Choosing the type of kitchen backsplash you display in your home is an important decision during the remodeling process. After all, it is front and center in your kitchen for your family and any guests that enter your home. That’s why it’s important to make sure you choose a backsplash that you genuinely enjoy.
However, since there are so many different materials that can be used to create a perfect kitchen backsplash, it may feel overwhelming to decide between all of your options. Luckily, our experts here at Kitchen Express in Greensboro, North Carolina, have the knowledge and experience to educate you on what types of materials are available for you to choose from. Keep reading to get some insight on which backsplash may fit perfectly in your kitchen.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
One of the common materials for your kitchen backsplash is ceramic or porcelain tile. This type of material is extremely versatile, and can be made to look effectively however you want. It does not matter if you are going for a tile look, stone look, or something else – ceramic or porcelain is almost certain to do the job.
Another benefit of ceramic and porcelain is its affordability. Depending on what you choose, you can find ceramic or porcelain for as cheap as 25 cents per square foot. Of course, if you choose a more intricate design, this will cost you more.
Ceramic and porcelain are exceptionally durable materials, and also easy to clean. Since it is a non-porous material, it will absorb less than 0.5% of water that touches it.
Glass
Glass tiles are available in a variety of colors that can really brighten up the look of your kitchen. If bright colors are not your style, don’t worry – more neutral tones are also available. However, since they have a slightly translucent property to them, even the brighter colors do not feel overwhelming. While translucent, they come in different levels of reflectivity, meaning you can choose from options such as glossy, frosted, iridescent, or even matte. You also never need to worry about the color in these tiles fading, so a bright kitchen with natural light will not affect the colors.
Similar to ceramic and porcelain tiles, glass is a non-porous material, which means that it will not absorb any water that touches it. Also like ceramic and porcelain, grout is used to seal the tiles. It’s an easy to clean material, similar to that of regular glass.
Glass tiles will cost a bit more than ceramic and porcelain tiles. On average, they will cost you between $9 and $18 per square foot, depending on what you purchase.
Stone
Stone can come in a variety of types and styles. For example, quartz, granite, and marble are both types of stone, and both of which are available as kitchen backsplash options. These are not the only stone options available for your kitchen backsplash, as you can also opt for natural stone as well. Since stone is a high quality material, it is sure to last in your kitchen a long time. Not to mention, it pairs well with many countertop types – even stone countertops. For example, if you have quartz countertops, installing a quartz backsplash will create a seamless look in your kitchen.
Depending on the material you choose, the price of a stone backsplash will vary. On average, stone tiling will cost you about $8.50 to $17 per square foot. However, marble is more likely to cost more than another type of stone, like granite, and quartz can get pricey as well. So, it is important to double check the best stone type available in your budget before deciding on this type of backsplash for your kitchen.
Wood
If you’re looking for a less common material for your backsplash, you may want to consider a wood material. While you may feel hesitant at first because this is not a naturally waterproof material, do not worry. You can have the wood laminated to ensure that it will hold up against any splashes in your kitchen. However, it still does not hold up the best against heat, so be careful if you have a gas burner stove. It may be best to simply place a different material behind the stove, and then the wood material for the rest of the kitchen.
Like regular wood flooring, you can paint and stain the wood to your liking, which makes it versatile in appearance. This may require maintenance to keep up with, so keep that in mind if you choose to change the look of the wood.
Wood is a relatively inexpensive option compared to others. In fact, it can cost between $2 and $5 per square foot, while the more expensive options may cost closer to about $7 to $20.
Metal
Metal backsplashes are not only made for industrial kitchens – you can use this material right in your own kitchen. This may be a less common material to use, but that does not take away from its value as a potential backsplash.
The metal used is heat-resistant and rustproof, so you do not need to worry about having the backsplash behind your hot stove or near the sink. If you are interested in having a pattern or design included with the metal, there is the option to have a design pressed into the metal itself.
One common metal used as a backsplash is stainless steel. It’s rather durable, and easy to clean as well – stains become a thing of the past. Rust still is not a concern, either. When installing stainless steel, grout is not used, so the aesthetic look of grout is nonexistent. However, fingerprints and similar smudges show up easily on this material.
One of the benefits of stainless steel goes back to its nonporous composition. This means it is not only waterproof and easy to clean, but also rather hygienic.
If you are looking to install a metal backsplash in your kitchen, you should expect to pay around $13 to $30 per square foot – at least for stainless steel.
Thermoplastic
Thermoplastic is a type of faux metal. It is an affordable material that will mimic metal, but in reality is made out of plastic. In fact, it can easily be cut with scissors, and is just as easy to actually stick to the wall. In fact, thermoplastic sheets will come in panels 18.5 inches tall, which is the average distance between kitchen countertops and cabinets.
Unlike real metal, however, it does not have any heat resistant properties – even temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this, thermoplastic cannot be placed directly behind the stove. Its smooth surface is easy to clean, which is important because thermoplastic easily shows fingerprints and grease.
If you are looking to install thermoplastic in your kitchen, you can expect to pay between $7 and $20 per square foot of material.
Travertine
Travertine is a type of limestone that used to be incredibly popular as a kitchen backsplash. It provides a more classical look for your space, and is also lighter than many other stone materials. To keep it in its best shape, you will need to reseal the material every couple of years. This will prevent it from soaking up any liquids or getting stained. Another nice aspect of travertine is that it does not fade in the sunlight!
You can find travertine in a polished or tumbled finish. This means that it will either have a smooth finish, or a rougher and more porous finish. It also has more of a natural gloss than other stone options. It matches perfectly with lighter beige or medium brown countertops and cabinets.
If you are looking to install travertine in your kitchen, you’ll most likely find prices as low as $5.
Contact Kitchen Express for your New Backsplash
Are you looking to install a new kitchen backsplash in your home but aren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you are in the middle of the remodeling process, but still cannot decide on the best material to use. If you are located near the Greensboro, North Carolina area, contact Kitchen Express! No matter what your needs may be in the kitchen remodel process, we are here to help. Our staff has over 20 years of experience in the kitchen remodeling industry, providing us with the expertise needed to bring your dream kitchen to life.
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