Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash: 10 Things You Need to Know
The backsplash is that finishing touch to any Kitchen Renovation and making a choice on material and colour can be a daunting task.
The backsplash peeks out between your cabinetry and counters, but its importance shouldn't be underestimated. It can serve as an understated unifier or steal the spotlight from the sink and cooktop. Ultimately, that backsplash is a focal point. And it's an opportunity to be creative.
1. Size up the space
Multiply the width by the height of the wall to determine the square footage, which will tell you how much material you'll need. Account for an extra 10 percent of tile just to be safe.
2. Know the focal points
Apart from a gorgeous granite or quartz kitchen countertop, the eye is naturally drawn to two areas in the kitchen – the space above the range, and above the sink. Those are the spots to concentrate elaborate designs to make a high impact.
3. More is more
For a contemporary look, extend the backsplash tiling to wrap around the room. While it will add to expense, it's a visual trick to expand the size of a small kitchen.
4. Time-honored tile
Old-fashioned tile is still the most popular material for backsplashes. Compliment your natural stone granite countertop with an old-fashioned tile backsplash.
5. Think through wear and tear
Glass is beautiful, but not budget-friendly. Natural stone is visually striking, but requires an updated sealing once a year. Ceramic is durable, easy to clean and low cost.
6. Maximize with magnetics
Consider magnetic kitchen organizers. You can use these to store items without the use of shelving to clear up space in your cabinets and countertops.
Things like magnetic knife bars, shelf organizers, and hook racks can help you save tons of space, and are especially useful for small spaces like apartments.
7. Mix (don't match) your design
Playing “matchy-matchy” with your tile work results in an uninspired look -- not to mention that it can be more expensive, depending on the color you choose.
Play with complementary colors to round out a palette and play with patterns by composing the tiles vertically rather than horizontally for a contemporary, stacked look.
Take advantage of the fact that products like quartz countertops come in plenty of different colours, and use your sense of style to create a mosaic tile design.
8. Ceramic vs. porcelain
They look similar, but one is surprisingly stronger. Both are made from clay, but porcelain is denser and therefore more durable against damage and more resistant to moisture.
9. Seal the deal
Different tile materials have different sealing needs. Natural tile like granite, marble, and slate needs to be resealed once a year, while travertine needs resealing every two years. Make sure to maintain your backsplash tiles properly to help them resist stains and help reduce wear and tear.
10. Invest in good grout
Keep this in mind while budgeting -- color and pattern trends come and go, but the grout is the backbone of your backsplash.
By following these simple guidelines, you can relieve the stress in choosing the right backsplash for your kitchen. Have some fun with it and let your creative side take the lead. After all, the beauty of a backsplash is in the eye of the beholder.
For more backsplash inspiration, check out the Stoneworx Project Gallery.