How to Choose the Perfect Backsplash for Your Kitchen

Start with function

Grease, steam, and splashes set the rules. Choose materials you’ll actually clean: ceramic/porcelain tile or quartz slab win on maintenance.

Material options (pros/cons)

• Ceramic/Porcelain Tile: Durable, budget‑friendly, wide styles. Use rectified edges for tighter joints.

• Glass Tile: Reflective, brightens north‑facing rooms; shows smudges more.

• Quartz/Stone Slab: Seamless, wipes fast, sleek. Requires exact outlet planning.

• Natural Stone (marble/travertine): Beautiful, porous; seal regularly and expect patina.

Height and endpoints

• Standard: counter to bottom of uppers.

• Feature: counter to ceiling behind range or window wall.

• End the tile where cabinets or a natural wall break do; avoid “orphan” cuts.

Grout and layout

• Use sanded for wider joints, unsanded for hairline joints; consider epoxy in heavy‑use zones.

• Dry‑lay key areas to align with outlets and range width.

Maintenance checklist

• Matte finishes hide water spots; glossy cleans faster.

• Squeegee behind ranges; keep a degreaser that won’t etch stone.