Updating Kitchen Backsplash? Here’s What You Need to Know

Kitchen backsplashes are the perfect way to liven up your kitchen. They can be used in various ways and styles, making them versatile enough to fit any home décor style. But before you start your project, there are some important things Design and Renovations by David J Cesario wishes you to know.

 Materials Used

Tile is one of the most popular materials for kitchen backsplashes because it’s durable and easy to clean. The downside? It can be time-consuming to install and hard on your fingers if you have arthritis or other hand problems. Granite is another popular material that mimics the look of tile but can be more difficult to clean.

Paint is also a popular backsplash material for kitchens because it’s relatively easy to install and gives you the satisfaction of being able to change your color scheme whenever you want. However, the paint will chip over time with wear and tear, and you can’t customize the style.

Wood is another material that many people like for their kitchen backsplashes because it looks intricate, natural and blends in with many different décor styles. The downside? Wood may be challenging to clean and needs maintenance every few years to keep it looking its best.

Types Of Kitchen Backsplashes

There are many different styles available, which can be categorized into three main types. 

The first type is called the “tiled backsplash,” It refers to a traditional tiling experience with ceramic or porcelain tiles laid on top of each other in a brickwork pattern. 

The second type is called a “concrete backsplash,” which refers to applying concrete onto an unadorned wall.

 The third type, a combination of tiling and painting because they are often mixed with paint for decorative purposes, is called a “painted tile backsplash.

Costs

The cost of updating your kitchen backsplash depends on the type you choose.

A traditional tile is very expensive, costing upwards of $21 per square foot for basic tiles and up to $26 dollars a square foot for glazed ceramic tiles. 

Granite costs about $13-22 per linear foot, depending on whether or not you want the material to be polished and how many tiles you choose.

Paint is inexpensive, costing only about $0.53 per square foot if you’re applying a primer before painting your backsplash. If not, then paint costs upwards of $14-44 dollars per gallon, depending on the type (or brand) that you choose.

Wood is about $0.38-18 per square foot, depending on the type of wood and whether or not it’s prefinished, making it one of the most cost-effective choices for a kitchen backsplash.

Timeframe

If you’re using a surface that requires tiling, it can take anywhere from two hours to six hours for one person. Paint may require only about four hours in total, and wood takes roughly half an hour or more, depending on the size of your space.

The type of material is not the only factor in how long it will take to complete your kitchen backsplash project. The amount of space you want to cover will also affect how long it takes, and the complexity level desired for your project (i.e., do you want a more intricate pattern or just something simple and easy?).

Depending on your style and desired outcome, installing a backsplash can be completed in as little as one hour or take up to two days.

When To Install

Depending on where in the process of renovating your kitchen, it may be possible for one person to install a backsplash themselves, but it’s better if you have help from someone else who has experience installing those types of materials. It also depends on the type of material you are using.

When deciding on a backsplash for your kitchen, make sure that you can do the installation work when it’s needed. This means checking with contractors and making time in between other projects as necessary. The process of installing a new one can be done at any point throughout the year but is typically done during the winter when there is less outdoor work to do.

Maintenance

A backsplash is not only attractive, but they also serve as a protective barrier for your walls from water and splatter stains. With this in mind, you should know that it’s necessary to clean them periodically with soap and warm water and scrub them with a scouring pad.

Safety

When installing a backsplash, make sure you’re wearing gloves to protect your hands and long sleeves so that any spills will not come into contact with bare skin.

If you’re working with water or other potentially hazardous substances, make sure to take proper safety precautions and wear a face mask in addition to gloves.

It’s also crucial that you clean up any spills immediately and avoid placing anything above your backsplash (such as plates, cups, or other objects) to avoid staining your new surface. 

When renovating your kitchen, it’s essential to have a backsplash to protect the walls from stains and water damage. Depending on the type of material you want to use for your project, there are different levels of difficulty to complete this addition correctly.