The term backsplash is used to define the material, used to cover up the wall space between a kitchen countertop and upper cabinets. It is an ideal canvas where you can express your creative side with various materials ranging from glass mosaic tile to traditional subway tile.
Backsplash must be resistant to the products that could be used on it for beautification or to be effective. This particular area of a house needs to be both functional and attractive. Backsplashes simply protect your walls from unintended splashes of water.
The most commonly used backsplash material is tile. Using ceramic tiles in this area gives you the opportunity to experiment with an infinite number of color combinations and patterns to detail your kitchen with. Ceramic tiles are long lasting and easy to clean.
Recently backsplashes have caught people’s attention due to its decorative potential and functional properties. Natural stones have also made their place in people’s favorite list as it has proven itself to be a superior choice than others for backsplash that offers complete protection from water grease and fire. The use of stainless steel has also become popular for backsplashes.
1. Backsplash basics
Location: Backsplashes are mostly seen in kitchen and bathrooms, behind sinks and the areas covering the entire length of the counter.
Purpose: the purpose is functional and that is to safeguard the wall behind the sink against water and other substances from unintended splashing. Kitchen Backsplash tiles shield the wall against grease stains during meal preparation as it covers the entire counter top beside the sink. Apart from its functional qualities they have an amazing ability to beautify your kitchen or bathroom space.
Also Read: How to Choose a Kitchen Backsplash Tile
Best material: Tile is a popular choice for backsplashes. Amongst various tile options glass mosaic is the most common one. Other materials include Corian, granite, Silestone and stainless steel. You can also use the same material used to make the counter for backsplashes. Sheet glass is the new addition in the list of materials. The biggest advantage of this material is that the backside, the side facing the wall can be painted. This paint layer is protected against wear and tear and is almost not possible to scratch.
2. Importance
Bathroom and kitchen both are the moisture prone areas of our house. That is why it is unimaginable to not to have a backsplash along the back of the countertop. Water can still be taken into control in such areas but it is difficult to safeguard your walls from substances being accidentally pushed up against them such as knives, chopping boards, food and others. On the other hand when it comes to bathrooms, backsplash is mainly needed for its aesthetic appeal especially if your sink is not positioned against the wall.
3. Materials
In most of the cases the default material offered by countertop installers is the countertop material itself. The usage of ceramic tile and stone is also common for backsplashes. Wiping is easy with ceramic tile and glass. Natural stones are seldom used for this purpose as it is thicker in nature and offer poor cleaning facilities.
4. Cost of Installation
The backsplash installation cost generally depends on the square feet used but you need to keep in mind that kitchens come in different shapes and sizes making the cost of installation subjective.
Backsplashes suit the best in kitchen and bathrooms both for their aesthetic and functional properties. Still there are many unusual locations where you can use bathrbacksplashes like in your bathroom behind toilets and sinks, and even surrounding showers. The recent trend reveals the usage of backsplashes on ceiling to clearly define a shower alcove, and to prevent water damage.
Also Read: What Should I Think About When Buying Tiles for My Kitchen?
