Do You Need A Backsplash In Your Kitchen · Fontan Architecture (2024)

Water and grease splatter from cooking are major problems in a kitchen. The wall behind the stove and sink is one area at risk for damage and staining, which is why you need to have a backsplash in your kitchen.

A backsplash is the vertical surface at the back of a countertop. You need to have a backsplash in a kitchen because of water, grease, and other elements that can damage or discolor the wall behind the sink and stove. The backsplash acts as a protective surface and should be made of materials that are durable and easy to clean.

Aside from protecting the kitchen wall, the backsplash prevents dripping between the back of the cabinets and the wall below the countertop. This area should be properly sealed and protected. The backsplash is a functional aspect of the kitchen but can also be accentuated as a design feature. Take advantage of the backsplash to bring the entire kitchen design together.

I am Jorge Fontan, an architect and owner of New York based architecture firm Fontan Architecture. In this post I will show you some backsplashes in kitchens from our projects, while reviewing some key reasons why you need a kitchen backsplash. I will also discuss what some of your options are for materials and cover a few important factors I like to consider when I am designing a kitchen backsplash.

Do You Need A Backsplash In Your Kitchen · Fontan Architecture (1)

Back Painted Glass Backsplash

Do You Need A Backsplash Behind The Stove?

You need a backsplash behind the stove to protect from grease and cooking splatter that could damage the surface behind the stove. The backsplash should be made of durable, nonabsorbent, and easy to clean material that will not discolor easily.

When making a backsplash behind your stove you may have a few different types of conditions. If you have a cooktop installed in a countertop you probably have a strip of countertop behind the cooktop. In this case you can tile right up the wall and have the bottom course of tile right over the countertop. If you have a range which is free standing you will have a gap between the appliance and the backsplash. which begs the question how far down to tile behind the stove.

When tiling a kitchen backsplash behind a stove, the best practice is to continue the tiles down the wall a minimum of one full course below the countertop height. This is done in order to prevent any visual discontinuity so you cannot see any untiled wall surface.

We often think of the backsplash as a design feature but remember its primary function is protection.

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Backsplash behind stove

Does the Backsplash Have To Go All The Way Up To The Cabinets?

The kitchen backsplash prevents runoff between the back of the cabinets and the wall. The backsplash should also go all the way up to the wall cabinets in order to fully protect the wall behind the stove and sink from water, grease, and cooking splatter.

If you are building a kitchen in a new home or renovating an existing one you probably do not want to do it again anytime soon. This means making a durable and long lasting kitchen. Build the backsplash all the way up to the cabinets behind and you will have the best option for your kitchen wall protection. Use this as an opportunity to make something beautiful as the backsplash is one of the first things you will notice when you walk into the kitchen.

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Kitchen Backsplash Tiles

Kitchen Backsplash Design

Whether you make the backsplash a feature or make it blend in, you need to think about the backsplash design when designing your kitchen. The backsplash is an important feature in a design and nothing should be left as an afterthought. The entire kitchen should work visually as a single element. I have another post if you are interested in reading more about Kitchen Backsplash Design Ideas.

Do You Need A Backsplash In Your Kitchen · Fontan Architecture (4)

Kitchen Backsplash Design with matching countertop and backsplash.

Backsplash Materials

There are many different materials that you can use for your kitchen backsplash.

List of Kitchen Backsplash Materials

  • Quartz
  • Solid Surfacing
  • Glass Tile
  • Porcelain Tile
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Marble
  • Granite
  • Metal
  • Back Painted Glass
  • Stainless Steel
  • Concrete

Do You Need A Backsplash In Your Kitchen · Fontan Architecture (5)

Kitchen Design With Marble Backsplash

Do You Need A Backsplash In Your Kitchen · Fontan Architecture (6)

White Subway Tile Backsplash Kitchen

Paint Instead of Backsplash

Paint instead of a backsplash is not a good solution for a kitchen because the paint is not as durable and waterproof as typical backsplash materials. You need to consider the lifespan of the work you do in your kitchen. You need to install some type of resilient material for a kitchen backsplash. Paint will not seal the back of the wall and the back of the countertop edge.

Paint is not good enough for a backsplash alternative.

No Backsplash in the Kitchen

You do not want to skip the backsplash in the kitchen, but there may be a few situations where it could be acceptable not to install one.

I am an architect in New York, where exposed brick is a very popular feature for NY apartments and lofts. In the picture below you will see a kitchen built against a brick wall. We left the brick exposed as it is a durable material and can handle the abuse from the kitchen.

You should know that brick is porous, therefore it will absorb and discolor over time. In this particular situation the brick wall is already over one hundred years old, so it has plenty of imperfections as it is, adding to its character. Another problem is that the backsplash is normally installed after the countertop in order to sit over the counter. This fills the gap between the countertop and the wall behind closing up that seam. Without this, the backsplash runoff can get behind the base cabinets. At minimum you can caulk to seal the seam if you do not install a backsplash. We warned the owners about the risks and they were okay with it, so this is the one situation where we did not install a backsplash in one of our kitchen designs.

Do You Need A Backsplash In Your Kitchen · Fontan Architecture (7)

Exposed Brick Wall in Lieu of a Backsplash

Kitchen Backsplash or Not?

You do need a kitchen backsplash and this should not be overlooked in your kitchen. The backsplash will act as a protective surface and can be a critical part of the overall kitchen design.

Do You Need A Backsplash In Your Kitchen · Fontan Architecture (8)

Modern Kitchen Backsplash with Wood Look Porcelain and Undercabinet Lighting

Thank You for Reading Our Blog Post on Why You Need a Backsplash in Your Kitchen.

I hope this was helpful. If you would like to speak with an architect about a potential project you can contact us at Fontan Architecture directly.

Contact Fontan Architecture

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Jorge Fontan

This post was written by Jorge Fontan AIA a Registered Architect and owner of New York City architecture firm Fontan Architecture. Jorge Fontan has earned 3 degrees in the study of architecture including two degrees from the City University of New York and a Masters Degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. Jorge has a background in construction and has been practicing architecture for 15 years where he has designed renovations and new developments of various building types.

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Do You Need A Backsplash In Your Kitchen · Fontan Architecture (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to not have a backsplash in the kitchen? ›

The short answer to this question is no, a backsplash is not necessary in the same way that a stove or a sink is. However, most kitchen designers will recommend that you put some type of kitchen backsplash in your new kitchen.

Does kitchen backsplash increase home value? ›

If you are looking for an easy way to instantly increase the value of your home, then adding a kitchen backsplash is a great idea! A backsplash will not only add charter and charm to your home, it increases the value of your biggest home asset—the kitchen! The good news is that tile doesn't have to be expensive.

Are 4 inch backsplashes outdated? ›

One of the biggest cons of a 4-inch backsplash over a full-tile backsplash is that the design is a little outdated. Though still a popular design, many kitchen designers tout the more modern and trendier full-tile design.

Do modern kitchens have backsplash? ›

Do modern kitchens have backsplash? With their understated elegance and the clean lines and sleek style, modern kitchens are one of the most popular design trends. And just like the other styles, modern backsplashes also have a backsplash.

How can I protect my kitchen walls without a backsplash? ›

If you want no backsplash in the kitchen, it is a must to think about how to prevent the damage from walls. You may use cleanable wall paint, maybe wallpapered ones will be useful for your cabinets, or you can try wall panels. A tile backsplash is the traditional backsplash method that is used from past to present.

What color kitchen has best resale value? ›

Light neutrals are the most popular choice, with 27% of survey respondents reporting that having a white kitchen would make them more likely to buy a property, followed by 22% who would be swayed by a light grey kitchen. More surprisingly, bold colourways like black and dark blue also made the list.

What makes a high-end kitchen? ›

What makes a luxury kitchen? Learning from high-end residential projects, a high-end kitchen has high-quality materials and fine details. It also has custom-made fixtures so that the kitchen matches the remaining rooms of high-end residences. A luxury kitchen is all about space planning and good lighting design.

What is the easiest backsplash for a kitchen? ›

Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Peel-and-stick tiles provide a cheap backsplash idea that's easier to install than traditional tile. The self-adhesive backing can be applied directly to the wall with no grout needed. The wide range of patterns lets you recreate the look of a bold tile backsplash without the high cost.

Can you replace countertops without backsplash? ›

In most cases, installing the countertops before the backsplash makes the most sense. However, in some cases doing the backsplash before the countertop may make more sense for your particular situation. It all comes down to what you want as the focal point of your kitchen.

What is the easiest backsplash to keep clean? ›

Porcelain, ceramic, metal, and glass tile top the easy-care list because they resist staining, are naturally nonporous, and don't require any special cleansers to do the job.

What is the trend for backsplash in 2022? ›

Still, some backsplash styles stand out in 2022. Among these kitchen backsplash trends 2022, we can count mirror, metal, patterned, subway tile, and geometric tile backsplashes as well as wallpaper designs. Also, open wall surfaces are preferred to create an airy and spacious feeling.

What is a timeless kitchen backsplash? ›

A timeless kitchen backsplash is a classic design that will never go out of style. It is a simple, clean, and elegant way to update your kitchen without having to do a complete remodel. A timeless backsplash can be made from a variety of materials, including natural stone like marble or slate, glass, or even metal.

What is the current trend in backsplash? ›

In fact, one of the most modern kitchen backsplash ideas is to use subway tiles that are boldly-colored with larger white tiles, since white is expected to be a very popular 2023 color in kitchens. By using this idea, you can make your backsplash a focal point of your entire kitchen.

What is the latest trend in kitchen tile? ›

'2023 will see more expressive tactile materials such as metallics, concrete and textured doors featuring heavy wood grains as well as marble-effect and stone finishes. Adding sophistication to a kitchen layout, these striking finishes will help to tie a look together through character and individuality.

Are full granite backsplashes outdated? ›

A granite backsplash, whether it's full-height or four-inch is stylish, reliable, easy to clean and maintain, and will last for decades! Plus, natural materials will never go out of style!

Does backsplash have to go on all walls? ›

The best rule for kitchen backsplash placement is to look for a natural stopping point. This could be a wall, a window, a cabinet edge, or anything else in between. You can use tile edging trim or bullnose tile to create a distinct edge for the backsplash.

How important is a backsplash? ›

You need a backsplash in your kitchen to protect the wall behind your stove from heavy grease and cooking stains. A backsplash protects the back wall from water damage and moisture buildup too. It will prevent water from dripping behind your counter, keeping the wall clean. Also, a kitchen backsplash is durable.

Why is backsplash necessary? ›

Protects from Moisture

With so much plumbing behind the walls in your kitchen, there's a minimal chance of water damage. Even the smallest amount of water or moisture can lead to water damage. Your kitchen backsplash tile is a great barrier that adds in a layer of protection that prevents costly water damage.

What should I put between backsplash and cabinets? ›

The area between the tile backsplash and kitchen cabinets is roughly 12 and 18 inches requiring only one or two sheets of copper. Choose acid-etched or textured copper and easily install it using a construction adhesive.

What is the number one rule in the kitchen? ›

Kitchen hygiene 101: wash hands

Making sure your hands are clean is at the top of the kitchen hygiene rules list. It's easy for bacteria to be transferred, so wash your hands throughout prepping and cooking food.

How can I make my kitchen look expensive? ›

10 Cheap Ways To Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive
  1. Update hardware. ...
  2. Use lighter colors. ...
  3. Replace cabinet doors. ...
  4. Change lighting. ...
  5. Use artwork. ...
  6. Paint your appliances stainless steel. ...
  7. Add window treatments. ...
  8. Style your breakfast nook.
Nov 26, 2014

What should you not do in a kitchen remodel? ›

Avoid These 13 Mistakes When Renovating Your Dream Kitchen
  • Failing to plan. ...
  • Underestimating the cost. ...
  • Choosing appliances after cabinetry. ...
  • Installing cabinets before floors. ...
  • Choosing the wrong flooring. ...
  • Ignoring the kitchen triangle. ...
  • Improperly wiring kitchen outlets. ...
  • Trying to find online deals for critical items.
Feb 24, 2022

What colors should you avoid in the kitchen? ›

'Colors to absolutely be avoided are darker colors and shades of green, blue, red, and purple, which will cast a shadow on food and darken the space. Green and orange, in particular, should be avoided in kitchens,' she warns.

What is the most popular kitchen wall color for 2022? ›

5 Kitchen Color Trends Designers Recommend for 2022 and Beyond
  1. Nature-Inspired Greens. Green is the must-have color trend everyone is buzzing about in 2022, and it's poised to be especially popular in cooking spaces. ...
  2. Bold Black. ...
  3. Warmed-Up Grays. ...
  4. Sunny Yellows. ...
  5. Rich Earth Tones.
Jun 6, 2022

What color a kitchen should not have? ›

According to Vastu, the kitchen colour should not be too dark. Dark grey, brown, and black are Vastu colours to avoid in the kitchen.

What makes a kitchen look classy? ›

Colours such as creams and beiges can make a kitchen look elegant and expensive. If your kitchen is modern, you can use dark colours, such as blacks and greys, which can make it look lavish and extravagant. White reflects light and makes the space look bigger, so complement white with some wood and metallic highlights.

What is considered a timeless kitchen? ›

"A timeless kitchen is one with ample storage, optimal space planning for the 'kitchen triangle,' and easy access to everything you use regularly." The kitchen work triangle is the triangle formed between the sink, stovetop, and refrigerator—or the three main points you're always moving between as you cook in the space ...

What is the most senior role in a kitchen? ›

The head chef remains at the top of the hierarchy in restaurant kitchens without an executive chef. Like an executive chef, this person controls all aspects of the kitchen. They are responsible for creating menus, controlling kitchen costs, and managing the kitchen staff.

What is the best backsplash for behind stove? ›

Ceramic or porcelain tiles for a backsplash behind the stove provides a durable, heat-resistant surface that combats inevitable oil splatters and sauce splashes, while offering tons of room for a creative kitchen wall décor.

Should countertop be lighter or darker than backsplash? ›

Rather than have your backsplash be a light shade as well, it should be darker than the counters.

What is the most common kitchen backsplash? ›

Tile. The most popular kitchen backsplash choice of today is tile because of its typical affordability, cleanability, and diversity. Tile comes in many different shapes and materials, such as subway, mosaic, ceramic, glass, stone, porcelain, penny, and many more.

Do laminate countertops need a backsplash? ›

In-stock laminate is typically post form and has a 4” backsplash attached so you will not be installing a tile backsplash. If you have an island or peninsula this piece will need to be special ordered to finish the exposed edges. You can also use materials such as wood or butcher block.

Do countertops go in before backsplash? ›

A countertop needs to be installed before the backsplash is put on the walls above the countertop.

What is the cheapest way to redo kitchen countertops? ›

Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the most affordable varieties and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic but are much more affordable than slab granite or marble.

Should backsplash be even with cabinet or countertop? ›

Backsplashes need to line up with the upper cabinet.

It doesn't have to align with both although that would be nice! Usually the end of the backsplash tile, if aligned with the uppers, will die ON TOP OF the countertop below.

Is matte or glossy backsplash better? ›

Matte Tile Vs Glossy Kitchen Wall Tile

Erika explains, “A glossy subway tile can look brighter and more polished, often lending to a more formal look. It also hides water spots and fingerprints better than its less shiny counterpart. While a matte finish can convey a softer, more casual look.

What type of backsplash is best? ›

The best backsplash materials for easy cleaning are nonporous, preventing stains from penetrating deep into the tiles. Consider using porcelain, ceramic, metal, or glass if cleanliness is your goal.

What is the kitchen trend for 2023? ›

Insider asked interior designers about the kitchen trends you should expect to see in 2023. Backless stoves, open-concept designs, and darker hues are gaining popularity. Granite, gray cabinetry, and open shelving are on their way out.

Is granite out of style 2022? ›

Granite has been a trendy kitchen countertop material for years, but Kaercher says it now depends on the slab. “Aside from certain granite colors and patterns being out of style, it is still a durable and fairly low-maintenance option if you can find a slab that suits your aesthetic,” Kaercher explains.

Is a kitchen backsplash a good investment? ›

If you install a kitchen backsplash, you might recoup the cost, because the difference between “no backsplash” and “backsplash” is noticeable. But the specific type of tile might not matter to buyers — they could be just as happy with a simple ceramic tile as they would with an expensive Calacatta marble tile.

What backsplash does not go out of style? ›

Subway tile is the most enduring choice for a backsplash. Avoid bold, trendy colors, and instead look for white or neutrals. Keep it simple, and bring in color elsewhere in the kitchen, with more easily replaced items, such as dish towels, art, bowls of fruit and rugs.

Does backsplash increase home value? ›

If you are looking for an easy way to instantly increase the value of your home, then adding a kitchen backsplash is a great idea! A backsplash will not only add charter and charm to your home, it increases the value of your biggest home asset—the kitchen! The good news is that tile doesn't have to be expensive.

Is Subway tile out of style 2022? ›

There is no doubt that subway tiles are the most classic and the failsafe options for all types of kitchens. The effortless beauty of the subway tiles offers sleek and timeless appeals for kitchens that never go out of style. Just like in the past, these classic tiles are dominating the trends lists also in 2022!

Do you need backsplash behind stove? ›

Do You Need A Backsplash Behind The Stove? You need a backsplash behind the stove to protect from grease and cooking splatter that could damage the surface behind the stove. The backsplash should be made of durable, nonabsorbent, and easy to clean material that will not discolor easily.

Are backsplashes still popular? ›

White kitchen backsplashes are among the most popular and preferred options for all kitchen types and they will remain their popularity also in 2022. From classic white subway tiles to modern hexagons, white backsplashes come in an endless variety of styles, shapes, patterns, and texture options!

What kitchen trends are going out of style? ›

Faux Finishes

“Faux anything [such as quartz that looks like marble] is definitely a kitchen trend going away for the luxury consumer in 2023. For the discerning client, natural stone for floors, countertops, and backsplash is the only way to go.

Do all sinks need backsplash? ›

While backsplashes aren't technically necessary (many bathrooms don't have them), there are two reasons they're still a good idea. First, as the name suggests, they protect the wall behind the vanity from splashes and damage.

Should you backsplash behind your refrigerator? ›

Do not put a backsplash behind your fridge unless you can clearly see that wall. In most cases, the space behind the fridge is not visible anywhere in the kitchen. There is no need to spend money on labor and materials for a place you will not see. Do put a backsplash behind your cooktop and hood vent.

What is the most popular kitchen backsplash? ›

Ceramic tile is the most popular option for a kitchen backsplash. Ceramic tiles are incredibly versatile—they come in many shapes, sizes and colors and can be installed in numerous patterns.

What is a good backsplash for behind the stove? ›

Granite, stone and other natural or composite materials are also commonly used in backsplashes, whether in tile form or as larger pieces. These higher-end materials will mean an increase in budget, but also a stunning and long-lasting stove backsplash. Stainless steel is another popular option for stove backsplashes.

Are white cabinets going out of style 2022? ›

The short answer to this question we've been hearing a lot recently is: “Absolutely not! White kitchens are here to stay…in 2022 and beyond.” The simple truth is, the best white kitchens never go out of style. They provide a clean, fresh, versatile background onto which you can infuse a variety of décor preferences.

What is the most popular color for a kitchen 2022? ›

Green is the must-have color trend everyone is buzzing about in 2022, and it's poised to be especially popular in cooking spaces. "Because green is found in nature, it is a safe and timeless color to add to your kitchen," says Tara Miller of the Omaha-based firm The Heartland Interior Design.

What is the most timeless kitchen countertop? ›

Slate, soapstone, and honed granite are timeless materials for countertop and backsplash, for houses of almost any period. This marble look-alike surface material from Okite is a compound of natural quartz and resin, which complements this period-style kitchen.

Should backsplash be same as countertop? ›

It can be tempting to choose the same materials and colors for your countertop and backsplash, but this option can look uninspired. Ultimately, selecting a well-coordinated backsplash and countertop is essential to the design of your kitchen. It's usually best to select your countertops first.

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