Your kitchen backsplash can accent your kitchen and be both functional and be beautiful since it can be crafted from such easy to clean materials as ceramic and stainless steel which are two of the most popular types of kitchen backsplashes. Whether you are changing the look of the backsplash or adding one this can be a quick and easy way to brighten up an existing kitchen.

When selecting a backsplash, it is important to have it match the fixtures in your kitchen, but not the appliances, since they will change over time. The fixtures are more permanent items in the kitchen.

The most popular materials for kitchen backsplashes are ceramic or porcelain tiles, natural stone tiles, glass or metal tiles, and faux painting or wall paper.

Kitchen Backsplash Materials to Consider

When creating a kitchen backsplash consider these materials:

- Ceramic or porcelain tiles

- Natural stone tiles

- Glass tiles

- Metal tiles

- Faux painting or durable wall paper

- Stainless Steel

Tile Backsplashes

The nice thing about using tile as a backspash is that it comes is a huge variety of sizes, colors, textures and shapes. It is even possible to have custom painted tiles to match any theme of design. Also a tile backsplash can be easy to install, as well as easy to clean. Many design experts say that you should consider keeping it simple by choosing the same tile for your kitchen backsplash as you’ve chosen for the floor - just in a smaller size.

Natural Stone Tiles

The most popular natural stone tiles are marble and granite. Of the natural stones marble captures more detail than granite and since it is a softer stone it is good for applications like kitchen backsplashes.

Metal Tiles

This material can work very well for use in country kitchen style backsplashes. The tiles can be installed as the entire surface from counter to the bottom of the cabinets. Brushed aluminum tiles are good for modern or 1950’s retro design kitchens. Metal tiles should match the color of the faucets and lighting.

Glass Tiles

A new design trend in kitchen backspashes is glass. Textured glass tiles are usually installed between the cabinets and counters. Glass is easy to clean and scratch resistant.

Wallpapering Kitchen Backsplashes

Wallpapering kitchen backsplashes can dress up a kitchen will very little work especially with pre-pasted wallpaper which is a lot easier to apply. Also with a small area for the backsplash the job shouldn’t take very much time to complete. Make sure that you choose wallpaper that is washable so that spattering from cooking and splashes can be removed.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Backsplashes

Stainless steel backsplashes are coming back in style because they can create a modern streamlined look to your kitchen. These types of kitchen backsplashes can blend in well with stainless steel kitchen appliances like the stove, refrigerator and dishwasher. Other advantages to stainless steel kitchen backsplashes include being easy to clean and durability.

by James Mahoney

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that is derived from sediments of clay and fine silt. The action of intense heat and pressure changes the original clay into new minerals such as mica, chlorite, and quartz. These natural processes transform the clay into slate. Slates can usually vary in composition, structure, and durability due to the alteration of the minerals being rather inconsistent. This natural process of slate formation has provided this material with certain properties that help to make slate an excellent choice as a kitchen countertop material. It is a natural material that is known for strength and durability, like that found in granite or marble.

Slate can provide an elegance and sophistication to kitchen countertops. Slate is one natural material that has both the strength and durability of granite and marble but without the constant maintenance and care these other surfaces require.

Many people might associate slate as just a material for roofing and outdoor walkways, however slate can be an excellent material for use in kitchen countertops, primarily because slate has a low absorption rate. What this means is that slate kitchen countertops are more stain resistant and less likely to provide a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria.

Many kitchen design professionals regard slate as an even better natural stone surface that marble or granite, since slate kitchen countertops have a low porosity so that this surface requires no sealing. Most slate countertops are considered to be stain-free. Slate countertops look great. So you can see that by selecting slate for kitchen countertops, you are getting a material that has the feel and natural beauty of a natural stone.

While most slate can be darker stone, it is also available in shades of red, green, blue, and purple.

Slate is a dense, sedimentary rock formed over thousands of years that consists of clay and volcanic ash, becoming dense sheets of crystalline mica. A fine-grained natural stone, slate provides a smooth, sleek appearance. Slate is usually available in earthy tones such as greys, reds, and greens. Slate is considered to be a softer stone than granite. Design and application considerations need to be taken into consideration when it comes to providing surfaces with proper application.

Slate countertops are low maintenance and can be kept clean with any household cleaner. To keep slate kitchen countertops protected the use of mineral oil is usually recommended.

Among the characteristics of slate kitchen countertops are that they are impervious to stains, heat, water etc. Slate kitchen countertops are elegant and can be cleaned very easily. They should polished regularly to maintain the shine of the natural stone. Slate kitchen countertops are great for cutting vegetables, preparing, and serving the food.

Slate kitchen countertops can be honed to a smooth, matte (that is, not shiny) finish. This honing process produces a warm, durable surface that is long lasting, strong, simplistic, and natural. Slate kitchen countertops can also be oiled to create a glossier look.

Slate kitchen countertops are available in different shapes, colors and sizes that can go well with some many kitchen design styles.

by James Mahoney

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that is derived from sediments of clay and fine silt. The action of intense heat and pressure changes the original clay into new minerals such as mica, chlorite, and quartz. These natural processes transform the clay into slate. Slates can usually vary in composition, structure, and durability due to the alteration of the minerals being rather inconsistent. This natural process of slate formation has provided this material with certain properties that help to make slate an excellent choice as a kitchen countertop material. It is a natural material that is known for strength and durability, like that found in granite or marble.

Slate can provide an elegance and sophistication to kitchen countertops. Slate is one natural material that has both the strength and durability of granite and marble but without the constant maintenance and care these other surfaces require.

Many people might associate slate as just a material for roofing and outdoor walkways, however slate can be an excellent material for use in kitchen countertops, primarily because slate has a low absorption rate. What this means is that slate kitchen countertops are more stain resistant and less likely to provide a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria.

Many kitchen design professionals regard slate as an even better natural stone surface that marble or granite, since slate kitchen countertops have a low porosity so that this surface requires no sealing. Most slate countertops are considered to be stain-free. Slate countertops look great. So you can see that by selecting slate for kitchen countertops, you are getting a material that has the feel and natural beauty of a natural stone.

While most slate can be darker stone, it is also available in shades of red, green, blue, and purple.

Slate is a dense, sedimentary rock formed over thousands of years that consists of clay and volcanic ash, becoming dense sheets of crystalline mica. A fine-grained natural stone, slate provides a smooth, sleek appearance. Slate is usually available in earthy tones such as greys, reds, and greens. Slate is considered to be a softer stone than granite. Design and application considerations need to be taken into consideration when it comes to providing surfaces with proper application.

Slate countertops are low maintenance and can be kept clean with any household cleaner. To keep slate kitchen countertops protected the use of mineral oil is usually recommended.

Among the characteristics of slate kitchen countertops are that they are impervious to stains, heat, water etc. Slate kitchen countertops are elegant and can be cleaned very easily. They should polished regularly to maintain the shine of the natural stone. Slate kitchen countertops are great for cutting vegetables, preparing, and serving the food.

Slate kitchen countertops can be honed to a smooth, matte (that is, not shiny) finish. This honing process produces a warm, durable surface that is long lasting, strong, simplistic, and natural. Slate kitchen countertops can also be oiled to create a glossier look.

Slate kitchen countertops are available in different shapes, colors and sizes that can go well with some many kitchen design styles.

by James Mahoney

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that is derived from sediments of clay and fine silt. The action of intense heat and pressure changes the original clay into new minerals such as mica, chlorite, and quartz. These natural processes transform the clay into slate. Slates can usually vary in composition, structure, and durability due to the alteration of the minerals being rather inconsistent. This natural process of slate formation has provided this material with certain properties that help to make slate an excellent choice as a kitchen countertop material. It is a natural material that is known for strength and durability, like that found in granite or marble.

Slate can provide an elegance and sophistication to kitchen countertops. Slate is one natural material that has both the strength and durability of granite and marble but without the constant maintenance and care these other surfaces require.

Many people might associate slate as just a material for roofing and outdoor walkways, however slate can be an excellent material for use in kitchen countertops, primarily because slate has a low absorption rate. What this means is that slate kitchen countertops are more stain resistant and less likely to provide a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria.

Many kitchen design professionals regard slate as an even better natural stone surface that marble or granite, since slate kitchen countertops have a low porosity so that this surface requires no sealing. Most slate countertops are considered to be stain-free. Slate countertops look great. So you can see that by selecting slate for kitchen countertops, you are getting a material that has the feel and natural beauty of a natural stone.

While most slate can be darker stone, it is also available in shades of red, green, blue, and purple.

Slate is a dense, sedimentary rock formed over thousands of years that consists of clay and volcanic ash, becoming dense sheets of crystalline mica. A fine-grained natural stone, slate provides a smooth, sleek appearance. Slate is usually available in earthy tones such as greys, reds, and greens. Slate is considered to be a softer stone than granite. Design and application considerations need to be taken into consideration when it comes to providing surfaces with proper application.

Slate countertops are low maintenance and can be kept clean with any household cleaner. To keep slate kitchen countertops protected the use of mineral oil is usually recommended.

Among the characteristics of slate kitchen countertops are that they are impervious to stains, heat, water etc. Slate kitchen countertops are elegant and can be cleaned very easily. They should polished regularly to maintain the shine of the natural stone. Slate kitchen countertops are great for cutting vegetables, preparing, and serving the food.

Slate kitchen countertops can be honed to a smooth, matte (that is, not shiny) finish. This honing process produces a warm, durable surface that is long lasting, strong, simplistic, and natural. Slate kitchen countertops can also be oiled to create a glossier look.

Slate kitchen countertops are available in different shapes, colors and sizes that can go well with some many kitchen design styles.

Granite is an igneous rock, once molten and formed and cooled deep inside the earth. Some types of granite can look very similar to marble.

Granite is believed to be second only to diamonds in its hardness. Kitchen granite countertops are becoming increasingly popular because of this unbeatable toughness. Granite is a durable stone that requires little maintenance and can be highly polished or finished in a variety of ways.

Since granite is a natural material, it is surprising just how many colors are available for kitchen granite countertops. Because granite is quarried from so many parts of the world, the quantity of colors is remarkable. Each kitchen granite countertop can have its own unique pattern of colors, with speckles, splotches and veins.

There is nothing more beautiful than granite for its natural beauty and refinement. Kitchen granite countertops are available in dozens of rich and elegant textures and colors ranging from light-colored accents to the more deeper and darker tones.

Kitchen granite countertops can make a very impressive design statement. Granite kitchen countertops have certainly become the countertop of choice for most kitchen designers because with granite countertops can add to the value of your home. Granite is attractive, easy to maintain, and durable.

Kitchen granite countertops are a beautiful, and affordable natural stone which will add warmth and character to any kitchen. The colors and patterns vary from stone to stone. A kitchen granite countertop is unique in that no two pieces of granite are exactly the same, therefore no two countertops are alike. It also brings a richness and texture to your home that is unmatched by any other material.

Granite is an igneous rock-originating deep in the earth from magma, then cooled slowly with considerable pressure. It makes up about 60% of the Earth’s upper crust. Although it has been around for centuries, granite has been a viable material for kitchen granite countertops just in the past 30 to 40 years.

Granite can be found all over the world. Granite is extremely durable and is the hardest of natural stones for kitchen granite countertops. Granite is composed of quartz and feldspar. It has a very dense grain, which makes it virtually impervious to stains, because it has very little porosity. It takes a highly polished finish and once polished it is completely resistant to liquids.

Other benefits of kitchen granite countertops are the mirror-like finish. Granite countertops can resist extreme heat from frying pans.

A granite kitchen countertop is very easy to maintain and care for. For daily cleaning you just wipe with a soft cloth or paper towel with water.

Some other advantages to having a kitchen granite countertop are that they are affordable, beautiful, the stone changes appearance in different light during the day. One thing you have to watch for is than each granite stone is unique. This can mean that the color in the granite can look different from one day to the next depending on the lighting situation. Lighting can cause a reflection in the granite making one color more dominant. So in picking a color it is a good idea to choose from actual slabs not samples

There can be some other design factors in addition to color that you may need to consider. One is selecting an edge profile. An edge profile is the exposed edge of the countertop. You might also want to consider an undermount sink for your kitchen granite countertop. An undermounted sink would sit under the granite therefore there would be no lip to hit when cleaning around the sink.

To sum up; whether you are remodeling or designing a new kitchen choosing kitchen granite countertops for your home you increase its re-sale value with this important addition to your kitchen and it is one of the best ways to stay green.

Do you have granite or natural marble surfaces in need of repair, refinishing or restoration? The Natural Stone Restoration Alliance has developed a true warranty plan for natural stone surfaces. It’s called the “Oops Factor Plan™”, for the accidental dilemmas that occur like chips, scratches, sealing and staining.

Members of the Natural Stone Restoration Alliance are an independent group of stone restoration professionals specialized in restoring, repairing, and refinishing a wide range of natural stone surfaces. This includes granite, natural marble, travertine and many other natural stone products from all over the world.

Seeing the need for a legitimate warranty program for the maintenance and repair in the natural stone industry, Josveek Huligar, one of the founders of the NSRA, developed a protection plan offered to the homeowner, fabricator or kitchen and bath designer to accommodate the repair needs of natural stone. Finally, there’s a unique plan offered by stone restoration specialists that can accommodate a customer’s post installation stone repair needs. As Josveek claims, “We are sure that you have heard of companies that offer warranties on natural stone. But when you read the fine print, they don’t really warranty anything. NSRA members are kept up to date on the latest restoration techniques. We use state-of-the-art tools and the finest materials for repairs. We follow up on service requests within 72 hours, provide realistic estimates, and we make every effort to schedule and complete work quickly and efficiently. We make the extra effort to be timely and customer-friendly.”

Plans start at as little as $250 a year. The “Oops Factor Plan™” ranges from a basic plan that will keep the stone sealed and protected to a customized plan where all issues of stone are covered; even altering the surface to different finish, if desired by the owner.

Natural Stone Restoration Alliance One Year Residential Natural Stone Protection Plan:

Level One
This basic protection plan covers the most essential needs of your stone surface. This provides the client with a technical evaluation, a professional cleaning is performed, and the freshly cleaned stone is treated to a complete protective sealing.

Level Two
This enhanced plan covers Level One as well as additional repairs. Chips, scratches, etches, stains, and normal wear and tear are also covered. Restrictions apply with relation to settling, intentional neglect, abuse, or seam failure.

Level Three
This advanced plan covers both Level One and Level Two with additional repairs. Additional repairs include customizing seams to make them less noticeable as well as matching and altering the surface the clients’ wishes i.e.: honed, polished, satin, and antiqued. This plan covers all issues with the stone surface: settling, structural settling, and seam failure, natural characteristics of the stone such as fissures, water lines, and color manipulations with the exception of intentional physical abuse or cracking the stone due to excessive weight.

Huligar went on to say “This plan is not designed to eliminate the need for a quality installation. This plan is designed to make sure that the stone holds up to the abuse of the other trades that may be working in the house. How many times have you walked into a room that was under construction and saw coffee spilled all over the stone? What about the plumber and painters who drag their tools over the stone and damaged it? How many times has someone picked the wrong finish for the application or simply had a change of mind about the finish after the stone has already been installed? This is what these three plans protect. That is why it is called oops. If a mistake can happen, we have a plan to fix it.”

To learn more abut these plans, contact your nearest stone supplier or log on to “http://www.nsraweb.com/” to find you’re nearest participating NSRA member.