The use of kitchen walls and ceilings in a home is one of the most important areas when it comes to kitchen design.
With the right wall treatments you can transform your kitchen from a typical kitchen to something that has a very special place in your home.
If you are a contractor or have your own home improvement business you might be interested in learning more about the types of kitchen walls and ceilings that are available.
What is a kitchen backsplash made of?
The most common materials used for kitchen walls are porcelain tiles, stone or ceramic tile.
Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
A good example of what I mean by this is porcelain tile.
Porcelain is quite expensive when compared to other materials, but you can create a wonderful kitchen design with the right treatment of your kitchen walls and ceiling.
Porcelain tile is a great material
You can make your wall looks like a mosaic tile if you choose and use a proper finish on your tile.
Stone on the other hand can be very attractive because you will be able to make a natural looking kitchen while not having to deal with all of the hassles and cost associated with installing a tile wall.
Ceramic tile has its benefits because it can be polished or not, and also because of how easy it is to install.
Stone and ceramic tile are definitely the best choice when it comes to kitchen walls and ceilings because they are relatively inexpensive, they look great and they are easy to install and maintain.
What are the disadvantages of the materials?
Disadvantages to these materials are that they require the use of sealant every few years.
The problem with porcelain tile is that it does not last as long as tile made from other materials, and also it does not hold up well to high traffic.
Also, many tile makers do not have an affordable option for tile replacement as there is no such thing as a one size fits all tile.
Stone and ceramic tile are the hardest of all the wall and ceiling treatments.
But they can still be stained very easily and should be sealed regularly.
Also, because they are the heaviest of all wall treatments they are the most difficult to install, and repair if they are damaged.
Tile can also take on a variety of looks
A basic white tile will add to the beauty of any kitchen, but you have to choose a material that matches your tile, as not all tiles look alike.
Also, because the tiles are not as porous as ceramic tile they can be damaged by grease and food stains.
Another disadvantage is that sometimes tile can become stained if the dishwasher does not get out the dishes properly and clean them as they are being washed.
As an Architect I was asked about why is it important to have a kitchen backsplash because I know that this is a very common question and a lot of remodelers ask me this same question.
In the majority of homes there will be at least one area in the kitchen that is used for more than just cooking.
Kitchens should always be visually appealing
If you are an architect or have had any type of remodeling work done in your kitchen in the past then I would advise having a backlash that will add value to the home, which you may not otherwise get from just changing the tiles.
Ceramic tile can be made in any number of patterns and colors, however, the color will change over time from the natural deterioration of the tile.
Also, porcelain tile is susceptible to damage from moisture, acid, heat, and light so it must be sealed every couple of years.
Tile made from stainless steel and ceramic tile has a lifetime of at least 25 years, but is much more durable than tile made from any other material.
It is also possible to have the tile treated to protect it from stains, dust, grease, and heat or chemicals, however, this can cost quite a bit more than the tile itself.
When it comes to a kitchen backsplash, you will want to choose a material that is durable, beautiful and easily cleaned.
By using a combination of materials you will increase the life of your kitchen and make it look great for years to come.
What is a kitchen backsplash and how is it used?
Kitchen backsplashes are a small decorative area that is usually placed underneath your kitchen cabinets or countertop.
They can be used as both a functional area to protect your countertop, as well as a decorative feature that adds life to your home.
It is important to understand the different ways that these backsplashes can benefit you, and why they are becoming so popular.
Any type of material that extends the space of wall between the top of your cabinet and bottom of your countertop is typically considered a kitchen backsplash.
The history of kitchen backsplash
For many years, its name has been associated with protecting countertops, preventing splashes, and preventing crumbs from getting behind your cabinet or countertop.
Although the importance of a kitchen backsplash has remained consistent, manufacturers have continually improved the design and functionality of kitchen backsplashes over the years.
They come in all shapes, sizes and colors to match any style of kitchen, and provide an affordable way to add life to your kitchen.
Metal kitchen backsplashes were often used to prevent spillage.
The material was very hard wearing but was not very attractive.
In order to create a more stylish, modern look, manufacturers began using plastic to make their kitchen backsplashes.
Modern backsplashes
Today’s backsplashes, which are made from plastic and/or vinyl, are less prone to splashes, and more aesthetically pleasing.
Vinyl kitchen backsplashes are also a great option if you are looking for a non-slip surface.
They are typically more affordable than plastic but are also durable enough to withstand repeated use.
They do not show dirt and grime as easily as other materials.
They are often available in a variety of colors, making them perfect for any kitchen.
Kitchen backsplashes are very easy to clean
The best kitchen backsplashes are also easy to clean and maintenance free.
Unlike plastic backsplashes, which require frequent wipe down, vinyl is easy to keep clean and maintain.
You simply wipe down the top of the kitchen backsplash after every use.
There are a variety of styles and designs to choose from when you are shopping for kitchen backsplashes.
You can find kitchen backsplashes that extend the entire length of the walls, or that simply extend to cover an entire counter space between the top of your cabinets and the bottom of your counters.
For those who are looking to remodel their kitchens, kitchen backsplashes can be a great addition to your overall decor.
They are simple, affordable, and easily removable
Whether you are planning on just covering the entire counter, or are seeking a more elegant, high-end look, kitchen backsplashes are a great way to add a new layer of decor to your home.
When shopping for kitchen backsplashes, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer.
Many manufacturers will offer both pre-fabricated and custom made kitchen backsplashes, but you should really get the best results with a custom made kitchen backsplash.
Should you consider custom-made backsplashes?
There are many reasons why custom made kitchen backsplashes are so much better than premade ones.
First of all, a custom made kitchen backsplash will be made exactly the way you want them.
This means that you won’t have to worry about ordering a custom design and then having to return the item due to poor fit or incorrect measurements.
You will know exactly what is going into your kitchen backsplash, which means that you won’t have to deal with shipping costs or having to wait for a custom order to be returned due to manufacturer defects.
If you are not sure exactly what the size of your kitchen backsplash is, you can even have one custom made for you.
Your kitchen backsplash can be customized based on your specific needs, so you can have one made specifically to measure your counter space.
If you have a small kitchen, for example, you can order a smaller kitchen backsplash, or a large kitchen backsplash if you prefer.
What is the cost of a kitchen backsplash?
Kitchen backsplashes come in a variety of price ranges, so shopping around will help you find the right kitchen backsplash for your budget. A price range of $100 to $500 is a reasonable one.
Many online companies can also customize your kitchen backsplash to give it a more unique look.
If you want your kitchen backsplash to have an accent color, or pattern, there are companies out there that can design it for you.
One thing you will want to consider before you go shopping is the type of countertop material that is used on your kitchen backsplash.
Some countertops may be more resistant to stains, whereas others may be less resistant to stains.
If you want a kitchen backsplash that will last a while without fading, you will want to choose a countertop material that will withstand staining.
Is it difficult to replace a kitchen backsplash?
If you have recently replaced your kitchen backsplash or your kitchen flooring, you probably are wondering, “Is it easy to replace a kitchen backsplash?”
If the tiles that you chose are damaged beyond use, you may want to consider tearing them down and replacing them with new tiles, which are often available in many different patterns and colors.
If you are not able to find new tiles, you can sometimes use the existing tile pieces you have for another purpose.
If you can find some of the old kitchen backsplash tiles that are still in good shape, then you might consider re-paving them over to match your current backsplash pattern.
When doing this, it is important to make sure you are putting the same amount of water resistant sealant on the new tile that you put on the old one.
Sometimes if you try to do the re-paving too quickly, you will get it wet and the tile will warp out of shape.
Use an epoxy primer
It is also recommended that you use an epoxy primer before you put the new tiles on.
Hardwood floors is not something that is easy to repair in all cases.
If your hardwood floor is stained or has been damaged by some water leakages, then you can often sand it down and then re-stain it so that it does not chip.
The damage can be repaired with a few paint chips.
It is also possible to install a new hardwood flooring, but it can take several hours of hard work.
If the stain has not penetrated too deeply into the wood, you should be able to sand it down and reapply the stain.
When to replace your backsplash
Sometimes it is necessary to replace the kitchen backsplash if it is damaged beyond repair.
In most cases the damage that causes the damaged tile to show up is caused by some kind of water leak that has damaged the glue holding the tile to the base board, which allows the water to penetrate the baseboard and the tile, which then cause the damaged part of the tile to peel off.
Some people decide that it is necessary to totally replace the hardwood flooring in their kitchen.
In most cases it is possible to simply remove the damaged tile and replace it with new tile.
If the damage to the baseboard and the tile has penetrated so deeply that the adhesive holding it together cannot hold, then you should sand the baseboard and the tile and re-stain the tile, just like you would do for a hardwood floor.
Consider polishing the backsplash
After you have re-stained the tile you may want to re-polish it before using it in the kitchen again.
If the damaged tile is beyond repair, then sometimes you can save money by sanding the baseboard and the damaged area of the tile and then re-tiling that area with the new tile.
If the tile is not very large, it will be very simple to get new kitchen tiles installed, as the new tiles can easily be installed on top of the damaged tile.
If the tile is very large, however, you may have to have a special installer come in to install the tiles to fit into the space between the damaged tile and the baseboard.
What to consider before installing new kitchen tiles
If you decide to get the new kitchen tiles installed, you need to know what to look for when you are looking at the kitchen backsplash and kitchen flooring.
If you are replacing the whole kitchen flooring, you need to take into consideration that some tiles are easier to clean than others, such as granite and marble tile.
Tile will also absorb more moisture than other flooring, and it may be a good idea to have a professional tile installer come into your home and help you pick out the perfect flooring to go on your backsplash or your floors.
Conclusion
If you are getting a new backsplash for the first time, you may be concerned about what kind of flooring you will have to choose from.
You can try to make the choice yourself by choosing the color, and style of the tiles.
It may take some trial and error, but the end result will be a beautiful new kitchen.