Backsplashes are an important design element in kitchens. They serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. A backsplash is a vertical surface, usually made of tile, installed on the wall behind a countertop, stove, or sink. Backsplashes protect the walls from water, grease, food splatters, and other messes that can damage drywall and paint. They also allow you to add visual interest and personality to your kitchen. But do you really need a backsplash behind the stove? Here’s a detailed look at the purpose, benefits, and options for backsplashes behind stoves.
The Purpose of a Stove Backsplash
The stove is one of the biggest sources of splatters and messes in the kitchen. As you cook, grease, sauce, and bits of food invariably leap up off pots and pans. Without a backsplash, this debris lands directly on your wall where it bakes into a hardened, difficult-to-clean mess. The purpose of a stove backsplash is to protect the wall from this onslaught.
A properly installed backsplash creates a wipeable, non-porous barrier between your stove and the drywall. Instead of absorbing into the wall, splatters and spills hit the backsplash where they can be easily cleaned up with a few wipes of a sponge. Backsplashes are designed to withstand high heat and frequent cleanings.
In addition to splatters, backsplashes also prevent damage from heat and steam coming off pots and pans on the stove. Constant exposure to heat and moisture can cause walls to deteriorate over time. A backsplash safeguards the integrity of the wall.
Benefits of a Stove Backsplash
Protection from splatters and spills – The #1 benefit is protecting your wall from grease splatters, sauce splashes, and all types of cooking mess.
Easier cleaning – Food and grease splatters can bake onto drywall and become extremely stubborn stains. A backsplash wipes clean easily.
Prevents moisture damage – Heat and steam rising from the stove area can cause paint or drywall to bubble, peel, mold, and mildew. A backsplash prevents this.
Enhances kitchen design – Backsplashes let you add visual flair to your kitchen with colorful, textured tiles and materials. It becomes a decorative focal point.
Increases resale value – Updating to a backsplash can make your kitchen more attractive to buyers and increase resale value.
Provides brighter task lighting – Glass, stainless steel, and other reflective materials brighten up the backsplash area with task lighting.
Easy to update and replace – Backsplashes are designed for easy maintenance. Tiles can be replaced as needed versus redoing an entire wall.
Protects plumbing – Backsplashes also safeguard pipes and plumbing from the inevitable messes and damage that occur behind stoves.
Backsplash Options for Behind the Stove
You have a myriad of options when choosing a backsplash to install behind your stove. Consider the following materials:
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Tile backsplashes are classic, timeless, and economical. The myriad shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and patterns available in ceramic and porcelain tile provide nearly endless design possibilities. Tile holds up extremely well to heat, grease, and cleaning chemicals. The grout also makes for easy maintenance since individual tiles can be replaced as needed.
Popular choices like subway tile, hexagon tile, and mosaic tile work beautifully behind a stove. Stay away from very porous, natural stone tiles that require sealing and can stain. Opt for tiles rated for high temperatures and grease resistance.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an increasingly popular backsplash choice, especially behind stoves and around appliances. It provides a sleek, modern, industrial look. Stainless resists high temperatures, repels water, does not stain, and wipes completely clean. It is also reflective and helps create a brighter workspace.
Stainless backsplashes can be purchased in affordable sheets or high-end custom designs. Tempered glass panels are also a good option. Caution that fingerprints show easily on stainless steel.
Glass Tile or Mosaic
For a shine that catches the light beautifully, glass tile or mosaic backsplashes are perfect behind stoves. The glass material is non-porous, seamless, and highly resistant to heat, grease, and grime. Thousands of glass tile colors, shapes, and textures are available.
Glass tile requires extra cuts and care during installation. Avoid very small mosaic tiles behind a stove, choose larger pieces for easier cleaning. Also use a sealant rated for high temperatures.
Metal Like Copper or Tin
For a vintage, rustic aesthetic, metal backsplashes are a charming choice. Copper and tin backsplashes develop a lovely patina over time. These materials are durable, naturally heat and moisture-resistant, and easy to keep clean.
Metals come in tile, sheets, or custom fabricated panels. Take care to properly seal and prepare the materials for high heat areas during installation. Avoid iron or untreated metals that can rust.
Stone
Natural stone like granite, marble, travertine, and slate make gorgeous upscale backsplashes but require some maintenance. Avoid porous, absorbent stones that can stain. Instead choose dense options like granite or marble and properly seal them.
Stone stands up well to heat and cleaning. However, dropped pots and pans can chip or crack natural stone. This can lead to staining and damage over time. Use extra caution when cooking.
Concrete
For an edgy, industrial look, concrete backsplashes are bold and durable. Stained, polished, or stamped concrete provides a custom look at a reasonable price. The material is heat-resistant and repels moisture. However, acidic foods and cleaners can stain or etch concrete.
Concrete needs yearly sealing to prevent staining. Dropping heavy items may chip or crack it. Use metal or trim edges to protect concrete backsplash corners.
Wood
Believe it or not, wood can work as a backsplash behind a stove but requires careful prep and maintenance. Use a dense, moisture-resistant wood like teak or bamboo. Avoid porous woods that can warp. Wood must be thoroughly sealed and re-sealed regularly.
The beauty of wood gains character over time. But moisture, grease, and cleaning chemicals can damage or discolor it. Wood backsplashes have a rustic, cozy aesthetic but higher maintenance.
Laminates
For an inexpensive and carefree option, laminate backsplashes stick directly onto the wall. These peel-and-stick sheets come in stainless steel, copper, tile, and other simulated looks. Installation is a breeze. Just cut to size, peel off adhesive backing, and press onto the wall.
Laminates won’t last as long as real materials but they withstand heat and splatters well. When the backsplash becomes damaged or stained, simply peel off and replace it. Some laminates can bubble or peel with excessive heat or moisture.
Painted Drywall
If budget is a big concern, consider a painted backsplash. Use high-quality, oil-based enamel paints that resist heat, grease, and moisture. Add a clear coat for extra protection. Paint allows you to create any color or pattern.
Painted backsplashes don’t withstand cooking mess and must be repaired or repainted more often. Another option is faux treatments like textured paints, wallpapers, or decals to mimic other backsplash looks while saving money.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Stove Backsplash
Keep the following factors in mind when selecting a backsplash for behind your stove:
- Heat and grease resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance
- Durability and longevity
- Visual appeal and design style
- Affordability and budget
- DIY installation or professional
- Accessories like trim, edging, and backsplash outlets
Be sure to consult with a designer to determine the right height, width, and length to cover your stove area fully. Measure carefully to calculate the square footage. This ensures you purchase enough materials.
Most importantly, choose a backsplash that fits your cooking style. If you cook a lot, go for durable, resilient materials that withstand heavy use. Don’t skimp on quality materials if the backsplash will take a beating. This helps prevent costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Do You Really Need a Backsplash Behind the Stove?
Given the benefits of an easy-clean barrier between your stove and wall, the answer in most cases is yes. The mess, moisture, and potential damage make a backsplash highly recommended. Without one, your walls will likely incur splatter stains, discoloration, bubbling paint, and other issues that require frequent repainting.
Unless you have a surface behind the stove that is already resistant to heat, grease, and moisture, invest in a quality backsplash. It will make your life much easier in the long run.
However, if budget is extremely tight, a backsplash may not be feasible immediately. In this case, here are some alternate options to protect the wall temporarily:
- Apply a few coats of oil-based enamel paint to the wall behind the stove. This is your cheapest, temporary solution. Just repaint as needed.
- Hang an inexpensive peel-and-stick laminate or stainless steel sheet as a removable and replaceable option.
- Attach metal trim or edging along the top and sides of the wall space behind the stove. This protects the exposed wall edges from splatters.
- Use small removable backsplash tiles, panels, or metal sheeting just behind the stove itself. Then paint the surrounding wall with heat/grease resistant paint.
- Cover the wall with tile board or other moisture-resistant panels. These are inexpensive and easy to install until you can afford a permanent backsplash.
While these temporary fixes work, its best to save up for a real backsplash as soon as possible. In the end, a quality backsplash protects your investment in the wall itself and also increases your home’s value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stove Backsplashes
How high should the backsplash go behind my stove?
For adequate protection, the backsplash should extend 18-24 inches above the cooktop surface or to the bottom of the range hood. Building codes require backsplashes to be at least 4 inches high on walls behind cooktops. Go as high as possible for the best splatter protection.
What’s the best backsplash to protect the wall from heat?
Tile, glass, and metal backsplashes resist heat the best. Avoid wood or laminates that can scorch, discolor, or melt with high heat exposure.
Do you need a backsplash if you have a range hood?
Yes, range hoods don’t provide full wall protection from splatters or moisture. For comprehensive coverage, install a backsplash from counter to hood.
What’s easier to clean, glass or tile backsplash?
Glass backsplashes are generally easier to clean and more stain-resistant than tile. Glass has a nonporous, seamless surface. Grout lines in tile can accumulate grease. Glass requires less abrasive scrubbing during cleaning.
Should the backsplash go around the window behind the stove?
If possible, extend the backsplash under and around the edges of any windows behind the stove. This seals splatter entry points. Full coverage is best.
Can I install a backsplash over existing wall tile?
In some cases yes, if the existing tile is in good shape and solidly attached. Use caution and consult an expert to be sure the substrates are adequate for supporting a second layer.
What about drill holes in my backsplash for electrical outlets?
It’s recommended to install extra outlets prior to the backsplash. If holes become necessary, consult a tile expert to ensure you drill properly through tiles without causing cracks or damage.
Conclusion
Installing a proper backsplash behind your stove provides invaluable protection for your kitchen wall. It guards against grease splatters, moisture damage, cleaning headaches, and deterioration over time. Although not absolutely mandatory, a backsplash greatly benefits any kitchen in terms of function and aesthetics.
Take the time to choose the right backsplash materials for your needs, cooking style, and budget. Take into account ease of cleaning, heat resistance, durability, and design. With the myriad choices available, you can find the perfect backsplash to make your stovetop area both practical and beautiful.