Which Backsplash Material Is Right For You?

9.8.18

Which Backsplash Material Is Right For You?

Without a doubt, the kitchen is a notorious place for messes. From frying bacon in the frying pan to slow-simmering your favorite sauces, even the smallest of meals can quickly become a big mess. The most susceptible areas to these messes are commonly around the cooktop, above the sink, and anywhere near food prep stations. These spots also happen to be most prone to grime, mildew, and normal wear and tear of everyday use. An exposed wall may not be able to handle all the regular wiping or harsh chemicals required to keep it sanitary and looking clean. Therefore, you need a backsplash.

A backsplash is a useful feature in the kitchen that runs between your countertops and your upper cabinets. The goal of the backsplash is to provide an easy-to-clean surface tough enough to handle regular cleaning and to protect your kitchen walls. It also has an aesthetic appeal that can bring the look of your entire kitchen together. Whether you choose a flashy, multi-color backsplash or a muted white, the backsplash is the perfect place to display your style and personality since it covers a small enough space to not become too overwhelming while still being a great focal point in your kitchen. Since it can be made from just about any type of hard surface material, it’s difficult to make the right choice. We review the most common materials below to help your kitchen reach its highest potential!

Laminate

The least expensive option of them all, a laminate backsplash comes in just about any color, texture, and pattern to mimic any material or look you can imagine. Compliment a traditional kitchen with the look of stone or complete a rustic kitchen with the look of rich copper without the high price tag. All it takes is just a pair of laminate shears and a little glue to completely transform the look of your kitchen.

Ceramic & Glass Tile

The most popular backsplash materials is ceramic and glass tile thanks to their durability, affordability, and design flexibility. Each material comes in various shapes and sizes to flawlessly compliment your kitchen style. Ceramic tile is the most customizable material to match any kitchen style and glass tile reflects light to add depth and shine. Both materials are non-porous so they are the easiest to clean – simply wet a soft cloth and wipe away! Installing ceramic and glass tile does require mortar and grout but still easy enough for a DIY project over the weekend.

Natural Stone

The most durable material for a backsplash is natural stone. It is very versatile with many different types of stones, ranging from marble to granite to quartz, that creates a look of luster in any kitchen. Create a rustic look with rougher, unpolished slate, or compliment a contemporary look with a glossy, polished marble. The possibilities are truly endless. Just keep in mind natural stone is usually more expensive, requires mortar and grout for installation, and must be regularly sealed since it’s a porous material.

Stainless Steel

For the same reason it’s such a popular choice amongst appliances, stainless steel is an incredibly durable material that is also low maintenance. This material is the best choice if you want to add a sleek, industrial look of luster to your kitchen. Stainless steel is more resistant to the corrosive effects of food splatters than most types of tiles and only requires warm water and soap for cleanup. With that said, it is susceptible to acidic liquids which can cause discoloration if not handled right away.

Which material is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!