An outdoor kitchen backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of your outdoor cooking and entertaining space. Choosing the right backsplash design is crucial to create an eye-catching and stylish backdrop for your outdoor kitchen. The backsplash protects the wall from splatters and spills while also adding visual interest. With so many backsplash options to choose from like tile, stone, glass and metal, it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect one. This article will explore some of the most eye-catching and creative backsplash designs to inspire your dream outdoor kitchen.
Why is an Outdoor Kitchen Backsplash Important?
An outdoor kitchen backsplash serves both form and function. Here are some of the key reasons to install a backsplash in your outdoor cooking area:
- Protects the Wall from Splashes and Spills. When cooking and preparing food, it’s inevitable that some splattering and spills will happen. A backsplash shields your outdoor kitchen walls from grease splatters, sauce smears, beverage spills and more. This saves you from having to scrub and clean the walls constantly.
- Adds Visual Interest. A backsplash serves as a focal point and can be quite decorative. Using an eye-catching tile, stone or glass backsplash transforms your outdoor kitchen from drab to fab. It goes from being purely functional to a visually appealing entertaining space.
- Reflects Your Personal Style. From sleek stainless steel to handmade artisan tile, the backsplash design possibilities are endless. Choose a backsplash that reflects your taste and complements your outdoor kitchen’s overall design aesthetic.
- Enhances Durability. Outdoor kitchens require materials that can withstand the elements. A properly sealed and installed backsplash increases moisture resistance and durability.
Selecting the perfect backsplash design requires careful consideration of your cooking needs, design style, budget and the backsplash materials that will hold up outdoors. Read on for some eye-catching and creative backsplash ideas to inspire your dream outdoor kitchen.
Gorgeous Outdoor Kitchen Backsplashes with Tile
Tile is one of the most popular backsplash materials for outdoor kitchens. Available in a vast array of colors, textures, shapes, sizes and patterns, tile backsplashes make a gorgeous and durable choice. Here are some striking tile backsplash ideas to spark your imagination:
Vibrant Handmade Tile
Make a bold style statement with an artisan handmade tile backsplash in rich colors. Handmade tiles have color variations, irregular edges and a unique artisanal charm. Opt for outdoor-rated tiles like ceramic, porcelain or natural stone. Vibrant colors like emerald green, sapphire blue or fiery orange and red inject life and vibrance. Add dramatic impact with an oversized tile pattern.
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Photo by Nathan Schroder on Unsplash
Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
For an exotic and glamorous vibe, install a fish scale tile backsplash. The circular overlapping tiles resemble fish scales and add loads of visual interest. Choose metallic blue, green or multi-colored tiles for shimmer and depth. Paired with black grout, a fish scale tile backsplash makes a striking style statement.
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Photo by Amber Clay on Unsplash
Geometric Pattern Tile
Geometric patterns like chevron, hexagon and triangle tile layouts add eye-catching appeal. Stick to two contrasting colors for dramatic effect. Keep the rest of the space simple to let the geometric tile stand out. This contemporary style works well for sleek, modern outdoor kitchen designs.
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Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
Subway Tile
A classic subway tile backsplash in white or simple colors evokes vintage charm. The rectangular tiles laid in a brick pattern look clean, timeless and understated. Jazz it up with boldly colored grout or choose contrasting subway tiles. Durable and budget-friendly, subway tiles are suitable for all design aesthetics.
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Photo by Lucas Ludwig on Unsplash
The varieties and options for tile backsplashes are limitless. Consult with a tile design specialist to select the right tile materials, colors, layout patterns and grout for your outdoor space. With proper sealing and installation, tile backsplashes create a protective shield and eye-catching focal point.
Natural Stone Backsplashes for Organic Beauty
If you want an organic and rustic beauty, a natural stone backsplash is ideal. Available in sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic stone types, natural stone offers unmatched depth, texture and durability. Consider these natural stone options to bring the beauty of nature into your outdoor kitchen:
Rustic Slate
Slate stone backsplashes infuse rustic charm with multi-toned earthy hues. The stone’s layered cleavage patterns generate visual texture and interest. A natural surface finish highlights the slate’s inherent character. For added durability, choose thicker slate tiles with a gauged finish.
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Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash
Weathered Travertine
Travertine is a sedimentary stone with a porous surface marked by small cavities and natural imperfections. This natural texture epitomizes organic elegance. For outdoor use, select tumbled or textured travertine to increase slip resistance. Filling the pores also enhances durability. Travertine backsplashes in warm beige and ivory tones complement most design schemes.
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Photo by Mahkeo on Unsplash
Metropolitan Concrete Look
Concrete-style porcelain or ceramic stone tiles mimic poured concrete with more stain resistance. The smooth grey palette punctuated with small aggregate has an ultra-contemporary vibe. Mix large and small-format tiles in a cool monochromatic color scheme. Minimal grout lines provide a seamless look.
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Photo by Dmitry Anikin on Unsplash
Rustic Field Stone
Replicate an aged field-stone wall with irregularly shaped, multi-sized real or faux stone tiles. Tumbled edges and varied earth tones enhance the rustic ambiance. Use a mosaic or ledger layout for a natural random pattern. Field stone backsplashes infuse casual outdoor rooms with an organic feel.
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Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash
With proper sealing, natural stone backsplashes stand up to outdoor conditions while providing an organic, textural appeal. Choose stone tiles and finishes suited for outdoor use. A stone backsplash ushers Mother Nature’s beauty into your outdoor entertaining space.
Creative Outdoor Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
Beyond traditional materials like tile and stone, there are creative backsplash options to make your outdoor kitchen truly unique. Consider these imaginative backsplash ideas:
Recycled Wine Bottle Glass Tiles
Upcycle recycled wine bottles into gorgeous backsplash tiles. Available in eco-friendly processes, these glass tiles encapsulate the bottle’s unique colors, textures and shapes. Illuminated by the sun or outdoor lighting, a recycled glass tile backsplash shimmers beautifully. Mix varietal tiles for an artful collage style.
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Photo by Metaform on Unsplash
Vintage Mirrors
Cover your backsplash in a collage of vintage mirrors for dramatic bling and reflective light. Use varying shapes and sizes of mirrors. Antiqued mirrors boost the vintage vibe. Arrange in geometric patterns or a random artistic layout. Make a bold style statement with an unconventional mirrored backsplash.
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Photo by Katie McCory on Unsplash
Reclaimed Wood
Wood backsplashes infuse natural warmth and texture. Use reclaimed barn wood, salvaged oak wine barrels or driftwood for rustic appeal. Waterproof the wood and seal properly to withstand outdoor exposure. A striking reclaimed wood backsplash aligns with farmhouse, cottage, and craftsman design aesthetics.
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Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash
Rusted Corten Steel
Make an industrial chic style statement with a corten steel backsplash. Rust textured steel in earthy red-orange hues has unique weathered character. Modern and eye-catching, rusted steel adds urban edge and durability. Use corrugated panels or perforated sheets for contemporary appeal.
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Photo by Dmitry Anikin on Unsplash
Creative Use of Color
Inject vibrant hues with a brightly colored backsplash. Vivid tones make a bold impact against neutral cabinetry and countertops. Try glossy lacquered cabinets, glass tiles or color-changing LED lighting. From citrus yellow to cobalt blue, express your personal style with color.
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Photo by Joseph Gonzalez on Unsplash
Express your personal flair with an imaginative backsplash that transcends basic building materials. Consult design experts to properly assess durability, sealing and installation needs for unconventional backsplash ideas. The possibilities are endless!
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Backsplash
With so many options for materials, colors, textures and designs, selecting the perfect backsplash can be daunting. Keep these key factors in mind when planning your outdoor kitchen backsplash:
- Weather Durability – Will the backsplash withstand sun, rain, humidity and temperature fluctuations in your climate? Opt for durable, weather-resistant materials.
- Maintenance – Consider how much maintenance the backsplash will require in an outdoor space. Low maintenance materials are ideal.
- Style Cohesion – Choose a backsplash style that complements your outdoor kitchen’s overall design aesthetic. It should tie the whole space together.
- Usage – If your outdoor kitchen gets heavy use, lean towards highly durable, easy-clean backsplash materials. Mosaic glass and handmade tile suit lighter duty cooking areas.
- Budget – Natural stone, glass and metal backsplashes tend to be more expensive than ceramic tile. Set realistic budget expectations.
- Personal Taste – Ultimately, choose a backsplash style that makes your heart sing! The options are unlimited, so have fun with it.
Proper planning is key to ensure your dream backsplash not only looks stunning but also withstands the outdoors. Consult design and landscaping professionals to assess feasibility and installation. With an eye-catching backsplash as your focal point, get ready to entertain in outdoor culinary style!
FAQs about Outdoor Kitchen Backsplashes
Q: What is the most waterproof material for an outdoor kitchen backsplash?
A: Porcelain and ceramic tile are highly waterproof and resistant materials for outdoor backsplashes. With minimal grout lines that are properly sealed, porcelain or ceramic tile backsplashes provide optimal moisture protection for outdoor kitchen walls.
Q: Should you seal an outdoor backsplash?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to seal and protect any backsplash material used outdoors. Sealing helps prevent absorption of moisture, staining, mildew growth and freeze-thaw damage. Be sure to use sealants specifically designed for outdoor use. Reapply sealers periodically.
Q: What are some budget-friendly options for outdoor backsplashes?
A: Affordable options for outdoor backsplashes include ceramic tile, stainless steel panels, tin backsplashes, faux stone, and vinyl tiles. These cost-effective materials are durable and weather-resistant when properly sealed and installed.
Q: How do you attach an outdoor backsplash?
A: Outdoor backsplash installation techniques involve adhesion with thinset mortar, screws into wall studs, attaching to a moisture barrier board, or hanging on a metal frame or brackets. Follow manufacturer instructions for proper installation methods per the backsplash material used.
Q: Should you caulk an outdoor backsplash?
A: Yes, caulking between the backsplash and counter, along the edges, around electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures is recommended. Use a flexible, mildew-resistant outdoor caulk. Properly sealed caulk joints prevent moisture intrusion behind the backsplash.
Q: How do you cut outdoor backsplash tile?
A: Cutting tile for an outdoor project requires an electric wet saw with a diamond blade. Mark the tile with a pencil, ruler or template. Keep water flowing on the tile and cut slowly to minimize chipping. Use nippers for any detailed cuts after. Smooth cut edges with sandpaper.
Conclusion
Designing the perfect outdoor kitchen backsplash brings your entire alfresco cooking and entertaining space to life visually. While also serving the important function of protecting walls, a backsplash injects loads of style, creativity and personality into the space when thoughtfully designed. Beautiful, durable and easy to clean backsplash materials like tile, natural stone, glass and metal make welcoming backdrops for culinary creativity under the stars. Use this guide to explore the myriad possibilities of backsplash designs and materials to create your dream outdoor kitchen oasis.