SPLISH SPLASH: How to Choose the Right Backsplash for your Home

kitchen backsplashA backsplash is a great way to add personality to a bathroom or kitchen. Simple or complex, a backsplash gives the room a cohesive flow. Read on for some tips from Stoneworks Granite & Quartz on choosing the right tile for your new backsplash.

Practical Considerations

Wear and Tear: Certain types of tiles require more upkeep than others. For example, natural stone, while visually striking, requires regular sealing. You also need to consider life span. Some tiles will hold up to wear and tear longer than others; however, those tiles are generally more expensive to purchase up front.

Ability to Clean: If your tiles are going to be in a high traffic, messy area like the back of the stove, you’ll want to consider how easy they are to clean. Having a textured backsplash can make cleaning strenuous, as grease will find its way into every nook and cranny. Ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles all offer quick and easy clean up, and are less prone to stains.

Invest in Good Grout: Grout is the backbone of your backsplash, so make sure you account for this cost in your budget. Epoxy grout, while more expensive, is extremely durable and will keep your backsplash looking great for years.

Cost: A backsplash is as expensive as you make it. Tile prices can run from $2 a sq. ft to $100/ sq. ft. To find out how much material you’ll need, simply multiply the width by the height of the wall to determine the square footage. Tip: always add on an extra 10% to account for any mistakes when installing.

Design Considerations

What’s your style? The options are endless when it comes to designing your backsplash. Subway tiles offer a class look and are extremely popular. If you have a more contemporary taste, you could try placing the tiles vertically instead of horizontally. Stacked tiles offer an organic look that is becoming increasingly popular. No design is off limits! The best advice we can give is that whether your backsplash is big, small, simple or complex, make sure it compliments your own style (after all, you’re the one who is going to have to see it every day).

Size of the Room: If your working with a small space, a mirrored backsplash can make the room feel brighter and larger. Another trick to make a room feel larger is to extend the backsplash tiling to wrap around the room. Large rooms, or rooms with lots of windows may want to stick with a more basic backsplash, as a complex design can leave a large room feeling busy or disjointed.

Focal Points: If you’re planning on creating a design in your backsplash, find the focal points of the room. For example, in a kitchen the focal points are above the range and above the sink. Concentrating designs to these places will help to make the room ‘pop’.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are planning on installing a new backsplash and are looking for some advice, give Stoneworks Granite & Quartz a call! Our team can help you with every aspect, from design to installation.