Key Tips for Choosing the Best Backsplash for Your Kitchen

A backsplash in your kitchen will protect the walls behind and below the countertops, and around the sink and cooker area from stains and mold. In addition to the protection, a backsplash can give a boost to the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Therefore, when choosing your backsplash, you have to consider both the quality and visual appeal. This article highlights some key tips that can be helpful when choosing backsplash options for your kitchen.

Measure Your Spaces

The first step is to measure the spaces in your kitchen that require a backsplash. You can install a backsplash on selected areas or all the way up to the ceiling. Doing it all the way up will cost more money but it will boost the beauty of your kitchen. Measuring your space will help in comparing your budget to the cost of materials.

Make a Budget

Before you start browsing designs, the first thing you should consider is a budget. A budget will give you direction on where to start looking. Backsplash tiles come in different materials, designs, sizes and colors – these four factors affect the pricing. Don’t forget to account for adhesive and grout in your budget. If you want to save some money or want to be able to afford a more expensive option, take a look at GetYourCouponCodes as they have all the best coupons and discount codes for any home improvement project like this.

Pay Attention to the Countertops

The design and color of your countertops should be an essential consideration when choosing a backsplash. This is to ensure that your countertop and backsplash do not clash. Therefore, if you are building a new kitchen, consider shopping for the countertops first. If you choose countertops with color and pattern, go with a neutral backsplash. The key is to make one outstanding and keep the other one cool. However, if you are not a fan of color and pattern, you can go neutral for both. Another important consideration is your floor and cabinet colors.

Material

The next step is to evaluate the material options available. Backsplashes come in different materials each with its own benefits and shortcomings. Some of the factors you should consider when choosing a material include, durability, ease of installation, cost, aesthetic appeal, how easy it is to clean, and maintenance. Some materials are maintained by simply wiping it with a cloth and cleaner whereas others need some serious scrubbing. It’s up to you to decide what will work best for you. The main materials available in the market today include:

Ceramic and porcelain tiles: The key advantage of tiles is that they are available in most colors. You won’t have a hard time finding something to complement your countertops. Additionally, they are super easy to clean.

Glass backsplashes: This is an ideal choice for homeowners who would love to brighten their spaces. Glass also creates the impression that a room is bigger and thus this type is also ideal for small kitchens. Other key benefits include availability in a number of colors, easy to clean, stain resistant and scratch resistance. Glass also gives spaces a modern and sophisticated look.

Stone backsplashes: Stone is highly durable and another great choice for kitchen backsplashes.  Natural stone is also the best choice for anyone looking for something really unique. There are different types of stone that can be used in the kitchen including marble, granite, limestone, bluestone and travertine. The drawback of stone is that it is hard to clean compared to other materials. Engineered stone veneer is used as an alternative to natural stone which can be difficult to cut and install.

Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a high-quality material that has been used over the years for kitchen appliances. Its popularity can be attributed to its durability, affordability and appeal. Stainless steel backsplashes are super easy to install and will boost the aesthetic of your kitchen with that shiny metallic look. And finally, just like glass, it reflects light giving the impression that a room is bigger than it actually is.

Wallpaper backsplash: Wallpaper backsplashes are the most affordable and easiest to install. Most of them are self-adhesive and you can do the installation yourself without expert help. Additionally, they are available in a wide range of colors and designs to choose from. Their main drawback is that they are not as durable as other materials. However, they are a great choice in cases where you are not looking for a permanent solution, for instance in rental houses.

Design

Choose your design based on personal preferences and other elements in your kitchen. As stated above, remember to pay close attention to your countertops, floor and cabinets. Ensure the design of your backsplash complements the design of your countertops. If the two contradict, your kitchen will not look balanced. You can use a combination of more than one material in your design. Mixing stone and glass tiles is one of the most common combinations for kitchen backsplashes.

Find Some Inspiration on Pinterest

Browsing through Pinterest can give you some cool ideas on how to renovate or build your kitchen. Compare images from homeowners and businesses to get a view of how different materials look when installed. Home improvement contractors’ galleries are also great place to find inspiration.

Take Pictures with You When You Go Shopping

To avoid getting home and realizing you got the wrong shade, take pictures or samples with you when you go shopping. Also, make sure your mind is made up by the time you start shopping. If you go to the store with an open mind, you may come back with something that doesn’t go well with the rest of the kitchen. However, you can go window shopping and then buy later. Finally, buy all the materials you need together, especially if you go with tiles. When you buy in different batches, you may end up with different shades that may not mix well.

After picking your desired material, the next step is to ensure that everything is installed properly. It is advisable to do the installation yourself only when you are an expert. If you are not, hire a home improvement contractor to complete the project for you. Go for someone who is experienced in installing kitchen backsplashes. This will ensure that you get a perfect finish for your kitchen.