The Benefits Of Solid Glass For Your Kitchen Backsplash

Whether you're starting with a blank slate or upgrading an existing space, there are tons of tiny details to consider when designing a new kitchen. The backsplash options alone can feel overwhelming with everything from natural stones and ceramic tiles to faux wood and vinyl wallpaper available. However, if you're looking to open up a cramped kitchen with the perfect backsplash, then solid glass is worth your consideration. It's a different option that glass tiles, which have grout lines and seams that make them difficult to clean. 

A glass sheet backsplash is an effective way to reflect light throughout your kitchen, essentially making the space feel bigger and more open. But, they offer several other benefits as well. Solid glass sheet backsplashes are a neutral enough option that they fit in seamlessly with most home decor aesthetics. So whether you're going for farmhouse fab or industrial chic, glass backsplashes have you covered. The cleanup for this hygienic option is a breeze, and while the cost is on the higher end, it's often a good investment due to its low maintenance needs. If you're ready to explore creative backsplash ideas for your kitchen, it's time to get familiar with the benefits of solid glass.

One of the biggest benefits of a solid glass backsplash is how easy it is to clean. If you're an avid home cook, spills and splatters are bound to happen during food preparation, but a glass backsplash makes easy work of those often bothersome kitchen messes. Without joints and grout lines in the way, you're left with a smooth, flat surface that can easily be wiped down with your preferred cleaning spray and a microfiber cloth. Porous grout lines are often challenging to clean, so eliminating them gives you a break when cleaning. The lack of joints and grout also means you won't need to seal and re-seal your backsplash in order to protect it from moisture buildup, adding to the low-maintenance nature of this option.

Unlike certain stones and types of tiles, glass is a non-porous material, meaning it's naturally resistant to things like stains, mold, and mildew. That keeps it looking great for longer. Additionally, glass is a durable material that's less likely to endure scratching. Scratches on your backsplash create the perfect environment for bacteria, water, and stains to build up. With that in mind, glass is not 100% scratch proof, so avoid using abrasive cleaning tools and methods when washing your backsplash.

As mentioned previously, glass excels at reflecting light and making your kitchen feel brighter and more open. While this bright, open feeling certainly adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the space, it's also handy for safety reasons. Whether you're chopping food with a sharp knife or boiling water, a bright work area that lets you clearly see what your doing decreases the risk of accidents.

If you're concerned that a large clear glass sheet backsplash is a little too plain or minimalistic for your style, don't fret. Many manufacturers offer colored glass options as well. You can find a range of shades, including light blue, orange, purple, green, and pink. More neutral options, like light grays and browns, are also available, making it easy to find a color that works perfectly with your existing kitchen decor. Alternatively, you can place a clear glass backsplash over a wall that's already painted or wallpapered, allowing that to shine through. Just ensure the walls are perfectly clean before trying this application so that you don't accidentally trap loose dust or food stains behind the glass forever.

So now you know that a glass sheet backsplash is easy to clean, looks beautiful, and reflects light well, but what about the cost? Unfortunately, solid glass sheets are on the more expensive side of kitchen backsplash materials, costing about $40 to $60 per square foot. If you plan on having a professional install your backsplash (which you should), you will endure an even higher upfront cost. However, because there are little to no upkeep or maintenance costs, your glass sheet backsplash is an investment that you can enjoy for years to come.

Additionally, glass is a great natural insulator. This means your backsplash can help keep things warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which is a big help when the utility bill comes due. If you ever grow tired of your backsplash, it will still be 100% recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice as well. With so many hygienic, aesthetic, and eco-friendly benefits, it's easy to call a solid glass sheet backsplash a worthwhile purchase.