porous tile in kitchen - backsplash

we are doing our kitchen over and have picked out a porous tile as our backsplash. It's a tumbled traverteen, and it has the rustic look we are going for.

I am a little concerned about cleaning though. Yes, we are going to seal it so it wont stain, but what about cleaning out the holes.

does anyone have experience with this?? the good, the bad, tips for cleaning, etc??

TIA

Re: porous tile in kitchen - backsplash

I think for the backsplash it will be ok. I have porous tile on my floor, and HATE it. I just replaced my bathroom tile and am so happy...kitchen next. On the floor all the holes get dirty like the grout lines do, and its just more difficult to clean.

The wall I think would be fine, and you can always cover the area behind the stove when cooking a greasy or splattery dinner on the stove top.

PS..love that tumbled look

Re: porous tile in kitchen - backsplash

Its one of the things our contractor said No to for both bathrooms and kitchens. Porous tile stains, holds mold/mildew and its much harder to clean. There are lots of tiles that look porous but aren't. I just wouldn't do it but I do love the look of it.

Re: porous tile in kitchen - backsplash

Prevention is the key here. If you know you're going to be cooking something that will splash like red tomato sauce or oil you might want to protect the backsplash. A simple tip is to stand your cookie sheets up behind the cooktop.