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Backsplashes are a simple yet impactful way to add personality to your home while also protecting your walls from damage. In this article, we’ll discuss the purpose of a backsplash, talk about various backsplash materials and their pros and cons, and cover cost, installation, and design tips. Scroll down to the bottom of today’s post to find an exclusive discount code that can help you choose between multiple backsplash tile options at a more affordable price!
What Is the Purpose of a Backsplash?
A backsplash has two main functions: It protects the wall from damage, and it’s an eye-catching interior design element. The best backsplashes achieve a balance between functionality and appearance; they’re both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
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Adding a backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom means taking advantage of an opportunity to explore your interior design preferences and bring a bit of your personality to your home. Backsplashes add color, texture, and a natural focal point to your interior design.
In both kitchens and bathrooms, backsplashes protect the wall from water stains and prevent dents and other forms of damage from items stored on the countertop. In kitchens, a backsplash also keeps grease and food debris from damaging the wall or leaving unappealing stains behind.
Perhaps the most important aspect of a backsplash is resistance to various substances and types of damage. In general, materials that are water-resistant, stain-resistant, and chip-resistant make for excellent backsplashes.
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Backsplashes also make the cleaning process simpler. A glazed tile backsplash is usually quick and easy to wipe down with a wet cloth or multipurpose cleaning solution, whereas the average painted wall might sustain damage after being scrubbed on a daily basis.
In addition to protection from various types of damage, visual appeal, and simplified cleaning, a backsplash can also add value to your home. While it may not provide as high of an ROI as installing natural stone flooring, for example, installing a backsplash is a relatively cheap and easy way to boost your home’s appeal and overall value.
Common Backsplash Applications
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Backsplashes are most frequently seen in kitchens and bathrooms. In kitchens, they’re typically located behind sinks and stoves, where water, food, and grease splatters tend to be the most common. Kitchen backsplashes usually span the area between the counter and the upper cabinets. When placed behind stoves, they normally cover the space between the stove and the range hood, but may extend to the ceiling, depending on the layout of the room.
In bathrooms, backsplashes are most commonly located behind sinks, but there’s less of a defined line between the point where a backsplash ends and an accent wall begins. Often, a tile backsplash can span the entire wall.
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Tile Backsplash Materials (Plus Their Pros and Cons)
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When considering the right material for your tile backsplash, keep in mind that the most important attributes are durability and easy upkeep. Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of various tile materials. Sometimes, you'll see stainless steel or wood backsplashes as well.
For more in-depth discussions of each type of tile, check out this article.
Porcelain/Ceramic
Porcelain and ceramic are very similar materials–in fact, porcelain is actually a type of ceramic. The main difference between these two materials is that porcelain is made from clay with finer particles, leading to increased durability.
Both porcelain and ceramic come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. They can even imitate the look of natural stone at a much lower price! These materials are some of the most popular for backsplashes because they’re budget-friendly, low-maintenance, and DIY-friendly.
Natural Stone
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Natural stone brings a sense of beauty, warmth, and elegance into any space. However, it’s crucial to seal natural stone on a regular basis, or it will be susceptible to staining and water damage.
It’s important to be careful with this material, as many types of stone and marble are prone to chips and cracks. It’s also vital to use appropriate cleaning products on natural stone. These should not contain dyes or colors of any kind and should be pH-neutral. Consult the tile manufacturer’s guidelines for additional information about suitable cleaning products.
In addition, natural stone tile can be quite expensive, although price may not be as much of a barrier in smaller areas, like the portion of wall covered by a backsplash. In general, natural stone should be installed by a professional (or, at the least, a very experienced DIYer).
Glass
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Glass backsplashes are another popular choice, although they come at a higher price point than porcelain and ceramic. Their glossy, light-reflecting surface can brighten any kitchen or bathroom, and glass tile is very easy to clean. Similar to natural stone, professional installation is usually the best choice for a glass backsplash. This is because, due to the glass’s transparency, any installation mishaps can be seen through the tile.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Tile Backsplash?
Costs for a tile backsplash vary widely, depending on the following factors:
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Square footage/size of the backsplash
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Material
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DIY or professional installation
As a general rule, the least expensive backsplash would be a small ceramic backsplash with DIY installation. The most expensive backsplash would likely be a large glass or natural stone backsplash installed by a professional. Backsplashes typically cost an average of $1000 but range from $500 to $1500 in most cases.
DIY Vs. Professional Installation
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The best time to install a backsplash is before installing your kitchen or bathroom counter, but many people add or change their backsplashes later on. The two options for installation are doing it yourself (DIY) and hiring a pro. There are benefits and drawbacks to each option.
Considerations for Professional Installation
When you hire a professional, they usually charge per hour or per square foot. This price will, of course, be added to the price of the tile itself. We recommend hiring a pro if you don’t have any DIY experience, have chosen glass or natural stone tile, or if the area where the backsplash will be installed has any awkward angles or potentially challenging corners to work with. When considering different tile installers, ensure they have experience with the material you’ve chosen, and check out their references if possible.
DIY Installation Guidance
If you prefer to install your backsplash yourself, we have plenty of resources to help you out:
Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
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Thoroughly plan out the project beforehand
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Purchase at least 10% more tile than you need to cover the space where it will be installed
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Don’t skip the prep work
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Aim for symmetry
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Use tile spacers
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When in doubt, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions
Backsplash Design Tips
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A backsplash often becomes the focal point of the room, drawing the eye and creating visual interest. Coordinating it with the rest of the interior design by choosing cohesive colors and patterns is ideal. Consider all of the other interior design choices in the room and make sure that the backsplash fits right in. You might even think about color psychology when selecting your backsplash tile.
The grout you choose can have a significant effect on your backsplash’s overall appearance. For instance, grout that is a similar color to the tile will create a smooth, cohesive look. Meanwhile, grout in a contrasting color adds depth and boldness.
You might also consider creating a pattern or adding a border to your backsplash by using multiple tiles. However, remember that the smaller your tiles are and the more of them you have, the more grout lines, and the more challenging maintenance and cleaning will be.
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When creating your backsplash layout, we recommend installing tile at least one row below countertop height so that you can’t see any bits of bare wall, maintaining visual continuity.
Not sure where to start and end your backsplash? Here are some general guidelines for kitchens:
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Put a backsplash in any area where you prep food
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Connect the upper and lower cabinets with a backsplash
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Avoid installing a backsplash behind the refrigerator unless that wall can clearly be seen
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End the backsplash in the same place where the cabinets end
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Put a backsplash between the stove and range hood
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Extend the backsplash to the ceiling to make the room seem taller
It’s a bit more challenging to determine where to start and end bathroom backsplashes. You might stick to the area between the countertop and mirror, extend the backsplash to the ceiling, or cover the entire wall behind the bathroom sink and vanity with tile. Some even choose to use the same tile for all of their bathroom walls, floor, and shower!
Find the Perfect Backsplash Tile at Tilezz.com
Shop a wide range of tile options at Tilezz.com! We have tile in a variety of sizes, shapes, patterns, colors, and materials–there’s truly something for everyone. Check out all of our products here, click over to our blog for more interior design inspiration and DIY installation guides, and follow us on Pinterest for even more Tilezz.com content.
Exclusive Discount Code: Save on Tile Samples!
It can be challenging to pick between several backsplash tile options without seeing how they look in your space, but we can make it easier! Just use code XJF6RNZY5BJJ to get 30% off when you purchase four or more samples.
Please note that this code does not apply to full-size tiles and can only be used with samples.