Learn How A Full Kitchen Backsplash Improves A Kitchen Design

Create an Impact on Your Kitchen Design With A Full Kitchen Backsplash

There are many elements to consider when designing your kitchen. They include colors, textures, and materials. A good kitchen design is built around visual focal points that can help delineate and define the style of your space. One element that can impact the direction of your kitchen design is your backsplash. A full kitchen backsplash can help to protect your walls from dirt, grease, and grime, and depending on the materials you choose, do it all while looking fabulous.

Today, homeowners and kitchen designers have many materials to choose from when designing a full kitchen backsplash. This post will define the backsplash options available and examine some popular materials for creating a visually appealing full kitchen backsplash.

Backsplash Basics

Your kitchen backsplash is a prominent visual element in your kitchen design. Your backsplash choices can significantly impact your design and style choices. Your preferences (including the color, material, texture, and size) will influence your design and help to establish and showcase your aesthetic.

When it comes to your kitchen backsplash, whether you choose a standard kitchen backsplash or a full kitchen backsplash can come down to budget and personal choice. While a standard-size backsplash is an affordable option, a full-height backsplash offers several benefits.

  • A tall backsplash better protects your walls from splashes and spills.

  • It can add a visual focal point to your design.

  • A solid full-height kitchen backsplash functions as an extension of your countertop, creating a seamless surface.

  • A full kitchen backsplash made using a slab is extremely easy to clean and durable.

  • Of course, the primary advantage of a full kitchen backsplash is that they are stylish. It doesn't matter whether you choose the same material as your countertop or subway tile laid in a herringbone pattern; your kitchen will look amazing!

A full kitchen backsplash stretches from the top of the countertop to the bottom of your upper cabinets or reaches the ceiling. It offers the maximum protection for your walls.

What Is A Standard Backsplash?

In kitchen remodeling and design, a standard backsplash typically continues up from the countertop for a height of three to six inches. The most common is four inches, and the backsplash is generally made of countertop material. Using the same material as the countertop provides a more cohesive, streamlined look. However, it is often not the best way to protect your walls from the occasional spills or splashes that can happen. Designers today are experimenting with raising the height of the standard backsplash to 14 inches or, in some cases, all the way to the ceiling.

What Is A Full Kitchen Backsplash?

The primary distinction between a full backsplash and a standard backsplash is the height it extends up the wall. A full backsplash can reach the ceiling, the base of the cabinets, or the range hood over the stove.

A full kitchen backsplash can feature the same stone as your countertop or other backsplash designs and materials. Slabs offer the most modern, minimalistic look. Technology has improved in recent years, and today along with using the same stone as your countertops on the backsplash, solid surface material, thin slab porcelain, quartz, and other options exist. Thanks to technology, you have the ability to create a seamless backsplash that perfectly mimics marble, granite, or other natural stone at a fraction of the expense.

A full slab backsplash combined with tile laid in a pattern behind the stove is another option that can add texture and offer a more traditional or farmhouse look while adding another visual focal point to your design.

When choosing materials for your kitchen backsplash, consider your countertop color and material, and make sure to factor in the cabinet color as well. You can choose something that complements, contrasts, or matches the cabinetry.

One of the primary benefits of a full-height backsplash besides its beauty is the protection. Stone, porcelain, engineered stone, ceramic, or glass backsplash tile are easier to clean than painted drywall, which can be damaged over time by spills, splashes, and constant cleaning. You'll definitely want this extra protection around the sink and stove since these are heavily used areas most impacted by water and grease.

The one downside of a full kitchen backsplash can be the cost. It will require more of an investment than a standard backsplash. The cost is due to the additional labor and materials costs. Of course, the price will depend on what type of material you choose, but if the price is not a concern, the beauty, durability, and protection a full kitchen backsplash offers are more than worth the expense!

If you're considering a kitchen remodeling project, let us show you the benefits and beauty a full kitchen backsplash offers. If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can help you to take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.