Kitchen Backsplash and Counter Styles, Trends and Costs

Kitchen counters and backsplashes are designed to combine beauty and utility. Kitchen counters need to be functional because they face many demands in the average kitchen including standing up to sharp knives, hot pans, and spills. Backsplashes were once installed primarily to keep water and spills off of painted walls. They still do that, but now are also an integral part of the décor in the kitchen. Backsplashes extending to the cabinets or ceiling in many cases are now common. There are more styles and materials than ever before. This kitchen remodeling guide gives you information you can use as you search for the perfect kitchen counters and backsplashes, including a range of remodeling prices you can expect for these products.

Trends in Kitchen Counters and Backsplashes

Natural stone countertops like granite remain trendy. Different finishes for the granite are being developed through honing and polishing techniques. Engineered stone, often called quartz, remains popular too, for its wider range of colors and the fact it requires less maintenance than granite. For something a little more unique, take a look at trendy recycled glass kitchen countertops. The glass is crushed and then sealed in a clear acrylic resin. They come in many colors, and are all environmentally “green” and beautiful.

Backsplashes in metal, such as stainless steel or copper are trendy at the moment, and can be stunning behind a sink or cooktop. Tile mosaics done by local artists are also hot, and quite expensive. Embossed concrete is increasingly popular in the last few years, and will provide a contemporary, attractive look to your kitchen remodeling project.

Styles of Kitchen Counters and Backsplashes

Kitchen counters are available in every style, including traditional, contemporary, Mediterranean, European, retro, and eclectic. Some materials are used in different styles of kitchen counters, but how the material is employed gives the counters their special look. Traditional kitchen countertops are made with butcher block, marble, granite, stone, tile, copper-topped, and laminate. Tile and stainless steel are great for that retro look. Modern kitchen counters can be made from concrete, quartz, engineered stone, recycled glass, ceramic or glass tile, laminate and solid surface materials. Some of the materials used in bathroom countertops are too soft for use in the kitchen, including soapstone and sandstone.

Kitchen backsplashes are made from all the same materials with a few more such as brick or block. This is an excellent way to tie together the kitchen counters with the kitchen cabinets and even the lighting, kitchen sinks and faucets, and other elements of your kitchen remodeling design.

Kitchen Counters and Backsplashes Costs

If you want to save money on countertops, you can have laminate or inexpensive tile countertops installed for less than $100 per linear foot. Solid surface countertops, stainless steel, and butcher block are moderately priced, in the neighborhood of $100-$200 per linear foot. Your more expensive options such as concrete, marble, granite, recycled glass, and others can cost more than $300 per linear foot. Before you make your final choice, get written estimates from several remodeling contractors who offer the materials you want to investigate. In terms of your total remodeling costs, countertops can account for 5%-25% of your total budget depending on the material you choose. Take time to research the options you’re interested in. Kitchen-themed websites are a great place to get kitchen counter remodeling ideas and information.

Conclusion, If you want low-maintenance kitchen countertops, consider laminate, solid surface, stainless steel, or quartz. Materials that need moderate maintenance include concrete, butcher block, granite and tile. That’s an important consideration when you decide which kitchen countertops and backsplashes to include in your kitchen remodeling. With all the options available, you should be able to find those that blend well with your kitchen cabinets, kitchen flooring and the other features in your remodeling design.