What's the purpose of backsplash?

Author: Dr. Taylor Koss  |  Last update: Saturday, May 28, 2022

A backsplash is a vertical extension to a counter—typically a kitchen or a bathroom counter. A backsplash can extend a few inches high or it can go as high as the ceiling. The purpose of a backsplash is primarily functional. It protects the wall behind the sink against water damage from inadvertent splashing.

Does kitchen backsplash add value?

If you are looking for an easy way to instantly increase the value of your home, then adding a kitchen backsplash is a great idea! A backsplash will not only add charter and charm to your home, it increases the value of your biggest home asset—the kitchen! The good news is that tile doesn't have to be expensive.

Why install a backsplash?

It Provides a Protective Barrier

Over time, the dirt, grime, and bacteria that piles up on the wall may start eating away the surface, leaving the area prone to mold and mildew. Installing a backsplash creates a seal that protects the wall beneath, as it is impervious to moisture when the sealant is properly applied.

Does backsplash make a difference?

Backsplash Tiles Make a Kitchen Look Bigger and Brighter

Just changing the color of the backsplash can drastically improve the look and feel of your kitchen and turn it into a brighter, airier space versus a dark uninviting one.

What are backsplashes used for?

Pragmatically speaking, the backsplash protects the wall from water stains and damage—or, marks from tools and gadgets that live on the counter. Still, many creative locations make sense to add a backsplash. Tile backsplashes can be added to bathrooms, behind toilets and sinks, and even surrounding showers.

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas | What Are Your Options?

Should I put backsplash behind stove?

Backsplashes should go behind the stove and between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets, but not behind the fridge. The backsplash should be wherever there will be food and water splatter, but not where it can't be seen.

Is a backsplash necessary in bathroom?

Unless you have a pedestal sink that doesn't rest against the wall, you do need a backsplash for your bathroom vanity. The reason is practical: a bathroom backsplash protects the wall behind the sink from rot, mold and mildew. Beyond that, a backsplash can provide a lot of design appeal.

Are backsplashes outdated?

One of the biggest cons of a 4-inch backsplash over a full-tile backsplash is that the design is a little outdated. Though still a popular design, many kitchen designers tout the more modern and trendier full-tile design.

What can I use instead of a backsplash?

Beautiful Backsplash Alternatives To Tile
  • Paint, Stencils, or Prints. Paint is a great way to liven up the area under your cabinets. ...
  • Wallpaper and Peel and Stick Coatings. Wallpaper or contact paper can be a great way to spice up your backsplash area. ...
  • Wood. Wainscoting. ...
  • Brick. ...
  • Stone. ...
  • Metal. ...
  • Glass. ...
  • Small-Object Mosaic.

Does backsplash have to go all the way up?

In terms of how high your kitchen backsplash should be, that's up to you. Many homeowners stop their backsplash level with the bottom of their upper cabinets. However, some choose to take the tile all the way up the ceiling. This can make the kitchen feel taller, drawing the eye up the wall.

Can you tile over drywall?

As long as your wall is smooth and flat, you can install a ceramic tile kitchen backsplash directly over drywall or plaster with no problem. Start by cleaning the wall to remove any grease, then apply thin-set adhesive, and set the tile. After the adhesive has set, apply grout, and you're done.

Is backsplash hard to install?

A tile backsplash can really change the look of a kitchen and isn't that hard to install. A tile backsplash can really change the look of a kitchen and isn't that hard to install.

Can you tile a backsplash over painted drywall?

You may tile over existing tile, painted or unpainted drywall, plaster and textured walls. However, tiling over tile can add quite a bit of thickness, so make sure your wall can handle the weight. You should not tile over wallpaper, glossy surfaces, lead paint or plywood.

What brings down property value?

Closure of facilities – public services, employment, amenities; if any of these services close, it could impact the value of your house as they're often appealing to buyers. Low school ratings – buyers pay to live in areas with good schools because they want their children to have access to the best education.

How much should you spend on kitchen backsplash?

Kitchen Backsplash Cost. The average cost for kitchen backsplash is roughly $400 to $600 per 16 square foot, excluding labor. You could pay about $300 to $400 per 16 square foot for cheaper ceramic variations, or between $650 and $1,000 per 16 square foot for high-quality types.

What adds value to a kitchen?

7 kitchen upgrades to boost your home value
  • Repaint your cabinets and change out hardware. Estimated cost: $250 for hardware, $300 for paint. ...
  • Replace or add a backsplash. Estimated cost: $2,000. ...
  • Paint the Hardwood Floors. ...
  • Replace the lights. ...
  • Install butcher-block or concrete countertops. ...
  • Add a new kitchen sink. ...
  • Put a hood on it.

Are backsplashes necessary?

You need to have a backsplash in a kitchen because of water, grease, and other elements that can damage or discolor the wall behind the sink and stove. The backsplash acts as a protective surface and should be made of materials that are durable and easy to clean.

Should backsplash be lighter or darker than countertop?

The design should be used to balance out the light and dark shades of the other elements, so if you have light cabinets and countertops, you may want to choose a dark backsplash to bring more depth to the kitchen. If you have very dark cabinets or countertops, a light backsplash will help the kitchen feel fresh.

Can you do a backsplash without grout?

Well, the short answer would be a simple no – you should not attempt to install tile without grout.

Is 4 inch backsplash out of style?

For years now, the 4-inch backsplash has been standard in most spec homes and continues to be a popular choice.

Should backsplash be same as countertop?

It can be tempting to choose the same materials and colors for your countertop and backsplash, but this option can look uninspired. Ultimately, selecting a well-coordinated backsplash and countertop is essential to the design of your kitchen. It's usually best to select your countertops first.

What type of kitchen cabinets never go out of style?

Natural materials, like wood and stone, are always in style. Have your contractor install maple, birch, or cherry cabinets. Look for stone options such as granite, limestone, or slate. Your kitchen will be stylish and trendy both now and in the future.

What if vanity does not come with backsplash?

There are many dangers of having a bathroom vanity without a backsplash. Some include: Wall and paint damage: Water can seep and sit behind your bathroom sink. And, even if you used waterproof paint, you'll still have issues and damage can occur with constant water contact.

How far should a backsplash go?

According to our friends at hunker.com, a standard backsplash measures four inches up from the your countertop surface. In most cases, it is an additional piece of the same material that you select for your countertops.

Do you need a splashback behind a sink?

No, you don't need a splashback behind your sink, but it can be a smart idea to include it in your bathroom design. The splashback serves to catch any spray from the tap as you wash your hands or brush your teeth. It protects the wallboard from being damaged by water.

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