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Tiles last for around 100 years or more. Tiles on backsplashes can last even longer since they’re less likely to crack under foot traffic or from accidental drops, but even tile in high-traffic flooring can last a century or more with proper installation and upkeep. Porcelain tiles are denser and stronger than standard ceramic tiles, so they’ll last longer, often pushing past the 100-year mark.

Yes, unfortunately, it is normal for wall and floor tiles to crack, especially when you drop heavy items on tiled floors or place heavy objects on them. Tiles are also more susceptible to cracking when ceramic tiles designed for walls are installed on floors, as these are often not strong enough to handle heavy loads from foot traffic and furniture. Similarly, tiles that are installed incorrectly, lack adequate subflooring, or have other installation problems are prone to cracking. To avoid these problems and the inevitable repair and replacement costs they bring, always hire a professional for tile work and follow best practices for installation.

If the hearth ends against a wall, you can use a tile cutter as you normally would. However, if the edge of your hearth ends with no surface pressing against it,you may want to look into rounded tiles. These give a smooth edge to your hearth and make sure cut edges aren’t visible. You can also see if the tile you have has pieces that have been glazed or rounded on one edge. You’d then cut the tile and place it normally, with the cut edge facing inward. 

Updating your backsplash without removing the tile is possible in a couple of different ways. First, you can remove the old grout and replace it with new grout to give your backsplash a fresh look. You can also change the grout color, which can have a surprisingly large impact on the final appearance of the backsplash. Finally, you can paint the original tile to totally change the look of the backsplash without removing it.