Installing or replacing a backsplash is a relatively low-cost way to add functionality and style to an oft-used, and let’s face it, oft-abused, center of your home. A backsplash fills in the space between countertops and cabinets and should serve as an easy to clean area for kitchen messes gone awry.
Depending on your style, budget and penchant for cleaning, you have a smorgasbord of choices. Below is a listing of cabinet styles followed by a suggested backsplash.
Dark cabinets – Maple, cherry or painted a dark color: Marble and slate tile or stainless steel.
White cabinets: Bright colorful tile, subway tile in muted blues and greys, chalkboard, or wood.
Painted cabinets: Glass, chalkboard, wood, painted to match or stained a dark or light hue.
Glass front cabinets: Subway tile in any color, but usually muted to match your dishes.
Surfaces that we didn’t mention include glass chips (sea glass, recycled glass) and wallpaper. The former is very difficult to clean and unless you plan on owning your home until you die, doesn’t usually impress would-be buyers. The latter, although some interior design sites may try to convince you otherwise, is dated and reminiscent of day care centers and other sterile environments.
Your first task is to pick the material, considering your style and the tastes of a potential buyer. But don’t forget to also factor in the amount of cleaning necessary to keep it looking sharp. Make sure the party who will be cleaning it is consulted. You’re welcome.
The materials listed above include two that require unique instructions: marble and chalkboard. Marble gives a sleek finish, but must cleaned quickly or stains could penetrate the surface. Chalkboard follows a less is more rule in the cleaning department and it’s best to use a cleaner like Endust and use wide strokes when wiping the surface.
Once you’ve selected your backsplash material, save yourself time by calling the professionals at Castle Builds for replacing a backsplash. We’ve installed many a backsplash and know our way around a tile cutter. One of our clients, before calling us, rented two tile cutters from a certain big box store and burned through both motors, neglected his wife (her words, not ours) and only managed to create new cuss words before he realized there were better uses of his time and he had to show his face again at Home Depot. Don’t be that guy. Give us a call at (303) 944-0488 to learn more about replacing a backsplash and install your backsplash quickly and efficiently.
