Countertops are arguably one of the most important parts of your kitchen. No countertop, no cooking. (No kitchen, really!) Have you thought about where the rubber meets the road… or where your countertop meets the wall?
Backsplashes are an important element in any kitchen, because they are both functional and stylish. You may have seen interior design shows on television that discuss backsplash trends — what’s “in” and what you should avoid. At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice for your own home, but there are a few things to consider when choosing a backsplash for your kitchen or bath. Namely, the height and the material of the backsplash. Some materials are more functional than others.
What is a Backsplash?
A backsplash is a wall covering that protects drywall from unintended splashes of liquid. Generally, backsplashes are found in kitchens and bathrooms — two of the wettest and most-used spaces in the home.
Some backsplashes only cover a few inches of the wall, while others extend all the way up the wall.
The 4-inch backsplash is an extension of the countertop that extends four inches perpendicularly up the wall. Full backsplashes are the name for backsplashes that cover the entire portion of the wall between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets or the ceiling.
Backsplashes are both practical and aesthetic. Practically, backsplashes positioned behind sinks in kitchens and bathrooms keep water from damaging the drywall. In kitchens, they also prevent the wall from being stained and damaged with grease, sauces, and other liquids while cooking.
Many times, 4-inch backsplashes are made from the same material as the countertop, whether that be laminate, granite, solid surface, or quartz. Mosaic tile, however, is most popular with full backsplashes.
Why Is Quartz A Good Option For Backsplashes?
Quartz is a durable material that works well for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. It is a man-made material that is composed of about 93% quartz (one of the hardest minerals on earth) and 7% resins and has the look and feel of natural stone, but, unlike natural stone, no regular sealing is required.
Natural stones such as granite and limestone require sealing because they are porous, which means they have tiny holes and cracks that can hold moisture and, therefore, bacteria. On the other hand, quartz is non-porous and will resist stains from oils or sauces splashed on it while cooking. It is also easy to clean — just wipe down with warm water and mild soap.
In addition to being a more practical option than natural stone, quartz is also easier to clean than mosaic tile, a typical backsplash favorite. Unlike full tile backsplashes, quartz does not have any grout to clean. No intense scrubbing is required to wash away splatter stains because there is no grout or pores.
4 Design Ideas For Quartz Backsplashes In Your Home
1. Bathroom Backsplash
Use a 4-inch backsplash on your bathroom vanity to reduce water damage to your drywall. Plus, this concrete-looking design offers a clean, finished look to the bathroom. Pair with white cabinets and tile with a few natural elements (i.e., plants and natural wood accents) to tie the look together and harmonize the space.
2. Bold in Black
This is an interesting kitchen design because it uses a 4-inch backsplash to protect the drywall and a quartz shell to protect the stacked oven. Usually, you see this waterfall-style edge spilling over the corner of a kitchen island. But here, the waterfall edge is used as a sort of “sidesplash” to protect the appliances from cooking accidents.
There are many interesting design elements in this space that display the beauty and functionality of quartz.
3. Full Gray Backsplash
Here is our first example of a full wall backsplash. The speckled gray quartz extends from the countertops to the bottom of the cabinets, offering total protection from unexpected splashes and spills. Plus, the use of gray speckled quartz for both the countertops and backsplash adds a modern uniformity to this space that would not exist if the full file backsplash had been made from mosaic tiles.
4. Concrete Protection
Here is another example of a kitchen that shows the wide range of uses for quartz. The countertops are met by a 4-inch backsplash made from the same concrete-looking quartz pattern. This kitchen also features a waterfall edge over the side of the stovetop, creating an industrial statement piece. This kitchen is bright and rigid, giving off the impression that this space is for the practical homeowner.
At HanStone Quartz, we understand the importance of having materials you can trust in your home. We strive to enhance life’s journey, and we know that you can’t do that if you’re worried about the integrity of your home.
Countertops are used daily, but they aren’t often appreciated for their durability — until something compromises their durability. Our mission is to provide you with a product that you don’t have to worry about. Continue the durability of your space by extending your countertops with a Quartz backsplash.
To find the perfect HanStone Quartz color for your kitchen or bathroom’s backsplash, view our color collection on our website.
