Backsplashes are both pretty and practical. They protect your kitchen’s interior while adding some interest to a blank space. With a wide range of options to select from, it’s easy to find the ideal backsplash that complements your preferences and style.
What are Different Types of Backsplashes for a Kitchen?
Backsplashes come in a wide range of colors and materials, making them an excellent addition for homeowners to showcase their unique styles and personality. Apart from handling all the sprays and spills around the cooking area and kitchen sink, they also provide many other benefits, especially in terms of functionality and appearance. Understanding the many options available for backsplashes will help you create a functional and beautiful kitchen. Here are the common backsplash materials you’ll find on the market today.
Ceramic Tile
This backsplash type is the most popular today and for several good reasons. It comes in various shapes, colors, and sizes and is highly versatile. Ceramic tile is lightweight, durable, easy to install, and affordable.
The most expensive option is handmade inlaid ceramic, while glossy glazed ceramic is at the other end of the price spectrum. Between the two, you’ll also get options like hand-painted, matte-glazed, crackle-glazed, and large format ceramic tiles.
Stone Tile
There are many different stones commonly used by homeowners for kitchen backsplashes. The most popular option is granite, which comes in various colors. Marble remains one of the most luxurious choices due to its unique natural veins and colors that enhance its beauty.
Slate is available in many natural colors, and you can also use it outside. Soapstone, which is also available in neutral colors, is the least porous but is susceptible to scratches. Travertine comes with high natural gloss levels, but it’s more porous and softer than other stones. In a nutshell, stone tile is highly durable and comes in a wide range of designs, colors, and appearances.
Glass Tile
This tile is available in many designs, shapes, and shades, providing a unique backsplash for your kitchen. It also comes in different reflectivity levels, such as iridescent, matte, frosted, and glossy, making your cooking space feel brighter and bigger. Although glass tiles are easy to clean, they are heavy, and you cannot repair them once damaged. Glass or mixed material mosaics are extremely popular due to the limitless options available.
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic refers to a unique material made from plastic, but it looks more like metal. This type of backsplash is durable and has a smooth surface that’s easy to clean. It’s pretty easy to install, but it can easily get damaged if the heat in your kitchen exceeds 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wood
Wood is not an obvious kitchen backsplash option, but it’s water-resistant and less expensive when properly sealed and treated. With staining and painting, the look of a wood backsplash is flexible, but you’ll need regular maintenance to retain its appearance. Additionally, if you have gas burners, ensure enough space around your burners because wood backsplash isn’t scorch-proof.
Peel-and-Stick
As the name suggests, these backsplashes are perfect for DIY installation. They are made of vinyl, glass, metal, or even ceramic and are inexpensive. Peel-and-stick tiles are lightweight, making them easy to adhere to your walls without caulking or specialty adhesives. Consider the 3D style or thicker peel-and-stick tiles for a more professional look.
Wallpaper
Wallpapers are available in different styles and colors and provide similar benefits to peel-and-stick tile. They have gone in and out of fashion over the centuries and sometimes get a bad rap as being dated. However, modern wallpaper has come a long way, and in recent years found their way back into high-end hotels and homes around the world. It is an inexpensive option that gives you limitless design options. However, before installing a wallpaper backsplash, ensure it is rated for kitchen or bathroom use, or have it covered ith fitted tempered glass.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel comes in ribbed, hammered, and quilted textures. It’s water-resistant and heat-proof, meaning it’s a durable backsplash option. Stainless steel is also non-porous, making it easy to clean and hygienic.
Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint is one of the most creative and inexpensive DIY options you can use for a kitchen backsplash. You can use the backsplash to create to-do lists, write food recipes or draw doodles. Although chalkboard paint provides a good way to display your creativity, it can make your kitchen feel smaller.
Make the Perfect Choice of a Kitchen Backsplash
Kitchen backsplashes peek out between your appliances and cabinetry, but you shouldn’t underestimate their importance. Apart from preventing your walls from becoming dirty, they can also serve as focal points and an aesthetic backdrop in your cooking space. With so many backsplash types, designs, styles, and color options available, you can choose a backsplash that perfectly matches your kitchen needs, color scheme, and design style.
