How Much Does it Cost to Install a Kitchen Backsplash?
Why is backsplash so expensive?
Honestly, you get what you pay for. More expensive tiles are of higher quality, constructed from the best materials, look amazing, and are durable. Another thing that people may not realize is that more expensive tiles last longer and require less maintenance. This means that the upfront cost might actually be worth the investment if you do not need to replace your backsplash or parts of it over time. Additionally, the quality of the contractor and the labor required for the installation of the backsplash also will affect the overall cost. With something as important as a backsplash is to provide a major part of the feel and design quality of your kitchen you may not want to look for the cheapest contractor and the cheapest labor. For a backsplash, it may be absolutely necessary to pay a bit more to ensure the absolute quality you deserve.
Should a backsplash contrast from the countertop?
When you are in the design phase of your kitchen renovation you may want to make sure the different design features of your kitchen harmonize. Meaning, you do not absolutely need your backsplash to match, however, it should blend and look aesthetically sound. Common sense may prevail in this situation. Depending on the countertop you choose you may have something that possesses a strong and possibly wild color scheme. For example, the Van Gogh granite countertop is one of the rarest and exotic granite in the world. It contains blues, greens, whites, and gold in a way that resembles Van Gogh’s famous artistic style. Someone might pay somewhere from $300 to $400 per square foot for that type of granite. With a countertop that is as eccentric and bright as that, you may want to stick to a more neutral or less aggressive style of backsplash. However, it is technically your kitchen, and what makes you and your family the happiest is what is important. When designing your kitchen you are not limited by design concepts you see in magazines or online, you are free to do whatever you desire.
How do I choose a backsplash for my kitchen?
As discussed before it is important to not try to go cheap when installing a backsplash for your kitchen renovation. A backsplash is one of the most essential components to the look and feel of a kitchen. A backsplash has the power to express the color scheme and overall artistic and design elements of your kitchen renovation. You do want to coordinate your backsplash with your countertops in order to create an aesthetically pleasing and harmonized feel, however, you can still have a lot of artistic freedom in the design process. Feel free to mix and match colors. Accent colors displayed against a backdrop color may work well. Feel free to mix and match materials as well. Ceramic, metal, marble, granite, and even wood tiles mixed together appropriately could create an amazing aesthetic.
Where should backsplash begin and end?
When it comes to how large of a backsplash you create for your kitchen, there really are not too many limitations. A backsplash can be a bold design feature, and if you are willing to invest in the construction, it could be the element that makes your kitchen stand out. A backsplash should be between the kitchen sink and the upper cabinets, but also it should be between the range and possibly a large kitchen exhaust hood. Do not forget that the exhaust hood can also be bold and provide some intriguing design elements to your kitchen. However, harmony is essential between the kitchen exhaust hood, countertops, and the backsplash.
What is the most timeless backsplash?
Timeless backsplashes have been installed in homes all across the US for decades. Some examples of timeless backsplash designs include the following.
- Hexagon tile: The hexagon shape is beautiful, and when used properly, it can create some modern and exciting design patterns that can make your kitchen pop and present a futuristic and original aesthetic.
- Picket tile: Picket tiles can come in both vertical and horizontal. They can be large or small and they can come in a variety of colors and materials that can be both bold or modest.
- Penny tile: Penny tiles may look a little busy for some kitchen design concepts, however, when penny tiles are used with modest or neutral colors and with interesting geometric patterns, they can be quite engaging and elegant.
- Square tile: Square tiles are the most common and traditional tiles used for backsplashes. They too can come in a variety of colors and materials. Square tiles can bring a kitchen together and make it look organized and orderly.
Tiles are not the only backsplash option available. Solid marble also could be considered a timeless design material for a kitchen backsplash.
What type of backsplash is easiest to clean?
The easiest to clean backsplashes are typically constructed from nonporous materials. Nonporous materials like ceramic, porcelain, metal, and glass will most likely hold up to any potential stains that may occur from cooking or using the kitchen sink. Other backsplash materials like marble or granite may require an application of sealant to avoid stains and other damage.
Can you use 2 different backsplashes in a kitchen?
Sure you can use two different backsplashes in a kitchen, however, keep in mind that harmony is key. If you have an eye for a natural harmony with design, this should be obvious. Avoid constructing two backsplashes that clash. If you have any concern about this then hiring a kitchen design professional may be the most appropriate decision to ensure that your kitchen’s look and feel is well balanced.
What can I use instead of a backsplash?
As ceramic, porcelain, and metal tiles are extremely popular materials used to construct backsplashes, there are some alternatives that you may want to consider. There are plenty of other alternatives to tile that can be beautiful, easy to construct, easy to maintain, and inexpensive. Here is a list of some of the most common materials that are used to create backsplashes other than tile.
- Glass
- Thermoplastic
- Stone
- Metal
- Venetian plaster
- Vinyl wallpaper
- Chalkboard paint
- Wood
- Burlap
Although tile is likely the most popular backsplash material, as you can see there are plenty of alternatives that can allow someone to be quite creative with their kitchen design concept.
Does the most expensive backsplash mean it's the best?
When it comes to the design and installation of a kitchen backsplash it is important to not sacrifice quality for expense, however, sometimes the most expensive backsplash is not always the best. When searching for contractors and laborers that may assist in your kitchen’s backsplash construction it is important that you shop around and seek at least 3 or 4 quotes. Also, it may be best to ask friends and family for recommendations that are trusted, insured, and bonded.
