When it comes to kitchen design, one of the most important elements is choosing a backsplash. Not only does it add a unique touch to your space, but it can also help protect your walls from splashes and spills. With so many materials and designs available, selecting the perfect backsplash for your kitchen can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to consider when choosing a kitchen backsplash! 

The Best Materials for a Backsplash

While a backsplash is a fun design element in a kitchen, they serve an important function: protecting your walls from splashes, oils, dirt, and heat. It’s important to carefully choose the material for your backsplash to make it not only easy to clean but also easy to maintain and hide splashes between cleanings.

Obviously, ceramic and glass tiles are popular and inexpensive choices with thousands of combinations and design possibilities.

Natural stone makes a striking statement for a backsplash. We’ve seen full soapstone backsplashes that look classic without being boring.

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Materials to steer away from are more porous options that might absorb stains and oils or a laminate-style that might melt near the heat from the oven.

Where do I need a backsplash?

The areas where you need a backsplash will depend on how much cooking takes place. If there’s more potential mess, then more coverage may be needed, such as around cooktops or behind sinks, etc. You may not need a full backsplash behind your entire counter surface if you don’t plan on preparing food in that space.

Outside of the kitchen, you might consider adding a backsplash behind your bathroom sink to keep your walls protected from splashes there, too. You may already be tiling bathroom walls, especially near the show, but don’t miss the opportunity for beautiful tile behind your sink.

Timeless Designs

While you may think it’s overdone, the classic white ceramic subway tile is still a go-to for kitchen backsplashes because of its affordability and how it can coordinate with almost any countertop and cabinet design. Elevate the style by choosing an elongated tile or stacking them instead of using a brick layout.

As mentioned before, a single large piece of natural stone, like soapstone, can be a statement in your kitchen while keeping the traditional, classic appeal of stone. Slate is another popular option with similar properties to soapstone but without the veining detail.

Marble also looks beautiful in some kitchens but can be a tricky choice for a backsplash because it’s porous and may be difficult to clean behind a stove.

More industrial-style kitchens may choose a stainless-steel backsplash, which is very durable but not a top choice if you plan on selling your home soon.

While the backsplash is not the most expensive part of the renovation, it can be difficult to repair or replace. Be sure to consider how you use the kitchen and choose a design that you can love for at least ten years. 

Other Considerations

Don’t forget to consider the grout when choosing your backsplash materials. Using white grout behind an oven will definitely lead to discoloration that you’ll need to clean and scrub often. You’ll want to choose a color that works well with the tile but also hides some of the splashing and staining. The more frequently you wipe down the backsplash, the easier it will be to clean in the long run, but you might not be prepared for the commitment of cleaning white grout.

If you need more ideas on natural stone as a backsplash, contact Garden State Soapstone to visit our showroom and see all the possibilities for your kitchen renovation.