A kitchen backsplash serves both form and function – it protects the walls from splashes and stains while also providing an opportunity to add visual interest to your kitchen decor. With so many backsplash material options to choose from, it can be tricky to select the right one for your needs and style. This guide covers the most popular kitchen backsplash materials, including pros and cons, costs, and design ideas for each.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is one of the most commonly used backsplash materials, as it offers unmatched durability and easy cleaning. Glazed ceramic tiles come in a myriad of colors, shapes, sizes and finishes. Their hard, non-porous surface resists moisture, stains and heat.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and moisture-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Affordable
- Available in endless colors/designs
Cons:
- Can crack or chip if struck
- Grout lines may discolor over time
- Cool surface temperature
You can select ceramic subway tiles, mosaics, or even ceramic wood plank tiles. Mix and match colors and textures for a one-of-a-kind backsplash. Expect to pay $5-$50 per square foot installed.
White ceramic subway tiles create a classic backsplash look.
Glass Tile
Glass tile backsplashes provide brilliant gloss and dazzling color for a contemporary, sleek look. Made from recycled glass, they have high-shine, depth, and iridescent properties.
Pros:
- Reflective, jewel-toned finish
- Resists moisture and scratches
- Easy to clean smooth surface
- Modern, stylish look
Cons:
- Installation can be tricky
- Not as durable as ceramic
- Cool surface temperature
- Costs more than ceramic
Use glass mosaics, square tiles, or long subway tiles to design a shiny glass backsplash. Expect to pay $15-$50 per square foot installed.
Vibrant turquoise glass tile backsplash makes a bold style statement.
Metal Tiles
Metal backsplash tiles such as stainless steel, copper, brass, and tin provide an industrial chic look. They have a bright, reflective surface and come in various shapes and finishes.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Easy to clean reflective surface
- Trendy industrial aesthetic
- Environmentally friendly recycled material
Cons:
- Expensive
- Prone to fingerprints and smudges
- Loud, sterile look not for everyone
Geometric, diamond-shaped, or square metal tiles in coordinating metals and finishes create an eye-catching metal backsplash. Expect to pay $25-$100 per square foot installed.
Warm brass hexagon metal tiles make a striking backsplash.
Stone Tile
Natural stone tiles like granite, marble, travertine, limestone, and slate lend an elegant, timeless look as a kitchen backsplash. Available in diverse veining, colors, cuts, and finishes.
Pros:
- Rich natural beauty
- Extremely durable
- Easy to clean
- Timeless, classic look
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can stain or etch
- Needs resealing
- Cool surface temperature
Select a polished stone for a sleek look or textured for more rustic charm. Use stone mosaic sheets or mix stone slab sizes. Expect to pay $50-$150 per square foot installed.
Herringbone marble subway tiles create interest with pattern.
Brick
Exposed brick backsplashes lend vintage character with distressed architecture. Can use cultured brick veneer panels, or expose existing brick walls.
Pros:
- Rustic, industrial character
- Durable and heat-resistant
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Needs resealing
- Cool surface temperature
- Limiting color/texture options
Whitewash or paint bricks in any color for a vintage backdrop. Use full bricks, halves, or panels for the look. Expect to pay $5-$30 per square foot installed.
White-painted brick backsplash and open shelves for a cottage kitchen.
Wood
Wooden backsplashes brings natural warmth and texture. Durable options like bamboo, teak, and mahogany resist moisture. Use real reclaimed boards or faux planks.
Pros:
- Warm, organic material
- Eco-friendly
- Textural visual interest
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Needs resealing
- Susceptible to moisture damage
- Limiting color/finish options
Select wider planks or thin boards, horizontal or vertical orientation. Expect to pay $10-$50 per square foot installed.
Rich wood backsplashes with floating shelves warm up the kitchen.
Penny Tiles
Penny tiles are small round ceramic tiles resembling coins. They create fun, retro-style patterns for backsplashes. Available glazed or unglazed.
Pros:
- Endless pattern options
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install
- Comes in many colors
Cons:
- More grout lines to clean
- Can chip or crack
- Susceptible to moisture damage
Use shades of one color or mix multiple colors to make mosaic designs, stripes, or geometric patterns. Expect to pay $5-$10 per square foot.
Multicolor penny tiles arranged in concentric diamonds are retro fun.
Porcelain
Durable glazed porcelain tiles have high resistance to stains, moisture, and heat. Provide a shiny, reflect surface like glass.
Pros:
- Extremely durable and water resistant
- Easy to clean, stain resistant
- Stylish modern look
- Mimics look of natural stone
Cons:
- Installation can be tricky
- Grout may discolor
Use large format tiles or porcelain mosaics. Expect to pay $10-$50 per square foot installed.
Large white porcelain tiles keep this backsplash simple and sleek.
Stainless Steel
Full sheets of stainless steel make an industrial modern backsplash. Or use stainless steel tiles.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Water resistant
- Easy to keep clean
- Modern, professional look
Cons:
- Shows fingerprints
- Makes noises when expanding
- Industrial aesthetic not for everyone
Expect to pay $25-$50 per square foot installed.
Sleek stainless steel backsplash and shelves for an industrial modern kitchen.
Beaded Board
Beadboard backsplashes have a characteristic board and batten look with vertical grooved lines. Provides cottage style charm.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to install
- Classic style
- Many color options
Cons:
- Prone to moisture damage
- Needs resealing
- Limits backsplash design
Use wide or narrow width boards, paint any color. Expect to pay $3-$10 per square foot installed.
Cottage kitchen with white beadboard backsplash and open shelves.
Wallpaper
removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper allows you easily apply stylish prints, patterns and colors as a backsplash.
Pros:
- Trendy prints and colors
- Easy DIY installation
- Affordable
- Temporary
Cons:
- Not as durable as tile
- Could peel over time
- Moisture sensitive
Select prepasted wallpaper, then cut to fit your backsplash area for smooth application. Expect to pay $25-$50 per roll.
Removable wallpaper in playful prints as a budget backsplash.
Laminate
Laminate sheets provide an affordable and user-friendly backsplash material. Made from resin and paper tone inhibit moisture.
Pros:
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Simple DIY installation
- Many colors and patterns
- Some options are magnetic
Cons:
- Not as durable as tile
- Seams may show
- Not heat or moisture resistant
Use full sheets or trim to size. Expect to pay $10-$20 per square foot.
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Geometric black and white laminate backsplash provides pattern on a budget.
Travertine
Travertine natural stone backsplash tiles have rustic detailing and holes that create a textural, antiqued look. Available in beige, gold, rust colors.
Pros:
- Natural material has holes/pits
- Has tonal variations
- Rustic, vintage appeal
- Durable stone
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can stain
- Needs sealing
Use tumbled travertine tiles or mosaic sheets for Mediterranean style. Expect to pay $30-$120 per square foot installed.
Warm beige travertine backsplash tiles complement the wood counters.
Mirror
Mirrored backsplashes create visual depth with light reflection. Use mirrored tile or mirrors in metal frames.
Pros:
- Creates illusion of more space
- Brightens the kitchen
- Modern, sleek appearance
- Easy to wipe clean
Cons:
- Can break if hit
- Shows smudges, water spots
- Hard on the eyes
- Not overly durable
Expect to pay $25-$60 per square foot installed.
*Antique mirror tiles make a glamorous yet rustic backsplash. *
Faux Stone
Faux stone panels replicate the look of real stone backsplashes for a budget-friendly price. Made from polyurethane or plastic.
Pros:
- Low cost
- Lightweight
- Realistic stone look
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Less durable than real stone
- Limited color/style options
- Plastic can yellow over time
Select from slate, travertine, marble or granite-look panels. Expect to pay $5-$20 per square foot installed.
Faux stone backsplash provides the look for less.
Recycled Glass
Crushed recycled glass tile provides brilliant pops of color and environmental benefits. Can contain various items like plates or windshields!
Pros:
- Sustainable material
- Creates mosaic patterns
- Shimmery color
- Durable
Cons:
- Needs grout lines
- Could have rough edges
- Mixed color pieces
Use irregular shaped pieces to create an artistic mosaic style backsplash. Expect to pay $10-$30 per square foot installed.
Shades of recycled glass tile make this eco-friendly colorful backsplash.
Corrugated Metal
Rustic corrugated metal sheets or panels lend industrial style as a backsplash. Often galvanized steel with visible crinkled texture.
Pros:
- Industrial aesthetic
- Very durable material
- Conceals wall flaws or damage
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Limited color/finish options
- Shows fingerprints
- Horizontal lines not for everyone
Use full metal sheets or cut into customized panels. Expect to pay $10-$30 per square foot installed.
A corrugated metal sheet backsplash adds historical industrial charm.
Peel and Stick
Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles allow for easy DIY installation. Made from vinyl, plastic or real tile. Just peel off adhesive and press onto wall!
Pros:
- Quick and easy application
- Affordable
- Temporary
- Many styles and textures
Cons:
- Durability varies
- Could peel over time
- Limiting sizing options
Get the look of tile without the mess and labor. Expect to pay $5-$20 per square foot.
A peel-and-stick backsplash offers a temporary upgrade.
Mosaic Tile
Tiny mosaic tiles make up a modular pattern to form intricate backsplash designs. Available in all tile materials – glass, ceramic, stone, etc.
Pros:
- Intricate artistic designs
- Variety of colors/textures
- Can complement any style
- Makes a statement
Cons:
- More grout lines
- Pattern may be busy for some
- Professional installation best
Use mosaics alone or mix with larger tiles. Expect to pay $10-$50 per square foot installed.
A mosaic tile backsplash ties together the blue and white scheme.
Corian
Corian is a solid surface material that can be fabricated into a custom backsplash. Made from natural minerals and acrylic resins.
Pros:
- Completely custom sizing
- Seamless installation
- Very durable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Professional installation required