The backsplash is an integral component of any kitchen.
The right backsplash material will complement your kitchen’s design and breathe life into it. In addition to that, you’ll also have peace of mind and not have to worry about replacements any time soon.
So, which is the right backsplash material?
Unfortunately, the issue isn’t black and white. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right backsplash material for your kitchen. Continue reading to find out more.
Budget
Your budget is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing the right backsplash material. We all want the best product. However, sometimes our financial capabilities limit us, and our only option is to compromise.
Nonetheless, just because we compromise doesn’t mean we go for the least desirable product. Hence, you need to know your backsplash options. You also need to know the pros and cons of each backsplash material.
There is a way you can lower the costs without sacrificing quality.
Go for standard tiles without unique designs and mosaics. For example, instead of going for fancy marble tiles, you can stick to low-key quartz tiles.
Sure, marble might be prettier. However, standard quartz is almost as beautiful, but with more strength and less maintenance.
Theme and style
The tile material needs to complement the kitchen’s decor. Did you know that the backsplash can significantly affect the room’s outlook?
Why? Because it’s part of the kitchen’s natural focal point—The sink and faucet area.
First, the backsplash material should sync with its environment.
For example, a stainless steel backsplash will work well in a “woody” kitchen—Full of wooden furniture and cabinetry. The contrast will add flair to your kitchen and further beautify the focal point.
Are you a fan of the classical “old” interior decor style? Then travertine is the right backsplash material for you. Travertine has an “earthy” appearance that enables it to pull off that ancient look.
Do you have a thing for shiny and glossy surfaces? We strongly advise you to consider glass tiles and marble as your go-to backsplash materials. The two have the power to light up the entire room and make it look like something out of a fairy tale.
We’ve also come across laid-back people who love conservative kitchen designs—They prefer simple designs that are still pretty but not too much to handle. If that’s you, then ceramic and porcelain tiles are your preferred picks.
Are you still lost for ideas? Click this link for some of the best backsplash ideas and designs.
Durability
There is more to backsplashes than good looks. The material should be durable. You are much safer with a backsplash material that is tough and anti-wear. Where endurance is concerned, granite is currently the most preferred material.
Marble isn’t necessarily weak. However, it’s softer than granite and prone to wear. The same goes for other materials like travertine, glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles.
Stainless steel is tough. However, it’s vulnerable to scratches and dents that will permanently disfigure the backsplash design.
Quartz is the only other material that can rival granite. One can even argue that quartz is more durable than granite. Plus, quartz has one advantage over granite—It’s almost as appealing as marble.
Maintenance
Most people forget about maintenance when choosing their backsplash materials. Honestly, that’s the worst mistake you can ever make.
What’s the point of choosing a “stunning” backsplash material that won’t give you some peace of mind?
Marble currently has the reputation of being “the prettiest backsplash material.” However, it comes at a cost. Marble is also a high-maintenance backsplash material.
It’s porous. You’ll have to apply sealants multiple times a year to prevent the surface from absorbing a lot of water with stains.
In addition to that, you should also wipe the surface with treatment at least once a month. Why? Because the stone is vulnerable to stains (especially acidic, oily, and wine stains).
Are you ready to put in all that effort to maintain your backsplash? Why would you when there are better options?
Granite is the other material you might have in mind. We all know granite is durable. However, it still needs some care to maintain its looks. Nonetheless, granite is not as high maintenance as marble.
Although granite and marble are both porous, you only have to seal granite once a year. In addition to that, granite is many times stain-resistant than marble.
Our last remaining “high-end” option is quartz. As mentioned earlier, quartz is as beautiful as marble. In addition to that, it’s also as strong as granite. What about its maintenance?
It’s safe to say that quartz is zero-maintenance. It’s non-porous, and you’ll never have to apply a sealant. Also, quartz has the ultimate stain-resistance. Permanent spot stains are a thing of the past.
Quartz cleaning is easy. Take a piece of cloth, dip it in soapy water, and wipe away all stains.
Consider your countertop
Countertops and backsplashes are tag-team partners. They have to work in harmony. A backsplash-countertop clash is the fastest way to offset your kitchen’s beauty and style.
Start by choosing a backsplash material that is identical to the countertop material. Don’t underestimate the power of matches as far as interior design is concerned. Also, it’s much better to install high-quality materials for both.
Be careful with the coloring. Most people take the safest route and match their colors. Nonetheless, some contrast might be better.
There is a rule you can follow: Both surfaces shouldn’t be “busy.” If the countertop is “busy,” then the backsplash should be minimalistic.
For example, if your countertop is deeply veined or grained, then the backsplash should be simple with only one color or design.
Which backsplash material is currently in trend?
Marble and “marble look-alikes” are currently the most popular and in-demand backsplash materials. People can’t get enough of this beautiful natural stone. It’s not surprising that many people are willing to sacrifice maintenance for beauty.
There is no doubt. It will not leave “the trending list” any time soon.
A few examples of marble look-alikes are Classic Quartz Calacatta, Desert Silver, and Italian Waves, among many others.
Which backsplash material is the easiest to install?
The pick-and-peel backsplash tile is the easiest to install. Just as the name suggests, the tiles have adhesive surfaces that allow them to stick on walls.
Do you want to try out a new design before you use “permanent” backsplash materials? Then the pick-and-peel backsplash tiles are a great idea.
