A panoramic shot of the Penrose Tile Project.

Every so often we get to participate in an artistic vision that we get pretty excited about. After seeing what Elite Tile Colorado was capable in other areas of his home, our customer came to us wondering if we might attempt a Penrose Tile pattern on the kitchen backsplash.

What is Penrose Tiling?

Sir Roger Penrose, an English mathematical physicist, investigated patterns back in the 1970's and discovered a beautiful and revolutionary pattern of tiling that can cover an infinite plane in a pattern that never repeats.

Roger Penrose in the foyer of the Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy, Texas A&M University, standing on a floor with a Penrose tiling. Photo: Wikipedia Commons.

Math Meets Art

Here at Elite Tile, we live for these sorts of challenges and were excited to make our customer's dream a reality. This Penrose Tile kitchen backsplash came together beautifully with planning and cooperation with lots of contributors.

We gave our input to decide how large the tile pieces needed to be in order to showcase the pattern effectively. Then the pattern was worked out with the homeowner and plastic templates were created in order to produce a layout.

Tile Gems

This scope of this project required tile that was an art form in and of itself. Glass artist Hal Bond of Northwest Glass Tiles was commissioned for this lofty task. We worked closely with Bond, sending tile samples back and forth from Washington to Denver, Colorado until we found the best look to showcase the design.

The gorgeous glass tiles are a cobalt blue with different textures. Bond suggested that he incorporate more texture into the large rhombus pieces to give the eye another way to visualize the pattern beyond just the grout lines.

Brilliant color and texture created by glass artist Hal Bond of Northwest Tile.

We computed the number and sizes of the custom tiles required for the glass mosaic, and Northwest Tile delivered!

The Process

Creating the Penrose tile layout on 3M sheeting.

Grout time

Any mistakes you make will show up when you grout. But when the tile is installed professionally, it's time to shine!

Bill Parker carefully grouts the Penrose Tile. Look at those perfect joint spaces!

The Finished Project

As you can see, this is an incredible one-of-a-kind space that will be a centerpiece to this gorgeous home for years to come.

Let Elite Tile Colorado create a custom tile installation and make your visions become a reality!

Creating beautiful spaces takes time, but it's worth it to do it right! See the finished fireplace below...

One of the first things a customer wants to know when they are going to do a remodel is, "How long will it take?"

Home improvement shows make building and renovation look so simple. A complicated remodel will be finished in the space of an hour with the beaming homeowners tearing up at the end over the beauty of it all.

If only reality TV was true, right? You will be that delighted resident or business owner when you hire us, but it won't happen instantly, no matter which tile company you use.

The old adage that "you can't rush art" is true, but with Elite Tile, you have over 25 years of experience working for you to make sure your project is completed the most efficient way possible.

We know that tile work is installed in the busiest and most functional places in the home, and we strive to work with you to ensure you have the least amount of disruption to your life. Every project is unique, but here are the variables that will factor into the length of time a tile or stonework project will take.

Finished project: This gorgeous fireplace was created with an Ann Sacks glass hexagon mosaic. It's a stunning centerpiece to this period home

The Age of the Building

Whether your tile or stonework is being installed in a home or a business, the age of the structure and the quality of the construction makes a difference in installation time.

We have extensive experience in working in historical homes and buildings, and it is always an exciting challenge to navigate structures that have shifted over time. You can imagine how interesting it is to install a flat material into spaces that aren't even close to being level or plumb.

Even newer construction can be surprisingly uneven, but generally newer homes and buildings are easier to prepare for a quality installation.

All tile and stone work requires meticulous prep work to create the strongest and most even surfaces for installation. This will ensure you have a beautiful finished project with flat, smooth surfaces. Additionally, good prep work will ensure that the beauty lasts for years to come.

The Scope and Design of the Project

Depending on the size and design elements of your kitchen, bath, or other living area, these can all impact the time a project takes to install.

Do you want radiant heat under your tile floors? Do you want a stylish niche or bench in your new shower? Does your bathroom need ADA functionality?

We love to provide unique design elements in projects that make residential and commercial spaces a functional work of art. Adding these touches can elevate the space from being stark to spectacular.

If you can dream it, we can build it. It will be our pleasure to do so in a timely fashion. Just know that the more intricate patterns or design elements will require a longer installation period.

Installation Logistics

If the area we are doing a tile installation in requires that the tools be set up far away from the project, that will extend the time it takes to complete your new look.

For instance, if the tile saw has to be set up in the garage because there isn't space or there are dust concerns, going up several flights of stairs with the hundreds of pounds of material can be time consuming.

Furthermore, if that space has to be heated to allow the wet saw to operate (and keep your installer and materials thawed), that can be a challenge.

Ideally, the tools and the tile will be able to be in somewhat close proximity to the area of the project to maximize the efficiency of the installation. Wherever we stage the workshop area, we provide meticulous protection to keep your home and finished surfaces safe from scratches or moisture. (Note the protective precautions we've taken in the top photo.)

Even when the work area is close to your living spaces, our customers often remark how clean we keep the spaces that are under construction. It is just one of the details we look after while being a guest in your home.

Being careful takes time, but we think you'll agree it's worth it!

Let us give you a quote!

Every project is unique. We will be happy to give you an estimate to begin to make your vision a reality!

Project Closeup: Penrose Tile Kitchen Backsplash