Kitchen Backsplash and Tile Considerations

With the heavy use seen by kitchen countertops and appliances such as the sink and range, the areas above these workspaces see a lot of dirt and grime and therefore should be easy to clean and maintain. There are a few options for covering these parts of the kitchen wall that vary slightly in cost and ease of installation. Consider the overall appearance of the room and what material and design elements will best suit your needs.

Wallpaper - Certainly the easiest and most inexpensive wall covering for the kitchen backsplash is vinyl or fabric wallpaper. Vinyl will be cheaper, more durable and easier to clean, although neither holds up well to consistent exposure. Wallpaper offers the most diverse design options and can be easily found and applied.

Wallboards - A newer prefabricated product being used on kitchen backsplashes is decorated vinyl wallboards. Most sturdy than wallpaper, wallboards provide greater durability with a wide selection of design options. These sheets are easy to measure, cut and install in your kitchen.

Tile Backsplash - Tile is the material of choice in modern homes when it comes to covering the kitchen walls above workspaces. It is ornate and time resistant, although requiring some regular upkeep. Make sure to have tile laid close to one another to minimize grout lines which are subject to staining. Also consider marrying different styles and color of tile to create designs that will certainly draw attention and add your own touch to the room.

Consider the amount of activity your counters receive and let that impact your choice in backsplash material. For those less used or on a budget, wallpaper or wall boards may be a great option. For those seeing more use or simply wanting the aesthetic value of tile, choosing an attractive color scheme and configuration can be fun.