Your backsplash can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen. Want your kitchen to look unique and innovative? Sleek and subtle? Contemporary and modern? Choosing the right tile for your backsplash a simple, straightforward way to achieve whatever aesthetic you’re going for.
It makes sense, then, that choosing the right backsplash can feel like a high pressure endeavor. To help you get started, we’ve put together our top five tips for choosing your kitchen backsplash.
1. Be budget savvy…
Know what price range you’re working with, and stick to that. Decorative tile can be quite expensive, whereas classic white subway tiles or stainless steel sheets will be much more cost effective. When deciding how much to spend on your tile, be sure to account for the cost of grout—and definitely don’t skimp on quality grout.
2. …But invest in a high impact zone.
Just as you should be aware of potential ways to stay within your budget, you should also recognize where it’s worth it to spend a little extra. Choose a high impact placement for your backsplash, and don’t be afraid to spend a little more to create the look you really want. The best space is usually a 2×3(ish) area above your oven and range.
3. Educate yourself about maintenance.
Looks are important, but they aren’t everything. Spend some time really thinking about how much wear and tear your backsplash is likely to endure, and how much time and effort you’ll be willing to put into keeping it clean. Sealed grout and ceramic tile usually clean up easily, but natural stone and unsealed grout might create more challenges. If you’re not sure what material makes sense for your kitchen, feel free to ask us! Our design and installation experts have all the info you’ll need to make the right choice.
4. Live with your materials before committing.
If you’re really having a hard time making a final decision, know that you can test drive your tile before you fully commit to it. Choose a few of your favorites and tape them to your wall in rows or small patches. This allows you to see how the tile looks at different times of day, how it plays in different lights, and how it cleans up when you accidentally splash your special marinara sauce all over it.
5. Work with a professional to avoid common mistakes.
We could sit here and give you tips all day, but ultimately, it’s best to partner with a professional when it’s time to create your backsplash. From choosing the right types of tile, using high quality materials, to ordering the right area and trim pieces based on your space’s dimensions and shape, we’re happy to tackle the tricky stuff and give you your time back. Get a free quote here to get started!