Choosing the right backsplash for your kitchen is a big step in any home building or renovation process. Because it is a highly visible surface, you need something durable that complements your kitchen and adds a bit of style to the room. This is your chance to make a real statement in your kitchen.
Here are a few awesome backsplash material ideas that will help you make a splash in the kitchen this year!
Tiles
Homeowners love the classic look of tile. It comes in a wide variety of materials, such as ceramic, stone, patterned and glass, so you can choose something that fits your theme as well as your budget.
The different materials allow you to choose the colour and style you want to be added to the room. Some prefer longer, rectangular-sized tiles that bring a sense of modern design while others enjoy the mosaic style in a reflective glass tile.
The biggest problem with tile, however, lies with the grout lines behind the sink and cooktop. A spray-on sealer can help protect the tile, or you can choose a tile with a 600mm profile, which uses fewer grout lines. Tiles with rectified edges lie completely flat with little to no grout lines at all, so remember that you do have options.
Glass
Glass backsplashes are a definite winner because of their versatility. This toughened glass comes in clear, frosted or colour-backed styles so you can choose exactly the right type of tile to fit your kitchen. Crystal and star fire glass are entirely transparent and ultra-clear.
You can also try a custom-made glass backsplash, giving you the opportunity to decide its specific style. You can put your own prints, such as a personal design or an image, on the glass. Slumped glass also offers a range of designs.
Of course, you should be using toughened glass that meets Australian standards if you want something that’s durable and will last. Glass is easy to clean and can really stand out with a nice plainer finish.
Mirror
When it comes to making a small kitchen look big, there is no better choice than the mirror backsplash. Mirror backsplashes bring in light and reflect it back, which creates the illusion of more space. You can opt for a tinted mirror in a wide range of colours. Bronzes go with more traditional kitchens while simple black and deep silver speak to a more modern theme.
Of course, since these mirrors reflect everything, it’s important to keep your display objects down to a minimum. A cluttered benchtop will seem twice as cluttered if you have a mirror backsplash to reflect it all. To save yourself the hassle, narrow down what you’re going to have on your kitchen benchtop before choosing a mirror backsplash.
Natural stone
Many homeowners equate natural stone with sophistication as granite and marble have a unique ability to add a touch of luxury to just about a kitchen. With so many variations in colour and stone design, it’s easy to find the right type of stone that will fit your needs. The smooth finish adds a touch of beauty to any kitchen. You can create a complete illusion of a deeper bench space by running a natural stone backsplash from the benchtop to the wall.
Natural stone is porous and needs good sealing so it won’t absorb residue, and you will need to watch out for staining even if you seal the stone. When choosing the stone, make sure you pick out the exact slab of stone that you want before it’s installed. Since each piece is unique in its colour and design, it’s important to know what you’re getting.
Don’t forget that stone does not handle heat very well. If you’re going to put it behind a cooktop, use a deeper benchtop to move the stone further away from the heat.
Composite stone
For those who don’t want the high maintenance that comes with natural stone, the composite stone is the perfect option. A composite quartz style has the cool look of stone while also being incredibly durable and resistant to staining. If you run composite stone from the benchtop to the wall, you’ll be able to create the illusion of deeper bench space in your kitchen.
Like a mirror, the composite stone should meet the Australian standard requirements, a minimum of 200mm between the burner and backsplash. Composite stone doesn’t stand up to heat very well either so it’s important to use deeper benchtops if you’re going to put this backsplash behind your cooktop.
Stainless steel
Most commercial kitchens go for the stainless steel backsplash because of its durability and its ability to withstand high temperatures. It resists stains as well as corrosion, and since there are no pores, it’s also a hygienic option. You can mould stainless steel benchtops with the backsplash to eliminate joins.
Remember that stainless steel is also highly reflective and it will show any marks or blemishes. A brushed or textured finish on the steel will help hide marks from wear.
Acrylic
This backsplash is coming back into style with its incredible smoothness and stone-like look, yet it is non-porous, durable and very easy to maintain. Acrylic backsplash can be integrated with an acrylic benchtop and sink. The seams, which are craftily hidden, give the appearance of fluidity, which makes the benchtops much easier to clean.
As with stone, you do have to be careful about using acrylic backsplash behind cooktops. The heat can cause the acrylic material to crack.
As you can see, the possibilities are seemingly endless when it comes to choosing a backsplash material. There are so many combinations and choices, so many ways to make a statement in your kitchen. Take your time when choosing the right material.
At Select Kitchens, we’re always looking for innovative and modern ways to protect your kitchen walls. If you’re looking for some help with yours, we’d be more than happy to give you a hand.
