Backsplashes: A Quick Guide to Remodeling Your Kitchen and Bathroom

Backsplashes: A Quick Guide to Remodeling Your Kitchen and Bathroom

Have you ever walked into a kitchen or bathroom with beautiful tile backsplashes? In many cases, it’s the first thing you notice when you walk into a room.

Backsplashes are and likely always will be a great accent to the design of a kitchen or bathroom. It’s a quick project that’s affordable enough to hire a contractor to do. There are a variety of colors, textures and styles to choose from for your backsplash design.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of backsplash 101 to help you decide the best way to use them in your bathroom or kitchen remodeling.

What’s a Backsplash Anyway?

You hear about backsplashes all the time, but what is their function and purpose? A backsplash is the vertical extension of your countertop. Its purpose is to protect the walls from splashes from water, food and other liquids you prepare in the kitchen or bathroom.

Backsplashes can run anywhere between a few inches above the countertop and all the way to the ceiling.

In most kitchen and bathroom designs, the backsplash is placed right behind the sink or stove areas. In some instances, the backsplash extends along the entire length of the countertop.

Not only does a backsplash protect your wall from damage, but it adds pizzazz to the space as well. It’s a win-win for your kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.

What’s the Best Materials to Use for Backsplashes?

It’s common for backsplashes to be constructed with tile. Now, the type of tile you choose depends on your own personal taste. With research, you’ll find that the most durable options are ceramic, engineered quartz, granite and marble.

You can also opt for glass mosaic tile. If you want a cohesive design, then consider using the same material for the counter for your backsplash.

 Is a Backsplash a Must-Have?

This is a great question, especially when you’re in the middle of planning your bathroom or kitchen renovation. When it comes to kitchen settings, it’s ideal to have a backsplash to prevent water, oil, sauces and other liquids from staining your walls.

It can also protect your walls from food, knives and cutting boards, among other things that sometimes get pushed against the wall.

As for the bathroom, this is all on the homeowner. Some like the idea of tile walls because it’s easier maintenance. A quick wipe down will keep your bathroom looking like new. And it’ll protect your walls from water damage that can lead to fungal growths.

Also, if you opt for a pedestal sink in the restroom, then the backsplash in this area is only for aesthetic appeal.

Selecting a Material for Your Backsplash

As we’ve already mentioned, ceramic, glass and stone materials are typically used for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. Again, you should consider using the same countertop material for your backsplash.

As a rule of thumb, professional installers normally run a 4” backsplash along the countertop. Ceramic is widely used for backsplashes. Both vitreous ceramic tile and glass are easy to wipe down for quick maintenance.

Natural stones, on the other hand, aren’t as easy to keep clean unless you have them properly sealed.

Go with a Contemporary Glass Backsplash

If you want to shy away from the typical ceramic and stone backsplashes, why not go with a glass backsplash?

This will give your kitchen or bathroom a contemporary appeal. It gives a sleek and urban look to any room you place them in. The only issue with glass tile is that it’s trickier to cut compared to porcelain and ceramic.

Yet, you’ll never have to worry about glass going out of style – this trend is here to stay. You can get fancy with one-inch mosaic glass tiles or opt for a single colored skinny rectangular tile.

Go Tuscan Style with a Travertine Backsplash

Those looking for an old world or classic look will find the Tuscan-style travertine backsplash ideal. What’s great about travertine is that it doesn’t require grout between the tiles. It will require sealing though, since it’s porous.

If travertine is too pricey for you, you can always opt for a centerpiece or medallion style backsplash behind the stove vs installing it for the entire wall.

Kitchen Remodeling Made Simple

The contractor you hire for your kitchen remodel will determine if the process goes smoothly or not. You want to choose a remodeling company that will handle majority of the materials, as well as the installations.

At GBC Kitchen and Bath, we have a team of pros that can handle the design and execution of your kitchen or bathroom remodel. This includes laying down new floor tile, installing new sinks and faucets, and implementing vanities and countertops.

We have a showroom of items you can sort through yourself. Whatever you choose, we will install into your home. The floor options we have available include tile, hardwood, laminate and carpets.

Then if you really want to upgrade your bathroom, you can opt for a new steam shower. The countertop options we have available come from the best brands in the stone manufacturing industry. This includes Cambria, Silestone and Caesarstone.

We carry granite, marble and engineered quartz slabs, and are available for your choosing. Stop by our showroom today to begin the planning for your next kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel.

Our experts will gladly assist you along the way.

Why Hire GBC Kitchen and Bath?

The ultimate reason you should hire us for your kitchen and bathroom renovations is because we aim to please our customers. We carry nothing but the best quality products and materials, plus we pay close attention to detail during installations.

When you’re working with us, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our products and services, and to receive your free estimate.