If you’re planning a kitchen or bath redesign, one of the many decisions you’ll probably have to make is choosing a backsplash. Tile, the obvious choice, may or may not be your perfect solution.  

Backsplash heights have changed over the years, ranging from 6 inches above the countertop to way up under upper cabinets, and in some cases up the wall to meet the ceiling. Fortunately, the choices from major tile stores are stunning. For your first shopping trip I recommend shopping for samples, or single tiles, instead of purchasing for your entire job. Seeing your options at home in their natural element will help you make your ultimate choice. And it will save time and hassle in the long run, not to mention the risk of a sore back.  

Countersplash: A New Term To Learn!

A new buzzword to know is “countersplash.” This term is exactly what it sounds like, extending your countertop material to use as your backsplash. This can create a beautiful, cohesive statement, although there are things to consider before you making this choice. Let’s go over a few of them... 

Backsplash Considerations:

• Cost: The tradeoff of beauty is often expense. If you’ve priced projects lately, you know that countertop material can be one of the most expensive items you purchase. So, if you’re leaning toward the counter-as-backsplash approach, make sure to get solid estimates as your first step. The height of your backsplash may be directly correlated to the thickness of your wallet.  

• Weight: Selecting your material can be a hefty choice. Ever-popular quartz and granite surfaces weighs 16 to 25 pounds per square foot. So, if you select one of these heavy hitters, you’ll have to figure out the best, safest way to adhere it to your walls, plus any extra charges that might be involved with that process. 

• DIY or Hire: If stone slabs are part of your countersplash strategy, due to the innate challenges of the material you’ll probably want to hire a professional. If you’re on a tight budget and/or you like to save by doing some of the work yourself, this option may not be the best for you. 

• Contrasting opinion: You might want your backsplash to blend in seamlessly with your countertops and cabinets. If, however, you view your backsplash as bridge between your counter and cabinet colors, or your taste tends toward contrast, then abandon the countersplash approach. As no historical figure ever said, “Know thy tastes, and to thine tastes be true.” 

These four considerations should help you determine to go with a more traditional tile backsplash or a countersplash in your kitchen or bath. It can certainly be a gorgeous choice that makes a bold statement. If you have made this choice in a project of yours, we would love to see the results here! Your choices may just help someone else decide what they would like to do for a backsplash. 

Now, what will you do next to love where you live?

Please feel free to reach out to us at The Redesign Habit and ask questions or simply share a project that you are working on or have completed.

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