"Crackle" refers to an accelerated process of crazing of the glaze. If you're asking whether the tile is as durable (stain resistant) as un-crazed tile, of course it's not, but then backsplash tile doesn't have to be incredibly durable, really.

Some crackle tiles have to be sealed before they are installed, but you will have to read the installation specs to know whether your tile will need this extra step. Most crackle tiles, tile and grout, should be sealed annually to remain stain free.

Encore Ceramics produces a very popular, and much GW-beloved crackle tile that, if memory serves, is not outrageously priced. Good luck!

I'm lusting after the crackle tile too. Can't wait to check out the encore.

reddyinga, search for old posts discussing sealing crackle tile. There have been a number of threads and they include discussions of its durabiliity. I remember one whose tile was unsealed and it stained behind her cooktop, one who got tomato sauce in the crackles ( can't remember if they scrubbed out), some who say they didn't seal it with no problems and some who sealed and no problems. It seems you can't generalize about sealing necessity, but it's the safest precaution with crackle unless your specs say it's not needed.

I am looking at a tile with a crackle finish from Ms international sold at home depot for very reasonable. I have seen several at floor and decor stores too. Have you been to a floor and decor, if there is one in your area check there.

I have Sonoma crackle tile for my kitchen backsplash. It is trouble-free. Conventional wisdom says that the edges need to be sealed before setting so that grout doesn't seep into the crackles. I'm pretty sure my tile guys did NOT do that. It looks like the sides were already glazed in the manufacturing process. Anyway, they behave just like tiles that aren't crackled, i.e., stuff like tomato sauce doesn't infiltrate at all.

ETA: I sealed the grout in 2012, and that's the extent of it.

I have Fireclay crackle tile backsplash - I believe it was sealed pre-installation, but I know for sure it hasn't been sealed since, and the kitchen has been in use since January 2014. No issues with cracking or staining. None.

Linelle, you're right, the glaze on the sides is the same as the glaze on the front. If the glaze is permeable, it will need sealing. It just seems like a lot of the manufactured crackle glazes don't!

I've had one. Tile installer sealed them before installing them and again after grout. They were fine - great look.