Glass Tile Backsplash Options For An Elegant Kitchen

Posts Tagged ‘kitchen counter’

Over the years the sheet rock has started to deteriorate above the laminate kitchen counter. We had drought conditions for almost a decade but I use soaker hoses near the foundation during the summer. There is a window, a sink, and upper cupboards several feet to the left of the area. The paint/sheet rock aging has taken about 10 years to develop where the paint is peeling off near an outlet. About three years ago, one of the upper cabinets started to lower from the ceiling about half an inch gap between the ceiling and it. Since I have been un/under employed since 9/11 I don’t have the money to rip everything out and remodel or replace cabinetry so I need to determine what the problem is. I just recently got full time temporary employment but not to the point where I can afford remodeling.

Suddenly, about a week ago, the backsplash started moving away from the wall (not at the sink end) so that the silicone caulk is pulling away. It looks like the backsplash is leaning backwards at the end about 1/4 inch. I am not sure if it is the composite backsplash that is swelling, or if it is the foundation moving and pushing something. We had ants coming in through that area for the last ten years and I finally got them permanently stopped with some Combat ant gel. This is the first year we haven’t had those tiny ants. There are no water leaks. I am afraid that something is causing moisture since the area is so small (about 3 feet wide.) I need to call a professional in but I have no idea who to call for an estimate… foundation? carpenter? pest control?
Roofing: There are no leaks, and the ceiling is to wet. I had a roofer out (they all wanted money and signed contract before they would give me an estimate.)
Moisture: It appears to be either coming from inside the wall or it is the foundation moving. I know it is one of those two things.

I need to redo the caulk between my kitchen counter and the wall before I repaint. How do I get the old stuff out of the way?

Anyone have any experience with using glass mosaic tile as the kitchen counter material (not just as the backsplash)? This would be for a lightly used area of my kitchen counter by the sink – not the primary work area. Would love to hear any pros and cons. Thanks!

Thanks for helping- I am doing a remodel and need to pick a new material to use for the kitchen counter and backsplash. I would like to use the same material for both, if possible, because I like the uniform look. Marble, granet, tile, etc? In your answer please tell me WHY you like it and, if possible, why you don’t like the other surfances. Will it stain? Chip? What if I cut on it? Also, do you have any suggestions of web sites with pics I can look at? Color suggestions? Is dark or light better? Thanks!
Good point- My place is up in the mountains in New York. It does get very cold in the winter, and sometimes the place isn’t heated. So, the material would need to be ok with freezing temps.