Concrete kitchen backsplashes offer a modern, sleek look that can completely transform a kitchen. Concrete is durable, easy to clean, and can be customized with different finishes, colors, and textures. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of concrete backsplashes and provide inspiration for contemporary concrete kitchen designs.
Why Choose a Concrete Backsplash?
Concrete is rapidly growing in popularity for kitchen backsplashes. Here are some of the benefits of using concrete:
Durability
Concrete is extremely durable and stands up well to heavy daily use. It won’t scratch, stain or show wear and tear like some other backsplash materials. Properly sealed concrete is resistant to moisture, heat and most household cleaners. This makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens.
Customizable Style
Concrete offers unique customization options. You can stamp or texture the concrete for different visual effects. Concrete can also be colored with integral pigments or stained after it has cured. This allows you to match any design style from modern minimalism to vintage industrial.
Easy Maintenance
A concrete backsplash won’t need frequent re-sealing or special cleaners like natural stone. Just use mild soap and water as needed. Concrete won’t show grime or food splatters as readily as tile or grout. Any stains that do occur can usually be removed with some scrubbing.
Cost Effective
Poured concrete is often comparable in cost to high-end tile. The molten look of poured concrete adds instant value and appeal. Factor in the durability and low maintenance, and concrete becomes an affordable option.
Seamless Look
Concrete backsplashes are installed as one solid surface with no grout lines. This gives a sleek, contemporary look that accentuates the flow of the kitchen design. The seamless surface is also very hygienic with nowhere for grime or bacteria to hide.
Popular Concrete Backsplash Design Styles
From earthy natural finishes to vivid colors and glossy polished looks, concrete offers endless design possibilities. Here are some of the most popular kitchen concrete backsplash styles:
Modern Minimalist
A simple gray concrete backsplash creates an unfussy backdrop for a minimalist kitchen. Built-in shelving and hidden appliances maintain the sleek aesthetic. This pared-down style allows your guests to focus on food, family and connection.
Industrial Chic
Exposed brick, metals and reclaimed wood are characteristic of industrial style. Combine with a dark charcoal concrete backsplash in a matte finish for an urban loft vibe. Concrete’s raw, organic texture plays well with industrial elements.
Organic Modern
Warm up concrete’s cool tones with natural materials like wood cabinetry and quartz countertops. A light natural gray concrete backsplash with gentle marbling keeps the look airy. Echo the soft veining by adding live edge wood shelves.
Contemporary Color
Make a dramatic color statement with a vivid aqua, ruby red or emerald green concrete backsplash. Glossy polished concrete reflects light beautifully. Pair with sleek cabinetry and accessories in matching bright and shiny hues.
Retro Remix
For a throwback vibe, opt for a retro color like turquoise paired with curvy counters. Stamp the concrete with a geometric pattern or terrazzo aggregate mix. Finish with vintage-style appliances and diner-inspired bar stools.
Farmhouse Fresh
The clean lines of concrete have a place even in rustic spaces. Choose a light buff concrete backsplash and combine it with classic farmhouse elements. Think exposed beams, distressed cabinetry and oversized subway tiles for the rustic elements.
Tips for Choosing Concrete Color
The color you choose for a concrete backsplash will set the tone for your whole kitchen. Here are some tips on selecting the right concrete color:
- Concrete can be colored using integral pigments added during mixing or stains applied after curing. Stain allows you to achieve more variety in coloring effects.
- Pick a lighter color for smaller kitchens to keep the space feeling open and airy. Deeper colors can make a large kitchen cozy.
- Monochromatic color schemes using different shades of one color are trendy. Try light and dark blues or soft and neutral grays.
- Remember that the concrete color will look different after sealing. Do a test panel to confirm the final colored result.
- Want to make a statement? Use bold primary colors like red or yellow for the backsplash only. Pair with neutral cabinetry.
- Match the concrete to timeless earth tones like beige, brown and terracotta for an organic vibe that won’t date quickly.
Achieving Different Concrete Finishes
The finishes you apply are what ultimately determine the look of your concrete backsplash. Consider these popular finishing techniques:
Polished Finish
Polishing uses progressively finer grinding pads to create a super smooth, glossy surface. The grinding reveals the aggregate in the concrete mix. Polished concrete has a classy, elegant look.
Honed Finish
Honing also involves grinding, but stops short of a glossy polish. The resulting surface is smooth but retains a matte finish. Honing produces a more muted, earthy aesthetic.
Textured Finish
Creating texture adds visual interest to concrete. Options include stamping the wet concrete with a patterned tool, imprinting fabrics or adding aggregates like pea gravel.
Acid-Etched Finish
Applying an acidic solution opens pores and exposes aggregate. Acid etching results in a mottled appearance with more texture and grip. Rinse thoroughly after etching.
Color Washing
Adding thin translucent coats of colored concrete stains produces a timeworn patina. Color washing can create an aged, weathered look with more depth than solid coloring alone.
Maintaining and Sealing Concrete
With proper sealing and maintenance, a concrete backsplash will last for many years. Here are some tips for keeping your concrete in top condition:
- Seal concrete with a penetrating concrete sealer to protect from stains and etching. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.
- Clean regularly with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleansers which can damage the sealer over time.
- Don’t allow liquids like juices or oils to sit on concrete’s surface. Promptly wipe up spills to prevent possible staining.
- Resealing the concrete as needed will make surfaces easier to keep clean. Look for signs of dark staining to know when to reseal.
- Avoid placing hot pans directly on the concrete. Prolonged heat exposure can damage the sealer.
Stylish Concrete Backsplash Design Ideas
Now that you know the basics of working with concrete, check out these chic backsplash ideas to inspire your own kitchen project!
Dramatic Dark Charcoal
Brooding dark charcoal concrete sets the tone in this sleek kitchen. The deep gray color scheme extends to cabinetry and ceiling for an enveloping effect. Hidden shelves and a minimalist sink keep the look clean lined.
Retro Geometric
This lively retro-inspired backsplash features a geometric cube stamp pattern. Note how the playful shapes are echoed on the pendant lights. Warm wood shelving and sunshine yellow accessories keep the vintage vibe fresh.
Natural Neutral Tones
Soft natural gray concrete with a subtly variegated finish pairs beautifully with light wood cabinetry. The neutral colors are easy to decorate around. Tiny polished tiles on the walls provide eye-catching contrast.
Industrial Rustic
The organic texture of concrete is right at home in rustic spaces. Here, a weathered gray concrete backsplash mixes seamlessly with reclaimed wood counters. Classic subway floor tile balances the rugged elements.
Minimalist Marbleized
Marbling techniques create subtle swirls of gray reminiscent of natural stone. The marbleized backsplash blends with glossy white cabinetry for a minimalist feel. Tiny brass accents add a hint of warmth.
Bold Black accents
Make the backsplash the dramatic focal point by choosing a deep color like black. Here, the dark concrete backsplash plays off pristine white quartz counters. Brass hardware pops against the black.
FAQs about Concrete Backsplashes
What thickness is best for a concrete backsplash?
Concrete backsplashes are typically poured 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick. Thinner splashes require a solid backing surface like cementboard. Contact a concrete contractor for recommended thickness.
Should I choose integral colored or stained concrete?
Integral coloring mixed into the concrete creates a uniform color throughout. Staining allows you to vary colors and effects across the surface. Choose integral coloring for a homogeneous look or staining for varied tones.
How do I clean and maintain a concrete backsplash?
For routine cleaning, use mild dish soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleansers. Reseal every 1-2 years with a penetrating concrete sealer. Wipe spills quickly to prevent stains. Apply sealer properly initially and reseal as needed.
Can concrete backsplashes develop cracks over time?
Hairline cracks can occur as concrete cures and contracts. Cracks are mainly an aesthetic concern. Properly mixed, poured and sealed concrete is very durable. Talk to your contractor about minimizing crack potential.
Is stained concrete an affordable backsplash option?
Stained and stamped concrete is often competitively priced with natural stone or ceramic tile. Factor in concrete’s longevity and minimal upkeep, and it can be a cost-effective option that adds value. Get quotes to compare pricing.
Does a concrete backsplash require a professional installer?
Proper pouring and finishing of concrete requires skill and experience. The process involves forming, base preparation, pour, finishing and sealing. Hiring a concreting pro is highly recommended to get best results.
Get Inspired By Sleek Contemporary Concrete Designs
The sleek, modern look of polished concrete makes it well-suited to contemporary home interiors. Let’s look at some chic ways to incorporate concrete into a modern minimalist kitchen:
Monolithic Island
A towering concrete kitchen island makes a sculptural statement. The mass of the concrete contrasts beautifully with the lightweight minimalist cabinetry hovering above.
Exposed Raw Edges
Allowing raw unfinished edges of your concrete counters and backsplash to show flaunts concrete’s organic surface. The exposed aggregate creates natural texture and visual interest.
Modern Textures
Incorporate different concrete textures in one space for contrast. Try a heavily stamped backsplash, polished concrete floors and slightly acid-etched counters. Playing with textures adds depth.
Glossy Gray Palette
From floors to walls, using various shades of gray concrete provides a sophisticated neutral backdrop. The seamless monochromatic look is very elegant.
Infusing Warmth
The industrial starkness of concrete welcomes natural accents like wood, plants and cozy textiles. Concrete’s cool tones are perfectly balanced by bringing in warmth.
Creative Uses
Get innovative by using concrete for uncommon applications, like a modernist sink basin, indirect lighting cove or sleek fireplace surround.
Envisioning Your Dream Concrete Backsplash
As you start envisioning a potential concrete backsplash design for your own kitchen, keep these tips in mind:
- Take measurements and sketch out different backsplash layouts. Determine the exact square footage you’ll need to cover.
- Gather inspiration photos of concrete backsplashes you love, noting colors, textures and styles. This will give your contractor direction.
- Decide on the overall look – polished modern, industrial rustic or retro classic. Your finishes and decorative accents should coordinate with the style.
- Determine if you want to integrate your backsplash concrete with countertops or other surfaces for a cohesive flow.
- Check with local concrete artists to get quotes, evaluate options and view past work. Choose a contractor experienced with decorative finishes.
- Be open to suggestions from your contractor. They know how to translate your vision into a workable concrete design.
Discover Endless Possibilities with Concrete Backsplashes
Concrete backsplashes offer almost unlimited possibilities for creating your dream kitchen design. With the right professional guidance, you can craft a backsplash that perfectly suits your personal taste and lifestyle. Concrete delivers a striking visual impact paired with down-to-earth functionality. Whether you favor an industrial loft look, retro diner charm or sleek modern elegance, concrete’s adaptable nature can bring your ideal aesthetic to life. Discuss your goals with a talented concrete artist and get ready to be inspired. With the right backsplash as your focal point, your kitchen is sure to be the heart of your home for years to come.