Backsplashes used to be only 4 inches high behind the sink and/or stove. Originally they were used to help protect areas from moisture and grease. As time has gone by, backsplashes have become much more in the kitchen. Designers have gotten very creative in the backsplash. Some of the items that are used for backsplashes are concrete, tiles, natural stone, metals, glass, mosaics, and even ceramics. They can be used to make interesting designs, personalized touches, and something to suit your personality.
The first backsplash that we will see is that of natural stone. There are many types of natural stone to choose from. The great thing about natural stone is that you can match your backsplash to your countertops. The different types of natural stone are granite, marble, and slate, to name a few. Some of the pros of using stone are that it fits in with most kitchen styles. Natural stone is also strong and highly durable. Another plus is that most natural stones come in a range of prices to fit most budgets. There are a couple of cons with natural stones. The first is that it will need to be sealed regularly to help protect against grease, food and water stains. Also, stone tiles tend to trap dirt and grime.
Pebble tiles are considered a modern take on stone tiles. This choice has a very rustic feel and also provides a textured three-dimensional effect. One of the great advantages of pebble tile would be that it is affordable. Another advantage of pebble tiles is that it is easy to install. This could be a big draw for do-it-yourselfers at home. There are a couple of downsides to this type of dashboard. One is that it is difficult to clean. The other is that if you are installing it yourself, the grouting and cleaning can become very tedious.
Stainless steel is another backsplash material. Using stainless steel can give your kitchen a very distinctive feel and it is also very durable. Stainless steel is also very easy to clean, and if the backsplash is one solid piece, there will be no cracks or grout. Areas that tend to collect grease, dirt, and food are seams and grout. Stainless steel can be installed like tile if the only solid piece isn’t what you want. Looking at the advantages of stainless steel, it can make the kitchen appear larger by reflecting light, it is highly durable, stain resistant and also corrosion resistant. Some of the disadvantages of stainless steel are that it can be easily dented and scratched. Another disadvantage is that fingerprints show up clearly on stainless steel. Food and grease show up clearly too, which means stainless steel requires a lot of cleaning. The final downside is that it is quite an expensive dash option to purchase.
The next option is a slate backsplash. This choice can give your kitchen a fun, homey, and informal feel. It is very practical as well as affordable. This backsplash is very easy to install. What a great way to post notes, quotes, or let the artist in the family run wild! The advantages of the slate method would be that it is very economical, very practical and easy to install, as well as all kinds of fun for the whole family. One downside to the blackboard is that chalk dust can be a problem for cleaning and for any family member who may have asthma, allergies, or respiratory problems. This type of backsplash may not be a good fit for all kitchen styles.
Glass is the last option and can offer some great options. There are solid glass panels, subway tiles, and mosaic patterns. Glass is similar to stainless steel in the way that it can make a room larger by reflecting light. It is the most hygienic option for rear splashes. It is resistant to stains and mold, which is one of the advantages of this option. Another advantage is that it reflects light so that the kitchen appears larger and brighter. There are a couple of cons to this option. Some glass tiles can be difficult to install and can be difficult to repair if they are cracked or scratched.
