Does your kitchen seem to lack a little flair? The kitchen backsplash is an oft-neglected area of design. While it may not seem to be that functional, it actually protects the walls — and it can be a brilliant accent to an otherwise subdued room. And not only is the kitchen backsplash a great accent piece, but it’s an affordable and easy way to change the look and feel of a room.
But what should you choose for your backsplash? Do you want it to look cozy or modern? What colors are you interested in — and what options fit in your budget?
Here are some of the best stone options for a kitchen backsplash.
Granite Backsplashes
Granite is always a classic. It improves property values and adds luxury to any home. People prize granite for its appearance and its durability, but it is relatively expensive. There are many different types, styles, and colors of granite, and no one piece of granite is the same as any other. Granite can be sealed and polished to keep it looking fantastic, and it can even be resurfaced to deal with minor scratches and cracks.
Marble Backsplashes
Marble is similar to granite in its appeal. However, it’s a little softer, which makes it more delicate, and it tends to absorb and reflect light in a “warmer” way. A sunny, countryside kitchen, for instance, might have a marble backsplash. Because marble is porous and often lighter in color, it requires more care and needs to be sealed to avoid staining.
Quartz Backsplashes
Quartz provides a look very similar to marble, but because it’s a composite stone (artificially created), it’s actually a little more affordable and easier to care for. Quartz won’t always improve your property values as much as granite or marble (because it isn’t as expensive), but it can have a similar visual effect. It also doesn’t need to be sealed or as carefully cared for because it is not porous in the way that natural stone is.
Slate Backsplashes
Slate is dark, elegant, durable, and natural-looking. The downside is that it only comes in one color — slate. Those who want a slate look will find that this is a perfect stone because it’s strong and easy to care for. But it’s always going to be in some shade of gray, which means your options may be limited.
Soapstone Backsplashes
Soapstone is similar to slate, except that it comes in a wider variety of colors. Soapstone is also extremely durable, but it will usually come in muddled shades of gray or green, which won’t work with every design type.
Travertine Backsplashes
Often used for flooring, travertine is a limestone-like stone that has a lot of natural appeal. It’s generally found in shades of tan, making it perfect for warmer, more traditional kitchens. Travertine is often seen in Italian architecture, for instance. Travertine is often used in tile format rather than as a single piece, so you can choose how the stone is broken up and installed.
Limestone Backsplashes
Limestone is a durable stone similar to travertine, making it ideal if you want a stone that definitely won’t crack under pressure. Of course, backsplashes aren’t like counters — most of them aren’t going to experience any undue stress. Depending on the look, though, you might find pieces of limestone that match your style better.
Choosing a Backsplash
When choosing a backsplash from the above materials, you’ll usually need to decide based on a few factors: budget, color, style, and durability. For backsplashes, durability is often less critical — but since backsplashes are often the same material as the counter, it can still be a consideration. For budgetary reasons, most natural stones are going to be priced similarly. There are low-end materials and high-end materials, depending on the size of the stone and its complexity. But you may need to look at many different options before you find the one that’s the color and style that works for your design. A kitchen backsplash is one of the best places to start for a renovation because it’s a fairly easy fix. Granite is one of the most popular choices, not only because it’s durable but also because it’s attractive. For more information about how granite can fit into the look of your home, contact the experts at Wholesale Granite Direct.
