly hidden by the the stainless steel tile's fully-formed factory edge. It has the lowest profile, as it makes a tile that is about ¼” thick. It installs easily using a construction adhesive similar to Liquid Nails.
If you are going to use the tile in an area that gets soaked frequently, like in a shower or outside, you will need to use the Fiberock backer. It works great in areas that see a lot of moisture. Because it is a little thicker and makes a tile that is about 3/8” thick, it is sometimes chosen when mixing stainless tiles with other types of tile, such as stone, ceramic or glass, to better match their thickness. However, because Fiberock is thicker, it does protrude from the back side of the tile and is NOT hidden by the stainless steel tile's factory edge. It is typically installed with Thinset, like regular tile.
To summarize, the hardboard backer is 3/16" thick, makes a 1/4" thick tile, and stays mostly hidden behind the tile's fully-formed factory edge. It's our most popular backer and is used in most situations. The Fiberock backer is 1/4" thick, makes a 3/8" thick tile, and because it's thicker, it does protrude from the backside of the tile and is NOT hidden by the stainless steel tile's fully-formed factory edge.
More information on our backers is available here: Tile Backing Options
We only use U.S. produced stainless steel. Our steel is a ferritic stainless (430 series) that offers a wide range of properties that make it suitable for decorative and functional walls and backsplashes. It is one of the most common stainless steels used for decorative and functional purposes (like commercial sinks, outdoor gas grills, architectural trim, etc.) There is an ongoing debate on what type of stainless steel is best for a backsplash. The two most common types of stainless are 300 series and 400 series. While the 300 series offers slightly better corrosion resistance (primarily because of its nickel content), 400 series offers excellent corrosion resistance and we have never had a complaint of corrosion with our standard 430 stainless. It has a couple of other advantages that make 430 stainless our choice. It is a little less expensive because it uses molybdenum for corrosion resistance and ours is annealed to further improve corrosion resistance. 300 series is more expensive because nickel is not a raw material that the United States is a significant producer. Because the nickel is imported from competitor countries (like Russia and China), it adds to the cost of production and comes with a political cost. A further benefit of 430 series steel is that magnets will stick to it. That makes sticking your menus and notes on the backsplash with a magnet possible, just like on your refrigerator (also usually made with 430 series stainless).
The PVC film that is on the face of the tile serves an important function during production, shipping, and installation. It protects the brushed finish of the tile and reduces the chance of nicks and scratches. It is recommended that the film is left on until after the tile is installed. Once the tile is adhered to the wall and cured, the PVC can be peeled off. There will be a little adhesive residue on the tile and it will need to be cleaned. We recommend a cleaner and polish combination like Sheila Shine, which we carry on our website. However, there are many other products available to you locally. There is a discussion on our blog with great tips on cleaning and a good list of products.
Before leaving this topic, I want to mention that the PVC film can be a little tedious, but it really works well to protect the tile. Prior to adhering the tile, we recommend that you begin peeling the film off all sides and just leave the face covered. This will make peeling the PVC off easier. Some people report good results with peeling the PVC while installing and use extra care to avoid scratching the tile. If you are going to grout the tile, you definitely want the PVC clear of the joints so that you don’t ruin the grout when peeling or get the film trapped in the joint. Also, instead of floating the grout, you may consider using a grout bag with a thin bead tip to apply the grout directly to the joint and smooth with a wet finger. In any case, you want to avoid using a sanded grout, unless absolutely necessary.
There are several ways to cut stainless steel tile. First, the primary concern while cutting stainless steel is to avoid generating a lot of heat that may discolor the steel. Until recently, we have recommended that tile is cut with a tile wet saw with a diamond blade. That is still a very acceptable method to cut tile; however, there is a method we found recently that is easier and less expensive. Stainless can be cut using a band saw or jig saw using a fine-toothed blade with 17 or more teeth to the inch. The trick is getting a straight cut and protecting the tile. There are two relatively new products that solve these issues. First, Rockwell has a tool called Blade Runner X2 that is essentially a small tabletop tool that has a jigsaw blade mounted from underneath the table. The upper end of the blade is supported between two rollers. This tool was purchased on Amazon and delivered to our shop for right around $100. Jigsaw blades are cheap while diamond blades used on wet saws are not. This tool could pay for itself the first time it is used. There is also a table made by a company in Germany (Neutechnik) that you can mount your jigsaw on, with the same advantages as the Rockwell tool. We are in the process of evaluating both tools and will provide more information and instructions in the near future. Meanwhile, the tile wet saw works well for straight cuts. When you have to notch a tile (like around an outlet), you can make the straight cuts with the wet saw and the inside cuts with an abrasive cutoff wheel in a Dremel rotary tool.
We have posted a video on YouTube that shows several methods for cutting stainless steel tile:
Yes, we enjoy working with you to help you get the best result possible for your project. In the future, we will be offering videos to address some of the more common layout issues. In general, work to create a design and layout that fits your space best. A couple key considerations are: 1) how the pattern fits within openings and 2) how the tiles end, both in corners and the ends of the pattern. By fitting in an opening, we are talking typically space above the stove and below the vent or microwave, and the area above the sink. If possible, we want the pattern to be symmetrical in these spaces. By that, we mean that the pattern is centered within the spaces. After that, we want to see how the tile will end in the corners and on the sides. On small walls, it is good to make both sides end with the same size tile (symmetrical). Also, we don’t want to see a pattern end with just a sliver of a tile. The very small tile will be distracting. When the tile is to continue around a corner, experiment with how that transition is best made. There are two good methods. One is to make it a continuation of the pattern around the corner. Let’s say we are using 4”X8” tile and when we reach the corner, we have to cut a tile to 6 inches to fit. Take the 2-inch leftover and turn the corner with it. This makes for a nice flow. Another option is to make the opposite walls mirror each other. So in the above example, if you finish with a 6-inch tile, make the next wall start with a 6-inch tile. Both patterns will be symmetrical and produce a contiguous look. With any type of tile that you install, it is not likely that every consideration will be accommodated. In that case, you choose the most visible element to make right and the least visible element will require some compromise.
If you’re taking on a DIY home remodel on your own, or just looking to get started picking from hundreds of tile choices, you need all the self help you can get! Unlike a basic upgrade like new paint colors or throw pillows, choosing a new tile can be a more involved project. There are a number of factors to consider such as material, design, location and installation. For these reasons, you’ll want to be smart about this investment in your home. To help prepare you, our design expert has answered these 7 common questions to ask before picking a tile!
Here’s the end goal - finding the perfect tile for beautiful installs like this elegant bathroom with our White Deco Fan Glass Mosaic Tile
We’ll dive into Areas of Use, where it’s safe to use specific tiles, the different types of tile materials that are best for each project, and what to consider for color, finish, and more!
The type of material you choose depends on where you’re installing your new tiles: shower, kitchen, vanity backsplash, ect. Here’s the lowdown on the common types of materials for each project and how to pick one.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles can have a gorgeous shine with color glaze like our La Riviera Blue Reef ceramic subway tiles!
Ceramic tile is a classic for a reason! It’s a budget-friendly tile that still provides a major impact. Although it’s not as resilient or water-resistant as porcelain, ceramic is still a versatile option that’s a great look for the price and low-maintenance. Think of it as the tile outlet shop version of your #designergoals.
Ceramic tile is made of clay, kiln-fired and glazed for color and shine. It offers a gorgeous glossy shine in a variety of colors! From a crackle finish or a zellige handcrafted look, there are so many gorgeous ways to add detail with ceramic! It’s a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom walls with a classic ceramic subway tile look.
Porcelain
Add a modern look with the metallic rinse finish on our Ionic Steel 12" x 24" Porcelain Tile, or find the perfect porcelain finish with a wood look, natural stone design, or other finish!
As the most reliable and practical option, porcelain tile is like your classic black blazer — it’s a high-quality safe bet for almost any design. It’s made from a refined clay that’s fired at high temperatures, making it hard, durable and non-porous.
Since it won’t absorb water or bacteria, porcelain holds up well in areas that see a lot of liquid such as the bathroom floor, kitchen backsplash or shower. This perk means easier cleaning work for you and less fuss. Otherwise, porcelain tile can also work pretty much anywhere else, including living room floor, entrance way and accent walls.
An amazing feature of porcelain is that it can resemble a variety of natural textures. Whether you want to mimic a wood grain pattern or even a gritty surface like rock, porcelain tile can create the illusion of other cool materials. Neat right?
Glass
Matte, glossy, colorful, or light - you can’t go wrong with the gorgeous look of glass tile, like our Obsidian Black Herringbone Glass Tile for a modern black and white bathroom!
Glass tile is a gorgeous option for a designer look! It comes in everything from decorative mosaic patterns, timeless subway tiles, and large field tiles. Since it's non-porous, glass will resist liquids and prevent bacteria from growing in the cracks. Matte or polished, it’s easy to wipe down glass backsplash tiles or shower walls.
In terms of appearance, glass offers a charming reflective surface that bounces light to brighten up the room. This quality is popular among people who love a glam look! Another bonus is that the hues in glass are extra saturated so the vibrant colors will last a long time.
It’s also a material that can be endlessly recycled, offering a sustainable material for your home as an added bonus!
Marble
From large-format marble slab style wall coverings, classic marble subway tiles, or intricate marble mosaic designs - the style options with this luxury home material are endless!
Let’s delve into luxury interior design! The durability and classic beauty of marble tile makes it a timeless investment for your home.
You can use marble tile almost anywhere to elevate the look of a room. Just keep in mind, however, that beauty must be maintained.. It’s quite porous and needs to be sealed to prevent liquids, dirt and germs from affecting the finish. You must also be diligent about cleaning marble regularly because it collects more impurities than porcelain or ceramic.
You can install marble tile just about anywhere - from a marble subway tile kitchen backsplash, luxurious walk-in shower, elegant traditional home flooring design, or as a high-traffic floor or wall covering in a business!
Always check the Area of Use on the specific tile you’re looking at online to make sure it’s approved for the type of installation you want! If you’re not sure, search by Project to find kitchen backsplash tiles, high and low traffic floor tile options, tiles for showers, and more!
Whether you pick plain or decorative tile designs should depend on the surrounding decor in the room.
If the tile is more detailed and elaborate, the nearby furnishings should be understated, letting the tile act as the main focal point. Or it should work the other way around: a plain tile offers a neutral backdrop for neighbouring elements that are more intricate, such as a statement rug or funky wallpaper.
This Luxor Bianco Carrarra and Thassos Micro Mosaic tile brings impact with a simple wall application - the design is a work of art all in itself, while the soothing gray and white colors can work with any other hues in your color scheme!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of stainless steel floor tile. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
We’ll show how to use a neutral tile in this country-glam kitchen reno. The white glazed ceramic subway tile adds a luxurious sheen and texture, yet is neutral enough to blend with other eye-catching details like crystal pendant lights, bright florals and wood textures.
Our advice for deciding between a decorative tile or a less focus-pulling design?
Tile is one of the most versatile options for a floor or wall covering in your home! Unlike painted walls, you don’t have to worry about cooking splatters damaging your kitchen walls, and unlike hardwood floors, you don’t have to worry about water damage, scratches, or refinishing.
The most common areas to tile in your home:
Add stunning pattern to a neutral farmhouse kitchen with our marble mosaic backsplash tile!
The impact floor tiles can have on your interior is huge - how about this Mediterranean home with our Blue and White etched marble star and cross tiles?
Dreaming of the perfect laundry room design? This blue and white backsplash has all the charm of wallpaper with a water-resistant and stunning marble mosaic wall!
Tile size is important for two reasons: aesthetic and safety.
Starting with aesthetics: the matter of tile size is important because it can influence the overall style and feel of the room.
Here’s an example of how small tiles bring depth to a small vanity area. This glass mosaic backsplash features mini hexagons of White Emerald Weaved Hexagon Glass Mosaic Tile. Petite tile pieces like these introduce more grout lines, producing extra texture and complexity — a feature that feels more decorative.
They’re great for a mosaic backsplash insert to add character and charm to your kitchen wall over the stove, or anywhere you’d like to add decorative elements!
Practically speaking, smaller tiles and mosaic patterns introduce a vital home safety element - slip-resistance. The more grout lines, the more grip - which is why smaller tiles are considered the best option for floors that are prone to get wet, like entryways, laundry rooms, and especially shower floors.
Next, let’s consider bigger patterns and slabs of tile. Looks wise, they tend to have a more classic and crisp appeal.
This upbeat dining room in an urban home, for instance, is designed with these large porcelain floor tiles. These porcelain floor tiles offer a tasteful design without overcomplicating the space. Visually, they work well in bigger spaces to compliment the expanse of the walls.
From a functional standpoint, large tiles can also create the illusion of more space. So if you’ve got a small kitchen or bathroom, you might consider steering away from complicated patterns for a smoother look with fewer grout lines.
Tile colors belong to three main categories: neutrals, monochrome, and colors. The right color should create a feeling of harmony within the space.
These Mallorca square ceramic tiles add a glossy black wall covering thanks to their gorgeous glazed finish.
Let’s start with the rule of darks and lights or monochrome designs. Dark colored tile bring drama to a large space, while light colored tile have an expanding and brightening effect for small rooms. Whether you want a dark and dramatic flooring to add a moody feel, or love the look of light and bright walls, these always work well together and can be paired with just about any other color.
Add depth to an all-white kitchen with the mix of finishes in this White Ceramic And Pearl Glass Hexagon Mosaic Tile backsplash!
Next up, we’ve got neutrals: these are shades and tones like taupe, grey, black or ivory. They match with almost everything! They’re a great base palette if you’re looking for a large flooring area or a stretch of wall.
You can never go wrong with neutrals, like the warm earth tones of our etched marble subway tiles.
You might also consider a tile with blue colors like teal, purple and indigo. These colors match with other cool tones or shades, and other neutrals. Despite its cool tone, blue remains one of the most popular interior colors - it’s considering welcoming and soothing, which makes it a classic for paint colors, tiles, and other interior decor!
This charming kitchen combines white countertops, natural wood cabinets, and Sky Blue Penny Round Glass Tile for the perfect welcoming home!
Lastly, we’ve got warm colors. They’re more intense and saturated than cool colors such as yellow, or orange and red. They match with neutrals or other warm colors.
Add a warm pop with a red glass mosaic tile backsplash for a modern kitchen!
Having trouble deciding? That’s where samples come in! Play with tile samples, paint swatches, fabric books, and other details to create a space that feels fabulously finished!
Just like lipstick, every tile offers its own level of shine. Whether you prefer matte, gloss or semi-gloss will depend on the overall vibe you’re trying to achieve.
A Matte Ceramic Subway Tile will feel more calm and understated than Mother of Pearl Mosaic Tile which has an iridescent, shimmery finish. On the extreme side of shine, you might consider something like the Silver Diamond Mosaic Tile. It’s made of glass which offers a polished luster, while the silver hues bring a vivid metallic quality for a powerful punch to your kitchen backsplash.
Add shimmer and iridescent shine with Mother of Pearl shell tiles!
The type of finish you choose isn’t always about looks; it can have a functional purpose too! One advantage of matte tiles is that they hide smudges and water marks better than glossy tiles. On the other hand, since glossy tiles are more reflective, they bounce light around the room to give the impression of a brighter space.
Matte marble - like our honed Carrara Herringbone mosaic tiles - adds a gorgeous finish to any interior!
Matte or honed floor tiles are also a great option to increase slip-resistance, as they provide better grip than a polished tile.
The choice between a premium or budget-friendly tile should depend on your lifestyle and design goals. Certain areas of your home might be more “deserving” of special upgrades, while for others, a budget-friendly option will suffice.
For example, if you’re a passionate cook who dreams of a more inspiring kitchen space, then it’s worth splurging on a gorgeous marble backsplash.
Whether you use a high quality marble mosaic like our black and white glass and Calacatta waterjet as an accent tile or a large-scale installation, you’re sure to love it!
Or if you spend a lot of time in your family room, you can consider investing in a higher quality tile for your accent wall or fireplace. Yet, be rest-assured that luxury doesn’t always have to be high-end Italian marble. You can opt for porcelain, which is still a durable and elegant alternative at an attractive price point.
Browse some of our favorites to find your perfect style by use, material, finish, color, and budget! Of course, you can’t go wrong with our favorite Herringbone Pearl and White Marble tile!
Hopefully we’ve had a chance to answer most of your questions, but if there’s something that’s still on your mind - feel free to contact our team for a quick and friendly response!
If you want to learn more, please visit our website steel flooring panels.