It may be highly overlooked, but one of the most important elements in your kitchen is the backsplash. The backsplash is both highly functional as well as adding a decorative element to your kitchen, so installing a new one is an important choice. As far as functionality goes, a good backsplash is to protect your walls from spills, splashes and grease that are inevitable in cooking. It needs to be easy to clean, not absorbent to grease and not susceptible to staining. You should consider maintenance and durability when choosing the right material for your kitchen backsplash. Backsplashes need to look good too. Today’s choices come in a variety of materials, colors and designs so you can easily pick one that suits your kitchen design.
Top Material Choices
There are six different materials that work best for kitchen backsplashes. Those include tile, glass, metal, stone, brick and wood. All have their advantages and disadvantages and you should look at all of your choices before selecting your new backsplash. It may be helpful to talk to a professional installer about the different options, their durability and how easy they are to install.
Tile and Glass
Tile and glass are the most popular of the choices. There are a myriad of reasons for their popularity. They come in a number of colors, shapes and sizes. Their prices range from lower-end affordable to high-end. Glass, ceramic and porcelain are heat and moisture resistant. One of the best features is all are easy to clean.
Metal
Metal is popular because it offers a clean, streamlined look and is really easy to clean. It is growing in popularity, especially spaces that have more of an urban feel. Since metal is used in commercial kitchens, this material suites those who long for a space that has a professional look. It looks sleek, smooth, and reflects light. Complimenting it with a natural stone countertop can warm your space.
Stone
Stone is typically selected for its beauty and low maintenance. It also comes in a variety of colors and prices. This option reduces the number of grout lines, making it easier to clean, and also produces a dramatic look.
Brick
Those who love old vintage looks may want to consider brick. Exposed brick adds a sense of rustic atmosphere and you can always paint it later to change the look. The one thing to remember about brick is it will need to be carefully cleaned and sealed in order for it to last for a long period of time.
Wood
Wood may seem like an unlikely choice for a backsplash, but it can be used in some places as an accent to other backsplashes. You will need to carefully plan the space to install it where it isn’t a fire hazard or comes in direct contact with water, as it would behind a sink. Wood would also need to be sealed and treated to protect it from water and other liquids.
If it turns out the price of installing a new backsplash is out of range for you right now, you may want to consider changing the look of your current backsplash. A professional can stain your grout a different color and that could make your space look totally new. The process doesn’t take long and can considerably cut your cost of your renovation. Whichever way you decide to go, educating yourself about the options will make you more confident about your final decision.
