7 Trendy Kitchen Backsplashes to Elevate Your Design

Backsplashes are a big part of kitchen design. They are no longer just a four-inch part of a countertop that attaches to the wall and sits on the countertop. Most designers prefer completely covering the wall between upper and lower cabinets and above sinks and stoves with a backsplash that compliments the kitchen style and design.

Backsplashes are made from many different materials and hundreds of designs and colors. Inexpensive to very pricey. Each of these seven backsplashes offers multiple options that match your kitchen design.

1. Marble

Marble is a classic elegant, beautiful material that has been used in kitchens since the Roman Empire. Marble backsplashes are used to match marble countertops or as a contrasting material. They are heat resistant but expensive and difficult to install. Marble tends to scratch and stain more easily than some other materials.

2. Stone

Stone backsplashes are naturally beautiful. They are durable and easy to clean. Stone looks more natural in rustic and traditional kitchens. It may look out of place in a modern kitchen. Stone is available in a variety of colors, shapes, styles, and designs. It is expensive and should be installed by a professional to reduce long-term problems.

3. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is the most popular type of backsplash. Tiles are available in multiple colors, sizes, patterns, and designs. It is inexpensive and easy to install as a DIY project. Tile backsplashes can be difficult to clean–especially the grout. If not cleaned and disinfected regularly, grout grows mold and mildew.

4. Glass

Many designers use glass as a backsplash in contemporary kitchens. They provide a modern look to any kitchen. Glass is available in many colors or you can install clear glass over designer wallpaper, pictures, artwork, or whatever interests you. Glass is heat resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean, but expensive. All glass backsplashes should be made of tempered glass for safety.

5. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is often the backsplash of choice in modern kitchens. It is durable, easy to clean, and heat resistant. Stainless steel is available in various colors but is most often shiny steel, brushed steel, or black oxide finished. It is durable, heat resistant, and easy to clean. Stainless products accumulate fingerprints and water stains easily so they need to be wiped regularly.

6. Soapstone

Soapstone backsplashes are usually dark grey or black but can be white, light grey, blue, or green–depending on the quarry the product comes from. It is a natural stone that feels smooth and soapy. It is comprised of talc, dolomite, and various minerals. Soapstone is non-porous, heat resistant, and easy to care for but it is soft and scratches easily. It complements both rustic and modern kitchen designs.

7. Wood

Wood is usually not the first material people think of when considering backsplash material. Teak, maple, oak, and other hardwood backsplashes provide interesting and inventive backsplashes to compliment many countertops. Wooden backsplashes tend to soften the hard feel and look of kitchens.

Make sure any wood is well sealed to prevent stains and water absorption. With proper care, wood backsplashes last 50 years.