Kitchen Backsplash Cost Comparison

Picking out your kitchen backsplash is all about your tastes and preference. If you use your kitchen every day, you’ll need a heavy-duty backsplash to protect the area behind your sink and stove. But if you lean more towards, "Where do you want to go for dinner tonight?" the 'splash can be more about show than sensibility.

But don't forget, a day might come when you want to cook a serious meal, so easy-to-clean and low-maintenance is best. Look around and work with the colors and patterns you already have in the kitchen. And, finally, think about how much you’re willing to spend.

Here are some splashes ranging from super cheap to $1,000 or more, depending on your champagne taste:

$ = inexpensive
$ $ = moderate
$ $ $ = high-end

Stainless Steel

Price: $ $ $

Pros: Looks great in most kitchens, especially with increasing popularity of stainless steel appliances and accessories. Heavy-duty, heat-resistant and easy to clean.

Cons: Can be scratched. Some foods and chemicals can damage the finish.
Click for more on Stainless Steel Backsplashes.

Ceramic Tile

Price: $ to $ $

Pros: Easy to install, heat- and scratch-resistant, most are stain-resistant (except stone) and all are easy to clean.

Con: Grout can discolor and be hard to clean if not sealed.

Click for more on Ceramic Tile Kitchen Backsplashes.

Natural Stone

Price: $ to $ $ $

Pros: Most popular are marble and granite, but there are others like limestone and slate. The cheering section is on for stone’s lasting beauty.

Cons: Each stone needs to be researched individually, taking into consideration its durability in the kitchen. For example, granite is heat-resistant while marble is not.

Types: Granite, Marble, Travertine.

Click for more on Natural Stone Backsplashes.

Mosaics

Price: $ to $ $ $

Pros: Attractive, personalized and unique.

Cons: May be difficult to clean, depending on material choice. Also, labor costs may be higher, especially if pieces of the mosaic must be installed by hand.

Types: Glass, Glass Tile, Stone, Metal, Ceramic Tile

Click for more on Mosaic Kitchen Backsplashes.