Quartz has become an incredibly popular material for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes in recent years. With good reason – quartz backsplashes are durable, low-maintenance, visually appealing, and available in a wide range of colors and patterns. If you’re considering a new backsplash, quartz deserves a spot at the top of your list.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about quartz backsplashes, including:
Benefits of Choosing Quartz
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Resists stains, mold, and mildew
- Available in wide range of colors and styles
- Can mimic look of natural stone or other materials
- Non-porous so doesn’t require sealing
Most Popular Quartz Backsplash Styles
- Solid colored slabs
- Marble-look
- Metal and concrete looks
- Mosaic tiles
- Brick and subway tile patterns
- Backsplashes with accent strips
How to Choose the Right Color
Backsplash Ideas for Quartz Countertops
- Matching vs. contrasting
- Using backsplash as accent
Installing a Quartz Backsplash
- Hiring a pro vs. DIY
- What’s involved in installation
- Tips to make installation smooth
Caring for and Cleaning Quartz Backsplashes
- Simple, routine care
- Preventing damage and stains
- Cleaning solutions to avoid
Cost Breakdown of Quartz Backsplashes
- Factors impacting cost
- Price per square foot
- Total budgeting
Beautiful Quartz Backsplash Inspiration
Benefits of Choosing Quartz for Backsplashes
Quartz has risen to popularity over the last decade as a backsplash material for several reasons. Here are some of the benefits homeowners enjoy with quartz backsplashes:
Extreme Durability and Scratch Resistance
Quartz is one of the most durable materials available for backsplashes. It’s even stronger than natural stone surfaces like granite. The resin binders make quartz non-porous and highly resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, and heat damage. You can prep food directly on a quartz backsplash and clean it thoroughly without worrying about ruining the surface. Quartz can maintain its like-new appearance for decades.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
Spills and messes wipe away easily from quartz surfaces. Unlike porous natural stone, quartz doesn’t require yearly sealing to prevent staining. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all that’s needed to keep your quartz backsplash looking fresh. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads that could potentially dull the finish. Overall, quartz backsplashes are very low maintenance.
Stain, Mold, and Mildew Resistant
The non-porous nature of quartz also makes it highly resistant to stains from food, liquids, soap scum, and hard water deposits. Mold and mildew have difficulty growing on quartz. Even if some moisture gets behind the backsplash, quartz won’t easily be damaged by mold growth the way other materials can.
Wide Range of Colors and Styles
From bright whites to bold blues, you can find quartz backsplashes in just about any color you can imagine. Quartz also easily mimics natural stone patterns like marble along with unique options like metal and concrete finishes. The variety offers endless possibilities to match your backsplash with your design vision.
Can Mimic Other Materials
In addition to marble patterns, quartz backsplashes are available designed to look like other backsplash materials. Quartz can imitate the look of glass, metal, stone, brick,tile, concrete, and more. This allows you to get the visual appeal you want without the higher maintenance that often comes with those actual materials.
Non-Porous Means No Sealing Required
Unlike natural stone backsplashes, quartz will never require sealing. Since it’s non-porous, it won’t absorb stains and liquids like marble, granite, and travertine can. Not having to seal the backsplash saves time and hassle while making the surface easier to keep clean.
With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why quartz has become such a highly sought-after backsplash material in recent years. Let’s look at some of the most popular styles of quartz backsplashes on the market today.
Most Popular Quartz Backsplash Styles
From solid slabs to intricate patterns, quartz backsplashes can match any design aesthetic. Here are some of the most popular quartz styles for backsplashes:
Solid, Single-Tone Backsplash Slabs
The most basic style is a single slab backsplash in a solid, uniform color. This simple, minimalist look works great in modern and contemporary kitchens. White and cream are the most common choices, but you can find slabs in virtually any hue. Solid quartz slabs can be cut to size for a custom fit.
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A bright white, single slab quartz backsplash. Via The Spruce.
Quartz That Mimics Marble
One of the most popular trends is quartz designed to look like marble backsplashes. The patterns of swirls, veins, and speckles are mimicked while avoiding the maintenance issues and costs of real marble. Quartz marble-look backsplashes are available in white, grey, and other tones. The realistic marble look is stunning yet easy to care for.
Quartz backsplash with a marble-look design. Via Pinterest.
Metal and Concrete Finishes
For an ultra-modern, industrial vibe, metal and concrete-style quartz backsplashes are a gorgeous choice. The backsplashes are made to look like oxidized metal, stainless steel, or worn concrete. The realistic metallic and textured finishes add eye-catching drama to kitchens and baths.
A quartz backsplash designed to look like oxidized metal. Via Pinterest.
Mosaic Quartz Tiles
Small quartz tiles can create stunning mosaic patterns and images in backsplashes. From contemporary geometrics to artistic renderings, the varieties are endless. You can also do an entire backsplash or just use mosaic quartz as an accent strip. The small tile sizes allow for creativity.
A mosaic-tiled quartz backsplash with geometric patterns. Via Pinterest.
Brick and Subway Tile Looks
In addition to small mosaic tiles, larger quartz tiles can mimic patterns like brick or subway tile. The rectangular quartz tiles can create the look of bricks stacked in rows or a classic subway tile arrangement. The 3D texture adds interest while the grout lines give a realistic tile appearance.
A brick pattern quartz backsplash for a timeless look. Via Pinterest.
Backsplashes with Accent Strips
Accenting a full slab backsplash with strips of mosaic tiles, brick tiles, or contrasting colors is popular as well. The strips can run horizontally, vertically, or in patterns across the backsplash. It allows you to add some drama to an otherwise plain slab backsplash.
A blue mosaic tile accent strip adds interest to this white quartz backsplash. Via Pinterest.
With endless colors, patterns, and designs to choose from, you can find quartz backsplashes to match any decor. Focus on choosing a style that pairs well with your counters, cabinets, and overall kitchen or bath aesthetic.
How to Choose the Right Color for Your Space
With so many color and pattern options available, choosing the right quartz backsplash for your space can feel overwhelming. Here are some helpful tips on selecting a quartz backsplash color:
- Factor in countertops: If you already have quartz countertops or plan to install them, choosing a backsplash color that coordinates is crucial. Contrasting countertop and backsplash colors can look disjointed.
- Consider cabinetry: Look at the color and style of your cabinetry since the backsplash will serve as the background. Dark backsplashes tend to pair best with light cabinetry and vice versa.
- Think about floors: Keep flooring color and style in mind too. Natural wood flooring often pairs well with creamy white or beige backsplashes while sleek modern floors tend to match bolder backsplash hues.
- Look at appliances/fixtures: Stainless appliances tend to look best against backsplashes in lighter shades of white, gray, or warm beige that complement the silver tones.
- Factor in lighting: The amount of natural and artificial lighting in the space can impact how backsplash colors appear. Some designs may look too dark in low light.
- Complement paint colors: If walls visible near the backsplash are painted a certain hue, picking up on that in the backsplash can tie the whole palette together.
- Remember to balance: While you want some contrast between cabinets, counters, floors and backsplashes, make sure the colors aren’t clashing. The goal is a cohesive look.
- Pick a focal point: In most cases, you’ll want the backsplash to serve as a subtle background, not compete for attention with cabinets and counters. However, a bold backsplash color can act as a dramatic focal point in modern spaces.
- Consider functionality: Super light or super dark backsplash colors can potentially show dirt, stains or imperfections more easily. Medium tones tend to be optimal for high-traffic kitchen backsplashes.
By carefully thinking about the colors and finishes already present in the space, you can select the ideal quartz backsplash hue and pattern that enhances the whole look.
Backsplash Ideas for Popular Quartz Countertops
If you’ve chosen quartz for your countertops, you’ll want the backsplash to seamlessly coordinate. Here are some perfect backsplash pairings for popular quartz countertop colors and styles:
For White or Cream Quartz Countertops
- Solid white or cream slab backsplash
- White quartz with grey veining
- Cream or beige subway or brick tile pattern
- Mirrored or stainless accents
- White marble-look quartz
A white quartz backsplash matches perfectly with white countertops. Via Pinterest.
For Gray Quartz Countertops
- White, light gray, or silvery backsplash
- Gray brick or subway tile pattern
- Stainless steel mosaic tiles
- White marble-look quartz with grey veining
This light gray marble quartz backsplash complements the gray countertops beautifully. Via Pinterest.
For Black Quartz Countertops
- Bright white or cream backsplash
- Gray and white geometric mosaic
- Multi-tone glass tile
- White marble look with dark grey veining
The white and gray mosaic quartz backsplash works perfectly with these black quartz counters. Via Pinterest.
For Quartz Countertops With Heavy Veining
- Slab backsplash in a matching solid hue without veining
- Glass, metal, or stone mosaic backsplash
- Brick patterned backsplash in coordinating color
This marble-look quartz countertop is paired with a gorgeous stone and glass tile backsplash. Via Pinterest.
By keeping finishes cohesive, you can showcase beautiful quartz countertops alongside stunning backsplashes for a fully coordinated kitchen or bath design.
Installing a Quartz Backsplash
Quartz makes for a straightforward, user-friendly backsplash installation. Still, you have a decision to make when it comes to the DIY route versus hiring a professional.
Hiring a Pro vs. Installing It Yourself
Installing a full slab quartz backsplash on your own is totally achievable for the average DIYer. However, tile patterns and mosaics can be more complex. Here are some factors to consider:
Pros of Hiring a Professional Installer
- Perfection of cuts around outlets and fixtures
- Meticulously straight grout lines
- Smooth seams between countertop and backsplash
- Reduced installation time with pro tools
- Experience with tricky tile layouts
- Access to hard-to-find specialty tiles
Benefits of DIY Installation
- Cost savings on labor
- Great learning experience
- Customize to your preferences
- Satisfaction of completing your own project
- Flexibility on project timeline
As long as you feel comfortable making precise measurements, cuts, and handling adhesives, a DIY quartz backsplash project is very achievable. Carefully weigh the time investment versus cost savings of professional installation.
What’s Involved in Quartz Backsplash Installation
The process of installing a quartz backsplash includes:
- Thorough cleaning of surface area
- Precision measurements and planning of layout
- Careful cutting of all materials if doing multiple pieces
- Applying thinset mortar adhesive
- Pressing tiles or backsplash slab into place
- Using a level to ensure proper orientation
- Grouting tile seams (if applicable)
- Sealing seam between countertop and backsplash
Quartz generally doesn’t require any special tools other than a circular saw with a diamond blade for cutting. Make sure to account for outlets, switches, and fixtures in measurements so cutouts are accurate.
Tips for Smooth Installation
Follow these tips for the best results installing your quartz backsplash:
- Give yourself plenty of time to allow materials to acclimate and adhesive to set properly.
- Have extra tiles or backsplash slabs on hand in case any pieces break or need replacement.
- Carefully mix and apply thinset mortar adhesive according to package directions.
- Use plastic tile spacers for even grout lines and wipe excess grout immediately.
- Seal the joint between countertop and backsplash with clear silicone caulk.
By following quartz manufacturer’s instructions and taking care with measurements, cuts, and alignment, you can end up with a stunning DIY backsplash installation. Consider hiring a pro if tiling patterns or outlet cutouts seem too complex.
Caring for and Cleaning Quartz Backsplashes
Caring for quartz backsplashes is blessedly simple, especially compared to high-maintenance natural stone or tile. Here are some tips for keeping your backsplash looking its best:
Simple, Routine Cleaning
For regular upkeep, all that’s needed is wiping quartz down with a soft, damp microfiber cloth and a mild soap and water solution. Rinse well and wipe dry. For stuck-on messes, use a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner. Never use abrasive pads or scouring powders which could dull the finish.
Preventing Damage
Avoid exposing quartz backsplashes to strong chemicals that can potentially discolor or etch the surface. Rinse spills promptly and avoid abrasive scrubbing. Even though quartz is durable, heavy impacts can chip edges and seams. Use cutting boards rather than prepping directly on the backsplash.
Cleaners to Avoid
Stay away from harsh cleaners like bleach, alkaline or acidic cleaners, ammonia, vinegars, oven cleaners, etc. Also avoid scrubbing pads and powders. Always refer to your specific quartz manufacturer’s care guidelines too. Using the wrong cleaners