Whether you are simply upgrading or refinishing your current kitchen or choosing the finishes for your kitchen renovation, the backsplash is an important feature to consider. In addition to being a beautiful detail in your kitchen, possibly even an eye-catching focal point, the backsplash also serves a functional purpose. It protects your kitchen walls from water damage and from oil splatter that occurs while cooking. Let’s break down some important features to consider when picking your backsplash.
1. Cost: The cheapest option for a backsplash is to simply install 4 inches of your countertop material up along the edges where the wall meets the countertop and paint the wall above it. This will provide the main function of a backsplash and will protect the wall from water damage. It won’t, however, protect the wall from splatters and it won’t be as aesthetically pleasing. For a more elegant or finished look, and to deal with the splatter issues, cover the entire wall between the upper and lower cabinets with your material. This will be more costly, however, and the price range will vary greatly dependent on what materials you choose.
2. Grout: The smaller the tile, the more grout you will use between the pieces. And since grout is notorious for staining, you will have more locations that your bubbling tomato sauce will inevitably attack. Consider larger format tiles, entire stone slabs, or at least a simple grout sealant if you decide you prefer a mosaic backsplash tile.
3. Material: There are many materials that can been used for backsplashes. If you don’t cook in your kitchen, go ahead and use anything you want. Install a neat rough-cut stone, wallpaper, or wooden backsplash, or other material that loves absorbing colors, oils, and stains. Any material is fine because it will really only be used decoratively. However, if you are planning to cook in the kitchen, or have a yogurt and spaghetti wielding toddler, consider a more impervious option. If you are interested in a tiled backsplash, use polished stone, or even more durable, glass tile. These will wipe off beautifully. If you want something other than tile, consider mirror, metal sheeting, or polished stone slabs. Any of these will wipe off well. Each material will have it’s own pros and cons, so really consider them before installation.
4. Color and Pattern: A beautifully- patterned tile can make for a stunning feature in a kitchen, just keep the following in mind. Tile is expensive and cumbersome to install and remove. You will probably have that tile for the life of your kitchen, so make sure you really like it. Also, avoid pairing a very busy pattern with a busy countertop or cabinet. You don’t want to overwhelm the eye. Pick one main feature that will catch your attention, either the backsplash, the counter, or the cabinets, but not all of the above. And finally, remember that a bold tile pattern or intense color can date your kitchen quickly. Consider using a more tradition pattern or color palette so that your kitchen feels both timeless and freshly updated for many years to come.
Now that I have scared you and made you doubt every backsplash choice you have ever considered, I have clearly done my job. Do you love your backsplash? What is the worst backsplash choice you have ever seen in a kitchen?
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