Backsplash Ideas
The Backsplash. The Finishing Touch to Your Kitchen Design.
As walls of wood cabinetry began to appear in American kitchens the use of a tile backsplash to keep water from penetrating behind the back edge of the countertop became a necessity. American caustic tile was common in the 1920's as was linoleum which often matched the linoleum used to top the countertops and kitchen floor as well.
Over the years as kitchen design changed with fashion and taste so did the materials used for backsplashes. While tile is still the most commonly used material in the kitchen there are a host of materials available to suit every taste and budget.
The 4 Inch Stone Backsplash
The 4'' granite backsplash is often requested on remodel projects. The 4 inch backsplash in granite copies the look of the corian or laminate which it most often replaces. It performs well, allows the color of the back wall to be easily changed and will last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
The Full Granite Backsplash
The full granite backsplash is definitely a design statement that has a dramatic impact on any kitchen especially when a natural stone with lots of movement and variation is used.
The Full Carrara Backsplash
The full White Carrara Marble backsplash looks back to the kitchens of the grand homes built at the turn of the last century. The full White Marble backsplash has a clean classic look.
The Tile Backsplash 
The full tile backsplash atop granite countertops is the classic material to be used with a stone countertop. The "original" stone countertops of the old world were backed with natural stone tiles usually made of travertine or marble. The tile should go from the top of the upper cabinet down to the granite kitchen countertop.
Ceramic Tile
Easy to maintain and relatively budget friendly. Comes in a variety of colors and sizes from large field tiles to 1''x1'' mosaics.
Porcelain Tile
Easy to maintain. Slightly more expensive than ceramic. The nature of the material allows the porcelain to take on the look of natural stones such as slate.
Glass Tile
Easy to maintain. Much more expensive than ceramic. Glass tiles come in an assortment of colors and finishes from high polished surfaces that look like small semi-precious stones to frosted matte polishes which have a rich texture.
Natural Tumble Stone
Requires periodic sealing. Moderately difficult to clean. Cost can vary. Natural tumbled stone tiles have the classic look of the "old world". Marble, travertine and slate stone stone tiles are literally tumbled in a machine much like a clothes dryer which chips, cracks and "roughs up" the tiles' surface which gives the tumbled tile a textured antique look.
