How To Choose A Kitchen Backsplash: A Step By Step Guide
Do you think the naked plastered wall peeking out of the cabinetry and above the range looks odd? Why not install a kitchen backsplash to add value to your kitchen?
When choosing the backsplash for your kitchen, you need to consider many factors, including the material, area, budget, style, and design preferences. Since the primary purpose of kitchen backsplashes is to protect against heat, moisture, grease, and other splashes, they need to be maintained in order to last longer.
These backsplashes are highly functional and spruce up the kitchen walls behind the sink and between the cabinets. Protecting the walls against moisture and splatters, kitchen backsplashes are a way to enhance your kitchen look. This added advantage of installing a kitchen backsplash has increased its importance in every household.
It is common to install backsplashes to level up your kitchen; however, many other factors need to count in for a perfect finish. While remodeling a kitchen or designing from scratch, backsplashes often come at the last place to consider.
Yet, their influence can not be underestimated for a perfect final touch. We are not saying that the cabinets and countertops don’t deserve to get a sheer amount of your budget. But, you should also start saving some for a fine backsplash.
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Material You Can Count On
We have prepared a list of things to consider for you while choosing an ideal kitchen backsplash. Go through this guide and then decide what will be a value-added backsplash option for your kitchen. If you want to learn more about which factors should guide your decision when selecting your kitchen backsplash, then keep reading below!
You can easily find many options available in the market for any kind of backsplash, be it premium or cheap. But what is more important is, does that material suitable to create an effective backsplash?
Both appearance and functionality are equally important. Therefore, we will brief you on different in-use materials that are commonly utilized for kitchen backsplashes.
These include:
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Metal
- Glass
- Stone
We will look into their effectiveness one by one based on these three main characteristics:
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Expanse
1. Ceramic
Ceramic is a popular choice when it comes to the wall or floor tiling. It is a versatile option to provide you with various sizes, designs, and colors. Moreover, it is less porous, hence, durable. Rather than being highly functional, ceramic backsplashes are easy to maintain.
What you need is only periodic cleaning and viola, it will be shining again like a new one. It is also easy on the pocket. You can find them for as low as $3 per square foot to $12 for premium purchase.
2. Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are more or less similar to ceramic tiles. However, on a scale of 1 to 10, porcelain ranks higher for its exceptional durability. It is denser than ceramic, absorbing less water, hence creates a tough barrier for stains, humidity, and bacterial attack.
The only drawback for those looking for a cheaper option is the price of porcelain. It is slightly expensive than ceramic and also hard to cut.
3. Metal
Metal backsplash seems to be another affordable option for many people. It comes in a variety of textures that provide you the freedom to choose. It is available in the form of sheets and can be easily cut to fit in the area. It is both highly durable and low-maintenance.
4. Glass
The kitchen backsplash of glass tiles looks so perfect for a touch of luxury. However, one shouldn’t opt for it if one wants a budget-friendly option. Glass tiles can make your kitchen look spacious while also lighting it up because of reflection properties. They are also durable and easy to clean.
5. Stone
For an organic touch and elegance, a stone backsplash can be a great idea. However, it brings more problems than benefits. Whether you use natural stones or manufactured stone veneers, they are hard to cut, easily stain, expensive, and porous.
So our advice is not to invest in stone backsplash if you want something that can work in the long run.
Key Elements To Consider
Now, you know all about the pros and cons of different materials, you need to look upon further things to narrow down your options.
1. Calculate The Area Required
If you plan to give your kitchen backsplash remodeling, you first need to know how much material will be required to cover the space. Do simple calculations by multiplying the height of the required area by its length.
You will get the area needed to cover with the tiles regardless of which material you ended up buying.
Tip: Always buy extra 10% tiles for a safe side.
2. Budget For Backsplash
Don’t settle for a cheap material or grout but, also no need to breaking the bank for only a kitchen backsplash. If you are budget-savvy, you should be cleverer while choosing everything from the material and layout to color and all.
Glass and stone are among the priciest material so, avoid them if you are on a tight budget. Metal sheets can be a go-to option as they are both durable and cost-effective.
Also, don’t try to match your backsplash tiles with the countertop or flooring, as it can also affect your budget. Another way to have a new, elegant backsplash while staying on budget is to avoid the trendy designs and go for the classic and conventional ceramic tiles.
3. Grout
Grouting is another important aspect of kitchen backsplash. It keeps your tiles together by bonding, giving them a finished appearance. It also prevents the edges from chipping and cracking. However, filling the void is not the only purpose of grout.
It has a huge impact on the overall presentation of your backsplash tiles so, choose the grout color wisely.
White grout is often preferred by people who want to create a seamless wall look. However, you can play with colors to create a contrast. Again, it’s up to you whether you want it to blend with your tiles’ color or give each tile pop-up by mixing light and dark colors.
Never Forget About The Details
Once you are done with the budget strategy and material selection, you can go ahead to choose how you want to have your final backsplash look like.
1. Style
Everything from the color, style, and layout of your backsplash tiles is important to create a signature look. If a single step is mistaken, everything will go wrong. So, whenever you choose the patterns, style, and colors, make sure you have researched well or ask for an expert’s suggestion.
Usually, neutral tiles with dark, solid grout colors help to enhance the patterns your tiles create. However, if you want to highlight them, go for a dark grout that is not easily washed out. Using a lighter shade of grout will help you unify the tile wall.
If we talk about the orientation of your backsplash tiles, vertical placement is more in these days. It helps to redefine the height of your kitchen and looks contemporary. Moreover, the herringbone pattern is recently seemed to be a new normal, giving a classic look to your ordinary backsplash wall. For a stand-out backsplash, it is probably the best decision to make.
Play with the color palettes, be it vibrant or chic. You can also select the tiles that are pulling in colors from your countertop or cabinets to personalize the theme.
2. Design Accent Above The Stove
Remodeling your kitchen backsplash with a customized look is more appreciable. Backsplash tile has a double duty when behind the range.
Also, their position is likely to catch the beholder’s attention while visiting the kitchen. To add a dramatic flair to your backsplash, you can create a square or rectangular border in the center or something like that.
3. Design Around the backsplash
It may not always be on your list while thinking of installing a backsplash or replacing the previous one. However, it may sound good for some homeowners who like a big, open, and spacious kitchen. Extending your backsplash tiling a bit more to hug and wrap around the room border is a nice trick to accomplish the goal.
4. Subway Tile Maybe The Last Resort
While working on your new kitchen backsplash, go out of the way and try something new and challenging. Though subway tile backsplashes are versatile, common, and above all, a timeless finish, it is not the last option to choose from.
Nowadays, we have a few more unique and creative ways to make our backsplashes stand out. Herringbone, dolomite premium picket polished, Carrara chateau 1 in hexagon, and stiletto porcelain are a few to name for an innovative backsplash finish.
Final Words:
Because the primary job of kitchen backsplashes is making a barrier against heat, moisture, grease, and other splashes, it means they need to be taken care of to stay functional for longer. Therefore, periodic cleaning and maintenance are required to keep the look appealing and effective until you feel like changing them.
Kitchen backsplashes are also a great way to elevate your kitchen interior. They are more of a person’s choice; hence, you can take this opportunity to express your tastes in interiors.
We hope this guide has helped you a lot in your next kitchen backsplash remodeling.
