If you’re a homeowner, your kitchen is bound to be one of the more important rooms in your house. When it comes to property value and resale, the kitchen is the one area that can truly make or break a home. These days, buyers are looking for kitchens that are not only highly functional and spacious, but aesthetically pleasing.
When it comes to kitchen remodeling, sometimes it’s the smaller details that can made a world of a difference. If your kitchen could use a refresh but you don’t have the money to spend on big ticket items such as new appliances, granite countertops, or cabinet replacement, then consider investing in one option that is bound to kick your kitchen up a notch – a backsplash. Mario Rappa is the owner of A-Z Nassau Construction Corp., a family-owned general contracting company that has been serving Long Island and New York City since 1999, and according to him, a kitchen backsplash is practically a must for anyone who cooks or uses the kitchen on a somewhat regular basis. A backsplash is a section of material that runs along the kitchen wall behind the countertops, sink, and certain appliances. Although tile is a popular material for kitchen backsplashes, these days, homeowners have a number of eye-catching options from which to choose.
The primary purpose of a kitchen backsplash is to protect the walls of your kitchen as you go about mixing, blending, and processing your way towards a host of meals. Certain key food ingredients, such as sauces and oils, have a way of spattering or splashing around and landing on the surrounding walls during the food preparation process. Since most kitchen backsplash materials are designed not to absorb food, by adding one to your kitchen, you won’t have to worry about staining your walls or making a potentially permanent mess every time you decide to cook. Additionally, kitchen backsplashes are generally much easier to clean than standard painted walls. Even a high-end, washable type of wall paint is likely to display signs of discoloration when exposed to errant food sprinklings over time. Backsplashes, on the other hand, are designed to be simply spray-cleaned and wiped down to eliminate otherwise noticeable spots.
Another key benefit of adding a kitchen backsplash is that it is bound to improve the look of your kitchen from an aesthetic perspective. While some might opt to go with simpler tiles for a backsplash, one always has the option of using stylish, high-end materials such as glass tiles or even tumbled marble. The right kind of backsplash can truly work to jazz up otherwise simple countertops and cabinetry, and a smart color choice can turn a monochromatic kitchen setup into one that is vibrant and visually pleasing.
One final benefit of installing a kitchen backsplash is that it is practically guaranteed to add value to your home. These days, buyers are focusing so much on kitchens that any investment you make in yours is bound to offer a terrific return. And by choosing the right materials for your backsplash, you can make your kitchen seem more attractive visually as well as functionally.
As is the case with many methods of home improvement, the only downside inherent in kitchen backsplashes is the cost involved in having them installed. Depending on the size of your kitchen and your materials of choice, a backsplash can run you anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Also, while some backsplash materials are easier to work with, others might require the help of a professional contractor for installation – especially in situations where the materials must be precisely placed. On the other hand, any improvements that you make to your kitchen are bound to more than pay for themselves in the long run, and a kitchen backsplash is certainly no exception.
If your kitchen could use a pick-me-up from both a practical and aesthetic standpoint, then consider hiring a contractor to install a brand new backsplash. Chances are, you’ll be amazed at what a difference it ends up making.
