There are a lot of choices to make when you are remodeling your kitchen. One of those decisions is what kind of material you want to use as a backsplash. Arguably, this might be one of the most critical decisions in your kitchen remodel journey. Since it is at eye level and the backdrop of everything you do on the counter, it’s going to be one of the first things people notice when they walk in and one of the first things to get dirty. So today, we will go over some of the best options for backsplash materials and why they may or may not be the best for you.
Backsplash Material Considerations
Before we dive into the individual materials, there are a few things to keep in mind while making this big decision. Keep these things in mind when shopping for backsplash materials.
- Budget – how much of your kitchen remodel budget are you willing to put toward the backsplash?
- Functionality – how well will it perform considering the types of cooking or activities you do in your kitchen?
- Maintenance – what kinds of routine cleaning, sealing, or replacing will you have to do with the material?
- Aesthetics – does the material suit the overall style of your kitchen?
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Although these are two different materials, they behave, cost, and require the same amount of maintenance. Porcelain and ceramic have a wide range of styles, shapes, sizes, and textures that suit almost any style. These are the most popular options found in homes, and it’s easy to see why. Their styles are varied, they can be found at almost any price point, and they are relatively easy to care for.
Glass Tile
Often used in more modern or contemporary designs, glass tile is a unique and interesting choice for a kitchen backsplash. They have a specific style to them that will either work for you or will not be your thing at all. They come in almost any color imaginable, and their “see-through” quality lends itself to a sleek and glowing look. It also has a way of brightening up a kitchen since the glass will reflect the light from within the kitchen. It never needs to be sealed and will clean up easily even after a pasta sauce explosion. Of course, the grout between the tiles will still need regular sealing.
Stone Tiles or Slabs
Stone backsplashes can range widely from rough stone tiles to elegant marble slabs. They are a more expensive option to porcelain, ceramic, or glass, but they bring with them a timeless and classic look that isn’t likely to go out of style any time soon. The rough more natural-looking stone tiles are hard to keep clean and can be a rather significant investment. The marble slabs are equally, if not more expensive, and you have to be careful with staining. Because these are natural materials, they are very porous and will require you to seal them regularly.
Metal
You can find metal backsplash material in the form of large sheets or in smaller tile-esque forms that are easier to install. Either way, metal has a very distinctive look that might look great in modern, contemporary, or even traditional with the more ornate options out there. It is reflective, so it will help brighten up a space and is easy to keep clean. However, it does scratch, and a scratch can not be fixed in most cases.
There is no correct answer when it comes to which backsplash is ideal for everyone. Each home has its own unique style, budget, and way of cooking that will determine which is best. The amount of variety can be overwhelming, but the opportunity to make your kitchen backsplash uniquely you is an exciting idea that we hope has been made easier with this guide.
