Split Face Kitchen Tile Ideas – 8 ways to add a rustic touch to the heart of your home
If you’re building a new kitchen, or looking to revamp an existing one, you might want to consider split face tiles. Rugged and natural in appearance, splitface tiles are perfect for adding depth and interest to your kitchen walls.
Because split face tiles are matt in texture and look so natural, they can be more versatile than other kitchen wall tiles. As well as splashbacks, you can use them to clad feature walls, chimney breasts, media walls and more.
Keep reading to learn more about these attractive tiles and find out how to use them for the best results.
Image credit: @our_councilhouse_reno
Recommended Tile: Stoneface Indian Glory
What are split face tiles?
Split face tiles are thin strips of natural stones like slate and quartz which have an irregular surface and size. Split face tiles can also be made from realistic-looking porcelain. The height of the tiles is usually the same but the surface and tile widths are irregular, creating an attractive, rough finish.
Although split face tiles have a chunky appearance, they’re actually quite thin and usually come on long sheets to make installation a breeze.
Do split face tiles need grouting?
Natural stone splitface tiles don’t need to be grouted, but they will need sealing to make them watertight and protect them from stains.
Porcelain splitface tiles won’t need to be sealed as they have a glazed surface, but they will need to be grouted (minimum of 2mm grout line) to keep them watertight. Porcelain tiles are the best option if they’re going to get soaked regularly (for example if you’re planning to use them in a utility room shower) but stone tiles will be fine for kitchen splashbacks and living space wall cladding.
Split face kitchen tile ideas
If you’re looking to add a natural-looking tile to your kitchen, we think split face tiles are one of the most striking options. See how split face tiles have been used to transform kitchen spaces and be inspired to use these craggy tiles in your home:
Fit a multicoloured split face splashback
Split face tiles certainly make one of the most attractive options for kitchen splashbacks and they’ll go with all cabinet colours. Split face tiles are available in a range of colours from white to multicoloured earthy tones and the deepest slate greys, so you’ll easily be able to find a shade that suits your style.
Image credit: @new.pastures
Recommended Tile: Stoneface Desert Multi
Choose crisp white split face tiles
White split face tiles are a beautiful option for a kitchen splashback, if you choose tiles made from quartz, they’ll have a magical sparkle. If you choose real stone tiles, make sure they are sealed to prevent staining and water damage. These tiles might look tricky to clean, but it’s easy to keep them looking pristine with a quick wipe-over.
Image credit: @num_ber79
Recommended Tile: Stoneface Snow White
Clad a stove corner
Many modern kitchens are large open-plan spaces with room for a table, sofa and, if you’re lucky, a wood-burning stove too. If you have a free-standing stove, cladding the walls behind it with splitface tiles creates a practical and attractive focal point.
Recommended Tile: Cubics Grey
Create a split face tile media wall
Make the most of the space at the end of a kitchen/family room by creating a split face tile-clad media wall. It’ll add a completely different dimension to the room and, if you use split face tiles in multiple areas, it’s an effective way to link larger areas together. Split face tiles are super practical and, because they’re so classic, will look great for years to come.
Image credit: @the_trillium
Recommended Tile: Stoneface Silver Shine
Make a feature split face kitchen wall
Split face tiles are one of the very best tiles to use on a feature wall. The matt surface is extremely practical, especially in a kitchen area, and the subtle natural colours mean you won’t go off it. You can opt for multicoloured stone tiles or choose tiles in a solid colour for a less busy look.
Image credit: @pc_tiling
Recommended Tile: Magma Splitface
Tile a chimney breast
Split face tiles are a good choice if you want to add a luxurious look to your home.
Turn an existing chimney breast into an attractive feature with split face tiles. You won’t need to worry about scuffs, scrapes or repainting and the timeless nature of stone means it will always look good.
Image credit: @hubbardscupboard11
Recommended Tile: Cubics White
Fit a monochrome slate splashback
Create the wow factor in your kitchen with a showcase splashback. Split face tiles are extremely durable and will easily withstand hot oil splashes and whatever else may get thrown at them!
Image credit: @home.of.harkiles
Recommended Tile: Stoneface Jak Black
Or go for multi-coloured splitface tiles
Natural stone split face tiles are available in a wide range of colours. Add a softer touch to your kitchen space by choosing tiles that contain different colours. Slate is a good option for its varied natural colour range.
Image credit: @a_p_tiling
Recommended Tile: Cubics Beige
Split face kitchen tile tips
- Split face tiles are incredibly versatile and not just for splashbacks. Use them to create a feature wall in your kitchen, to line the space behind a stove or to clad a chimney breast.
- If you want to add a touch of sparkle, opt for quartz split face tiles.
- Stone-effect porcelain split face tiles are a better option in areas that will get frequently soaked because when grouted, they’re completely watertight.
- Split face tiles might look like a nightmare to clean, but a quick wipe-over with a cloth is all it takes. Remember to periodically seal natural stone tiles.
Atlas Ceramics has an impressive collection of split face tiles in natural stone and porcelain. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our experts for advice.