A beautiful and elegant backsplash is the perfect finishing touch for any granite countertop installation. The right backsplash can take your kitchen or bathroom design to the next level, seamlessly complementing and enhancing the natural beauty of granite. Keep reading to learn why a backsplash is an essential accent for granite countertops and how to select the perfect one to complete the elegance of your granite.
Why Add a Backsplash for Granite Countertops?
There are several key reasons to install a backsplash in tandem with granite countertops:
Protect the Walls
One of the primary functions of a backsplash is to protect the walls from splashes, spills, and stains. The area between the countertops and cabinets is vulnerable to cooking mess, water, grease, and more. A properly sealed and installed backsplash creates a barrier that prevents damage and is easy to wipe clean.
Prevent Damage to the Countertops
A granite backsplash also protects the countertop itself. Granite is amazingly resilient, but even this hardy material can get worn down over time by knives, metal pans, and other kitchen tools. A backsplash takes this daily wear and tear instead of your countertops.
Accent the Granite’s Beauty
Backsplashes and granite countertops are designed to work in tandem. The right backsplash enhances the granite slab’s unique colors, patterns, and veining. It ties the whole installation together for a fully integrated and gorgeous look.
Increase Home Value
Upgrading to granite countertops and a backsplash is a smart investment. These attractive and durable upgrades can increase a home’s value and appeal to buyers. The combination of granite and backsplash creates a high-end impression.
Complete the Design
For a seamlessly finished and professionally designed kitchen or bath, the backsplash is a must. It fills the empty space between countertops and cabinets for a polished look. It is essentially the final puzzle piece that completes the room.
Allow Creativity and Self-Expression
Choosing a backsplash allows homeowners to infuse more of their personal style. With so many backsplash materials and designs to select from, you can opt for simple elegance or make a bold statement.
How to Choose the Perfect Backsplash for Granite
Selecting a backsplash for your new granite countertops may seem challenging with so many materials, colors, and designs to evaluate. Follow this guide to mix and match successfully:
Consider the Granite’s Color and Pattern
The backsplash has to complement the granite slab’s unique properties. Take the time to analyze the granite’s undertones and shades. Cooler gray, blue, and green granite pairs well with glass or ceramic tile in similar cool shades. Warm granite varieties with beiges, creams, and brown tones look beautiful with natural stone backsplashes.
Identify the Kitchen or Bathroom Style
Take stock of the overall room style to determine what backsplash aesthetic suits it best. For contemporary spaces, sleek options like glass or metal backsplashes fit right in. In traditional kitchens, classic subway tile patterns never go out of style. Mosaic tile backsplashes infuse artsy Mediterranean flair.
Factor in the Cabinets and Flooring
Look at adjacent surfaces like cabinets and flooring to make sure the backsplash selection harmonizes with them. Contrasting tones stand out, while similar shades blend seamlessly together. Just ensure the granite remains the focal point.
Consider Ease of Maintenance
Determine how much maintenance the backsplash realistically requires. Polished glass and glazed ceramic tile resist stains and just need occasional wiping. Natural stone backsplashes like marble require more frequent sealing. Mosaic tiles need extensive grout cleaning.
Decide on the Backsplash Size
Standard backsplash height is 4 inches, but you can opt for a full height backsplash covering the entire wall behind the countertop. Full backsplashes make more of an impact and provide more protection. Just calculate additional material and installation costs.
Set a Budget
Cost will play a role in choosing your backsplash. Ceramic, porcelain, and glass tile offer an affordable and attractive option starting around $5 per square foot. Higher-end materials like stone, metal, and handmade tile range from $15 to $50 per square foot.
Visualize How Lighting Affects the Backsplash
Lighting significantly impacts the look of the backsplash. Glossy glass or metallic tile backsplashes will mirror and amplify the light. Darker granite and backsplashes absorb light for a more subtle effect. Envision the finished space.
Popular Backsplash Designs for Granite Countertops
Now let’s explore some of the most popular, elegant, and functional backsplash pairings for granite countertops:
Subway Tile
Classic rectangular subway tiles laid in a brickwork pattern never cease to look clean, crisp, and timeless. The modular tiles come in every color imaginable, so finding a granite-complementing hue is no problem. Subway tile backsplashes work with any kitchen or bathroom style from retro to contemporary. Their affordability makes them extra appealing.
Glass Tile
Sleek and shiny backsplashes made of glass tile infuse any granite installation with modern flair. These backsplashes reflect light and add depth. Clear glass tiles keep the look subtle and understated. Colored, metallic, frosted, and patterned glass tile backsplashes make a vibrant style statement. Combine different textures and colors for added dimension.
Marble Tile
For a touch of luxurious sophistication, marble backsplash tile emanates elegance. The soft veining and swirls pair beautifully with granite stone countertops. Marble backsplashes come in diverse colors like white Carrara, gray, black, and green. Tumbled marble tile has an extra timeworn, Old World look. Just be aware that marble requires more frequent sealing than ceramic or glass tile.
Travertine Tile
Also quarried from natural stone, travertine is a popular backsplash choice, especially for Tuscan-inspired kitchens. Travertine comes in warm beige and brown hues that work well with granite. Natural pits add antique character. Filled and honed travertine has a smoother appearance. Travertine offers rustic contrast to polished granite.
Metal Tile
For serious contemporary edge, metal backsplash tile brings bold impact. Stainless steel, copper, brass, and other metals make a modern, industrial statement. Shiny metal backsplashes pair well with gray, black, and other granite tones while amplifying the sleek factor. Just keep in mind that metal backsplash installation is pricier.
Mosaic Tile
Artistic and eclectic, mosaic tile backsplashes provide visual interest with intricate designs. Mosaic tiles come in different sizes, shapes, materials, and colors to form patterns or pictures when pieced together. Popular options are handmade ceramic tile, porcelain tile, glass tile, and natural stone. Mosaic backsplashes look best with multi-toned granite.
Stone Slab
For a cohesive appearance, a granite slab backsplash matches seamlessly with the countertops. It essentially extends the granite up the wall in one coordinated plane. Stone slab backsplashes pose more weight considerations but make a bold impression. Consistent veining ties it together beautifully.
Brick
Reclaimed brick backsplashes infuse vintage rustic ambiance, perfect for traditional and farmhouse kitchens. Red brick contrasts well with bold black granite countertops. Whitewashed brick backsplashes pair elegantly with cream and beige granites. Natural weathering adds character. Brick patterns range from horizontal stacked to herringbone.
Wood
Warm, organic wood backsplashes complement granite countertops in cozy, cottage-style spaces. Range from weathered barnwood planks to refined patterned wood tile. Wood naturally harmonizes with granite’s earthen hues. Distressed woods like reclaimed oak will require sealing and maintenance but provide beautiful rustic texture.
Tips for Installing a Backsplash with Granite
Installing a backsplash for your new granite countertops enhances the elegance. Follow these tips to install it successfully:
- Select a professional installer experienced with both granite and backsplashes. Pay attention to how precisely they cut and polish the granite.
- Make sure the walls are smoothed, primed, painted, and prepared before installation day. This allows the backsplash adhesive and grout to properly adhere.
- Have the installer align the backsplash with the countertops so the two components fit together snugly without gaps or unevenness.
- Opt for sanded grout for wider grout lines and unsanded for thinner grout lines. Match the grout color to the backsplash for a unified appearance.
- Expect the backsplash installation to take 2-3 days depending on the size of the space and complexity of the design. Schedule accordingly so the project moves efficiently.
- Clean the backsplash gently with a soft cloth only during the first week to avoid smearing the grout before it fully cures. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Seal natural stone backsplashes like marble or travertine regularly with a stone sealer according to package directions to prevent stains and water damage.
- Inspect metal or glass backsplashes carefully and have the installer correct any spots with sharp edges, uneven sections, or broken pieces before finishing.
- Ensure proper ventilation while cutting certain backsplash materials to avoid breathing in toxic silica dust particles. Keep children and pets away during the installation.
With the right backsplash thoughtfully coordinated with your granite countertops, you can elevate your kitchen or bathroom to a new level of elegance and visual impact. Consider creative tile designs, metal sheeting, natural stone slabs, reclaimed wood, or other eye-catching materials to complete the sophisticated look of granite. With proper installation and regular care, your backsplash and granite combo will maintain their beauty for many years. Let the backsplash be the crowning touch that brings out the full richness of your granite’s veining patterns and makes a statement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adding a Backsplash with Granite Countertops
Q: Is a backsplash absolutely necessary with granite countertops?
A: While not essential, a backsplash is highly recommended to protect the walls, accent the countertops, and complete the design. Most homeowners choose to add a backsplash to maximize their investment in granite.
Q: Should the granite backsplash match the countertops exactly?
A: The backsplash does not need to be the exact slab used for the countertops. You can select a coordinating color and pattern. Using the same slab ensures a seamless look.
Q: How is a granite backsplash attached to the wall?
A: Granite backsplash slabs are adhered directly to the wall with a premium silicone or polyurethane adhesive. This provides a strong bond and waterproof seal.
Q: How much does it cost to add a backsplash?
A: Costs vary greatly but estimate $5 – $50 per square foot for materials plus professional installation. Simple ceramic tile averages less. Natural stone, metal, and custom tile is pricier.
Q: Should my backsplash coordinate with my flooring too?
A: It looks best if the backsplash, countertops, cabinets, and floors complement each other. Too many contrasting colors and patterns can look disjointed.
Q: Can I install a backsplash myself as a DIY project?
A: Installing a backsplash requires some tiling expertise and specialty tools. Novices may struggle with getting clean edges and proper adhesion. Consider pros for a quality result.
Conclusion
The elegance of granite countertops gets enhanced exponentially when paired with a beautiful, functional backsplash. From protecting walls to embellishing the design, the backsplash finishes a kitchen or bath to perfection. Take the time to thoughtfully select a backsplash in materials ranging from ceramic tile to marble that integrate flawlessly with the granite slab colors and patterns. A professionally installed backsplash crowns a home with next-level style and quality. Get creative with your backsplash design options but always ensure it complements and completes your gorgeous granite countertops.