The Ultimate Guide to Backsplashes
The Ultimate Guide to Backsplashes
Everything you need to know about the 12 most popular materials
1. CERAMIC SUBWAY TILE
Pros: This old standby is popular for a reason: It takes a beating for decades and can look demur, showy, modern or retro, depending on how you apply and grout it.Cons: The tile itself will outlast the materials used in installation, meaning it may need re-grouting or re-caulking every few years.Price/Sq. Ft.: $2 to $50 (for handmade artisan tile)
2. NATURAL STONE
Pros: Marble, granite and limestone can work for a traditional or modern look, depending on cut and installation.Cons: Dark colors are more expensive than light ones, and the stone is often uneven in thickness. (If that sort of thing bothers you.)Price/Sq. Ft.: $10 to $60
3. CEMENT TILE
Pros: Hello, conversation piece.Cons: Cement is heavy, pricey and porous. Tiles sometimes chip during shipping, meaning you'll want to buy a few extra.Price/Sq. Ft.: $25 to $30
4. MOSAIC TILE
Pros: Mesh-backed sheets are super-easy to install (there's a reason they're a fave among DIYers). Style options are limitless with materials ranging from stone to glass to even stainless steel.Cons: Mosaic sheets come with the tiles prearranged, meaning you're stuck with that blue/gold/amber combo unless you want to shell out more money to adjust.Price/Sq. Ft.: $20
5. TEMPERED GLASS
Pros: The vibe is super-cool and modern and it looks fantastic with LED under-cabinet lighting. Plus, it's easy to clean and tough to stain.Cons: Glass can crack if the screws are too tight... and at $45/square foot, it doesn't exactly come cheap.Price/Sq. Ft.: $20 to $45
6. TIN TILE
Pros: These vintage-looking tiles will stand up to water and heat. And as long as you clean them regularly with soap and water, they truly will last as long as your kitchen.Cons: If you have an oddly shaped area, installing the tiles without cutting into the designs can get tricky.Price/Sq. Ft.: $4 to $18
7. BEADBOARD
Pros: This solid-surface option makes for a classic, country-chic aesthetic (at a relatively low price point). It's also easy to cut and glue during installation and easy to wipe down during cleanup.Cons: Over time, dirt, food and mold may get stuck in the grooves.Price/Sq. Ft.: $25
8. HEX TILE
Pros: This Victorian favorite stands up to frequent scouring and instantly gives any kitchen a fun, period flair.Cons: You have to seal it periodically.Price/Sq. Ft.: $7 to $23
9. CLAY TILE
Pros: Whether matte or glazed, chevron or brick--this stuff just looks expensive.Cons: Tile and grout must be sealed annually, and since clay tile is often unsealed on the edges, it requires finishing with trim where it meets the wall.Price/Sq. Ft.: $6 to $50
10. SHEET METAL
Pros: Nickel, zinc, copper, stainless steel. There's a reason commercial kitchens use this stuff: It's virtually impervious to everyday abuse.Cons: It's pricey and gets pricier the more you have to cut it to allow for outlets and other wall obstacles.Price/Sq. Ft.: $20 to $160
11. METAL LAMINATE
Pros: Similar to high-pressure plastic laminate, this budget answer to the sheet metal look is available in a range of finishes and textures.Cons: It takes less wear and tear than sheet metal and shows fingerprints like whoa.Price/Sq. Ft.: $6 to $9
12. CHALKBOARD
Pros: This versatile, on-trend look does double duty as the family message center. And since it goes on with a paintbrush, "installation" is a total breeze.Cons: Keeping tabs on pieces of chalk.Price/Sq. Ft.: $5 Source: 1/29/16, Pinterest <pinbot@explore.pinterest.com>