-- Slate backsplash with metal accents. --
They say the kitchen is the “nucleus of your home.” That said, the counter tops and the area behind your cook top is the visual focal point of your kitchen and sets the tone for your entire look. Your backsplash can be both functional and beautiful since it can be crafted from stylish, yet easy to clean, materials.
When selecting materials for your backsplash, they should be either a matching extension of the counter top or a similar style to complement it. You must take into consideration the appliances, floor covering, paint colors, and natural light. Never hesitate to ask for samples to take home and deliberate over for a few days!
The most popular materials for kitchen backsplashes are: ceramic or porcelain tiles, stainless steel or metal tile, glass tile, and natural stone (including marble, travertine, limestone, and slate).
-- Red 4x4 backplash with onyx accents. --
The nice thing about using tile as a splash is that it comes in a countless variety of sizes, colors, textures and shapes. It is even possible to have custom painted tiles to match existing items in your space. In addition, tile can be easy to install as well as easy to clean. Tile splashes generally average a cost of about $18 per lineal foot for both materials and installation.
-- Tumbled travertine versailles with glass accents. --
Natural stones are a very popular choice for backsplashes. Marble, granite, and tumbled travertine stone make great splashes. Tumbled stone is where the edges have been tumbled or knocked off to be more eased or rounded, and not a straight cut. These stones can be used to make either designs or a very simple splash; either way is a guaranteed timeless look. These natural stones are usually muted grays, ivory, cream, noce or mocha colors, soft buttery yellows, or pale salmon. Straight edge limestone is a great look — limestone has a tighter matrix and more even face, giving it a sharper look. Natural stone runs around $27 per square foot for a full height splash (meaning it reaches up to your cabinet base) and an accent can be included for a little extra flair.
-- Stainless steel backsplash. --
Stainless steel backsplashes are a great option. They are a more clean-lined, contemporary look. There are many options for designs using steel: you can have the steel cut into squares, you can apply it as sheets, or you can purchase individual tiles. It comes in a variety of styles from smooth to quilted looks, shiny stainless to copper colors. The price of steel can range from $30 to $100 per square foot. Brushed aluminum tiles are good for modern or 1950s retro-style kitchens. Your metal color from tile to faucet and lighting in the room should be the same, for continuity and cohesive design’s sake.
-- 6x6 glass backsplash with metal accents. --
Glass tile splashes are a relatively new trend. Textured glass tiles are usually installed between the cabinets and the countertop. Glass is easy to wipe clean, scratch resistant, and comes in a wide array of sizes and colors. You can mix glass with tumbled stone to get random, scattered pops of color. Among the plethora of options are 6×6 tiles set straight, 3×6 brick patterns, or diamonds in an on point (diagonal) pattern for visual interest. The pricing on glass tile ranges extremely, and can only be determined on a case by case basis.
No matter what you choose for your kitchen backsplash, to get the best final outcome you need to have it installed correctly by a professional, experienced tile setter. You also want to be sure that the tile and grout are sealed according to the material specifications. Find and use the correct types of cleaners to maintain the original beauty, so it will always look brand new. Once completed, you will have a wonderfully crafted piece of art that will last you a lifetime.
Happy cooking!
Jeanie Robertson
Schumacher Tile & Stone
-- Slate versailles backsplash with metal accents. --
November 12th, 2009 at 2:06 am
The last tiling I liked most. But in general all look quite interesting, especially the one with natural stones.
November 12th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I have to agree, I like the bottom one quite a bit, also. It is a little darker in reality – there is a slight glare in the picture.
November 16th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
The backsplash is amazing!
December 10th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I love the stainless steel backsplash.
December 15th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Amazing blacksplash, thanks for sharing
January 15th, 2010 at 11:42 am
i can’t wait til we remodel our kitchen later this year. there are so many wonderful options out there to choose from. all the tile colors and designs are magnificent.
April 2nd, 2010 at 8:57 am
I really like the first one with the metal accents. That will look great in my coffee shop-like studio. Thanks for sharing these ideas!
April 2nd, 2010 at 9:30 am
Thanks for the comments, everyone! We love to hear about your favorite backsplash designs.
April 13th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Fine cabinetry adds beauty and value to your home. From a full Kitchen design to replacing just the cabinets how renovation is always exciting.
May 16th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I am a fan of stainless steel kitchens. Out of all the pictures above I find the stainless steel looks the most elegant.
May 26th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
I really like the tile it is very nice it makes very cute designs. I love the look of it.
June 4th, 2010 at 2:23 am
Valuable information and excellent design you got here! I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and time into the stuff you post!! Thumbs up!
September 22nd, 2010 at 5:46 am
I put together a manuel to help with how to install hardwood flooring. Hope it’d be useful for you!
September 28th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I really liked the tumbled travertine Versailles with glass accents. I’m definitely a big fan of natural stones.
October 22nd, 2010 at 9:34 am
Slate backsplash is really cool! Great.
Anyway I think that custom painted tiles are a better choiche so you arrange them according to your kitchen.
January 9th, 2011 at 5:56 am
I would not be able to handle the sink not being centered with the window, it would totally throw everything off. I feel the smaller dish washer would be just fine if you really wanted to put on in. I have one and never use it. Wastes to much water and electric and leaves hard water stains on everything and it is brand new only used twice.,Have fun with the remodeling. I’m jealous- wish I had my own house to remodel!~
March 10th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
The stainless one is always my favourite, in fact I would have a whoile kitchen in stainless steel. However, the practicalities of keeping stainless steel clean without water marks etc means that we have opted for a tiles version. I like some of the less busy designs above.
April 21st, 2011 at 5:08 pm
I love the look of tile. You’ve got some great design ideas on this site. I live in the desert southwest where tile abounds, even on the outsides of buildings. I’ve wondered about the practicality of tile behind the stove – is it hard to keep the grout clean?
April 25th, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Thanks for these tips on how to choose the tiles for the kitchen. I love remodeling my kitchen. And once every three years I remodel it. Your info will be helpful.
May 8th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
That stainless steel backsplash sure looks easy to clean. I’m wondering how badly it shows every splatter, however. Anyone ever have one? What did you think?
May 11th, 2011 at 5:52 am
The tumbled travertine looks wonderful, and at that price, not really so bad on the budget either. Just one quick question though: is it as easy to maintain as regular tile? I have read somewhere that certain materials made of natural stones such as slate, etc will need laminating, sealing, drying out on a regular basis.
May 24th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Wow- those red tiles really pop. I have a “vanilla” kitchen. Off-white everything. Something like that would really make it a new room. Thanks for these lovely ideas!
May 25th, 2011 at 4:13 am
I prefer the stainless steel backsplash for a more non traditional kitchen look.
May 25th, 2011 at 10:46 am
@the linden method
Keeping grout clean depends on whether it was sealed properly after being installed – also, you may have to reseal it if you clean it a lot or with aggressive chemicals. Properly sealed grout should resist stains, and always remember to wipe down the surface as soon as you can after splatters occur, to give the staining materials less time to penetrate.
@Procera
I’m afraid I don’t have any personal experience with stainless steel backsplashes, although I have heard that they are difficult to keep shiny. Rather like a mirror, I gather; so if you’re using your stove top every day, and it gets dirty, it might be hard to keep looking like new. Does anyone else have any information on this?
May 25th, 2011 at 10:56 am
@cool chess sets
Yes, natural stones need resealing from time to time. It will depend on which stone you use, where you put it, and how often it gets wet. Check with a local stone shop or designer to get an idea of your specific maintenance requirements! We also have some maintenance notes on this website at Care and Maintenance, which also has a link to the Marble Institute of American.
June 8th, 2011 at 3:58 am
The stainless steel backsplash has always been a personal favourite of mine.
June 8th, 2011 at 8:16 am
That stainless steel backsplash sure looks easy to clean.
Office Furniture Cubicles
Houston office cubicles
June 13th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Loving these tile designs! Thank you for sharing them!
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:20 pm
I’ve always loved stainless steel. It’s definitely easy to clean. The backsplash looks gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!
Bill Arnoldi
Owner of FireBall Tech – Computer & Laptop Repair
September 3rd, 2011 at 8:38 pm
The red one is much too bright for me.. it hurts the eyes!
October 10th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
I love the red 4×4 backsplash. Your blog is really inspiring for tile designs.