Article by: Meera Innes
The functional nature of sinks might not always inspire style, but the backsplash can be a bathroom centerpiece. Backsplashes help to protect the wall from water damage, but the myriad materials, colors and finishes also make this a small feature that can transform the feel of a bathroom and add drama, polish or character.
The effect is stunning, and yet the cost can be minimal. Here’s what to know about using full slabs of stone in your kitchen
A solid slab backsplash is a custom look that says luxury in a kitchen of any size. But it doesn’t require a luxurious budget. Take inspiration from this trendy yet timeless look, and give your next kitchen remodel a solid head start.
Article by: Sophie Baylis
The humble backsplash has come a long way. Once upon a time, its purpose was purely functional: a tiled area behind the stove and sink to protect kitchen walls from stains and splashes. Today the availability of all manner of materials in a wide array of finishes means your backsplash can make more of a statement. To help you decide which material would work best for you, we offer expert advice on the 10 most popular backsplash materials.
Article by: Mitchell Parker
The options for kitchen backsplashes are pretty much limitless in terms of material, color, size and cost. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what’s best for you and your lifestyle. Knowing how to navigate the process of installing a new backsplash can help ease some of the stress. Here’s what to expect.
Project: Adding a new backsplash.
Why: A backsplash can act as a focal point in the kitchen, creating interest and balance between the other materials and elements.
Details: The difficulty and expense of the project will depend on the complexity of the design. First you’ll want to decide what kind of backsplash you’d like to have. As mentioned, the options are endless, from smooth, backpainted glass to complex ceramic tile patterns and custom murals. Look at photos, research materials, meet with a designer and visit showrooms to decide what’s best for you.
Measure, remeasure and remeasure, says designer Mariette Barsoum. This will help determine what size of tile or material will work best. Then think about how everything will fit together. This is where an experienced designer can come in handy. A designer will be able to quickly come up with ideas for how the tile layout will end and begin, how it will wrap around your cabinets or range hood, and so on.
The type of countertop you have will be a very important determining factor. For example, a busy backsplash would clash with a busy granite countertop that has a lot of variation. Make sure to consider how the material will enhance the other elements in the room, and vice versa.
You’ll then want to figure out how much tile or other material you’ll need. Barsoum says a good rule of thumb is to add 10 percent to the amount of square feet of space. If you have 50 square feet for a backsplash, for example, order 55 square feet of tile. This will account for breakage and mistakes on the job.
Barsoum also recommends working with the materials company or store to make sure what you’re ordering — tile, trim pieces etc. — will arrive at the same time. “Once the job starts, you want to finish it,” she says. “You don’t want to be going along and then have to wait because you’re missing three pieces of tile or bullnose.”
Cost: Because the options for materials are so vast, it’s difficult to give a ballpark estimate, but Barsoum says a typical backsplash including labor and materials should run around $1,500 on the low end and $6,000 and up on the high end. She says you can get 3-by-6 ceramic tile for $3 per square foot and 3-by-6 blue marble for $70 per square foot.
In the example shown here, a kitchen backsplash Barsoum installed, she used marble that comes in 12-by-12 sheets at about $15 per square foot. Because there’s no pattern and the sheets are easy to work with, Barsoum says almost anyone can install these themselves.
Who to hire: If you’re confident in tiling techniques — leveling a wall and adding grout — this could be a DIY project. But Barsoum says the more expensive the material, the more you should consider hiring a professional. For most jobs a tiler is your best bet.
Best time to do this project: Either during a kitchen remodel or after. You don’t want to add a backsplash if you plan to remodel your kitchen anytime soon, because you’d have to replace the backsplash anyway once you start ripping out cabinets or adding countertops.
How long it will take: Planning and getting the materials can take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks. Again, it depends on the materials. If your tile choice is in stock, you can have it in a matter of days. If you’re ordering handmade tiles, it can take six to eight weeks.
Once the job begins, it typically takes two or three days for tile to set. The good thing is, you can still use your kitchen throughout the job.
Sure, your kitchen backsplash serves a very practical function: protecting the wall area above your countertop from splashes and spatters. But it’s also the perfect place to add a dash of fun color. The weather where I live in Central Texas has turned rather frightful, so I’m starting this new series on colorful kitchen backsplashes with happy, fresh, spring-inspired green hues. Here I’ve gathered some of my favorite examples with tips for working ones like them into your own kitchen.
Last week we looked at some gorgeous green backsplashes. This week we’re swinging over to the other side of the color wheel to focus on rousing reds. Red can be a tricky color to work with, especially in superbright and bold shades. If it’s combined with too many other loud colors or elements, the effect can be overwhelming and at times garish.
Article By: Vanessa Brunner
A kitchen’s backsplash works much like jewelry. Simple or snazzy, it can bring a whole look together; the right backsplash helps your kitchen reach its potential. Our in-depth guides, rounded up here, can help you find the backsplash material and color that fit with your kitchen’s look, your cleaning style and budget.
Find Your Inspiration
The Kitchen of the Week series is great fodder for remodeling and renovation inspiration. Learn about the back-painted glass shown here and nine more favorite backsplashes from beautiful kitchens on Houzz.
Choose Your Material
Tile. The good news: You’ve finally settled on a tile backsplash. The bad news: The selection process has just begun. Cement, subway, mosaic, patterned or laser cut? This guide will give you the pros and cons for each one, along with styling tips.
Mirror. Additional visual space, a variety of styles and a relatively affordable cost make mirror a great backsplash choice. See how this flashy backsplash material can work in almost any kitchen design.
Recycled tile. Whether salvaged or containing recycled material, recycled tile can add a unique element to your kitchen that’s easy on your conscience.
Window. Planning on making some structural changes to your kitchen? Consider a different kind of backsplash: a new window. A beautiful view, more light and fresh air could improve your kitchen’s style and functionality.
Tin. Take an old-fashioned approach to your backsplash and use simple tin tiles. This time-tested material is durable, beautiful and affordable.
Unique materials. Maybe you feel like your classic kitchen needs a different touch. Or maybe you’re just ready to embrace the unusual. Either way, one of these unique backsplash materials can help you get the statement-making look you want.
Installation Considerations
Half backsplash. If you have your heart set on a marble backsplash but can’t afford the counter-to-ceiling application you envisioned, don’t give up your dream just yet. Cut your backsplash in half — or more! — to reduce cost without sacrificing efficiency.
DIY. Think you’re ready to put in your own backsplash? If you have experience setting tile and want something simple in your kitchen, take a look at this guide. A DIY backsplash installation could help you save some serious money.
If you had to sum up current trends in kitchen countertops in a few phrases, you might use the following: durability, generational preferences, clean and simple and ice cream sundaes. When taken together, they reflect prevailing consumer attitudes about kitchen remodels (and perhaps home improvement projects in general). Sure, they’re renovating for themselves but hey, let’s not get too crazy.