The material must also be good enough to withstand scratches from cutlery from time to time. Another factor you have to consider is the cost of installation and maintenance of the backsplash material. Having these factors in mind, choosing a backsplash material for your kitchen should be easy. This article looks at the top kitchen backsplash materials and their qualities.
- Veneer Stone
Veneer stone is a material that resembles natural stone or marble. It is made by mixing cement, iron oxides, and aggregates. It is a great choice for those that love the look and feel of natural stone or marble but do not want or cannot afford it. Manufactured veneer stone is durable and will stand the test of time. Since it is an engineered stone, it does not compare with natural stone when it comes to the cost purchase and installation. It brings in the expensive look and feel of natural stone without spending so much. The main drawback of engineered stone is that it is porous and this may not augur very well with a sink area backsplash, especially if you have kids around.
- Glass Tiles
Glass is the best material for kitchen backsplash if elegance and class are what you are looking to achieve in your kitchen. It also reflects most of the light into the kitchen and you will not have to spend a lot of money with lighting in your kitchen. It is also water and heat resistant which means that it will stand the test of time. The only drawback with glass tiles is that they are hard to install and maintain. Once broken, you have to replace the whole tile instead of repairing it. However, the main disadvantage is that the upfront cost is very high.
- Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular materials for a kitchen backsplash. This could be because they are readily available. The other reason is that they are the cheapest backsplash material available in the market, going for just 25 cents per square footage. The best thing with ceramic or porcelain tiles is that you can go with any design or pattern of your choice or you could still go with the look of natural stone. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are highly durable and resistant to heat and water. The major drawback of these two as kitchen backsplash materials is that they leave room for grout that could sometimes harbor mold growth.
- Metallic Tiles
Metallic tiles as a kitchen backsplash material are not very popular but are slowly picking pace in the recent past. The upfront cost is quite fair but installation is an issue because the metal does not easily stick on the wall. Once properly installed, it almost gives a similar look of glass. It is water and heat resistant, and this means that it will go for years without the need for maintenance. The metal does not stain and cleaning is easy and simple; with just a single wipe using soap water and a microfiber piece of cloth. Due to the frequent use of cutlery and silverware, the metal tiles could easily be scratched and once this happens, it is very hard to remove the scratches.
- Thermoplastic
The recent trend in kitchen backsplash material is thermoplastic materials. Although the material is made of a mix of plastic and other waste products, it is resistant to heat, contrary to what many people would expect. They come in a wide variety of designs and colors and you can bring in any ambiance without spending much. You could even mimic the look of natural stone and marble and no one will realize it.
All the above-discussed materials are good for any kitchen backsplash. All these have their benefits and disadvantages. Therefore, your choice will most likely depend on your unique tastes and preference and what you are looking to achieve in your kitchen. Working with a contractor is the best thing because they will help evaluate your options as per your needs. They will also help you do a great job that you will always be happy and comfortable with.