The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. You prepare family dinners, after school snacks, and help kids with homework. Your kitchen can be found in the center of almost all of those core family memories. 

And now with the holidays fast approaching it’s time for your kitchen to shine. Updating your kitchen’s backsplash can change the whole feeling of your home, not just the kitchen. 

If you’re ready to give your backsplash the attention it deserves there are a few things to consider before upgrading. There are lots of factors to consider. Material. Functionality. Budget. And you can’t forget the countertops. 

Don’t worry, we’ve put together a complete guide to upgrading your kitchen backsplash.

3 Factors to Consider

Since the kitchen is the center of the home it’s important that it can handle the everyday demands of your family. 

Material and Color

When you upgrade your kitchen backsplash you have to make sure it doesn’t clash with the rest of your kitchen (and home). 

Going to a tile showroom like Flooring Specialist in Warner Robins and picking out sample tiles to try in your home is the best way to make sure that your new backsplash won’t clash with your countertops or cabinets. You don’t want a busy countertop paired with a busy backsplash.

Choosing the right material is also important. Depending on how (and what) you cook you may need a backsplash that goes up higher or one that is easier to clean. 

Wear and Tear

When choosing a new backsplash you need to consider how the specific material will hold up in your kitchen. Some materials are more durable than others. Some are stain-resistant.

Ceramics are very durable and resist staining. If you’re frying a lot on your stove using a material that can be cleaned easily is key. 

Regardless of what look you’re going for, you can’t forget about functionality. 

Grout Choice

Most people only focus on the tile or material for their backsplash. Grout can sometimes be an afterthought. 

Since grout is what gives the backsplash its finished appearance it’s important to use a high-quality option.

The color you choose for your grout can also make a statement. A colored grout option can provide a nice contrast between the tile. Or a white grout gives an overall seamless appearance. Making the right choice with your grout has the ability to tie the whole room together. 

4 Different Kitchen Backsplash Options

While tile is the most common type of material used for kitchen backsplashes, there are so many options out there to choose from.

Glass Tile

Glass tile has been around for several years but had mainly been used in bathrooms. It’s making its mark though in kitchens now. Glass tiles come in a variety of sizes and are perfect for the kitchen environment. 

Glass tiles are 100% waterproof which is a big plus in the kitchen. Steam and moisture can build up and can cause other materials to buckle. You don’t have to worry about that with glass. It’s easy enough to wipe down and keep clean. 

Glass tiles can make a space appear larger since the material is slightly translucent and catches the light nicely. Glass tiles can give your kitchen the modern and inviting look you’re going for. 

Stone Slab

If you want a completely different look than tile, a stone slab is a great option. Marble, Quartz, or Granite are the most common types of slabs available for use. 

A solid slab can make your space look larger since there aren’t any seams or grout visible. Stone is easy to keep clean and gives a modern, chic look. 

Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tiles are one of the most common backsplash options. These tiles are typically smaller squares less than 12”x12”. These tiles are available in so many different colors and shades. 

Since mosaic tiles are smaller it makes it easier to get a truly customized looked. Clay, ceramic, glass, or porcelain are some of the common materials that make mosaic tiles. These tiles are easy to clean and don’t typically stain (depending on the material). 

Subway Tile

Most people have probably heard about subway tile, but don’t discount it. Subway tile is a great option for backsplashes since it’s easy to keep clean and very durable. White subway tiles can give a modern, clean look but these tiles come in so many different colors you’re not limited to just white.

Subway tile usually is found in a staggered brick pattern but it’s not limited to just that. Herringbone, basketweave, chevron, and double basketweave are only a few of the different pattern styles that can be created using subway tile.  

Customize Your Kitchen Backsplash with Flooring Specialist 

No matter what look you want for your kitchen the professionals at Flooring Specialist can help. And with the holidays coming up it’s the perfect time to upgrade. Wow all your friends and family with a newly upgraded kitchen backsplash. 

Our showroom in Warner Robins has hundreds of options to pick from. If you’re in the Middle Georgia area stop in today to start designing your dream kitchen.