A backsplash is an important design element in any kitchen. It serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. The area behind the countertops and cabinets is known as the backsplash. This vertical surface protects the walls from splashes, spills, and grease while cooking. It also allows you to add visual interest and personality to the kitchen.
Choosing what goes behind your backsplash is an important decision. The material, color, and pattern you select can dramatically affect the look and feel of the entire kitchen. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about backsplash design. We’ll cover suitable materials, popular options, installation, costs, and backsplash ideas to inspire your own unique creation. With the right information, you can confidently design a functional, beautiful backsplash that suits your personal taste and kitchen style.
What is a Backsplash?
A backsplash is a protective covering on the wall behind a countertop, stove, or sink. It is located in areas prone to water damage, grease, food splatter, and other messes. The purpose of a backsplash is to protect the walls and make clean-up easier.
Backsplashes are typically 4 to 6 inches tall, extending from the countertop to the bottom cabinets. They can be made from various materials like ceramic tile, metal, glass, stone, and even vinyl. The most popular choices are tile and natural stone because they are durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
The backsplash brings visual interest, color, and personality to the kitchen. It serves as a blank canvas for creative design expression. Backsplashes are available in endless colors, patterns, textures, and materials to complement your cabinetry, countertops, and overall kitchen decor.
Backsplash Materials and Options
When choosing a backsplash, consider the pros and cons of different materials in relation to your needs:
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are one of the most popular backsplash options. Available in a huge range of colors, styles, shapes, and patterns, tile provides limitless design possibilities. It is water and stain-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Tile comes in different finishes like matte, glossy, textured, or hand-painted. Accent tiles can be incorporated for added visual interest.
Pros: affordable, easy DIY installation, wide variety of designs, durable and low-maintenance
Cons: grout lines may discolor and require sealing
Natural Stone Tile
Slate, travertine, marble, and granite tiles make an elegant, high-end backsplash. The natural variations in the stone create depth and visual texture. Stone has a timeless, classic look. Like ceramic tile, many patterns and combinations are possible.
Pros: natural beauty, heat-resistant, durable, variety of colors and finishes
Cons: expensive, may stain, tiles can crack and be difficult to cut
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel backsplashes have an edgy, modern, industrial look. The material is sleek, shiny, and contemporary. It is heat, water, and stain-resistant. Stainless steel backsplashes are also easy to clean and sanitize.
Pros: modern look, durable, easy to clean, hygienic, heat-resistant
Cons: prone to fingerprints and scratches, sounds loud when pots or pans hit it
Glass Tile
Glass tile backsplashes have a luminous, mosaic look. They come in unlimited colors, shapes, and designs. Glass tile is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean but may stain or etch over time. Light reflects off the tile, creating a shimmery effect.
Pros: versatile design options, easy to clean, reflective surface
Cons: more delicate than ceramic or stone, prone to staining/etching
Metal Tiles
Metal backsplashes like tin, copper, or nickel provide a rustic, old-world look. Metal tiles come in a variety of shapes, finishes, and colors. They develop a patina over time for more character. Using metal tile adds warmth and an artisanal feel to the kitchen.
Pros: distressed, vintage appeal; naturally develop patina
Cons: expensive, prone to scratches and dents
Wood
Wood backsplashes bring natural warmth and texture to the kitchen. Use real planks, veneers, shingles or faux wood-look porcelain tiles. Modern styles mimic wood grain and coloring. Wood is softer than tile or metal and requires sealing to prevent water damage.
Pros: warm, natural look; environmentally friendly
Cons: moisture damage, scratches, needs re-sealing
Brick, Stone Veneers, and Faux Finishes
Faux brick, stacked stone, or textured veneers mimic the look of real masonry for a fraction of the cost. These backsplash panels install quickly with construction adhesive. faux finishes like concrete, travertine, and limestone are durable and low maintenance.
Pros: natural, textured look; affordable; easy DIY install
Cons: less durable than real stone; limited color/style options
Paint
Painted backsplashes work well with cottage, vintage, or eclectic decor. Use high-quality kitchen & bath paint for durability and wipeability. Paint allows you to inexpensively change the color scheme. Paint backsplashes also make small kitchens appear larger.
Pros: budget-friendly, wipeable finish, easy to alter color
Cons: requires priming and frequent re-painting; prone to grease stains
How to Choose the Right Backsplash
With so many backsplash materials and designs to pick from, narrow down your options by keeping the following factors in mind:
Kitchen Style
Match the backsplash to the overall kitchen aesthetic – modern, traditional, farmhouse, etc. Let the backsplash enhance, rather than fight against, the existing style.
Color Scheme
Determine the color palette for the kitchen – warm neutrals, cool tones, bold primaries, black and white? Select a backsplash that blends or pops.
Texture and Pattern
Consider the visual texture and pattern that will complement adjacent surfaces like cabinets and countertops. Large tiles or solid materials create smooth, uniform surfaces. Small mosaics, subway tiles, or textured stone add visual complexity.
Durability and Maintenance
For high-traffic cooking zones, prioritize durability and ease of cleaning. Ceramic, porcelain, or stainless steel are good choices. More delicate materials like glass work better away from heat and messy prep areas.
Budget
Prices range widely based on material – from $3 to $50 per square foot installed. Measure the space and set a realistic budget. Factor in professional installation costs if DIYing is not an option.
Personal Taste
Most importantly, choose a backsplash you love since you’ll see it daily. Be adventurous with color, shape or material that excites you. It’s just paint or tile – easily changed if you tire of it.
How to Install a Backsplash
Once you’ve selected the perfect backsplash, it’s time to install it. Here are the basics:
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Thoroughly clean and sand the wall area. Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle. Prime and paint the walls if needed. This creates a smooth, clean surface for backsplash adhesion.
Step 2: Set the Tile Layout
Map out the tile layout using a grid to determine spacing. Account for focal points like cooktops, edges, corners, and outlets. Cut border and filler tiles as needed.
Step 3: Apply the Adhesive
Follow manufacturer instructions for application and drying time. Use a grout float or trowel to spread a thin, even layer of adhesive on the backsplash area.
Step 4: Mount Backsplash Tiles
Starting at the center point, press tiles into the adhesive and work outward. Use plastic spacers between tiles for consistent alignment and grout lines.
Step 5: Grout the Tiles
Once the adhesive has dried, mix grout and apply it between the tiles to fill in gaps. Wipe away excess. Allow grout to cure fully before sealing.
Step 6: Seal and Finish
Apply grout sealer to protect from stains and mildew. Finally, caulk along countertops, ceilings, and edges for a polished finish.
Backsplash Costs
Backsplash prices vary based on the material, size of the installation, and professional labor.
- Ceramic or porcelain tile: $5-$20 per sq. ft. Do-it-yourself installation can reduce costs significantly.
- Natural stone tile: $15-$50 per sq. ft. Stone is more expensive, especially for specialty material like marble or travertine.
- Glass tile: $15-$25 per sq. ft. The reflective coating increases cost but adds brilliant visual effects.
- Metal tile: $15-$30 per sq. ft. Copper and stainless steel tiles fall at the higher end.
- Wood or faux wood: $10-$30 per sq. ft. Real wood is pricier than simulated wood grain porcelain.
- DIY paint: $0.50-$1 per sq. ft. for supplies. Painting is the most budget-friendly backsplash option.
Save money by installing the backsplash yourself if you’re comfortable doing the work. Otherwise, expect to pay a professional installer around $150 per day.
Backsplash Ideas and Inspiration
The backsplash is an opportunity to add visual excitement and your unique taste to the kitchen. These backsplash design ideas will spark inspiration:
Lively Patterns
From Moroccan fish-scale tiles to delicate floral motifs, don’t be afraid of energetic colors and patterns. Pair with simple cabinetry and countertops to let the backsplash shine.
Vintage Finds
Use reclaimed wood shutters, salvaged barn tin ceiling tiles, or antique collectibles like dishes to create a one-of-a-kind vintage backsplash.
Rustic Charm
Stacked ledgestone and pebbles infuse natural rusticity. For contemporary rustic, combine wood planks with white subway tiles and black grout.
Vibrant Colors
From tomato red to cobalt blue, don’t shy away from vivid backsplash colors paired with bright white cabinetry for exciting contrast.
Modern Metallics
Stainless steel, copper, or aluminum metal tiles lend mid-century modern or industrial edge. Effective on their own or combined with opposing textures like stone or wood.
Statement Morsels
Use specialty tiles like handmade encaustics, decorative ceramic inserts, or murals as unexpected focal points against neutral backgrounds.
Listello Accents
Listello, or border tiles, create framing effects. Contrast slim vertical or horizontal bands with larger field tiles. Use listellos to define cooking zones.
Geometric Patterns
Herringbone, chevron, hexagon, and triangle designs provide movement and modern edge. Add drama with contrasting grout colors.
Classic Subway Tiles
Achieve timeless style with white, beveled-edge, or colorfully-glazed subway tiles. Effortlessly matches traditional or contemporary designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard height for a backsplash?
Backsplashes typically range from 4 to 6 inches in height. The standard is 4 inches, covering the area between countertops and wall cabinets. Extend to 6 inches for more protection if you have tall cabinets.
What’s the best backsplash for a rental property?
For durability and easy maintenance in rental units, porcelain or ceramic tile is best. Avoid delicate materials like glass that could shatter. Simple white subway tile is classic and matches any decor.
Should my backsplash match my countertops?
It’s not mandatory to match your backsplash and countertops. Contrasting colors and textures can be striking. However, similar tones help the surfaces visually flow together. Tying countertop and backsplash colors together achieves a cohesive look.
How do I cut metal backsplash sheets?
Use aviation snips for straight cuts and titanium nitride snips for curves and notches in soft metals like tin, aluminum, or copper. Apply painter’s tape along cut lines to reduce scratching. Always wear heavy work gloves for protection.
Can you apply backsplash tile over existing drywall or plaster?
In most cases, backsplash tiles can be installed directly onto existing finished walls that have been properly cleaned and primed. This saves the step of tearing down existing drywall. Consult with tile professionals to assess wall conditions.
Achieve the Perfect Backsplash for Your Kitchen
Designing and installing the perfect backsplash transforms the look, functionality, and enjoyment of your kitchen. Take the time to properly evaluate your backsplash needs and options. From sleek stainless steel to hand-painted ceramic fish scales, embrace materials and styles that excite your personal taste. Follow installation best practices to create a high-quality, long-lasting backsplash. With creativity and the information in this guide, you can achieve a backsplash that matches your unique style.