Backsplash Panels
Written by Milan Jara on 24th Oct 2018
Backsplash panels are affordable and cost-effective wall finishes, which makes them ideal for your bathroom or kitchen surface. They are a popular choice for people who like DIY makeovers.
Thanks to the creative nature of interior designers, there are many different types of panels that you can use to improve your home. The distinguishing factor that differentiates backsplash panels is the installation process and material.
Traditional panels are manufactured using metals like tin and aluminum. However, new materials with creative finishes and patterns are also available. Here is a guide to help you find backsplash panels that work for you.
Backsplash Panels Buying Guide
Are you thinking of installing backsplash panels to your home? Backsplash panels make an excellent addition to your wall, and they are both aesthetic and functionally pleasing. They protect your walls from splatter while adding a beautiful facade to your room. Backsplash panels are like jewelry; they provide a final touch to your favorite dress.
Searching for the right backsplash material involves a lot of decision-making. There are many things to consider, and all the information you find can be overwhelming.
The first thing to consider is the final look you are expecting. If you have settled for a backsplash, but you have no idea which one to go with, take an online styling quiz. It will provide you with ideas you can use to get you started.
Once you have found what you can work with, choose your backsplash by considering material, design or color, budget, and size. Here is a list of different backsplash panels that you can use to upgrade your home.
Porcelain and ceramic panels
For some time now, ceramic and porcelain panels have been the most popular choices due to their versatility. They often come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Porcelain, ceramic, as well as glass panels, resist moisture and heat very well, and they are easy to keep clean.
Glass panels
If you are looking for a material that has a contemporary look, go for glass panels with a coated back. The resulting look is usually modern, streamlined and easy to keep clean. Glass panels don’t have grout lines, and this makes then look continuous. Using glass panels minimizes chances of objects being stuck between grout joints.
Their reflective character also allows light to reflect around your space, which makes it perfect for a room needing natural light. Glass panels are available in multiple sizes and formats including solid and recycled panels.
Installing glass panels is quite challenging. You need a wet saw to cut irregularly shaped pieces and then apply a thin layer of mortar with the help of spacers.
Natural stone panels
Very few materials are as beautiful as natural stone. These panels come in a range of sizes, from small-sized marble panels to a large slab of marble or granite. Other examples of natural stones include quartzite, limestone, sandstone, marble, slate, onyx as well as travertine.
Most kitchen designs use the same material on the backsplash and the countertop. If you prefer to book-match, ensure that the patterning and veining in your slab mirror that of the adjacent surface. Natural stone panels provide a cohesive, dramatic look and you can minimize the thickness of grout joints to make cleaning easy.
Loved for its resilience, natural stone as a material is ageless, and it gives your room a certain kind of strength and permanence.
Plywood and wood panels
While wood and plywood are not what you would consider ideal backsplash material, with extra care and detailing, they can make a beautiful addition to your kitchen area.
But before you cover your backsplash with either one of these materials, ensure they are treated to protect them against water. Also, use different materials in sensitive places like behind your sink. In such a situation, the wood is exposed to a lot of water, and it is likely to deteriorate very fast.
Metal panels
Metal panels are increasingly becoming popular because they give your kitchen a characteristic look. Metal panels are often used in professionally used kitchens as they can reflect light giving your kitchen a smooth, sleek look.
If you are looking for a residual feel, try combining metal panels with natural stones or stainless steel countertops.
Decorative Vinyl panels
If you are budget-minded or prefer DIY projects, decorative vinyl is a perfect alternative to the likes of actual tin panels. At a standard size of 18 inches by 24 inches, these panels come in 13 different designs as well as 20 finish options allowing you up 250 ways to personalize your wall.
Decorative vinyl is resistant to water, stains or impact and you get a professional touch at a reasonable cost. If you are a homeowner, these panels are perfect for you because installing them is easy and you don't need specialized tools. You can easily put them on with a special tape or adhesive.
Installing backsplash panels
Installing backsplash panels is much easier than installing single tiles. Most backsplash panels on the market can be installed without grout or specialized tools. Utility knives, scissors or metal snips can cut your panel to the desired size. Based on the type you are installing, double-sided or construction grade adhesive can be used to stick backsplash to your wall.
The adhesive requires a clean surface for it to bond properly. Thus, a textured surface will need a little more time to clean up before you install panels. Sanding, cleaning, and priming may also be required. If your project is complex and labor intensive, engage an improvement professional.
The Bottom Line
Let's face it, the backsplash is a sensitive area because it is subjected to all kinds of things including water and food. A poorly covered backsplash is often wet, stained and difficult to clean. Your best option is to cover the area with a waterproof and easy to clean material. Backsplash panels can meet both of these needs while providing your kitchen with an aesthetic look.
There are many backsplash materials to choose from, so you should be guided by the kind of look you want for your kitchen or bathroom. Other things to consider include cost. If you are on a budget, consider decorative vinyl. If you prefer a wood panel, be sure to treat it before you make it part of your kitchen. That said, let nothing stop you from unleashing your creativity!