Kitchen backsplashes not only protect the walls from water damage and stains, but they also add visual interest and personality to the space. With so many backsplash design options to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right material for your needs and style. We’ve compiled the seven best backsplash materials to consider for your kitchen based on aesthetics, durability, maintenance and cost.
Glass Tile
Glass tile is one of the most popular choices for backsplashes today. Made from recycled glass, these tiny tiles have an iridescent, gem-like quality with how they reflect light. Glass backsplash tile comes in every color imaginable, along with numerous finish options like frosted, clear, opaque, metallic and mirrored.
Benefits
- Provides a reflective, sparkling accent to the kitchen
- Durable and water-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Affordable option
- Available in endless color variations
Considerations
- Tile seams may accumulate dirt
- Not as resistant to high heat as ceramic or porcelain tile
- Requires sealing for water resistance
Some of the most unique kitchen backsplash ideas incorporate multi-colored or art glass tile mosaics. The tiny glass tiles are ideal for creating eye-catching backsplash murals, geometric patterns and images. For a more uniform look, large format glass tiles in a single color make a contemporary backsplash statement.
Ceramic Tile
A classic and versatile backsplash option, ceramic tile comes in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, textures, colors and finishes. From ultra-modern solid hues to hand-painted designs, the possibilities are limitless with ceramic and porcelain tile. It’s a great choice for both rustic and contemporary kitchen designs.
Benefits
- Extremely durable
- Resists moisture and stains
- Easy to clean
- Affordable option
- Available in many colors, styles and textures
Considerations
- Porous and requires sealing
- Can chip or crack if exposed to direct high heat
- Grout lines may get dirty without proper sealing
Install ceramic tile in a straight brick pattern, vertical stack, or as subway tile in either a traditional or zig-zag layout. For lots of visual punch, create a geometric herringbone pattern or intricate mosaic. Mix and match ceramic tile colors, finishes and sizes for plenty of customization.
Marble Tile
Prized for its elegance and natural veining, marble backsplash tile establishes a distinctly high-end look. While on the pricier side, a marble backsplash can add instant opulence and design flair. Keep in mind that no two marble tiles are exactly the same, so embrace the unique patterning as part of the appeal.
Benefits
- Timeless, classic material
- Distinctive natural veining patterns
- Available in range of natural earth tones
- Has luxurious, high-end aesthetic
- Easy to clean
Considerations
- On the pricier side
- Can stain or etch if exposed to acids
- Requires resealing every 1-2 years
- Veining means tiles don’t have uniform appearance
For a seamless look, opt for large format marble tiles or slabs for the backsplash. Smaller marble mosaic tile backsplashes also showcase the material’s natural depth and variation beautifully. Keep walls and cabinets in the same color family to complement the marble’s veining.
Metal Tile
From stainless steel to copper penny tiles, metal backsplashes introduce eye-catching luster, shine and texture. Metal tiles pair especially well with contemporary kitchen designs and industrial aesthetics. Consider the finish to determine the look – go for smooth, brushed, aged, hammered or embossed metal backsplashes.
Benefits
- Extremely durable and heat resistant
- Waterproof and resistant to stains/bacteria
- Easy to clean and disinfect
- Creates an industrial, modern statement
- Many metal finish options
Considerations
- Can be expensive, especially for real metals like copper
- Susceptible to scratches, dents and showing fingerprints
- Can conduct heat and get hot if not properly insulated
- Challenging for DIY – best to hire contractor
For lots of visual impact, install metal backsplash tile in a herringbone pattern or checkerboard layout. Alternating metal tiles in brass, copper and tin also creates eclectic contrast. Keep the rest of the kitchen simple to let the metal tile stand out.
Stainless Steel
A commercial kitchen staple, stainless steel backsplashes bring that professional chef’s kitchen aesthetic home. In addition to the sleek, mirrored look, stainless steel offers incredible durability and heat resistance. It’s easy to keep clean and sanitize as well. Full sheets of stainless steel provide the most seamless, modern look.
Benefits
- Extremely durable and dent-resistant
- Resistant to high heat
- Repels moisture, stains and bacteria
- Creates a reflective, ultramodern look
- Low maintenance
Considerations
- Can be expensive, around $50-$100 per square foot
- Shows fingerprints and water spots
- Makes loud noises if pots or pans hit it
- Challenging for DIY – best installed by metalworking pro
For lots of contemporary style, install floor to ceiling sheets of stainless steel backsplash. Using a bullnose edge finish helps reduce sharp corners. Pair with simple, sleek cabinetry and finishes like black, white or gray.
Stone Tile
For organic texture and natural elegance, stone backsplashes make a gorgeous design statement. Materials like granite, slate, travertine and limestone evoke an elegant, spa-like environment. Whether going for a seamless slab look or using artisan stone mosaic tiles, the patterns and hues found in natural stone are entirely unique.
Benefits
- Provides organic, natural texture
- Has high-end, sophisticated look
- Extremely durable and heat resistant
- Adds unique colors and visual interest
- Easy to clean
Considerations
- On the pricier side, around $20-$50 per square foot
- Natural stone varies so colors/patterns may not be uniform
- Can stain, etch or crack if not properly sealed
- Some porous stones require resealing every 1-2 years
For a trendy option, try installing blue slate subway tiles or rustic multicolored stone mosaic tiles. Large slabs of exotic granite also create a bold impact. Let the stone be the star and keep the cabinets, walls and counters simple.
Brick
You don’t have to knock down a wall to get the industrial chic look of exposed brick backsplashes. From faux brick panels to reclaimed thin brick tiles, brick veneers offer the realistic look and feel for a fraction of the hassle. A red brick backsplash injects vintage charm into kitchens of any style.
Benefits
- Provides natural, textured beauty
- Wide range of color and finish options
- Adds warmth and rustic charm
- Endless design possibilities like herringbone patterns
- Budget-friendly faux brick panels available
Considerations
- Real reclaimed brick has imperfections to work around
- Grout lines may get dirty if not properly sealed
- Faux panels won’t have dimensionality of real brick
- Dark bricks can make kitchen feel less open
For a modern twist, consider white-washed or grey brick backsplash tile. Mixing reclaimed brick sizes and shapes creates an eclectic focal point. Brick ceramic tile or faux panels also get the look more affordably. Keep grout lines minimal for a seamless look.
Key Considerations When Selecting Backsplash Materials
With countless backsplash possibilities, keep these factors in mind when selecting materials:
Budget – Material cost can range from $5 per sq. ft. for ceramic tile to over $100 per sq. ft. for natural stone or metal. Measure the space and get quotes to determine affordability.
Maintenance – Consider how much maintenance the material requires, like periodic resealing or accumulated grime in grout lines. Stick with more water-resistant, easy-clean options if upkeep is a concern.
Durability – Look for materials that can withstand moisture, stains, direct heat exposure and heavy usage. Softer or more porous materials like marble may deteriorate quicker without proper care.
Design aesthetic – Traditional materials like subway tile suit classic kitchens, while metal and glass mosaics feel modern. Look for backsplash materials that align with the overall kitchen design and style.
DIY ability – If doing it yourself, avoid finicky materials like natural stone or metal that require special cutting and installation. Ceramic, glass and faux brick panels tend to be simpler DIY options.
Personal taste – At the end of the day, choose backsplash materials you find most appealing. The options are endless so look for textures, colors and designs that excite you.
FAQs About Backsplash Materials
Many homeowners have additional questions when selecting the ideal backsplash material. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
What is the most popular kitchen backsplash?
Subway tile remains the most popular backsplash style, renowned for its classic and clean look. White 3″ x 6″ subway tiles are a go-to backsplash choice, but this versatile ceramic tile comes in unlimited colors, sizes and patterns as well.
What is the cheapest option for a backsplash?
Self-adhesive vinyl backsplash tiles offer the most budget-friendly option, at around $5 per square foot. Peel-and-stick backsplash panels come in ceramic, metal, glass, marble and stone looks, while being easy to install yourself.
What backsplash goes with white cabinets?
White cabinets suit nearly any backsplash material and color. Classic white subway tiles instantly coordinate, while materials like marble, stone and mosaic glass make a more dramatic accent. Dark grout offers separation against white cabinets.
What is the easiest backsplash to install?
DIY-friendly options like self-adhesive vinyl tiles, faux brick panels or interlocking mosaic sheets can be installed directly over existing surfaces. This allows avoiding complex tile cutting or having to prep and level walls, making for an easier installation.
What backsplash is best for small kitchens?
Small spaces are ideal for making a bold backsplash statement, like eye-catching glass or marble mosaics, or a fun geometric herringbone pattern. Avoid busy patterns and tiles smaller than 1 inch since these may overwhelm a petite kitchen.
What backsplash is easiest to clean?
Easiest to clean backsplash materials include metal, glass, ceramic and porcelain tile, and stainless steel. Their non-porous surfaces resist absorbing stains, food debris and water. Ensure grout and natural stone materials are properly sealed to facilitate wiping away grime.
What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain backsplash tile?
While very similar, porcelain contains denser, more impervious clay which makes it more resistant to moisture and staining. Porcelain tile can also withstand more heat, making it ideal behind stoves. Ceramic and porcelain both come in wide aesthetics ranges.
Enhancing Your Kitchen With the Ideal Backsplash
The perfect backsplash brings your unique kitchen vision to life while also protecting the walls as a functional work zone. With so many excellent materials to choose from, reflect on your budget, skills, priorities and style preferences to narrow it down. Then, have fun creating a backsplash that puts the finishing touch on your dream kitchen oasis. Let your backsplash speak to the home cook or entertainer in you.