Whether it’s tile, wood or wallpaper — kitchen backsplashes can take many forms.
Can’t decide on the look you want? Use these tips from Mr. Handyman for some kitchen tile backsplash ideas and alternative kitchen backsplash ideas for those on a budget.
The costs involved in installing a typical tile backsplash can add up quickly. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need a tile backsplash. While they protect walls and add a nice design element, your kitchen will be fine with creative alternative options!
If you go this route, simply use a quality paint on the tile; one that is easy to wash and scrub, such as a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint. Not into gloss? No worries, there are also “scrubbable” versions of matte and other low-gloss paints.
You can also use durable wallpaper as a backsplash, just be sure it’s made to withstand moisture and is easy to clean. The great news is, wallpaper comes in thousands of designs and is easy to replace or remove if you decide to go a different route. You can also cover wallpaper with glass or plexiglass for an extra layer of protection.
Wood isn’t the first material that comes to mind for kitchen backsplashes. But for a farmhouse kitchen, it can really tie the room together. Although wood backsplashes can be high maintenance and don’t offer the same durability as tile backsplashes, they are easy to install, can be made with recycled wood and are very unique.
Depending on the look you’re going for you can use rough-cut lumber, or even a high-end exotic wood. Either way, you’ll want to finish the wood with a quality oil-based stain for moisture protection. (Want the wood look without the maintenance? Ceramic tile with a wood grain pattern fits the bill!)
Porcelain tile, subway tile, penny tile — with some many different tile options Mr. Handyman is here to help you decide.
To help you narrow your options, look only at glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles because they’re non-porous and hold up well to water. While stone, marble and granite tiles are attractive options, they come with a high price tag and require more maintenance.
Subway tile is a type of white, glazed, rectangular ceramic tile named after the iconic tile in New York subway stations. Penny tile is named after its size. Due to the small tiles, it typically has higher installation costs.
There are so many color variations of tiles, we suggest you look at color themes throughout your house to help you decide on a color or look.
One you’ve found the color of tile you want, how should you install it or “lay it”? There are many ways lay tile, we’ve outlined a few of them below! Keep in mind, some patterns are easier to lay than others.
If this is your first time, keep it simple with a basic pattern. The type of tile you have should also guide your selection. Handmade tiles, for example, can have more irregularities which make them difficult to install in complex patterns.
After the hard work of finding a color and style of tile you like, grout may seem like an afterthought, but the color of grout can significantly affect the look of your backsplash. Darker grout colors hide stains; however, it creates more visual separation when paired with a light-colored tile. The opposite applies to light colored grout. Dark colored cement-based grouts are best for floors in high traffic areas.
Remember, all cement-based grout should be sealed after it has dried to prevent stains. Epoxy and urethane based grouts don’t need to be sealed but always follow the manufactures recommendations.
When you’re looking for tile installation you can trust, Mr. Handyman can help. Give us a call today or request service online.
All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about kitchen backsplash inspiration offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.
Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about kitchen backsplash inspiration.
While the finished look may be the priority with most kitchen backsplash ideas, it's still necessary to consider installation difficulty, durability, ease of maintenance, and cost. Fortunately, the most popular materials for kitchen backsplashes typically cover all the bases.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
Using ceramic and porcelain tile is one of the most popular kitchen backsplash design ideas due to its aesthetics, affordability, durability, and easy cleanup.
Countertop Material
One of the newest and popular trends in kitchen design is using the countertop material to create the backsplash. You can choose this option with prefab and custom countertops for a seamless transition from the countertop to the backsplash.
Glass Tile
Glass tiles are popular for their elegance and style but also their durability and low maintenance. Plus, glass tile reflects light to brighten up your kitchen.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is a favorite backsplash material that is durable and beautiful and features smooth and textured finishes for a custom fit. White marble, for example, adds a touch of elegance, while limestone provides an organic feel.
Tile is the material of choice for many kitchen backsplash ideas because the material is ideal for traditional or modern decor. A tile backsplash updates your kitchen, lets you get creative, and guards your walls beautifully. Plus, a tile backsplash can last for decades and still look new with adequate cleaning and maintenance. Here's why tile may be the best material for a kitchen backsplash.
Home Value
The kitchen is one of the key selling points of a home, and a tile backsplash is a feature that is attractive to most buyers. A modern backsplash built with subway tile, for example, lets home buyers know you keep your home updated.
Selection
Tiles come in many shapes, patterns, and colors, so it's easy to match your current decor or create a new one. You can choose from matte, glossy, glazed, mosaic, textured, and many other finishes to create the perfect look.
Protection
Tile does more than look beautiful—it protects your kitchen walls. A tile backsplash guards against moisture, splatters, spills, and greasy buildup that would have ended up on your walls.
When browsing kitchen backsplash ideas, easy maintenance should be a priority. To keep your backsplash in top shape, clean it every few days. For a backsplash behind your stovetop, wipe it down every time you cook something. Liquid dish soap and water are ideal for routine cleaning and can be used on most types of backsplash materials. However, different materials require specific cleaning methods.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
A smooth porcelain or ceramic tile backsplash is easy to clean using soap and water and a soft nylon scrubber. Use an all-purpose cleaner as needed for stains and stubborn grime.
Glass Tile
Because glass tile is susceptible to scratches, non-abrasive cleaners and cleaning tools are a must. Use glass cleaner and paper towels for routine cleaning. Soapy water and a sponge is good for deep cleaning.
Natural Stone
While natural stone is durable, it can't withstand abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. Use a soft-bristled scrubber and soapy water for everyday cleaning, and add rubbing alcohol to the soap and water for tough buildup.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are excellent kitchen tile backsplash ideas. Both are beautiful and resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture, but there are differences to consider for the perfect fit.
Tile Durability
Porcelain tiles are usually more durable, heat resistant, and longer lasting than ceramic tiles because of the greater density of the material.
Material Cost
Porcelain tiles are typically more expensive than ceramic tiles due to the higher quality clay and methods used to make porcelain tiles.
Finished Look
Ceramic tiles are available in more finishes, colors, shapes, and sizes than porcelain tiles. Still, porcelain provides a more uniform and polished look.
Backsplash Installation
Both types of backsplash tiles are installed similarly, but porcelain tiles are more challenging to cut smoothly.
Many modern kitchen backsplash ideas feature glass tile for several reasons. Glass tile backsplashes are popular because of their clean, contemporary appearance and durability. Glass tiles can handle daily wear and tear as well as most other backsplash materials, and they're easy to keep clean. A glass backsplash is impervious to moisture, fire-resistant, and won't fade or discolor. Plus, many glass tiles are made of recycled materials, and they don't require as much energy to produce as conventional tiles.
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