http://www.dream-kitchen-backsplash.com/stainless-steel-backsplash.html#sthash.WylmRsLc.dpbs The Benefits of Stainless Steel: Easy to clean Unaffected by heat Attractive Lasts for a lifetime Does not corrode or get darker with age The Downsides of Stainless Steel: Expensive Can be dented This article did state that the gauge (thickness) of the steel used, determined how easily it might dent... Can be scratched May require polishing to rejuvenate it's luster - See more at: http://www.dream-kitchen-backsplash.com/stainless-steel-backsplash.html#sthash.WylmRsLc.dpuf

The backsplash near the hob should preferably not be glass as the heat produced near the stove causes the glass to break due to continuous heating and cooling which makes the glass crack over a few months... Pavithra Praveen Pravisree Kitchens Bangalore

Mukti, From what you described, it seems you need a water softener than a hydrophobic coating. Salt based softeners are good for these issues.

Teal is a very trendy colour, but having it on all four walls may be an overkill in the kitchen, especially with that dramatic chevron dado tile. I hope at least the 4th wall is white! The cabinets have to be white too