Choosing a material for a kitchen backsplash
The backsplash in a kitchen needs to do double duty. It should be durable enough to stand up to the variety of spills and splatters that come with preparing a meal, yet its prominent placement also means you'll want something with visual appeal.
Thankfully, there are many materials that meet these requirements. If you're looking to upgrade your backsplash, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
Make sure to do your homework before you make your decision. Megan Wild, writing for the home design site ImproveNet, says you should know exactly where you want to place the material. Backsplashes are typically located in functional areas, such as behind sinks and stoves, but you'll may want to extend it farther to create a more consistent look.
Set a budget for the project, and stick to it. This may limit the materials you can consider for backsplashes that cover a larger area, but you might permit yourself to splurge if you're only covering a small part of the kitchen.
Decide if you want to mix a few different materials. HGTV says you can use the backsplash to create a focal point in the room. The backsplash may need to be thicker behind sinks and stove, while decorative backsplashes can be thinner; the material in these areas should also be more durable, since it will see more wear and tear.
Some materials will require regular maintenance, so if you're unwilling to commit to this effort you should look for a different option. Lee Wallender, writing for the home design site The Spruce, says some backsplashes also lend themselves to do-it-yourself installation more easily than others.
Tile is a classic choice for a backsplash. It presents several options when it comes to shapes, colors, and cost, and they offer durability as well. The home design site Maison Mass says tile possibilities include ceramic, porcelain, hand-cut, glass, stone, and cement.
Many tiles are easy to replace as well.
Cipriani Remodeling Solutions, a company in Woodbury, N.J., says a chipped or cracked tile can simply be removed and replaced.
Certain tile choices are more prone to damage. Porous materials like marble can easily become etched or stained. Wallender says metal tiles are more vulnerable to scratches, while plastic tiles can't be used near the stove since they can lose their shape in high temperatures.
Other choices mimic the look of countertops, but require the same maintenance. For example, natural stones will need to be regularly sealed to keep them from staining.
If you'd prefer not to have a tiled appearance, you can opt for backsplashes that have a more uniform look. Maison Mass says these include glass or metal panels, or using a material that matches the countertop to create a seamless appearance.