4 Best Materials for a Kitchen Backsplash

Discover how these four different materials give a distinctive character and look to the kitchen

Pooja Khanna Tyagi 28 August 2018

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More

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A kitchen backsplash not only plays a key role in protecting the wall between the countertop and the wall cabinets but also adds a great deal to the overall decor of the kitchen. It is advisable to select the colours, patterns and materials for the kitchen backsplash, countertop, cabinets and floors together, in order to bring about a cohesive look. The materials used for the kitchen backsplash can be broadly classified into four categories: natural stone, porcelain or ceramic, metal and glass. Here is a guide to the most popular backsplash materials, which will help you make an informed choice.

John Maniscalco Architecture

1. Natural stone
The grain and veins of natural stone give a unique look to the kitchen backsplash. They impart an element of warmth, richness and texture into the kitchen. However, they require high maintenance and need to be sealed periodically. In this kitchen, marble is continued from the countertop to the backsplash to give a seamless and opulent high-end look.

One can also consider composite stone such as quartz for the kitchen backsplash.

Note: If you want a rough and tough kitchen, then do not use marble as the backsplash (or countertop) because everyday ingredients like haldi and mustard oil are highly likely to stain the marble.

Open Atelier Mumbai

2. Ceramic or porcelain tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular tiling material used for the kitchen backsplash. These tiles are manufactured with natural clay-based materials that are fired at high temperatures. Based on their hardness, Group-1 and Group-2 tiles are suitable for the walls and are available in numerous colours, shapes and designs, in finishes such as glossy or matte. Additionally, they are easy to maintain and very affordable.

Find out more about ceramic and porcelain tiles

gail owens photography

In this example, 3D wall tiles give a decorative touch to the walls. It is a perfect way to infuse pattern, texture and a whole new depth to the space.

DHV Architects

3. Glass
Glass brings in an element of lightness and imparts a luminous look to the kitchen because of its translucence and ability to reflect light. This material is easy to maintain and offers a seamless, uninterrupted surface. Here, in this example, lacquered glass effortlessly adds an element of freshness into a minimal kitchen.

H-1 Construction, LLC

One can also consider glass mosaic tiles like these; mosaic tiles are tiny in size and are arranged on a fibreglass mesh for easy installation. They look modern and are easy to maintain, but quite expensive.

Note: Mosaic is also available in materials such as ceramic and stone.

Sonali shah

How about using the kitchen backsplash as a canvas to create a work of art? In this kitchen, multi-coloured mosaic tiling is used to create an interesting wall mural.

Make sure to install such details only in small sections of the wall, otherwise the kitchen will look overdone.

Incorporated

Here’s a twist to the use of glass. In this kitchen, a piece of fabric has been sandwiched within the wall and an overlying sheet of glass to create a stunning splashback.

Марина Светлова

4. Metallic tiles
For a bold look, go for steel-finish tiles. There is a richness in the sheen of metal that effortlessly imparts a high-end look to the kitchen. You could consider pairing it with only steel-finish kitchen appliances.

The routine maintenence includes cleaning with a damp cloth dipped in warm soapy water. Note that metal tiles are susceptible to scratches.

Read more:
10 Stunning Kitchen Countertop & Backsplash Combinations
These 7 Mosaic Tiles Make a Serious Style Statement

Tell us:
Which material do you prefer for your kitchen backsplash? Share in the Comments section below.