We love working with customers looking for the perfect countertops for that new or remodeled kitchen. Our materials include quartzite, quartz, marble, and granite. Above and beyond choosing the right countertop material, our customers are faced with the question of whether to install a backsplash.
Does your current home boast a backsplash in the kitchen? If not, don’t panic. A lot of homes do not have them. A backsplash is by no means mandatory. More affordable homes often lack backsplashes thanks to builders trying to keep prices in check.
Though many of us take the backsplash for granted, you might be surprised by how many Bedrock Quartz customers have never lived in a home with one installed. If you were among them, you are in luck. The remainder of this post will explain the point of the backsplash and why having one is a good idea.
What a Backsplash Is
First and foremost, let us discuss what a backsplash is. It is a protective covering that goes on the kitchen wall just above the countertops. Some designs call for the backsplash to cover only the area around the sink. Others address the sink and stove areas. Still other designs call for the backsplash to run the entire length of the kitchen counter.
Many backsplashes are made from tile, but some are made from the same material as the countertops themselves. The cheapest option is a laminate backsplash attached to the wall with adhesive.
4 Things Back Splashes Do
Functionally speaking, backsplashes add a lot. Here are four things they do, regardless of the chosen materials and how much area they cover:
1. Protect Against Stains
Things can get messy in the kitchen, right? Absolutely, which is why we recommend keeping kitchen countertops as clean as possible. Wiping up spills immediately reduces the risk of staining. As it turns out, that’s the point of installing a backsplash as well. A backsplash reduces or completely eliminates the risk of walls being stained.
The amount of protection a backsplash offers depends on how high it goes. A single layer of tile protects 3-4 inches above the top of the countertop. Every layer after that offers added protection.
2. Make Cleaning Easier
Backsplash materials are chosen partially because of how easy they are to clean. It is a lot easier to clean dried spaghetti sauce on a tiled backsplash compared to painted drywall. You can be pretty aggressive and not damage the tile. Get aggressive with painted drywall and you could do some real damage.
3. Add Visual Depth
A well-designed backsplash adds visual depth by creating a slight contrast between countertop and wall. Visual depth can make it easier to work in the kitchen when you are tired or not feeling well. Aesthetically speaking, the depth prevents the wall and countertop from blending into one visual space.
4. Add to Resale Value
Modern home buyers appreciate back splashes. Therefore, installing one along with new countertops can add to a home’s resale value. You can never go wrong with that, can you? Adding resale value makes that kitchen remodeling project less painful from a financial standpoint.
If your current home doesn’t have a backsplash, you don’t have to install new countertops to get one. Installing a backsplash is a great DIY project that requires only modest skills and a set of tools most homeowners have lying around.As for installing new countertops, we recommend investing in a backsplash that matches whatever material you choose. From granite to marble to quartzite and quartz, you have plenty of choices at Bedrock Quartz.
