Adding a backsplash to your kitchen can greatly increase the value and appeal of your home. A stylish backsplash serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, protecting your walls while also providing a pop of color, texture, and personality. As a relatively inexpensive kitchen upgrade, backsplashes offer homeowners an excellent return on investment.
Benefits of Adding a Backsplash
Here are some of the key ways a backsplash can boost your home’s value:
Enhanced Visual Appeal
Backsplashes come in a vast array of colors, materials, and designs.Whether you opt for sleek subway tiles, rustic natural stone, or handmade ceramic tiles, a backsplash infuses style and visual interest into your kitchen decor. The backsplash becomes a focal point that immediately catches the eye.
Protection for Walls
Without a backsplash, your painted walls are vulnerable to oil splashes, sauce stains, and water damage over time. The constant splattering that occurs in a kitchen will ruin your wall paint or wallpaper. A properly sealed backsplash safeguards your walls.
Easier Cleaning
Backsplash tiles are far simpler to clean than drywall or other wall materials. Their non-porous surfaces allow you to swiftly wipe away messes before they have a chance to set in and stain. Keeping your backsplash pristine takes minimal effort.
Increased Resale Value
Upgrading to a backsplash is an affordable renovation that yields a high return on dollar value. The visual pop of a backsplash can increase your home’s perceived value in the eyes of potential buyers. Homes with updated, stylish kitchens tend to sell faster and for more money.
Factors That Impact Increased Home Value
If you’re debating adding a backsplash to boost resale value, keep the following factors in mind:
Tile Material
Natural stone, metal, glass, and porcelain tiles add more value than ceramic, as they are seen as higher-end materials.
Tile Size
Smaller tile sizes like mosaics or pennies create more intricate patterns and details that can increase value. Oversized tiles may date your kitchen.
Tile Layout
The way your tiles are arranged also affects the look. Interesting layouts, patterns, and combining tile sizes add appeal.
Tile Color
While neutral backsplash colors are trendy, pops of bold or rich colors can grab attention. Just avoid colors that may limit buyers.
Backsplash Coverage Area
Backsplashes traditionally go between countertops and cupboards. Full wall coverage or special shapes add more wow factor.
Design Cohesion
Your backsplash design should coordinate with your counters, cabinets, and flooring for a cohesive look.
Workmanship Quality
Proper installation and sealing are musts. Shoddy, uneven tiles detract from value.
Popular Backsplash Styles That Increase Value
If boosting resale value is your goal, consider these backsplash design trends buyers flock to:
Subway Tile
Classic white 3×6” glossy subway tiles instantly give a timeless, clean look. Their simplicity pairs well with any kitchen.
Herringbone
The zigzag herringbone pattern adds lovely dimension and movement. It works in many color schemes, but black and white is most popular.
Marble & Quartzite
Elegant marble backsplashes provide a high-end finish. The natural patterning has remarkable depth and visual appeal.
Hexagons
Tiling with hexagons achieves an eye-catching honeycomb effect. Mixing hex sizes and colors creates even more interest.
Stone Mosaics
Small stone tiles or pebbles arranged in mosaic designs make a stunning organic statement. Travertine and granite mosaics are sought-after.
Metallic Tiles
Shimmering metal tiles in copper, nickel, and brass infuse kitchens with modern industrial glam. These let your backsplash make a shiny statement.
Cost of Adding a Backsplash
The cost of installing a backsplash varies widely depending on factors like:
- Tile material – Natural stone is the most expensive, followed by metal and glass. Ceramic tiles are the most budget friendly.
- Tile size – Smaller mosaics take more time and labor to install, increasing costs. Oversized tiles are cheaper.
- Tile layout – Intricate patterns and combinations of tiles sizes are pricier than simple designs.
- Area to be covered – Full wall coverage costs more than a small strip backsplash area.
- Labor – Professionally installed backsplashes are ideal and add about $40-$75 per hour.
- Accessories – Special grouts, sealants, trims, and accent tiles boost the price.
On average, expect to invest $800-$1,500 to install a backsplash in a 10×10 kitchen area. Higher-end stone, glass, or metal tiles can run up to $3,000-$5,000.
Return on Investment
The National Association of Realtors estimates that kitchen backsplash upgrades recoup about 118% ROI on average. This means if you spend $1,000 on installing a backsplash, it would increase your home’s value by around $1,180.
Given that backsplashes are relatively inexpensive kitchen remodels, they offer outstanding bang for your buck. By elevating style and functionality, backsplashes are proven to boost home value and selling appeal. They also make your daily kitchen experience more enjoyable. With so many options, it’s easy to choose a backsplash that fits both your taste and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a backsplash increase home value?
On average, a professionally installed backsplash costs between $800-$1,500 and can increase your home’s value by about 118% of project costs. So a $1,500 backsplash remodel would add approximately $1,770 to the value of your home.
What is the most popular backsplash?
White subway tile remains the most popular backsplash style, known for being timeless and clean looking. But bold colors like navy blue and materials like quartzite and glass mosaic are also trending.
Should you redo backsplash when selling?
Yes, redoing an outdated or damaged backsplash can greatly increase buyer appeal. A new backsplash is an affordable upgrade that makes your kitchen look fresh and contemporary.
Does backsplash go all the way to ceiling?
Traditionally backsplashes only cover the space between countertops and upper cabinets. But full wall backsplashes that extend to the ceiling have become a popular design choice for more dramatic impact.
What backsplash is easiest to maintain?
Glass, metal, and porcelain or ceramic tiles are extremely easy to keep clean. Their smooth surfaces simply need a quick wipe down. Avoid porous natural stone that requires sealing.
Conclusion
Installing a stylish, updated backsplash in your kitchen provides enjoyment and protection for years to come. And when it comes time to sell your home, a backsplash upgrade can add significant resale value. Given the reasonable cost, high ROI, and design versatility of backsplashes, there are so many great reasons to incorporate one into your kitchen.