Most homeowners want their kitchens to be functional and beautiful. A backsplash is one of the best ways to add jazz to your kitchen. A kitchen backsplash is an area between the counter and the upper cabinets. Think of it as an open canvas in your kitchen. You can use different materials, ranging from tiny glass mosaic tiles to natural stone tiles, to create kitchen backsplashes.
But backsplashes offer a lot more than just beauty.
Let’s learn in more detail about kitchen backsplashes.
A. What Is a Kitchen Backsplash?
As mentioned earlier, a kitchen backsplash is a space between the kitchen countertop and the upper cabinets. Kitchen backsplashes are one of the most crucial elements in your kitchen. The wall above your countertop has to withstand a lot of abuse. Think of all the grease, water, and oil stains this wall has to endure.
Plus, gadgets, kitchenware, and items stored on the counter can cause damage to the wall. Kitchen backsplashes often use a material that is easy to clean. So, adding a kitchen backsplash helps protect the wall from this potential damage. It acts as a protective barrier for your kitchen wall.
So, the primary benefits of a kitchen backsplash include the following. It provides you with:
- A visual focal point to your kitchen.
- A protective layer to the wall between the countertop and cabinets.
- An easy-to-clean area, helping you keep your kitchen clean.
- A long-lasting solution.
- Better resale value.
B. How Do You Choose a Kitchen Backsplash Material?
When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, there are plenty of material choices. But you will need to keep a few things in mind when choosing the material. First, you will need to consider durability, especially if you have a busy cooking area. Next, you will need to think about the overall look of your kitchen. Your kitchen backsplash needs to match the rest of your kitchen interior.
C. Types of Kitchen Backsplash Materials
1. Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles
This is arguably one of the most popular kitchen backsplash materials. The reason for this popularity is the durability, low cost, high performance, and easy maintenance. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made using a clay mixture and fired in a kiln.
However, porcelain backsplash tiles use a refined clay mixture and are fired at a high temperature. This gives porcelain backsplash tiles a glossier look and more durability.
2. Glass Tiles
Glass-tiled kitchen backsplashes are the easiest to clean. Moreover, glass tiles often come in different colors and are less likely to fade over time. They are an excellent long-term investment. However, they are also one of the most expensive options. And more importantly, you will need an experienced professional to install these tiles.
3. Metal Tiles
Metal tiles, especially stainless steel and copper tiles, are popular. Although they have an industrial look, there is an increasing trend to use metal tiles in home kitchen backsplashes. Stainless steel is a better option because it is durable and easy to maintain. But copper tiles tend to tarnish or lose their shine over time.
But there is one downside, stainless steel and other metal tiles are susceptible to abrasive damage. They are more likely to get scratches. Plus, some metal tiles are prone to damage when exposed to even mild acids. Other than these drawbacks, metal tiles can be a brilliant choice for your kitchen backsplash.
4. Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles are the best option if you are going for a more traditional and natural look. But this look needs to go with your kitchen interior. If yes, natural stones like travertine are an excellent choice for your kitchen backsplash. The rough, natural aesthetic style will add a unique focal point to your kitchen.
5. Manufactured Stone Veneer
The manufactured stone veneer is probably the most attractive-looking kitchen backsplash. It offers an earthy and elegant look but is much easier to maintain. It adds a unique appeal to your kitchen. It is also one of the most durable finishes for kitchen backsplashes.
But the veneer tiles are uneven. Keeping them clean can be difficult. Secondly, a veneer is also porous material. This means you will have to clean the kitchen backsplash as soon as you are done cooking. If you want to prevent staining, you can’t let the splatter stay too long.
6. Countertop Material
This is a good choice for the kitchen backsplash. You can add a slice off a piece of the kitchen countertop when remodeling and use it as a backsplash. It helps you create a uniform look for your kitchen. You can think of it as a part of your countertop. But this is going to cost you more money because countertop material is expensive, and you need a professional to install this kitchen backsplash.
D. Things You Should Keep in Mind When Adding a Backsplash
As you can imagine, adding a backsplash is a major remodeling job. From choosing suitable material to hiring an experienced professional, you need to plan everything well in advance.
First, keep your attention on either enhancing cohesiveness or creating a focal point. While cohesiveness works well in small kitchens, large ones need a focal point. Keep this in mind when designing your kitchen backsplashes.
Also, avoid visual discontinuity. You would want the backsplash tiles to run behind the countertop and the cabinets. This will ensure visual continuity throughout the backsplash area.
Although simple, these tips can go a long way in designing an attractive backsplash.
E. Always Work with a Pro
While DIYing can help you save money, it may not always be the right option. For example, working with materials like stainless steel or glass is difficult. So, you will need to hire a professional installer.
But hiring a pro also comes with other benefits, such as:
- Quick turnaround
- Uniform look (every tile aligned)
- Plan your backsplash installation
- Get a long-lasting and high-quality kitchen backsplash
- Quick backsplash repair support (if needed)
In Conclusion
Even the simplest kitchen backsplash can transform your kitchen. It can add an eye-catching focal point to your kitchen while protecting the wall from cooking splatters, oil stains, and scratches. It can also help you fetch better resell value because homeowners love a kitchen with a backsplash. This post will help you get started with your backsplash remodeling.
Are you looking for a kitchen backsplash? Or perhaps a backsplash repair? OMG Kitchen and Bath can help you. We are a leading remodeling contractor in South Orange County with more than 25 years of experience.
Feel free to fill out our online form or call 948-540-8859 for details.