Backsplash Bonanza

By: Scott Gibson and Leslie Plummer Clagett (Page 1 of 8)

Photo: Roger Turk

Ceramic-tile murals are custom-made or come in preassembled kits. They highlight specific areas of the room.

Meredith Art Tile

Rotating tiles degrees produces a diamond pattern -- an easy way to add motion to a static area.

Roger Turk, Northlight Photography

Mixing tile shapes and sizes is another way to add interest to this relatively small area

Walker Zanger

Stone is available in standard-size tiles as well as slabs, which are cut to order. Slabs are more expensive than tiles, but their hefty, timesless appearance can't be matched.

Wilsonart

In conjunction with counters of the same material, solid-surface backsplashes have an appealing seamless appearance. They also lend themselves to more decorative treatments, with inlays and sandblasted details.

Tria Giovan

Glass-block lets natural light in while providing privacy. Its strongly geometrical patterns make it most suitable for forward-looking kitchens.

Tria Giovan

Plate-glass panels can be effectively used with any style room.

Tria Giovan

The protective panels can be removed -- carefully -- to repaint the walls

Tim Austin

Spread the mastic on the wall with a notched trowel, and apply the adhesive to low spots on the back of any uneven tiles.

Tim Austin

Heavy tiles can slip before the mastic cures unless they are supported from below. Small screws driven into the drywall are enough to hold these 8x8-in. tiles in place.

Tim Austin

Plan on cutting the last row of tile beneath the upper cabinets for a full-height backsplash.

Tim Austin

A wet saw makes short work of cuts in stone and ceramic tile. This saw is small enough to sit right on the kitchen counter.

Tim Austin

A polymer-fortified grout makes a durable joint between tiles. Porous stone tile is often sealed before grout is applied.

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In this how-to video, This Old House tile contractor Joe Ferrante tiles a kitchen backsplash with translucent glass tile

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What You'll Learn:

Backsplashes began life as functional conveniences — easy-to-clean surfaces that protect kitchen walls, especially those behind the cooktop, sink and prep area. But it didn't take long for kitchen designers and homeowners to realize that a distinctive backsplash can also help a kitchen look great. That means you can add real flair to your kitchen with relatively little fuss, because installing a backsplash is a project you can tackle without disturbing other elements in the room.

There are no real rules governing backsplashes. Besides selecting a material (or materials), you have to decide how "long" the run should be. Wrapping the backsplash around the entire room gives a sense of visual continuity, which could help a small space seem larger. The opposite approach—panels behind specific areas like the range or sink —highlights and draws attention to these areas.

The other choice is how tall the treatment should stand. A backsplash that runs all the way up to the bottom of the wall cabinets gives the room a finished quality. As for a low backsplash, Karen Thompson, a design consultant for a branch of The Home Depot in Atlanta, says, "I don't recommend the standard 4-in. backsplash because it adds another horizontal line to a room that's full of them. Also, the wall has to be finished off with paint or wallpaper, which isn't very durable."

Because a backsplash bridges the counter and cabinets, choose a material and color that work with those elements. Complementary colors or variations on a dominant color give a traditional look. To liven up the room, add some contrast, like a stainless backsplash with cherry cabinets, or a checkerboard of dark and light tiles. Consider texture, too. Rough finishes add a casual flavor, while slick, shiny surfaces emphasize elegance and a contemporary feeling.

This roundup will show you how several backsplash materials stack up when it comes to installation, cost and maintenance.