A backsplash is an essential component of any kitchen remodel or new construction. Not only does a backsplash provide visual appeal, but it also protects the walls from moisture, grease, and grime. With so many backsplash options to choose from, it can be daunting to decide what you need for a backsplash. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from materials and styles to accessories and installation.
Choosing a Backsplash Material
The material you select for your backsplash will impact the overall look, durability, and cost. Here are some of the most popular backsplash materials to consider:
Tile
Tile is a classic and versatile backsplash option suitable for any design aesthetic.
Benefits:
- Durable and moisture-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Available in endless colors, textures, shapes, and patterns
- Can create custom designs or a mosaic look
Considerations:
- Grout lines may gather dirt and grime over time
- Tile installation requires precision and may be labor-intensive
- Dropped items like pots and pans can crack or chip tile
Popular options: ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, and stone tile
Natural Stone
Stones like granite, marble, and travertine provide a high-end, luxurious look.
Benefits:
- Beautiful, unique natural patterns and colors
- Heat and stain resistant
- Durable and long-lasting
Considerations:
- Expensive
- Some porous stones may require sealing
- Can be prone to cracking or chipping
Popular options: granite, marble, travertine, slate, limestone
Stainless Steel
A stainless steel backsplash lends a contemporary, industrial vibe.
Benefits:
- Modern, sleek appearance
- Extremely durable
- Resistant to high heat
- Easy to clean and keep sanitary
- Often low maintenance
Considerations:
- Can show fingerprints, splatters, and water spots
- Susceptible to scratches
- Can be noisy when objects hit the surface
Often used in a sheet or tile design
Glass Tiles or Mosaic
Glass backsplashes provide brilliant shine and visual depth.
Benefits:
- Reflective, sleek surface
- Available inrange of colors, shapes, and textures
- Resilient to moisture, grease, and heat
- Easy to wipe clean
Considerations:
- Tile edges may be sharp
- Not as durable as stone or ceramic
- Translucent glass can show wall flaws
Often used in mosaics or mixed with stone or ceramic tiles
Wood
Wood brings natural warmth and texture to a backsplash.
Benefits:
- Timeless, rustic appeal
- Real wood offers uniqueness
- Softer than stone or ceramic
Considerations:
- Not as durable or moisture-resistant as other materials
- Can be susceptible to stains, scratches and burns
- Requires sealing to prevent water damage
Best for accent areas or away from heat sources
Metal
From copper to tin, metal backsplashes create an industrial vibe.
Benefits:
- Highly durable and heat-resistant
- Interesting colors and textures like rusted, hammered, or patina
- Environmentally friendly recycled metals available
Considerations:
- Can dent, scratch, or tarnish over time
- Metals like copper react to acidic foods
- Can be expensive
- Needs adequate sealing
Popular choices include copper, tin, nickel, zinc, and stainless steel
Brick or Stacked Stone
Masonry materials like brick or faux stacked stone offer texture.
Benefits:
- Natural, earthy aesthetic
- Structurally strong and durable
- Brick relatively affordable
- Easy to clean
Considerations:
- Heavy, so additional structural support may be needed
- Grout or mortar lines more prone to staining
- Stacked stone often higher cost than brick
Provides a classic, timeworn look
Paint
Paint is an affordable and customizable backsplash option.
Benefits:
- Budget-friendly
- Allows unlimited color choices
- Can match existing wall color
- Easy application and touch-ups
Considerations:
- Not as durable or stain-resistant as other materials
- Needs periodic repainting to look fresh
- Provides less visual interest than textured materials
Best for temporary makeovers or rooms not exposed to heavy use
Backsplash Styles
In addition to material, the overall style you select also impacts the look and feel of your backsplash. Here are some popular backsplash design styles:
Subway Tile
Subway tiles are rectangular or square tiles laid in a brickwork pattern. A classic choice perfect for traditional to contemporary spaces.
Mosaic Tile
Tiny mosaic tiles form intricate patterns when pieced together. Provides visual interest and depth.
Marble Tile
Marble tile has beautiful veining and depth for a high-end, luxurious look. Available in large slabs or smaller tiles.
Metal Tile
Metal tiles like tin, copper, or nickel can create an industrial chic style. Great heat and moisture resistance.
Glass Tile
Glass tiles lend colorful, mirrored brilliance. Available in a range of opaque, transparent, or iridescent options.
Stone Tile
Stone comes in diverse colors, veins, and cuts. Options like travertine or slate provide natural beauty.
Brick
Brick backsplashes with contrasting grout lines offer classic charm. Create patterns like herringbone for added interest.
Wood Plank
Wood planks with warm grains and textures bring a rustic, cottage look. Best reserved for low-moisture areas.
Mixed Materials
Combining materials like wood, stone, and metal creates an eclectic, custom look.
Geometric or Patterned
Use shape, color, and clever patterns like chevron, arabesque, or moroccan to make a statement.
Backsplash Accessories
Accentuate your backsplash with useful and decorative accessories:
Grout
Grout fills the seams between tiles. Color impacts the overall look. Contrasting grout can make tile patterns pop.
Trim Pieces
Trim pieces like bullnose edges, decorative listellos, or chair rail can frame, border, and accent your backsplash.
Accent Tile
Use special tiles like glass, metal, or handpainted ceramic to create medallions for added flair.
Niches and Shelving
Cutouts create space to display cookbooks, plants, or art. Open shelving provides extra storage.
Lighting
Consider under-cabinet lighting or accent lighting to illuminate and showcase special backsplash features.
Protective Finish
Sealing products protect grout and natural stone from stains and etching from acidic foods.
Preparing for Installation
Careful preparation ensures proper backsplash installation:
- Select a qualified installer experienced with your backsplash material.
- Check the wall area for damage or imperfections needing repair prior to installation.
- Remove existing backsplash completely, re-supports wall as needed.
- Have electrical moved or raised to accommodate new backsplash height.
- For tile, select all products like setting material, grout, trim, and sealant.
- Have installer evaluate tile layout to prevent narrow edge tiles or gaps.
- Organize delivery of all backsplash materials, tools, and accessories.
- Clear counters and protect flooring near the backsplash area during install.
Backsplash Installation Tips
Follow these tips for a successful installation:
- Properly prepare and level the surface. Clean thoroughly and roughen glossy surfaces.
- Use temporary guides to outline the backsplash area and desired height.
- Spread high-quality thinset adhesive evenly using proper trowel size. Follow drying times.
- Use tile spacers between tiles for consistent grout line alignment and width.
- For intricate patterns like herringbone, use guiding charts to position tiles accurately.
- Cut border and accent tiles carefully using proper tools like a wet saw or tile cutter.
- Lightly tamp tiles into the thinset. Ensure full coverage and consistent depth.
- Let thinset cure fully per product instructions before grouting. Avoid premature drying.
- Use quality grout. Apply evenly with firm, angled motions to fully pack joints.
- Clean grout residue thoroughly before drying using a damp sponge in a swirl pattern.
- Avoid exposing new grout to moisture for the specified curing time.
- Finish with trim, caulk perimeter edges, and apply any protective sealer as needed.
Maintaining Your Backsplash
Simple maintenance keeps backsplashes looking like new:
- Use non-abrasive cleaners designed specifically for your backsplash material. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Seal grout and natural stone annually or as needed based on product instructions.
- Limit direct exposure to sunlight which can cause fading. Use window treatments to block if needed.
- Immediately clean up spilled foods or liquids to prevent staining.
- Avoid scraping or aggressive scrubbing which can damage the finish.
- Inspect for damage or cracked tiles. Repair promptly to prevent moisture issues.
- Re-caulk perimeter if seams split or gaps form. Spot re-grout cracks annually.
- Consider re-sealing the entire surface every 3-5 years for maximum longevity.
Backsplash Costs
Backsplash prices vary based on the material, size of the installation, and professional labor. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: $5 – $20 per sq. ft. installed
- Natural Stone Tile: $15 – $50 per sq. ft. installed
- Glass Tile: $15 – $30 per sq. ft. installed
- Metal Tile: $15 – $50 per sq. ft. installed
- Stainless Steel: $35 – $75 per sq. ft. installed
- Brick or Stacked Stone Veneer: $20 – $70 per sq. ft. installed
- Wood Plank: $20 – $50 per sq. ft. installed
- Painted Backsplash: $2 – $4 per sq. ft. installed
DIY installations can reduce costs but require tile expertise. Other expenses may include backsplash demolition, wall repair, proper tools and materials, trim, and product warranties.
Backsplash Maintenance Costs
Maintenance usually involves:
- Annual grout sealing: $150 – $300
- Tile repair per tile: $10 – $50 installed
- Re-caulking: $3 – $8 per linear foot
- Grout repairs: $5 – $10 per sq. ft.
- Re-sealing natural stone: $4 – $8 per sq. ft.
- Full restoration: 50% – 70% of original cost
Hiring a Backsplash Installer
For expert results hiring a professional installer is advised for most homeowners.
What to Look for in a Backsplash Installer:
- A proven specialty in your material like natural stone, glass mosaic, or metal tile work.
- Knowledge of best practices for layout, prep, thinset use, cuttings, and grout application.
- Precise attention to detail with gaps, heights, and alignments.
- Strong references from past backsplash jobs.
- Portfolio of their backsplash installations.
- Ability to properly taper or finish non-rectangular installation spaces.
- Handles all aspects from demolition to final sealants and caulking.
Questions to Ask Prospective Installers:
- How many years of experience do you have installing this backsplash type?
- Are you specifically trained in my material such as marble or copper tile?
- Do you handle tile cutting on-site and have the right wet saws/tools?
- What are some examples of backsplash projects similar to mine you’ve completed?
- What types of thinset adhesives do you recommend for my tile material?
- Will you provide all the ancillary trim, grout, sealant and accessories?
- Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your tile installation work?
- Can you supply references from recent backsplash installation customers?
Backsplash Design Ideas
Here are some attractive backsplash design ideas to inspire your project:
Rustic Wood Plank
The soft texture of wood planks adds natural beauty. Works well with stone countertops and stainless appliances.
Marble Herringbone
Classic herringbone marble pattern provides interest. Frames with wood trim for a polished look.
Geometric Features
Use shaped tiles in bold patterns for a modern, eye-catching backsplash. Great behind a minimalist faucet.
Framed Subway Tile
Surround subway tiles with metal or tile trim pieces to create a framed look. Add an inset accent tile.
Mix and Match
Combine glass, stone, and ceramic tiles together for an eclectic mosaic. Great for a cottage kitchen.
Brick Motif
Brick-inspired porcelain tile laid in unique motifs creates visual appeal on a budget.
Textured Metallic
Metal tiles with hammered or patina finishes add dimension. Create a focal point behind the stove.
Mirrored Glass
Reflective glass tile contributes brilliant shine and depth. Accent with gold fixtures for glam.
Natural Stone Mosaic
Small pieces of travertine, marble, or granite form intricate natural patterns.
Contrasting Grout
Use dark grout with light stone tile or vice versa for modern pop. Keep other finishes simple.
Bold Colors and Shapes
Make a vibrant statement with colorful glass or ceramic in geometric shapes.
The Complete Backsplash Checklist
To ensure you get the backsplash design you want, here is a complete checklist to cover everything from start to finish:
- [ ] Determine your budget and overall goals
- [ ] Settle on a backsplash materials like tile, metal, stone, etc.
- [ ] Pick the specific style such as subway, mosaic, marble brick, etc.
- [ ] Decide on a color scheme and aesthetic
- [ ] Choose backsplash accessories like trim, niches, or accent tile
- [ ] Hire a qualified professional installer experienced with your material
- [ ] Have the contractor or carpenter properly remove old backsplash
- [ ] Repair wall damage and level surface
- [ ] Gather all materials needed for installation
- [ ] Installer creates template and confirms tile layout
- [ ] Thinset and tiles installed correctly per guidelines
- [ ] Joints grouted after proper thinset curing time
- [ ] Finalize with trim, recessed shelves, or other built-ins
- [ ] Seal, caulk perimeter, and seal grout areas as needed
- [ ] Admire your finished, gorgeous new backsplash!
The Bottom Line
The key to success when installing a backsplash is proper planning and preparation. Take the time to decide on the right material, style, and accessories for your space and needs. Hiring a qualified installation professional ensures the final product not only looks beautiful but will withstand moisture and wear-and-tear. Follow installation best practices for long-lasting results. With proper care, your new backsplash can be enjoyed for many years, providing decorative appeal, effortless cleanability, and protection for your walls.