A granite backsplash can add timeless beauty and elegance to any kitchen. With natural stone slabs like granite, you get durability, easy maintenance, and an endless array of colors and patterns to match your style. In this article, we’ll explore why granite makes for the perfect backsplash material, the different types of granite backsplashes, tips for choosing the right granite slab, and how to care for and maintain your natural stone backsplash.
Why Choose Granite for Your Backsplash?
There are many reasons why granite is a top choice for kitchen backsplashes:
Timeless Elegance and Beauty
With its natural veins, swirls, and speckles, each granite slab has its own unique beauty. Granite comes in a diverse palette of colors, from dramatic dark shades to soft neutrals and vivid colors like emerald green. This timeless material has been used for centuries and still looks stylish and elegant in modern and traditional kitchens alike. The natural patterns in the stone add visual interest and depth.
Extreme Durability
Granite is arguably one of the most durable natural stone materials due to its hardness. It’s resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, and heat. Properly sealed, a granite backsplash can withstand decades of regular use while still looking pristine. This makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens.
Easy Maintenance
A granite backsplash is easy to keep clean. Simple wiping with a damp cloth keeps granite splatter-free. Compared to tile backsplashes, there are fewer grout lines to trap grime. For deeper cleaning, mild soap and water or stone-safe cleaners are effective. Resealing every 1-2 years will keep granite protected.
Adds Value to Your Home
Natural stone backsplashes are a sought-after feature for home buyers. The timeless beauty and durability of granite can increase your home’s resale value. Granite’s elegance also makes it perfect if you want to enhance a kitchen remodel.
Design Versatility
Granite comes in a diverse range of colors, veining patterns, finishes (polished or honed), and slab sizes. This versatility allows you to find the perfect granite to coordinate with your cabinetry, countertops, floors, and overall kitchen design. Mix polished and honed finishes for added flair.
Hygienic Surface
The dense, non-porous nature of granite makes it resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. That means it’s unlikely to stain, crack, or harbor germs. This hygienic surface is ideal for food prep.
With this winning combination of beauty, durability, and practicality, it’s easy to see why granite backsplashes have such enduring popularity!
Types of Granite Backsplashes
Before choosing your granite slab, it helps to understand the different types of backsplashes this material can create:
Full Granite Backsplashes
A full backsplash covers the entire wall behind the countertop, from counter to cabinetry. This gives you an expansive canvas to showcase the granite’s colors and patterns. Full granite backsplashes make the biggest design statement.
Partial Granite Backsplashes
Partial backsplashes cover just a portion of the wall, usually 4-6 inches above the counter. This focused area behind the cooktop creates a safeguard from splattering oils and sauces. Partial backsplashes are also popular when transitioning from granite counters to alternate backsplash materials.
Mosaic Granite Backsplashes
Mosaic backsplashes use small, uneven pieces of granite tiles. The random shapes create artsy patterns when pieced together. Mosaics allow you to stretch exotic granite colors further. Combine various granite mosaic shades for a one-of-a-kind look.
Ledger or Ladder Granite Backsplashes
Ledger or ladder backsplashes have horizontal strips of granite lining the wall. These strips can be the same width or vary in thickness. Leave gaps between the strips to expose the wall behind, often painted a contrasting color. This adds fun dimension.
Oversized Granite Backsplashes
Oversized slabs paired with minimal grout lines create a sleek, contemporary look. This custom option allows you to hand-select a statement slab with dramatic veining. Oversized granite backsplashes make smaller kitchens feel bigger.
Beveled Granite Backsplashes
Beveled-edge granite backsplashes have stone pieces cut on an angle. This tapered shape reflects light beautifully. Combining polished and honed beveled pieces amps up the visual interest. The beveled edges also cleverly disguise uneven walls.
With this range of design options, it’s easy to find a granite backsplash style suited to your kitchen’s size, layout, and overall aesthetic.
Tips for Selecting the Right Granite Slab
Choosing that perfect granite slab for your backsplash is exciting. Here are helpful tips for picking the best piece:
Visit a Stone Yard
To see the full color range, veining, and textures available, visit a stone yard or supplier. Large slabs allow you to visualize how the granite will look installed. Some yards let you take home samples.
Bring Paint Swatches
Bring swatches of paint colors, cabinetry, countertops, and any other finishes to coordinate. Viewing granite slabs next to your other kitchen elements ensures everything flows aesthetically.
Mind the Veining
Study the veining patterns and density on each slab. Mixtures of minerals and metals create the veining. Subtle veining can pair well with busy cabinetry while dramatic veining makes a statement.
Consider Scale
Smaller backsplashes suit granites with tighter veining and particles. Larger backsplash areas can handle more pronounced veining. Make sure patterns don’t overwhelm or underwhelm the space.
Know Sheen Levels
Polished granite has a shiny, reflective finish that maximizes color vibrancy. Honed granite is matte for a soft, natural look. Combine sheens for visual interest. Honed finishes help temper bold veining.
Select a Consistent Piece
Avoid slabs with extreme color/pattern variations across the stone. Subtle differences are normal but aim for relative consistency so the backsplash has a cohesive look.
Mind the Edges
Inspect the slab edges for chips or cracks. Edges will be visible with many backsplash styles. Factory-cut edges are typically cleaner than raw quarry edges.
Check Thickness
Standard granite backsplash thickness is 3/4″. Go thicker (1 1/4″) for cleaner lines if doing an oversized style. Thinner 1/4″ works for mosaics. Confirm your supplier has your ideal thickness.
Lighting Is Key
View candidate slabs at different times of day to see how lighting affects the color and veining. Dramatic morning or evening light can show new stone facets.
Doing your granite sleuthing diligently will help uncover the perfect backsplash slab tailored to your kitchen’s style.
How to Care for and Maintain a Granite Backsplash
To keep your natural stone backsplash looking like new for years, follow these care and maintenance best practices:
Clean Regularly
Wipe down the backsplash at least once a week using a soft, damp microfiber cloth. This light weekly cleaning prevents buildup of grime and oils that can stain.
Use the Right Cleaners
Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach, acidic, or abrasive products on granite. These can etch, pit, or dull the surface. Mild dish soap, stone cleaners, or a mix of vinegar and water work well.
Reseal Every 1-2 Years
Though durable, granite is somewhat porous. Resealing it every 1-2 years waterproofs the surface to prevent staining. Use a granite-specific sealer and apply several coats.
Address Spills Quickly
Don’t let spills sit on granite, especially oil, wine, coffee, or acidic mixtures. Blot immediately and clean to avoid stains sinking in. For dried stains, use a poultice to draw out the spill.
Protect from Heat
While granite can withstand heat, prolonged direct exposure can damage the sealant. Use trivets, hot pads, or cutting boards to shield the surface when cooking.
Check for Signs of Aging
Watch for dull spots, etch marks, or worn areas around sinks/faucets indicating the sealant is fading. These are signs it’s time to reseal your backsplash.
Consider Professional Deep Cleaning
For periodic deep cleaning to keep granite pristine, consider hiring a professional. They use powerful tools and cleaners inaccessible to consumers.
Following these care tips will maintain your backsplash’s like-new beauty and help you avoid costly granite replacement or repairs down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granite Backsplashes
Still have some questions about integrating beautiful granite into your kitchen design? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is granite too heavy for a backsplash?
No, granite backsplashes are safely secured to walls, even large format slabs. Special waterproof adhesives and anchoring systems keep the weight supported and stable. Consult installers to ensure proper weight load capacity.
Can I install a granite backsplash myself?
DIY installation is not advisable. Granite requires specialty tools and experience to cut properly. Improper anchoring and adhesives also risk safety hazards if the heavy stone falls. Hire professional stone fabricators and installers.
What thickness granite should I choose?
3/4″ is standard for most backsplashes, with 1 1/4” for oversized styles. Mosaics can be 1/4″ since small pieces are lighter. Consult stone suppliers on ideal thicknesses for your desired look and installation method.
How is granite backsplash priced?
Pricing is calculated per square foot and based on slab thickness, edge style, color/rarity, and finish. Expect to pay $50-$100 per square foot installed. Exotic granites, intricate edges, and thicker stone cost more.
Should I seal my granite backsplash myself?
Yes, sealants formulated for granite are easily applied by homeowners. Use several coats, allowing drying time between each. Avoid splotchy application leading to unsealed spots. Hire a pro for the initial sealing.
How long does a granite backsplash installation take?
After slab cutting and prep work offsite, the installation typically takes 2-3 days. Full curing and drying of adhesives takes about 2 weeks before use. Schedule your project accordingly to avoid mid-demo delays.
What’s better – full height or partial height backsplash?
This depends on your design preference! Full height makes a bolder statement and offers more protection. Partial height mixes materials and colors. Install partial above cooktops with full height on other walls for a combination look.
Can I pair granite backsplash with quartz countertops?
Yes, granite and quartz pair beautifully. The natural patterns of granite contrast nicely with quartz’s uniformity. Just ensure colors and finishes complement. A local stone supplier can help blend the materials.
Elevate Your Kitchen with Natural Granite
There are so many reasons to love the timeless beauty and luxury that natural granite adds to any kitchen. A granite backsplash makes for a durable, easy-care design element that will stay stylish for decades to come. With the diversity of slab patterns, colors, and finishes, you’re sure to find the perfect granite to match your personal taste and kitchen aesthetic. Just take care to properly maintain your investment with regular sealing and cleaning. Incorporate this leading natural stone trend to enhance your cooking space with the distinctive elegance only granite can provide!