Choosing the Right Material for Your Kitchen Backsplash

When updating your kitchen, there are many components that must be considered– countertops, cabinets, actual appliances– it can seem overwhelming trying to make all the right choices. After all, the kitchen is one of the most crucial areas of the house. Often overlooked is the very integral backsplash in the kitchen– just one of the many shining jewels in a house full of treasures.

The backsplash is actually more important than what is commonly realized. In fact, the backsplash has 5 functions.

1) It protects walls from spills and food spatters; preventing even the buildup of mold and mildew. 

2) It keeps walls stain-free from any cooking debris.

3) Due to the materials used to make up the backsplash, cleaning is easier and more efficient.

4) It creates an extra barrier between the counter and wall so that pests like rodents and insects are kept out of the kitchen. 

5) It serves as a wonderful way to personalize your space. 

A kitchen backsplash is not only beautiful- it is functional. So, it is important to choose the right material to fit your functional needs, as well as your aesthetic. To help you figure out which material would be best for your kitchen, here are the options that JMLegacy Remodeling offers and would love to install for you:

1) TILE

• Tile is the most popular choice among homeowners, and offers a wide variety – a couple of examples being porcelain and ceramic.
• Tile also offers many choices when it comes to different textures, colors, sizes, and patterns. There are many ways in which tiling offers a customizable look.
• Another reason tile is a popular choice is because it is heat and scratch-resistant- perfect for a kitchen.
• Tile is also one of the more affordable options available.

2) GLASS

• Glass is often chosen by those who are seeking a more contemporary look.
• The reflective quality of glass opens up and brightens the room, which is a good choice for those with smaller kitchens.
• Glass is non-porous and therefore, doesn’t need to be resealed every year like granite. It is also easy to clean.
• Glass also comes in a wide variety of colors, which is great for those who want their backsplash to show a more creative touch.
• Glass tiling is a more expensive option than others.

3) GRANITE

• Granite is one of the most sought-after natural stone products in the world.
• Granite provides a more luxurious look, for those craving a more high-class look in their kitchen.
• While granite is extremely durable and strong, due to its porous nature, it must be resealed yearly.

4) QUARTZ

• Quartz showcases a more elegant and modernized look.
• Quartz is the 4th hardest stone on the planet, making it exceptionally durable.
• Unlike granite, quartz is non-porous and does not need to be continually resealed.
• The price point for quartz is more expensive than granite, and more on the same scale as marble.

5) MARBLE

• Marble is a natural stone and provides an elegant and timeless look.
• With a marble backsplash, the room is instantly brightened.
• While marble is very durable, it is porous and more susceptible to staining, so it must be resealed every 6 months.
• Marble is one of the more expensive options, but well worth it.

6) STAINLESS STEEL

• Stainless steel offers a more modern and industrial look and blends in well with kitchen appliances.
• Stainless steel is very easy to clean and a multitude of cleaning products can be used to keep this backsplash pristine.
• While stainless steel is more expensive, it reduces the risk of mold.

While there are pros and cons to every material, each of them have the ability to create the perfect kitchen backsplash for your home. Your budget, your style, and your preference regarding upkeep are all important factors to be considered when choosing the type of backsplash you desire. If you still need more information, or if you just simply want another person’s creative input, please reach out to JMLegacy Remodeling. We will be overjoyed to help you remodel your kitchen and curate a masterful backsplash that will suit your every need.