What to Think About When Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash
A backsplash brings your whole kitchen together. After years of helping Austin homeowners with kitchen remodels, we’ve seen how the right backsplash can make or break a design. The problem? There are too many options. Here’s what you need to know to pick one that works for your space.
Start With the Basics
Your backsplash must handle grease, heat, and the occasional tomato sauce splatter. It should also look good with your cabinets and countertops. Think about maintenance before you fall in love with something that needs constant upkeep. And yes, your budget matters.
Common Backsplash Materials
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles are workhorses. They’re durable, easy to clean, and available in every color and pattern.
- Natural stone, such as granite or marble, looks expensive because it is. The tradeoff? You’ll need to seal it regularly to prevent stains. In Austin’s hard water, that maintenance becomes even more important.
- Glass tile provides a modern, reflective surface. However, make sure the product you buy is rated for heat resistance near your stove.
- Metal backsplashes, usually stainless steel, work well in contemporary kitchens. The downside is fingerprints show up constantly, so you’ll be wiping them down more than you might like.
Design Decisions
Color sets the tone. You can match your backsplash to your countertops for a cohesive look, or use it as an accent to add personality. Neutral colors disappear into the background, which works if you want your cabinets or appliances to be the focus.
Pattern matters, too. Subway tile never goes out of style, but herringbone or chevron layouts add visual interest without being loud. Large-format tiles give you fewer grout lines to clean, while smaller mosaic tiles create texture.
The finish changes how light hits the surface. Glossy tiles reflect light and make small kitchens feel bigger. Matte finishes look modern and better hide water spots. Textured tiles add dimension but collect more grime in the grooves.
Practical Stuff You Need to Know
Non-porous materials are easiest to keep clean. Ceramic, glass, and metal wipe down fast. Glazed tiles and porcelain resist stains better than natural stone.
Can you install it yourself? Maybe. If you’re comfortable with a tile saw and have patience for spacing and grouting, go for it. But if your cuts need to be perfect around outlets and corners, hiring someone might save you from an expensive do-over.
What It Costs
Ceramic tile is your most budget-friendly option. Natural stone costs significantly more, both for materials and installation. The complexity matters, too. A simple subway tile layout is straightforward. An intricate pattern with multiple materials will cost you labor hours.
The size of your backsplash area obviously affects the total price. Also, consider that some materials generate more waste during cutting, which can increase the amount you need to buy.
Trends vs. Timeless
Right now, larger subway tiles are popular. People are getting bolder with color choices and mixing different tile shapes in one backsplash. Geometric patterns are having a moment.
But mosaic tiles and natural stone slabs have looked good for decades. If you plan to stay in your house long-term, those are safer bets than whatever’s trending on Pinterest this month.
Do Your Research
Look through kitchen photos online and save the ones you like. A mood board helps you spot patterns in what you’re drawn to. You might think you want white subway tile until you realize every kitchen you saved has warm wood tones and textured surfaces instead.
Pay attention to how much backsplash is visible in kitchens you like. Sometimes less is more.
We Can Help
Choosing a backsplash shouldn’t stress you out. At Best Austin Handyman & Remodeling, we always walk homeowners through material options and installation. We can meet with you, discuss your vision, and help you choose something that fits your space and budget. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
