The backsplash is the area of wall situated above a countertop and below the upper cabinetry (if any) in a kitchen (or bathroom). The backsplash provides a terrific opportunity to augment the design theme of the kitchen, but because of its associating with a work surface, attention needs to be paid to the functionality of the material used.
The best choices for backsplash material will depend on the design of your kitchen and how you plan on using it. Here are some of the most common choices we've seen over the past few years:
Tile is easily the most common choice for a kitchen backsplash. Tile is available in an almost infinite array of materials, sizes, shapes and colours. Design choices are only limited by one’s imagination.
Many of our clients express concern over the use of tile because of the grout lines typically associated with it. While a sealant can be applied to grout lines, the roughness of the grout usually means that food particles can still get trapped in the grout. Epoxy based grouts can also be used, but are very difficult to work with. From experience we find that the best solution is to simply wipe up splatters as soon as they happen.
Stone can be used in tile form, or as a slab. Consider covering the backsplash with the same stone you use on the countertop, or even using the same stone, in tile form, as inserts in a tile splash. Natural stone should definitely be sealed.
Glass has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Tempered glass is back-painted to achieve a unified colour for the backsplash creating a stunning almost luminescent effect. In addition to regular "float" glass, textured and etched glass can also be used. In most glass applications, a seam will be required if the height of the splash changes. Look closely in the picture on the left and you'll notice a seam on either side of the hood fan opening.
Stainless steel creates a very distinct contemporary look. It can be applied in panels or larger sheets, and is available in many embossed textures as well as simply “brushed”. It's one of the simplest materials to keep clean but is quite unforgiving if it is damaged. Dents typically cannot be removed. Many of our clients will simply use stainless steel behind a cooktop or range for a more “commercial” appearance.
Beadboard can be used in more traditional kitchens. Attractive, simple to install and economical, beadboard can work with virtually any countertop material because it can be painted any colour you choose. The vertical grooves in the beadboard can also help add a sense of height to your splash. However, because the beadboard is typically made from painted wood or fibre-board (MDF), special attention needs to be paid to cleaning spatters as soon as they happen.
Many other materials can be (and have been) used for a backsplash. Be sure to consult with your design professional before finalizing your choice.
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