5 Beautiful Kitchen Backsplash Materials

Looking to replace a boring old backsplash? Consider these five stunning options.

It’s easy to overlook the backsplash when you’re designing your perfect kitchen. In fact, some designers say the backsplash has fallen out of vogue in recent years. But the right kitchen backsplash goes a long way in protecting your kitchen walls and cabinets from the evils of oil, water and steam. And it can also add substantial style to your space.

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of five popular backsplash materials to help you choose the best backsplash for your kitchen project.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are a popular backsplash choice — and for good reason. Tiles are versatile and practical — and both ceramic and porcelain tiles are fired at high temperatures, creating a hard surface that is largely stain- and scratch-resistant. What’s more, a tile backsplash affords you many options in creating a unique visual focal point.

Traditional subway tiles can be used to create striking patterns and shapes. Square tiles may be stacked in straight lines for a surprising and modern look, for example. And the zigzags of the herringbone pattern add a dynamic touch that creates movement within the space.
Geometric and scalloped tiles are also popular and attractive options.

Tile also comes in a number of versatile colors and designs — including bold brights, pastels and muted tones, marbled designs, metallic, ultra-glossy finishes and artistic/handmade designs. With these versatile options, you can easily complement your cabinets, worktops and paint choices. A black tile will make a bold and elegant statement against white shaker cabinets, for example, while rainbow mosaics will create a more playful space.

Glass

Toughened or tempered glass is a great choice for a backsplash material if you’re aiming for a streamlined finish. It is strong, durable and easy to clean. Glass can be purchased in large panels, which makes it more hygienic than tiled backsplash options that have many seams. It does tend to show water spots and smears more than some of the other materials, but a regular polish will keep it looking great.

The exciting thing about glass is that you can screen print your choice of artwork, photograph, map or wallpaper and have it mounted on the back of the glass. Alternatively, you can choose to use colored glass for a beautiful glossy, high-end finish to complement your kitchen design. Mirrored glass is another popular backsplash choice. You can choose from a variety of hues — from silver to rose gold — which will give your kitchen a polished, contemporary feel.

This can be particularly effective in traditionally styled kitchens, making the space feel larger. However, mirrored glass should not be used behind a gas range, as the open flame can cause visible cracking over time.

Stone

Stone is timeless and appealing, making it a great choice if you are planning to sell your home in the future. The downside to natural stone is that many options are porous and can therefore be damaged by exposure to water, acid or pigment. For this reason, some natural stone options (marble and granite, for example) will need to be sealed before installation and again every few years thereafter. Cleaning products will need to be chosen carefully as well, as some chemicals can damage or discolor the surface of the stone.

Granite has long been a favorite for kitchen backsplashes, and it can be polished or honed to your preference. Honed granite is more matte and textured than polished granite, and both have naturally unique variations in their swirls and veins, making each slab one of a kind.

Engineered stone is perhaps the most popular stone currently. It is created using crushed quartz and resin, which results in a sleek, high-end finish. Engineered stone is robust and heat- and scratch-resistant. It is also nonporous, which is a great benefit when compared with stain-prone natural stone. Engineered stone is also supplied in large panels and comes in a variety of colors.

Metal

If you are looking for something a little different, you might consider a metal backsplash. Pressed metal panels are quick and easy to install, and they are also long lasting and durable.

You can choose from a range of pressed patterns, and you can even have them powder coated in the color of your choice if you get tired of the original color.

Stainless steel is a practical and affordable choice — particularly if you are looking for an industrial vibe. It is heat resistant, hardwearing and easy to clean. However, it is also prone to scratches and dents. If stainless steel reminds you too much of a professional kitchen, there are other beautiful metals that you can choose from as well, including copper, brass and bronze. Hammered copper is trending right now — and we love the look!

Wood

Wood might not be an obvious choice for a kitchen backsplash, but this material is seeing an upswing in popularity. Once again, the choices vary — from rustic reclaimed boards to smooth hardwood planks. Rustic wood backsplashes can be fashioned of repurposed fruit boxes, pallets and old-school rulers.

These are not the easiest backsplashes to clean, but any marks simply add to their vintage character. In addition to excessive heat and fire being a problem for wooden backsplashes, water can also cause issues. Therefore, it will need to be treated and sealed to make it water resistant. Regular oiling and waxing will keep the wood looking its best.

Another way to get around these issues is to place a clear glass panel in front of the wood. Wood is usually affordable to source, but we recommend that it be installed by a qualified contractor who can make clean joints to leave you with a professional finish.

The Bottom Line

There are so many backsplash choices that it can be overwhelming to know what would be best for your space. Narrowing the options down to a single material is a great place to start. The great news is that no matter your budget, color scheme or kitchen size, there will be a solution that allows you to finish your project with the overall look you’ve been dreaming of. And professional installation will guarantee a polished, long-lasting product.