Do you want a better, cleaner, and brighter kitchen?
Add a kitchen backsplash.
That’s right!
A kitchen backsplash is probably the most cost-effective yet efficient way to add that WOW factor to your kitchen. It also helps you lend a personal touch and appeal to your otherwise regular-looking kitchen. In other words, a backsplash will make your kitchen stand out.
It will also bring other benefits like:
- Easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Extra protection from spills and messes.
- Better resale value for your home.
But you will need to get the kitchen backsplash right from the get-go, which can be tricky. The good news is that considering a few things can help you get the job done effectively.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
1. Measure the Kitchen Backsplash Area Accurately
One of the first things you will have to do is measure the backsplash area. You will have to do this before you start shopping for kitchen backsplash tiles. It will help you decide how many tiles you will need to finish the job. The last thing you want is to run out of tiles in the middle of your job.
Moreover, measuring the area will help your contractor provide you with an accurate estimate. You can determine the type of material, quantity, and design you need depending on the size of the backsplash area.
2. Choose the Kitchen Backsplash Material Carefully
The second step is to find a suitable kitchen backsplash material. You will have plenty of choices, including glass, marble, ceramic, granite, and even steel. More than half the homeowners (56%) go for porcelain and ceramic tiles, with marble (11%) and engineered quartz (9%) competing closely for the second spot.
Each material is different in terms of durability, maintenance, and appearance. While texture and appeal matter, you should consider investing in material resistant to heat, water, and stains. This reduces the cleanup time and lowers your maintenance costs.
Even for unique kitchen backsplash ideas, you will need to keep the following in mind.
- Consider the look, style, and colors of your cabinetry, flooring, and countertopbefore selecting the material.
- Usually, the kitchen backsplash is lighter than your countertop, which helps create a cohesive look.
If you prefer a bold look, try marbled designs, shaped tiles, or contrasting grout.
3. Keep It Functional
Yes, a backsplash is the focal point of your kitchen. But it also needs to be functional. Whether you go for a stone backsplash kitchen or something else, it should serve its purpose.
So, one of the first things the backsplash should provide is protection, particularly along the sink, stove, and cabinetry areas.
In terms of protection, ceramic and porcelain tiles are probably the best option. They are easy to clean, last long, and come in different colors and shapes. That’s the dream kitchen backsplash for every urban homeowner. But most importantly, these tiles are affordable. So, you don’t have to break the bank while going for these kitchen backsplash tiles.
Although a little expensive, a marble backsplash kitchen is also a good choice. However, natural stones like marble tend to stain quickly. You will need to keep them clean regularly if you want to retain the natural shine and color. Likewise, metal and glass backsplash kitchen tiles are susceptible to scratches.
4. Think of Your Focal Point
Usually, the space above your sink and the stove is the focal point of your kitchen backsplash. Consider the focal point if you are going for elaborate backsplash kitchen designs. This will help you create a look that binds all elements in your kitchen together.
However, you can choose a different focal point if needed. It all depends on your design idea and preference. Talk to your contractor or interior designer first. They can help you identify the best focal point in your kitchen and create your design around it.
5. Understand Where Your Electrical Outlets Will Go
You may have seen many beautiful kitchen backsplash designs marred with electrical outlets. When adding a backsplash, aesthetics and functionality should go hand in hand. You will need to consider two things:
- Place the electrical outlets in suitable positions.
- Buy new electrical outlets that compliment your backsplash design.
Depending on your design, you may need to add more electrical outlets or buy new appliances. This would be a good investment as you will get a flawless backsplash kitchen design. Besides, it may be time to replace some of your old kitchen appliances.
6. Go for Easy to Clean Backsplash Designs
Most homeowners want to go for intricate backsplashes like textured patterns in matt and gloss or detailed handmade designs. While these designs look beautiful, they are a pain when it comes to cleaning.
Embossed, uneven, intricate backsplashes quickly accumulate dust, dirt, and grease. You don’t want to spend weekends cleaning your kitchen backsplash with a brush and bucket of soap water in your hands.
It’s always better to choose kitchen backsplash tiles with a simple and even finish. You can easily clean such tiles using a wet cloth. Keep this in mind when selecting your backsplash material.
7. Choose a Good Quality Grout
When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, grout is as important as the tiles. In fact, it is the backbone of your design. You will need to invest in a good quality grout that can last long.
You can also think of getting a contrasting grout. Contrast grout adds to your backsplash kitchen design. For example, you can use white grout with black titles. However, do remember that every imperfection in such a design is visible.
8. Always Hire a Professional
While a DIY kitchen backsplash sounds great, it may not always be a good idea. In most cases, you will need to hire a professional.
A professional will make sure that:
- All tiles get aligned perfectly.
- Your design comes to life just the way you imagined it.
- Only good-quality grout and backsplash material get used.
- Electrical outlets and appliances complement your backsplash.
But above else, a professional will complete the job on time. This means you will save money and time due to potential delays and repairs.
In Conclusion
A backsplash is one of the best ways to give a facelift to your kitchen. However, this is going to be a major renovation that requires careful planning. Hopefully, this post will offer you a better idea of what you should consider before going for a kitchen backsplash.
OMG Kitchen and Bath is a leading remodeling contractor in South Orange County with more than 25 years of experience. We can help you bring your kitchen backsplash ideas to life.
For more information about our kitchen backsplash services, fill out our online form or call 949-380-9664.