Choosing a Backsplash Within Your Kitchen Design Budget

Homeowners often view a kitchen backsplash as simply a decor item. However, the backsplash also has important functions such as protecting the drywall from moisture and making kitchen cleanup easier.

When you're designing a custom kitchen, many decisions will be based on the kitchen's style and your budget. To select the backsplash that's right for your custom kitchen, here are the decisions you need to make.

Where to Install the Backsplash

The traditional locations for a backsplash are behind the range and in the space between the countertop and the upper cabinets.

In recent years, unconventional placements like extending the backsplash to the ceiling have grown in popularity. The change is related to another trend in kitchen design, which is skipping upper cabinets altogether to make the room feel larger.

When a kitchen doesn't have upper cabinets, taking the backsplash to the ceiling helps the space look complete.

Tile Versus Solid Slab

Since a tile backsplash can be designed to suit any style or budget, it's not surprising tile backsplashes are the most popular choice. Tile is available in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and colors. If you're interested in a tile backsplash, your kitchen designer can recommend the best options for your project.

To add a touch of luxury to the space, consider a solid slab backsplash. It's a single piece of material like marble or granite that spans uninterrupted in a coverage area.

Solid slab backsplashes work particularly well with a modern or contemporary design. Homeowners sometimes select a solid slab backsplash because they want it to match the material on the countertop or the kitchen island.

However, a solid slab backsplash doesn't have to match other elements in the space.

Deciding What Material You Prefer

Ceramic

Although kitchen backsplashes made of white ceramic subway tile may seem ubiquitous, ceramic tile actually is available in every color and shape.

Selecting a single color and shape is the most common way ceramic tiles are installed. Yet, designing a custom kitchen gives you the freedom to use multiple colors to create a pattern.

Also, homeowners tend to prize ceramic tile for ease of maintenance and affordability.

Metal

A metal kitchen backsplash is durable and easy to care for. Each metal has unique characteristics that would be a good fit for specific kitchen styles. Sleek stainless steel works well in a modern kitchen. A copper tile backsplash will develop a natural patina over time, which frequently makes copper the metal of choice for a rustic kitchen.

In the past, homeowners usually chose tin tile when they were trying to achieve a kitchen design with a vintage look. Since today's tin tiles are available in an assortment of finishes and decorative patterns, versatile tin can complement a variety of kitchen design styles.

Glass

A beautiful glass backsplash is difficult to stain and easy to clean. Since glass reflects light, it's a good choice when you're trying to enhance the kitchen's natural light. Glass tile comes in a great variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, which makes glass an excellent choice if you'd like to create a unique look. Also, glass tiles can be etched with a custom pattern.

In recent years, glass sheet backsplashes have become a trend in contemporary kitchens. Unlike tile, these solid sheets of glass don't have grout that needs to be cleaned and maintained. A glass sheet backsplash may be clear, painted, or frosted.

Stone

To many people, the visual appeal of natural stone is unmatched by other materials. If you're in love with the inherent beauty of natural stones like marble granite, or travertine, you need to know that stone is less stain-resistant than other backsplash materials. A stone backsplash also will need to be sealed from time to time.