Homeowners began installing kitchen backsplashes in their homes in the 1950s, usually as a way to protect their kitchen walls from dirt, water, and grease as they were preparing food.

Now, backsplashes are popular elements to a kitchen design for more than just their functionality. 

There are a variety of materials, colours, shapes, styles, and designs to choose from when it comes to a kitchen backsplash. And including a kitchen backsplash can provide a unique touch to your luxury kitchen. 

This article will highlight different types of kitchen backsplash that can add the perfect final touch to your bespoke kitchen design. 

Ceramic Tile

Manufacturers create ceramic tiles by firing and then glazing wet clay. Given that it is one of the most popular types of backsplash, some people might worry that they won’t get as unique of a look.

However, with the variety of colours, styles, and intricate designs available, you can achieve a unique and high-end design with ceramic tile. There are numerous ceramic tile styles to choose from, including but not limited to crackle-glazed, glossy-glazed, matte-glazed, mozaic, hand-painted, and handmade inlaid. 

A crackle-glazed ceramic tile is a glass finish on a ceramic tile. The glass is fired specifically to create the “crackle” finish that adds additional dimension and depth to the overall look.

Glossy-glazed ceramic tiles have a smooth, glossy finish, as its name suggests. This finish reflects light similar to a mirror. Alternatively, matte-glazed ceramic tiles are less smooth. Therefore, they reflect light in many or all directions so that the final look is less shiny. 

We recommend handmade or hand-painted inlaid ceramic tile for the most unique, luxurious finish. You can even decide to create a mosaic picture or pattern with your ceramic tile backsplash. 

Porcelain Tile 

Manufacturers make porcelain tiles by firing compressed clay dust at high temperatures. Since they are not glazed like ceramic tiles, they have a duller look which some people prefer.

But, some of the benefits of using porcelain tiles are that they’re a lot easier to clean, won’t crack, don’t need to be cooled, and can last a lot longer than ceramic or other types of backsplash.

Glass Tile 

Glass is used in homes for various reasons, and a kitchen backsplash is no exception. You have many options with a glass backsplash, including a frosted look, a glossy finish, or a matte tone. You can even add an LED light to your glass backsplash for a visually stimulating effect in the evenings. 

Since glass is very reflective, it works best in a kitchen that receives plenty of sunlight. As well as that, other pros include that it’s easy to shape to your exact needs and is easy to clean. But, glass can of course break a lot more easier than other materials.

Stone 

For a more natural look in your kitchen, you can use stone in a non-tile style for your kitchen backsplash. Granite, quartz, marble, soapstone, and travertine are commonly used stones for kitchen backsplashes and can work well with traditional and more modern kitchen designs.

Granite is the most popular stone option, likely due to its durability. Choosing stone slab marble across the entire length of the back wall has a very luxurious finishing look. Another reason to opt for a stone backsplash is that you can get it to match your countertops, and it’s one of the most durable materials used to make backsplashes.

But, one downside is that you may need to have it resealed after a while. They can also get scratched, especially the softer stones and replacing them can be difficult and costly.

Stainless Steel 

Like glass, a stainless steel kitchen backsplash works nicely in well-lit kitchens, given its reflectivity. It’s highly durable too which is always good for something that gets as much use as your kitchen sink. It won’t crack, chip or stain and is easy to clean and make shine so you can rely on it to not only last a long time, but also look good.

Although they are easy to clean, stainless steel isn’t as easy to keep looking clean, and food, grease and fingerprints will show up more easily than other materials.

Wood 

Although not the first thing you think about to use around a kitchen sink, wood is a surprisingly beautiful material to use and can fit in well with a traditional or rusitc themed kitchen.

The two main options for wood backsplash are laminated wood and reclaimed wood. Laminated wood is helpful for a waterproof finish. If you are using reclaimed wood, you will need to include a special sealant to maintain the look over time. You’ll need to have this topped up to maintain the seal too.

Thermoplastic 

Thermoplastic has similar pros and cons to stainless steel. If you are considering stainless steel but want a more unique look, consider thermoplastic for your kitchen backsplash. They’re easy to clean, and look very unique and high-end due to the customisable nature of plastic, and are equally durable.

Mirror 

One of our favorite options is to use a mirror backsplash for your kitchen sink. Like glass, a mirror can create a visually stimulating look. This type of backsplash is especially nice in a smaller kitchen, as it can make it look larger and brighter helping to make better use of the light.

Summing up the Options for your Kitchen’s Backsplash

Beyond protecting your kitchen’s walls and making cleaning much easier, a kitchen backsplash can add a stylish and high-end look to your overall kitchen design. 

As you have read, there are many options to choose from. But as long as you choose a backsplash that fits your preferences, you can’t go wrong!

If you want to chat about having your kitchen designed then get in touch today. We can talk you through some of the options for not only your backsplash but your entire kitchn.