A backsplash is an integral part of any kitchen design. It serves both decorative and functional purposes. But do you really need a backsplash in your kitchen? Here is a detailed look at the pros and cons of installing a backsplash to help you decide.
What Is A Backsplash?
A backsplash is a protective surface installed on the wall behind a countertop, stove, or sink. It is designed to protect the walls from water damage, stains, and splashes. Backsplashes are typically made of tile, metal, glass, or stone. They add visual interest and color to the kitchen while also making the space easier to clean and maintain.
The main benefits of having a backsplash in your kitchen include:
- Protection – Backsplashes prevent water damage and staining on walls behind sinks, stoves, and countertops. The water-resistant materials are easy to wipe clean.
- Design – Backsplashes introduce color, texture, and patterns to the kitchen. They can tie the whole space together aesthetically.
- Customization – Backsplashes can be customized with different materials, colors, and designs to match your personal style.
- Increased Home Value – Tiled backsplashes are attractive features for potential home buyers and can increase resale value.
Do You Really Need A Backsplash?
Whether you absolutely need a backsplash or not depends on a few factors:
What Is Behind The Countertop?
Look at what material is behind your countertop, sink, and stove – is it drywall, plaster, wood, or something else? Porous surfaces like drywall will easily soak up moisture and stains. Water damage to walls can promote mold growth. Therefore, unprotected drywall and plaster walls would benefit from a backsplash.
On the other hand, materials like brick, tile, or metal sheeting may already provide sufficient protection from splashes without requiring a backsplash.
What Do You Cook?
Do you frequently cook saucy dishes that splatter all over? Foods like pasta sauce and greasy meats often pop and sizzle on the stove. The backsplashes prevent stains from these errant drips and drops. If your cooking routinely leads to messes, a backsplash can save you time on cleanup.
However, if most of your cooking surface messes are contained to the countertop and stove surface, then walls may remain relatively clean without a backsplash.
Is The Sink Prone To Splashing?
Backsplashes are highly recommended behind sinks, as water splashing is inevitable. The area surrounding the faucet and drain sees a lot of moisture. Soap, toothpaste, and grime also tend to build up on the walls around sinks over time. A properly installed quality backsplash prevents this buildup.
If you have a large single-basin sink, the risk of splashing is even greater. Deep sinks and intense scrubbing lead to more splatter on walls.
How Will It Enhance The Space?
While protection is key, backsplashes also provide the opportunity to upgrade kitchen aesthetics. Tiled backsplashes infuse color, texture, and personality into the cooking space. Glass, metal, and stone backsplashes can create elegant, polished looks.
If your kitchen decor needs an update, a stylish backsplash could be a meaningful enhancement. Consider how the addition can complement your cabinets, countertops, floors, and other finishes.
Is It In Your Budget?
Backsplash installation does represent an added upfront cost and typically runs $30-$70 per square foot installed. The specific tile material affects pricing too. While worthwhile for long-term use, it is an investment.
If your budget is tight, you may be able to postpone a backsplash installation until you can afford a quality job. In the meantime, maintain the wall areas well and utilize removable backsplash panels.
Backsplash Design Considerations
If you decide a backsplash is right for your kitchen, keep these design factors in mind:
Material
- Ceramic or porcelain tile – Classic, durable, and cost-effective
- Natural stone – Elegant options like granite, marble or travertine
- Glass tile – Shiny and modern
- Metal tile – Eye-catching and water-resistant
- Reclaimed wood – Rustic and textured
Consider moisture exposure levels and cleanup requirements when choosing materials. Porous surfaces like natural wood may not hold up over time.
Placement
Only install backsplashes where needed – directly behind appliances and sinks prone to splashing. Partial backsplashes save installation costs.
Make sure the backsplash fully protects vulnerable areas. It should cover walls from countertops to cabinets with no gaps. Standard height is 4-6 inches.
Pattern
Creative backsplash tile patterns add visual flair. Consider basic options like:
- Subway tile layouts
- Vertical stacks
- Horizontal rows
- Diagonal designs
- Herringbone
Match or contrast with cabinetry finishes for a cohesive look.
Colors
Choose backsplash colors that coordinate with your cabinetry, countertops, flooring, and wall paint. Contrasting hues can make the backsplash pop while complementary shades blend everything together.
Neutrals like white, gray, or beige backsplashes provide versatility. Bold colors create drama. Dark backsplashes ground light spaces.
Finishing Touches
- Use coordinating grout colors. Contrasting grout highlights tile patterns. Matching grout unifies the look.
- Consider special trim pieces and decorative accents like borders, inlays, and mosaics.
- Install lighting above or beneath glass or translucent backsplash tiles to create glow.
Backsplash Installation Tips
Follow these best practices for proper backsplash installation:
- Thoroughly clean and prep the wall surface. Remove existing wallpaper or backsplashes.
- Use cement board or a water-resistant underlayment rather than drywall alone. This provides an even, stable base.
- Check for level and plumb surfaces. Use spacers between tiles for consistent alignment and straight grout lines.
- Spread thinset mortar evenly across the area using a notched trowel. Press tiles into the mortar.
- Allow proper setting time before grouting according to product instructions.
- Apply grout between the tiles, wiping away excess. Allow grout to cure before sealing.
- Use caulk between the countertop and backsplash instead of grout.
Following manufacturer guidelines for all materials ensures a long-lasting, high-quality backsplash installation.
Backsplash Maintenance
While durable, backsplashes still require occasional maintenance:
- Seal natural stone backsplashes annually to prevent staining and etching.
- Re-grout as needed. Grout eventually cracks or wears down over time.
- Use gentle cleaners and avoid abrasive scrubbing to prevent damage.
- Immediately wipe up any spills or splatters to prevent stains on grout.
With proper care, a quality backsplash should last for decades in your kitchen.
Creative Uses Of Backsplashes Beyond Kitchens
While backsplashes are practically essential for kitchens, they can also come in handy in other rooms:
Bathrooms
Protect walls from daily splashing in the sink and tub areas. Maintain cleanliness and prevent mold.
Laundry Rooms
Keep walls around laundry sinks and appliances neat and dry.
Bars
Defend bar areas from inevitable spills and moisture rings.
Mudrooms
Prevent dirty smears from jackets and shoes in entryways.
Get creative with stylish backsplash applications anywhere that sees messes.
Should I DIY or Hire A Pro?
Installing a backsplash yourself can save on labor costs if you are relatively handy. With proper planning, materials, and tools, DIY backsplash installation is definitely achievable for some homeowners. Watch online tutorials to learn techniques.
However, for more complex designs or large Kitchens, professional installation may provide better results. Hire a contractor for:
- Natural stone backsplashes – Require precise cutting for seamless alignment between tiles.
- Intricate patterns – Professionals have specialized tools to achieve clean details.
- Transforming an entire kitchen – Coordinating cabinetry adjustments, countertop installation, lighting, flooring, and backsplash together takes skill.
Discuss your project with tile contractors to request quotes. Having the job done right the first time avoids maintenance headaches later on.
Backsplash Costs To Estimate
Here are typical backsplash material and installation cost estimates:
- Ceramic tile – $5-$20 per sq. ft. for materials. Approximately $30 per sq. ft. installed.
- Glass tile – $15-$50 per sq. ft. Around $70 installed.
- Natural stone tile – $40-$100 per sq. ft. Average $100 installed.
- Metal tile- $15-$50 per sq. ft. About $50 installed.
- Wood backsplash – $20-$50 per sq. ft. Around $70 installed.
- Backsplash panels (removable) – $20-$100 for a 4×8 sheet. DIY installation.
- Full kitchen backsplash installation – Typical range $1000-$3000 depending on size.
- Partial kitchen backsplash install – $500-$1500 on average.
- Backsplash demolition/removal – Approximately $5-$10 per sq. ft.
Material prices vary based on the quality of the tiles or panels selected. High-end stone and handmade tile represents the top end of price ranges. Labor and installation costs also depend on contractor rates in your area.
Backsplash Ideas To Inspire Your Kitchen
Here are some gorgeous backsplash examples highlighting popular kitchen backsplash trends:
Vintage Tile Patterns
Vintage styled ceramic or porcelain tiles arranged in geometric patterns infuse retro flair. Often finished with classic subway tiles surrounding the focal backsplash.
Adam Albright Photography via Banner Day Interiors
Natural Stone Mosaics
Small stone tiles handset in mosaic sheets create one-of-a-kind organic designs. Pebbles, travertine, and marble make mesmerizing feature walls behind Stoves or sinks.
Oversized Tile
Dramatic oversized ceramic or porcelain tiles in bold colors and shapes make a statement. These come in 12 inches up to 4 feet wide in rectangular, hexagon, diamond, or round designs. Limit grout lines.
Modern Geometric
For contemporary style, angular tiles in glossy hues arranged in graphic linear or triangular formations liven up walls. Ideal for minimalist kitchens.
Mirrored Glass
Reflective glass tile backsplashes paired with LED lighting amplify light and space. Sophisticated accent for glamorous contemporary spaces.
Natural Wood Panels
Wood backsplashes bring warmth and texture to rustic or farmhouse kitchens. Materials like cedar, pine, or reclaimed barnwood offer artisanal charm.
Nic Darling via Styled and Staged
Handmade Tile
Unique handcrafted ceramic tile backsplashes feature artisanal imperfections. Custom designs like carved tiles and 3D relief surfaces artwork make special decor.
Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home via Centsational Style
Moroccan Fish Scale
Fish scale tile designs referencing Moroccan and Spanish architecture create eye-catching details. Blue and white color combos match coastal decor.
There are endless options for making backsplashes distinctly yours. Visit showrooms, browse photos online, and collect ideas to create your dream kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions About Backsplashes
Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have about backsplashes:
Q: Is it cheaper to install backsplash tile DIY or hire a pro?
A: In general, DIY backsplash installation costs less in labor since you aren’t paying for an installer. But lack of experience can lead to expensive mistakes you then pay to fix. Pro jobs often have better results. Evaluate your skill level to determine if it’s worth it.
Q: What backsplash goes best with white cabinets?
A: White cabinetry gives you freedom to select virtually any backsplash color you love! Matte finish tiles in grey, navy, black, or wood tones beautifully complement white cabinets. Glossy backsplash tiles in bold hues like emerald or sapphire pop dramatically.
Q: Should backsplash match kitchen countertops?
A: Not necessarily. Contrasting your backsplash from countertops can make each stand out. But make sure the colors and styles coordinate. Too many competing finishes makes the kitchen feel chaotic.
Q: How thick should kitchen backsplash tile be?
A: Standard backsplash tile thickness is 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. Mosaic sheets are approximately 1/4 inch thick. Thicker tile around 3/4 inch – 1 inch can create textured designer backsplash styles.
Q: Can you put backsplash tile over existing tile?
A: Yes, if the original backsplash tile is intact and firmly adhered to the wall. Scuff sand to rough up glossy surfaces for better adhesion. Use caution with extra weight on drywall. Professionals recommend replacing old tile.
Q: Where should backsplash end next to cabinets?
A: Backsplashes should stop 1/4 inch before bottom of upper cabinets. Leave a little gap between tile and cabinet for cleaning. Full backsplashes extend from countertops to bottom of wall cabinets.
Conclusion
Adding a backsplash during your next kitchen remodel brings both beauty and functionality. Backsplash tile in your favorite materials, colors, and designs expresses personal style. More importantly, backsplashes provide essential protection for walls surrounding sinks, stoves, and countertops. They defend against water damage, stains, and splatters while also making messes easy to wipe away. For kitchens that see a lot of cooking action, a backsplash truly proves itself as a worthwhile investment that saves on maintenance. With so many creative options, you can find the ideal backsplash to rejuvenate your cooking space.