Backsplashes are the underdog of kitchen design. Some homeowners overlook the importance of a well-designed kitchen backsplash, but without one, kitchens appear overly basic and dull. To pull your kitchen together, installing a backsplash is a must. Moreover, the functional purpose of the backsplash is to make cooking spills and splatters easier to wipe, so why not simplify your cleaning routine?
Consider the following tips to narrow down your ideal backsplash based on your wants, needs and habits.
Choose Your Materials
Unfortunately, a painted wall design or faux stick-on to mimic a real backsplash isn’t going to impress buyers or increase the value of your home. Rather, opt for a real backsplash with either granite, marble, ceramic tile, stainless steel or glass.
If you’re unsure of your design preference, consider the pros and cons of various backsplash materials. Glass tiles provide a reflective surface that tends to brighten darker kitchens, but can scratch easier than stone. Ceramic tiles come in a wide range of colors, textures and finishes, but grout must be cleaned often to resist stains. Solid granite must be resealed twice a year to stay water-resistant, but delivers a seamless look when combined with a matching countertop. Marble is trending in the design community at the moment because it exudes luxury while brightening spaces, but tends to absorb grease and dirt more easily. Finally, stainless steel is easy to clean but is pricey in tile form at $200 per square foot, and also scratches and dents easily.
Consider Functionality
The primary purpose of the backsplash is to protect walls from food particles and stains. If you’re accustomed to cleaning with steel wool or another abrasive material, don’t bother with stainless steel or copper as both tend to scratch. High-quality backsplash tiles are practical for almost every budget, depending on the material you choose. Just remember, wiping grout before it has a chance to settle in and absorb is a must. Once you’ve settled in with your new backsplash, wiping it down becomes a part of your nightly, after-dinner cleanup routine, much like doing the dishes or scrubbing the stovetop.
Determine Installation Method
The average homeowner might have trouble installing a backsplash on their own, but that mostly depends on their previous experience and willingness to learn. Hesitant do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners may prefer to hire a professional to ensure accuracy and longevity, especially when opting for an intricate pattern or hard-to-handle material. When going the DIY route, make sure to purchase materials from a well-qualified tile distributor. After all, saving money on installation affords you a more luxurious backsplash. With a little research, some determination and a lot of patience, applying your new subway tiles or artisan glass designs can be done by yourself.
To make sure your tile choice matches your interior style and existing kitchen elements, check out kitchen designs on Zillow Digs, where homeowners can browse a variety of interior themes to determine which backsplash fits their personalities best.
By Jennifer Riner of Zillow
Photography Credit: Alex Bonds Photography
The post How To Select the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash appeared first on Mission Stone and Tile.