When people think about kitchen design ideas they consider cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring as the major visual areas of the kitchen. The one area which can tie everything together in the kitchen is the backsplash, and it is often an afterthought in the design process of a custom kitchen.
Depending on what material and design you choose for your kitchen backsplash, you can create a subtle continuation as your eyes move from the kitchen flooring up over the base cabinets, countertop and continue up to the wall cabinets, or you can create an accent that captures your eyes as soon as you enter the kitchen. Your kitchen backsplash can convey the statement that you have a casual kitchen, or a country kitchen, a frivolous kitchen, or that a serious cook resides in your kitchen.
Kitchen Backsplash Materials
There are as many different different types of kitchen backsplash materials as you can imagine. When considering materials for the backsplash in your custom kitchen, a few things to consider are:
- Style
- Cost
- Ease of installation
- Ease of cleaning
Style
You may know what style you are seeking, or you may want to consult with a Kitchen Designer or Kitchen Remodeling Contractor for some help. Most kitchen backsplashes will extend from the top of the countertop to the bottom of the wall cabinets. Backsplashes can blend in or stand out, it is up to your kitchen design ideas.
Cost
Depending on what material you choose for your kitchen backsplash, it can be a costly item such as extending your granite countertop up the wall by using slabs of granite, or the backsplash can be relatively inexpensive if you decide to use sheets of mosaic tile or wallpaper.
Ease of Installation
This needs to be considered if you are installing your kitchen backsplash and don’t have a lot of practice, or if hiring a contractor, a difficult installation process can add to the cost.
Ease of Cleaning
Is your kitchen used on occasion, or is a full meal cooked in your kitchen every day? Are you going to need to clean grease and food off of your backsplash on a regular basis, or is your kitchen there for when you don’t feel like going out to eat?
Popular Kitchen Backsplash Materials
These are a very few of the more popular materials used for backsplashes in custom kitchens:
- Marble tiles or slabs
- Granite tiles or slabs
- Ceramic tile in all sizes
- Hand-painted tile
- Glass tiles
- Glass panels
- Stainless steel
- Wallpaper
- Wood bead board
Each of these materials, and the many others that are available, have pros and cons that should be considered when selecting them. A kitchen designer or kitchen remodeling contractor may be a big help when making your decision.
About the author: Jeffrey Anderson has a Degree in English from V.M.I. and served as an officer in the Marine Corps. He worked in Residential and Commercial construction management for 25 years before retiring to write full time.
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Tie Everything Together with a Stunning Kitchen Backsplash