Introduction
When it comes to kitchen design, the backsplash is often an afterthought. However, your backsplash can make a major impact on the look and feel of your kitchen. The backsplash protects your wall from splatters and spills while adding visual interest. With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right backsplash for your range. This guide will explore 8 great options to consider for your range backsplash.
Tile
Tile is a classic and customizable choice for Kitchen Confidential: 8 Options for Your Range Backsplash. Ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles allow you to add pops of color, texture, and pattern. Glass, metal, and mosaic tiles can create a more modern look. Pros of tile include its durability, easy cleaning, and design versatility. Drawbacks are potential grout staining and installation cost if using more expensive tile.
Popular choices like subway tile, herringbone, and hexagon patterns offer clean lines. Handmade artisan tiles can provide visual flair. Accent strips of decorative tile can also spice up a simple tile design. For a unique range backsplash, mix and match tile sizes, textures, shapes, and colors.
Metal
For a contemporary industrial vibe, metal offers a durable, sleek choice for Kitchen Confidential: 8 Options for Your Range Backsplash. Stainless steel, copper, brass, and aluminum are options that make a metallic statement. Perforated patterns, diamond plate, or rusted finishes provide added flair.
Metal is easy to clean, sound-absorbing, and heat-resistant. Drawbacks are potential denting, and higher costs for installation and custom pieces. Using metal solely behind the range keeps costs down. Combine with glass tile or accent strips of metal for a full backsplash on a budget.
Glass Tile
Glass tile is available in an endless array of colors, shapes, and finishes. Subway, mosaic, patterned, and mirrored glass tile can shine as an eye-catching focal point or subtle accent. Using iridescent and recycled glass makes a unique style statement.
The glossy surface wipes clean easily. Glass tile maintains its color and resists fading better than painted tiles. Use just behind the range or mix with ceramic tile. Drawbacks include potential cracking and higher costs. Careful installation and sealant can help avoid cracked tiles.
Stone
Natural stone like marble, travertine, granite, and slate can create an upscale, timeless look for Kitchen Confidential: 8 Options for Your Range Backsplash. Each stone has unique natural veining, colors and patterns that add beauty and texture.
Pros of stone are its elegance and durability. Cons are it can be porous, expensive, and needs resealing. Limiting stone use just behind the cooktop keeps costs reasonable. For a budget-friendly option, use faux stone wallpaper or ceramic tiles with a stone-look.
Brick
Exposed brick lends vintage character to a Kitchen Confidential: 8 Options for Your Range Backsplash. Genuine reclaimed brick has the most charm. Faux bricks made of tile, metal or wallpaper provide realistic options. Brick patterns vary from running bond, stack bond, herringbone and more.
Brick is affordable, low-maintenance, andcoordinates well with many kitchen styles. Crumbling, cracked brick should be avoided. Clean brick prior to installation to limit dust. Combine with wood accents and antique hardware for a cottage vibe. Keep lines clean for an industrial feel.
Wood
Wood brings natural warmth and texture to Kitchen Confidential: 8 Options for Your Range Backsplash. Tongue and groove planks, shiplap, barn wood, butcher block are pleasing choices. Water-resistant boards, like teak or exterior-rated woods, can handle splatters.
Pros of wood are its rustic appeal and sound-dampening. Cons are potential warping, staining, and flammability. Use wood solely behind the range or stove top. Opt for wood-look porcelain or ceramic tiles as a durable option. Combine wood with brick, stone or metal for stylish contrast.
Paint
Nothing transforms a space easier than paint. Painting your backsplash is an affordable option to refresh the look of your kitchen. Use high-heat paint formulated for range areas. Consider gloss, enamel or other easy-clean finishes.
Modern solid colors, hand-painted designs, and faux finishes are eye-catching options. Pair with accent tiles or floating wood shelves. Since painted backsplashes show wear over time, limit paint behind the range. Consider materials like tile or metal near areas of direct heat.
Wallpaper
Removable wallpaper allows you to easily change your backsplash look. Self-adhesive wallpaper with peel and stick application makes installation a breeze. Use wallpaper just behind the cooktop or stove for a bold accent. Try natural looks like grasscloth, geometric patterns, faux brick or wood grains.
Pros are great design flexibility and inexpensive updates. Cons are potential peeling edges over time. Use removable wallpaper only behind appliances to limit moisture exposure. Combine wallpaper with paint for a budget-friendly accent wall effect.
Conclusion
The range backsplash presents a fun opportunity to showcase your personal style. From metal to tile to brick, the options are limitless. Consider materials that are durable, easy to clean, and heat-resistant since the range sees high use. For a budget-friendly option, use new materials solely behind the range in a focused accent area.
With so many colors, textures, patterns and materials to choose from, you can easily find the perfect backsplash to give your kitchen a stylish finish. Let your backsplash inspire you in the kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular options for a range backsplash?
The most popular options are tile (ceramic, porcelain, glass), metal (stainless, copper), stone (marble, granite, slate), and brick (real or faux). Tile provides great design flexibility. Metal and stone offer durability. Brick lends vintage appeal.
What materials should be avoided near a range?
Avoid flammable materials like vinyl, plastic laminates, or real wood directly next to heat sources. Also, skip paper-based wallpaper or delicate materials that can burn or stain. Heat-safe paint, tile, metal, or stone are better choices right behind a range.
Should the backsplash go all the way up the wall?
The backsplash can go all the way up the wall if desired. Often the range area is accented with one material, while a more budget-friendly backsplash choice covers the remaining wall. An accent wall effect can look bold and cohesive.
What’s an inexpensive option for a range backsplash?
Paint is an inexpensive way to transform the backsplash area, especially behind the range. Also, checkerboard patterns of glass and ceramic tile add interest without breaking the bank. Removable wallpaper only behind appliances keeps costs low as well.
Can you mix different materials in a backsplash?
Definitely! Mixing materials in one backsplash design adds visual interest. Try combining metal and tile, or wood with stone. Use just a few special handmade tile rows as an accent within a simple subway tile backsplash. The combinations are endless!
How can I make sure my backsplash tiles don’t crack?
Select a tile rated for wall application. Use a flexible adhesive mortar suitable for your tile and substrate. Carefully follow instructions for tile spacing and sealant use. Avoid striking tiles with hard objects. Lastly, seal grout regularly to prevent moisture issues that could cause cracking.
Should backsplashes go all the way to the ceiling?
It depends on your design preference. Full backsplashes extending to the ceiling look bold and finished. Partial backsplashes allow you to highlight just the work area behind the range. The standard height for a backsplash is 4 inches above countertops. Industry guidance recommends a minimum 18 inch height behind a range.
How do I clean and maintain a range backsplash?
Regular cleaning is a must to keep backsplashes looking fresh. Wash with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaners. Disinfect marble or natural stone gently. Reseal porous materials annually. Use non-abrasive cleaning pads to avoid scratching. Magic eraser sponges can tackle stuck-on grime.
What’s a simple way to update my dated backsplash?
Painting over existing tile or wall materials is an easy DIY option. Use a bonding primer made for tile and glass before painting. Another refresh is swapping out your existing backsplash. Removable wallpaper offers lots of designs if you want an update. Just peel off as desired.
