As one of the most visited rooms in the home, the kitchen can always use a new look. A backsplash kitchen can add aesthetics, increase value and make the entire room come alive. There are several options, features and designs to choose from. Here we will tackle them all, helping you find the right one for you.
Backsplash kitchen designs have a multitude of purposes and will always enhance the looks of a kitchen. The design can be subtle or command attention, depending on what you are after. The bold looks, the different styles, tones, color, and materials all come at a price.
How much does it cost to have a backsplash kitchen? Can you install it yourself? The look, time, cost and installation methods are all answers we will cover in this article. If you have ever been interested in a backsplash for your kitchen and didn’t know where to start, this is the place for you.
All of your questions and the answers to many more are just below. Let’s get started so you can begin your journey to the new backsplash you always wanted.
What Is A Backsplash Kitchen And What Is It For?
The backsplash kitchen isn’t a new feature. What is new is the intended use behind it. Originally the backsplash was a simple sheet placed behind sinks and stoves to protect the wall or the wallpaper from grease, splatter and clean up efforts.
The idea originated because of how expensive wallpaper was. The idea was to protect the walls so that the wallpaper didn’t have to be removed and reinstalled, which was an exhaustive chore and cost a lot of money.
Today, backsplashes still serve the same purpose: protecting the walls from splatters and clean up. However, the new trend is to use the backsplash as a form of an accent wall. Creating a look and sense of style that ties the room together.
There are several options you can choose from, including material, installation and if it will be a DIY project or if you will hire a professional.
The Different Backsplash Styles
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If you were to sit and write down every possible option, you would soon run out of paper, ink in your pen or develop a hand cramp. Everything from tile to tin to paint and different wallpaper is used in backsplash creation today. There are some that stand the test of time and the test of the consumer, time and again, though.
Classic Tile
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Classic tiling is one of the most used methods for creating a backsplash kitchen. The idea is simple; you find the tile you want to use, purchase enough to cover the area you wish to add the backsplash too and attach it to the wall.Construction adhesive is the most common attachment method, though with tile you can use tile mud and grout as if you were installing an actual tile wall. You may find one method easier, or less expensive, so the option for installation is completely up to you.
The tiles will give a nice appearance on the wall, separating the areas you are backsplashing. Behind the sink is common for a tile backsplash because it is easy to wipe down with a rag and cleanser.
Depending on the color and shape of your tile, you can create the brick wall pattern or go with an extravagant design of your own making.
Mosaic
Mosaic tiling can be fun to add to the kitchen. You can hit up your local crafts store or home improvement shop for premade mosaic pieces, or you can create your own!
Mason jars, porcelain plates and bowls, along with pretty much any other glass, tile or ceramic items can be broken up into mosaic pieces. If you don’t have any, or don’t want to destroy your grandma’s fine china, just take a trip to a second-hand store and find cheap alternatives you wouldn’t mind turning into little pieces.
Using the same construction adhesive or tile grout and mud, you can place the pieces directly on the wall in any pattern or design you can dream of. The final result is a wall that is interesting to look at, eye-catching and will reflect light (especially if you use colored glass) to add a new atmosphere to the room.
It should go without saying, but if you are creating the pieces yourself, make sure you have the proper hand and eye protection and cover the area to collect the shards and tiny pieces, so hands and feet don’t get splintered.
Pressed Tin
A new trend is to use tin as a backsplash and you can find pressed tin in a multitude of designs. Once you find a pattern you enjoy, you will need to purchase enough to cover the area, so precise measurements are required.
Tin can be cut with heavy-duty scissors so you can place it around receptacles and light switches, or cut to fit around shelves and cupboards. You will want to use construction adhesive to attach the tin tiles to the wall.
When you are done, you will notice that the tin will add a soft glow to the kitchen in ambient lighting which will only add to the effect.
Brick
Brick has become one of the go-to accents inside modern homes. A lot of homes will be constructed with exposed brick interiors. If you aren’t this lucky, you can recreate the effect in your kitchen.
A brick backsplash adds to rustic looks and accents modern chic styles. Bricks can be purchased for this purpose, called veneer bricks, and can be attached with construction adhesive. The veneer bricks are thin so they won’t detract from the wall or add much weight.
You can also use stone in the same manner, if bricks aren’t your thing.
Peel and Stick
Arguably the most common backsplash material is peel and stick sheets. These sheets (or rolls) come in various designs to give many different appearances. You can get sheets in the mosaic tile to save time and effort, brick, tile or even wood and stone.
It is a much cheaper alternative to the actual material, though it won’t last as long, which is about the only downside. Peel and stick sheets are easy enough to install. You just need to ensure the wall is clean from grease and debris, peel off the backing and stick it to the wall, pressing firmly for a few moments.
Most sheets come with overlap areas so you can easily hide seams and ensure everything lines up right. As long as the first piece is centered and level, the rest of the backsplash will follow suit.
DIY Versus Professional Installation
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Most of these backsplash kitchen ideas are geared towards a DIY approach. However, you can have your backsplash professionally installed. They will bring all the tools and materials needed to complete the job, and usually, have it done in one day.
Professional installation will cost more, on average and depending on materials, though it will save frustration, time and effort.
DIY installation, on the other hand, can be made into an exciting project and allow you to have the family help. If you decide to do the backsplash yourself, it won’t be covered under warranty like with a professional installation, though this isn’t really needed.
If you happen to go with a very unique design such as windows, embedded glass or cut-outs, a professional may be needed. Otherwise, the general application will only cost you materials and time.
Professional installation costs will vary, depending on the size and scope of the project and materials used. On average, you can expect to pay about $6 per square foot, or for a 20 square foot wall, between $600 and $1000 for the entire project.
Compared to DIY costs, you will just need materials and your time. We can’t put a price on your time and effort, but your materials will be more certain. You will have to shop around for the best deals and ensure you get enough material to cover the desired area.
When doing the project yourself, the materials will cost you about $3 per square foot. If you go extravagant, they can end up costing more than a professional installation. Likewise, if you are thrifty, you can cut your DIY costs in half.
Comparing both options, once you know the type of backsplash kitchen you want to create will tell you if professional installation costs are worth it to you or not.
Conclusion
Backsplash kitchen designs are only limited by available materials and your imagination. You can even use plywood and wallpaper if you like. The options truly are limitless.
Backsplashes add a new level of aesthetics and an eye-catching pleasure to the kitchen. Whether you opt for professionals to install the wall or you decide to do it yourself, the end result will be something worth talking about and give you a sense of satisfaction every time you enter the room.
