blogs

In case you don’t know, a backsplash is the panel of tile or natural stone placed on the lower half of a wall behind a kitchen counter. Backsplashes look pretty, but they were created with the idea of protecting your walls from water, grease, oil, and other food splatter. Many kitchens feature a backsplash these days for both function and finesse. Let’s take a look into the finer details of adding a backsplash to your kitchen.

Aesthetic

There’s no doubt that a backsplash looks very classy in a kitchen when done correctly (more on that later). If you opt for tile backsplashes, they can be used as a way to incorporate more color into your kitchen. You can also use tiles to create awesome designs on your wall like mosaics, patterns, and shapes. There are so many popular backsplash materials to choose from, so you can always find something to match the look and feel of your home and kitchen. From ceramic tile to natural stone to pennies, you can get very creative with the backsplash you create. 

Function

Since the original reason for installing backsplashes was to protect walls from splattered cooking materials, there is, of course, a functional reason to get one of your own. It is true that backsplashes are now crafted out of a wide variety of materials. 

However, if you want to take advantage of the functionality of a backsplash, be sure the material you choose is easy to clean, durable, and non-absorbent. Natural stone slabs or tiles are an excellent choice because the smooth surface is hassle-free to wipe down, and they can withstand heat extremely well. Heat resistance is crucial for a true, functional backsplash because they are typically installed behind sinks and stoves. If you think about it, your backsplash will need to be able to handle hot oil and grease from snapping pans, as well as sprays of hot water from doing dishes. Do some research when you look into purchasing backsplash material to avoid installing one that won’t last very long.

Height
The height you choose for your backsplash should correspond to your reason for getting one as well as the layout of your kitchen. If you want a backsplash simply for the look of it, you don’t need to choose the height so carefully. If you want a tall backsplash, go for it. If you prefer the 4-6” height, that works too. Some homeowners opt to take their backsplash material all the way up the wall if cabinets and such are not in the way. Strategically choosing a height is more important if you want a functional backsplash. A 4-6” strip of tile or stone won’t do much to protect your walls. Many people decide to take the backsplash up closer to 15-18.” This is tall enough to catch splattering oil and water, and typically meets the lower edge of cabinets if your kitchen has any. From this height, you can even choose to take the backsplash up the entire wall for design cohesion. The choice is really up to you when it comes to how much wall you want your backsplash to cover. Be sure to think ahead though, or you may only have the option to install a short backsplash if you don’t.

Placement

When we say placement we are referring to which walls need a backsplash. There are some instances where having one looks out of place. Most people choose to have a backsplash installed on the wall with the sink and stove. If these are not against the same wall, the backsplash can be featured on only one, or both.

Backsplashes look really nice when they are sandwiched between the countertop and the cabinets above because there is no harsh line where the tiles or stone ends. While the choice is totally up to you, it is generally recommended to stop your backsplash at a corner rather than wrap it around to the side wall. The exception to this rule is with the short backsplashes because they are less obtrusive and are often seamless between the countertop and the backsplash. Wrapping your tile around a corner when it isn’t needed can look unfinished and harsh. Full-wall backsplashes can be wrapped, but the 15-18” high options look best only when there are things above it to hide the tile line. This can be a confusing concept, so check out this blog for visual explanations of what we mean: https://bsyl.ink/BacksplashPlacement.

Now that you know more about backsplashes, consider adding one to your kitchen during your next remodel. If you are interested in a natural stone backsplash, contact Ventura Stone today! We have a large selection of stones to choose from, and our team specializes in both standard and custom backsplashes. Call today at (805) 654-1834 for a free quote.