Step 66 - The Backsplash

Backsplash

Making The Kitchen Functional

A modern convenience in most homes constructed today are easy to clean backsplashes that cover the portion of the walls between the counters and cabinets.  Tile is the most common option, as it is very affordable for such a small area.   We opted to have our back-splash set in a diamond pattern, for a bit of a decorative element.  The tiles are set just like the floor version with mortal placed on the walls and each tile set in place with a spacer in-between.   The process takes about a day for the tiles to be cut and laid by professionals.

Things We Learned Along The Way

Why should you have a Backsplash in Your Kitchen

Are you thinking about why you should have a backsplash in your kitchen as suggested by a designer-friend? Firstly, a backsplash protects the wall in the area in which you are cooking from the splattering of oil and food particles. Compared to a wallpaper or painted wall, a backsplash makes a whole lot of sense as far as hygiene and protection are concerned. Another main advantage of a kitchen backsplash is that it makes the area more attractive. A well-chosen, beautifully designed backsplash can instantly update the look of a kitchen, but consider other important factors, like whether the material you have chosen is easy to clean (especially if you're a busy career woman on the go without a housekeeper to rely on).

Think about the many elegant ceramic backsplashes you can use on your kitchen walls. There are designs that can harmonize with a country-style look, art deco, or some other dominant architectural theme. Add color and perk up the spirits of people who use the kitchen everyday. An important thing to consider is that your cooking area backsplash tile should match your countertops. If your kitchen has the modern, industrial look, using a stainless steel backsplash may be recommended by your designer. While stainless steel is easy to clean (using some hot water, a little cleansing soap and sponge), it is more costly than ceramics or marble tiles, and installation is meticulous.

A kitchen definitely need not be plain and boring, but if cost is what's stopping you from brightening up the area, there are actually affordable options to choose from. There are also other ways to enhance the look of your kitchen in an inexpensive, stylish manner. Using bead board paneling instead of a tile backsplash will enhance the look of the kitchen. There are many beautiful designs for kitchen backsplashes, but don't jump at the first one you see in a magazine or home improvement online gallery. Give your kitchen remodeling project careful thought (ponder on things, including details like what will look great as accent pieces, say, in a ceramic tile or natural stone backsplash) and unleash your creativity.

Budget-conscious homeowners are bound to find that glass or natural stone tiles that create an awesome backsplash tend to be on the pricey side, but there are alternative low-cost kitchen backsplash ideas. Affordable options for a backsplash when undertaking your kitchen remodeling project are plain white porcelain subway tiles, vinyl tiles, or even broken china plates with a nice, colorful design. Using broken china plates may take time, but if you have time for a do-it-yourself project, using such materials to create a beautiful china mosaic backsplash can save you money.

A backsplash is actually just a small area, so even if what you really want to use are new ceramic tiles, you can have these installed (or do it yourself) at minimal cost. Consider a design that will match not just your countertops but also your kitchen cabinets and shelves. A countertop with a contemporary style must be matched with a backsplash with sleek texture, while a rough backsplash will harmonize with a rough type of countertop. For those who want green elements in their homes, there are companies that specialize in glass tiles (that can go well with granite countertops) made from recycled materials.

Indeed, kitchen walls are among the ideal spots to add a nice touch of design. Visit local kitchen design centers for ideas. You can also visit local tile stores that may have backsplash ideas set up for you to ponder. Whatever you decide, remember that your kitchen is usually a centerpiece for entertainment in your home, so a backsplash is a focal point for all visitors. A backsplash is also a fixture that you will probably have for a long time, so choose wisely and make sure you love your idea before you begin the project.

Navigation

The Land

 

Planning

 

Construction

 

Framing Phase

Rough-in Phase

Drywall Phase

Interior Carpentry

Flat-work Phase

Paint & Stain

Finishing Phase

Completion