The right kitchen backsplash can do double duty for a homeowner. It’s functional, protecting walls from the unavoidable kitchen splatters and splashes, and it’s also a way to bring color and visual interest to the room.
Today, there’s a nearly endless number of ways to go, from simple to complex, inexpensive to budget-busting. Here are some of the possibilities and their pros and cons.
Ceramic tile
With beaucoup colors, designs, price ranges and shapes, ceramic tile offers the most possibilities and opportunities for creativity. Tile is also not as daunting for do-it-yourselfers, thanks to the introduction of new products such as Simplemat, a double-sided adhesive that lets you put tiles in place and not have to wait for them to set before grouting.
Pros: Tile can be replaced if it cracks or chips, something that can’t be done easily with a sheet of granite or marble. It comes in a wide range of prices, so there’s something for everybody. Glazed ceramic tiles clean up nicely. The right piece over the stove — a custom tile mural or a colorful, intricate mosaic, for example — can be the focal point of the entire kitchen.
Cons: The grout between tiles can be difficult to keep clean. It needs to be sealed — and resealed — on a regular basis. Ceramic tile can be difficult and expensive to install, depending on the design. Unglazed tile will stain easily.
Natural stone
Granite (especially) and marble are the popular choices, but don’t overlook slate, tumbled stone and soapstone. All are appealing.
Pros: Natural stone can handle wear and tear (granite is heat-resistant, but marble is not). It also can be an extension of the countertop, and the variety of stone — there are thousands of types of granite alone — allows for some creative designs.
Cons: Granite can stain and needs sealing, then resealing every couple of years. All natural stone is heavy and can put a lot of stress on a wall. Soapstone is softer than granite and can scratch, but the scratches can be buffed out. And it can fade and needs to be treated on occasion to keep its color.
Glass
A plate-glass backsplash that’s cut to size and fits over drywall makes a statement. Glass tiles, with their huge variety of colors, offer a nice clean look as well, whether it’s in one color or mosaics. Growing in popularity is the illuminated glass backsplash; it’s LED-lit and comes in a variety of colors. Celsius Glass’ SplashLite and Element Designs’ eluma Decosplash are two examples.
Pros: Because it’s less porous than ceramic tile, glass resists stains. It reflects light as well, making a room look bigger. Glass tiles in interesting shapes can result in an entire interesting wall. They also can be made of recycled material.
Cons: Glass tiles are more expensive than ceramic ones to buy and install, and they scratch. They can be difficult to cut, another reason installation could be a challenge for a homeowner. In addition, a sloppy grouting job will show because they’re glass. Best to hire a pro.
Beadboard
This brings a rustic/country/old-timey look to the kitchen.
Pros: It can be painted or varnished, depending on the look a person wants to achieve. Low cost and something that a moderately skilled homeowner can do.
Cons: Without the right paint, cleanup will be a mess (splattering grease can get in the grooves). Wood is soft and can be gouged, and unless the wood is cured it can shrink over time and expose gaps. If moisture gets in, mold can result.
Metal
With the popularity of stainless steel appliances, the stainless steel backsplash has left the restaurant kitchen and is becoming a more common choice in homes. It can be one piece or in sections, or even mixed-and-matched with other materials. It gives you many design options. Stainless steel also works well with just about any type of countertop material. Other metals are showing up in kitchens too — copper and tin, for example, in solids or designs.
Pros: Metal is easy to clean and maintain, and it’s heat-resistant. It’s durable too. A metal backsplash is eye-catching and can be a kitchen’s focal point.
Cons: Metal can be scratched or dented. Some types — copper, zinc, brass — need polishing or they’ll end up unattractively tarnished. Though stainless cleans up nicely, some acidic liquids, such as coffee and some juices, can cause discoloration if not wiped off immediately.
