A backsplash is an essential component of any kitchen. Installed on the wall behind a stove, sink or countertops, a backsplash protects the walls from splashes, spills and stains while adding visual interest to the space. But do you really need a backsplash behind the stove? There are several good reasons why installing a backsplash behind the stove is highly recommended.
Benefits of Adding a Backsplash Behind the Stove
Here are some of the key benefits of having a backsplash behind the stove:
Protects the Wall from Grease Splatter and Stains
One of the main reasons you need a backsplash behind the stove is to protect the wall from grease splatters, sauce stains and other types of dirt and debris. As you cook, oil and grease will inevitably pop and sputter from pots and pans. Over time, this can stain or damage drywall or paint. A properly sealed backsplash creates a protective barrier that is easy to wipe down and keep clean. Ceramic, metal or stone backsplash tiles are ideal as they are non-porous and do not absorb stains.
Adds an Extra Layer of Protection from Heat and Steam
A quality backsplash material can withstand high heat coming from the stove burners. Solid materials like metal or stone will not degrade or discolor when exposed to heat. This helps prevent warping or other heat damage to the drywall or paint underneath. A backsplash also protects against steam released when boiling water or simmering foods. Repeated exposure to steam can cause drywall to soften and peel over time.
Prevents Moisture Damage Behind the Stove
When cooking, it’s easy for liquid or grease to drip down behind the stove. Without a backsplash, spilled liquids can seep into cracks and crevices in the wall. This can lead to moisture damage, mold growth and decay in the wall over time. The backsplash blocks moisture penetration behind the stove.
Adds Visual Interest to the Kitchen
While functional, a backsplash can also provide aesthetic appeal. Backsplash tiles come in a vast array of colors, textures, materials and designs. Glass, ceramic, metal and stone backsplashes can enhance the decor and style of any kitchen. They provide an opportunity to add pops of color, interesting patterns or focal points behind the stove.
Easier to Clean Than Bare Walls
Compared to bare drywall or painted walls, backsplashes are much easier to wipe down and keep clean. Their non-porous surface resists grease buildup and food stains. A simple wipe down with a sponge or cleaning spray is often all that’s needed. Bare walls would require repainting over time as they become dirty and stained.
Define the Cooking Area
By framing the area around the stove, a backsplash provides a clear visual boundary for the main food preparation zone. This can help delineate the cooking surface from the rest of the open kitchen. The backsplash helps define the functional space.
Provides Added Resale Value
Installing a backsplash is one of the most popular kitchen upgrades. The addition of an attractive, durable backsplash can increase a home’s resale value. Updating to a modern, stylish backsplash can also help a kitchen look updated rather than dated. This is appealing to potential home buyers.
Should You Install a Backsplash Behind the Entire Stove?
The backsplash should extend across the entire width of the stove for optimal protection. It should also extend upwards to at least 4-6 inches above the stove top, or about 1 foot above the highest burner. This ensures splatter and steam released when cooking have a backsplash surface to hit rather than bare wall.
For full protection, the backsplash should wrap around to also cover the side walls up to 1 foot beyond each side of the stove. This protects the surrounding area from grease splatter.
Essentially, the backsplash should frame out a rectangular area extending along the stove width, above the burners and a foot on each side. This provides a full backsplash coverage zone around the perimeter of the stove.
Popular Backsplash Materials for Behind the Stove
There are many excellent backsplash materials suitable for high heat and splatter protection:
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles remain one of the most popular backsplash choices. The glazed surface creates a barrier resistant to moisture, grease and most household stains. Tiles come in endless color, pattern and design options. Rectangular subway tile is a classic choice. Ceramic tiles are relatively affordable, easy to install and last a long time.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel makes an excellent backsplash choice behind a stove. It has a sleek, modern look and is easy to clean. Stainless steel stands up well to heat and splatters. Perforated sheets help reduce noise from pots and pans banging against the surface. Stainless adds a professional, commercial look.
Glass Tile
Glass tile backsplashes provide brilliant color and shine. The smooth glass surface wipes clean easily. Glass tile comes in different colors and degrees of opacity. Clear glass maintains an open, airy look. Colored, frosted or opaque glass tiles have bold visual impact. Glass tiles should have a foggy, matte finish to avoid being too reflective around the stove.
Metal Tile
Like stainless steel, metal tile backsplashes are very heat and moisture-resistant. Attractive options like copper, bronze and tin tiles add interest. Modern metal tiles come in a diverse range of colors and finishes. Metallic tiles pair nicely with industrial, modern or rustic designs.
Stone Tile
Granite, marble, travertine and other stone tiles make an elegant statement. Stone stands up well against heat and splatters. The natural veining and patterns of stone add organic visual appeal. Stone tiles require extra sealing to prevent staining and discoloration from cooking grease.
Quartz or Engineered Stone
Non-porous engineered stone materials like quartz make durable, stylish backsplashes. Quartz lacks the veins and patterns of natural stone but provides stain, scratch and heat resistance. Quartz backsplashes are seamless and easy to keep clean.
Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tiles use small, pieced tiles set in decorative patterns. Mosaics often combine several tile materials, colors and shapes for unique designs. Mosaics can be used solely behind the stove or to accent a larger backsplash.
Factors to Consider for a Stove Backsplash
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting and installing a backsplash:
Heat Tolerance
Make sure the backsplash materials can withstand temperatures up to 400°F generated by stove burners. Ceramic, porcelain, metal, glass and stone tiles have the highest heat tolerance.
Cleanability
The backsplash surface needs to clean up easily from oil, grease and food debris. Smooth non-porous materials like ceramic, metal or glass are easiest to wipe down.
Moisture Resistance
Prevent water damage by choosing backsplash materials that resist moisture penetration. Ceramic, glass, metal, quartz and stone are naturally water-resistant options.
Stain Resistance
Materials like ceramic, porcelain and glass have inherent stain resistance. Natural stone requires extra sealing to prevent staining. Metals and solid non-porous materials are stain-proof.
Style and Design
Pick backsplash materials and patterns that match your kitchen’s overall decor and color scheme. Consider mosaic, stone or mix and match designs for visual interest.
DIY vs Professional Installation
DIY ceramic or peel-and-stick tile backsplash kits are available. Or hire a contractor for complex material installations like natural stone, metal or glass.
Budget
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most budget-friendly options. At the higher end, materials like granite, marble or glass tile can run $50-100 per square foot installed.
Steps for Installing a Backsplash Behind the Stove
Installing a quality backsplash behind your stove is a relatively straightforward DIY project. Here are the basic steps:
Select Backsplash Materials
Choose backsplash tiles or sheets that align with your kitchen decor, needs and budget. Order slightly more than you need to account for unusable damaged or cut pieces.
Prepare the Surface
The wall surface must be cleaned, smoothed and primed before installing tile. Repair any damage or imperfections. Paint with primer.
Calculate Layout
Measure the area to tile. Draw a layout for a centered design. Cut border tiles as needed for the edges. Avoid using small slivers of tile.
Mix Adhesive or Mortar
Prepare the adhesive or mortar for setting the tiles. Check the product instructions for proper mixing technique.
Apply Adhesive and Set Tiles
Apply a layer of adhesive to the wall surface using a notched trowel. Press tiles into place, using spacers for consistent grout lines.
Grout Tile Joints
After tiles are set, apply grout between the joints. Wipe away excess. Allow grout to dry per manufacturer directions.
Seal and Finish
Seal grout lines and tile surfaces with a penetrating sealer. Sealers prevent staining and increase moisture resistance.
Stove Backsplash Ideas, Trends and Inspiration
Here are some of the most popular backsplash tile styles and ideas for behind the stove:
- Classic White Subway Tile – Affordable, clean look framed with metal edging trim
- Stainless Steel Tile – Sleek industrial vibe, often in a brickwork pattern
- Hexagon Tile – Honeycomb pattern adds visual interest and geometry
- Stone Tile – Elegant marble, travertine or granite slabs or mosaic
- Patterned Ceramic Tile – Traditional designs like Talavera, floral and Mediterranean tiles
- Geometric Cuts – Modern triangular, diamond, concave or convex shaped tiles
- Mix and Match – Combining ceramic, glass, stone for eclectic charm
- Neutral Tones – Warm beiges, greys and tans create soft backdrops
- Vintage Look – Retro pastel tiles or distressed antique tin backsplash
- Bold Colors – Make a vibrant splash using emerald, cobalt or other rich tones
- Rustic Wood – Natural wooden planks, reclaimed barnwood or white-washed look
- Brick Design – Faux red brick tiles or a brickwork pattern on other materials
- Black and White – Classic and timeless color pairing
- Moroccan Style – Intricate mosaic patterns in bold hues
Do’s and Don’ts for Stove Backsplashes
Here are some key tips for maximizing the function and appearance of your stove backsplash:
DO:
- Extend the backsplash to cover the entire area behind and around the stove.
- Choose heat and moisture-resistant backsplash materials like ceramic, metal or stone.
- Make sure backsplash tiles are properly sealed and grouted.
- Use caulk to seal seams between the backsplash and countertops or walls.
- Consider glass tiles with a matte or foggy finish to minimize reflections.
- Clean backsplashes frequently using non-abrasive sprays or wipes.
- Use penetrating sealers on porous stone backsplash materials.
- Look for backsplash products like metal designed to dampen stove noises.
DON’T:
- Install a flammable material like vinyl, laminate, wood or acrylic behind the stove.
- Allow gaps, cracks or missing grout lines in the backsplash installation.
- Choose mirrored or highly polished glass tiles that can reflect light.
- Install natural stone backsplashes without applying a sealing treatment.
- Clean extremely hot surfaces like fireclay tile as thermal shock can cause cracks.
- Use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that might etch or damage the surface.
- Allow grease or food spills to linger and harden on the backsplash.
FAQs About Backsplashes Behind Stoves
Q: Should the backsplash tile go all the way to the ceiling?
A: The tiles should extend to around 4-6 inches above the stove top. Covering the entire wall to the ceiling is optional – a partial backsplash is sufficient.
Q: How thick should backsplash tile be behind a stove?
A: Standard backsplash tiles are 6-10mm thick. Thicker stone slate tiles can be used as well. Thin self-adhesive sheets like stainless steel can also work above ranges.
Q: What about using shiplap or laminate boards behind the stove?
A: Wood boards are not recommended as a stove backsplash. The heat and moisture can damage or discolor natural wood over time.
Q: Is it okay to just use paint as a backsplash behind the stove?
A: Paint alone will not withstand splatters and heat. It can quickly stain, yellow or crack. Use paint only in conjunction with a proper backsplash material.
Q: Should backsplash tile span the whole kitchen or just behind the cooking area?
A: Continuous backsplash tiling across the entire countertop and wall area is popular for seamless visual appeal. But concentrating backsplash tile behind the stove itself is fine.
Q: What’s the easiest backsplash to install behind a stove?
A: Peel-and-stick backsplash panels or tiles make for easy DIY installation requiring no mortar or grout. Stainless steel is another very simple option to install with adhesive.
Conclusion
Installing a quality backsplash behind your stove should be considered a vital component of your kitchen. A proper backsplash helps protect the walls from heat, moisture and stains. It also adds decorative appeal. Be sure to choose durable, non-porous materials suited for the high-heat environment. Extend the backsplash several inches above the stove top and out to the sides. With routine cleaning, a stove backsplash will maintain its function and keep your cooking space looking great for years.