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Overview of Backsplash Types


When designing kitchens and bathrooms, often one of the most visually impactful areas is the backsplash. Backsplash covers most of the walls in a kitchen and can be a focal point in a bathroom, and there are many options for backsplash available. Here are some of the most common types, what they mean for you, and how to prepare for a bid on each.


Tile Backsplash

The most common approach, tile backsplash provides full coverage with a lot of customization options. NOTE: Pius does not offer tile installation.


Pros

Huge variety of options

Potential to inject a lot of personality

Fully protects drywall when sealed

Appears seamless


Cons

Expensive installation cost

Time consuming installation process

Nearly impossible to remove without drywall damage

Will not be an exact match to countertops


Estimating

Tile estimating is typically done by square footage. To approximate the square footage, measure each wall where the countertop hits and add those together. Then, determine the desired height of your backsplash and multiply that by the length you measured previously. HINT: if your tile is going from the countertop to the bottom of the cabinets, you will likely need 18" in height.


Matching 4" Backsplash

The best budget choice, 4" matching backsplash carries the countertop up a portion of the wall.


Pros

Cost effective

Direct match with your countertop

Fast and easy to install, typically done at the same time as countertops

Quick to remove, with minimal damage to walls (NOTE: there will likely still be damage, but only in a 4" height range)


Cons

Only protects 4" of the wall from liquids

Has visible seams depending on wall length

Top lip can gather dust


Estimating

Estimating 4" backsplash only requires the lengths of each wall where the countertop touches the wall.


Full Wall Backsplash

The 'designer' choice, full wall backsplash has seen a huge increase in popularity over the recent years and covers the same area as tile but with a stone slab.


Pros

Visually impactful

Direct match with your countertop

Is installed at the same time as your countertop

Looks very high-end


Cons

Can double the cost of your countertops

Has visible seams depending on wall length

May result in a large amount of material waste

Very hard to remove due to weight, will damage the drywall

Has small gap between top of backsplash and bottom of cabinets


Estimating

Full Wall Backsplash requires the lengths of each wall where the countertop touches and the height you would like the backsplash to reach. You will need to determine whether you want the backsplash to be the same height the full perimeter of the kitchen or if you would like it to run higher in areas above the stove and sink.



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