Goodbye Tile Backsplash - The Solid Material That's Taking Over

Tiled backsplashes have been a staple in most American kitchens for decades. From intricate mosaics to hand-painted ceramics and even the most basic single-color tiles, homeowners tend to choose these materials for their kitchen workstations because of their variety, versatility, and affordability. However, if you've been following the trends, you'd know that colorful glass tiles are so last year. Subway backsplash tiling has also seemingly fallen off the top rankings, as one material is taking center stage and tickling the fancy of many modern home designers. Solid surface stone backsplashes are taking over as designers and homeowners now favor seamlessness and continuity. This means we'll be seeing more kitchens with continuous slabs of marble, quartz, or granite as backsplashes, and less of tiled surfaces with a preponderance of grout lines. 

This uninterrupted design of slabs makes for a modern, high-end look that is effortlessly clean and timeless. Further, this works well when the backsplash serves as a continuation of the countertop for a more homogeneous construction. Stones in warm, neutral hues will be all the rage, and it's something that fits well with the ongoing minimalist trend in interior design.

While the shift to solid stone backsplashes can be driven by the ever-evolving home design styles and trends, it's also not a reach to say that practical advantages make them more alluring than traditional tiles. For one, a single slab is easier to clean than multiple tiles glued to the wall with grout. Its uninterrupted design doesn't require rigorous scrubbing to remove grime buildup in the grout lines, as a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth often already suffices. With tiled backsplashes, many people turn to some of the worst tile and grout cleaners and methods, such as using bleach, acidic cleaners, and other abrasive solutions, to see evident results of dirt, grease, and gunk removal from in between the tiles. With a solid stone backsplash, these cleaners aren't necessary.

Another advantage of having solid backsplashes is the cohesiveness they bring to the kitchen area. Because these slabs are made from the same materials as most countertops, they give the illusion of a bigger or extended workspace, making them an ideal choice for smaller spaces. Not only that, but if both the counter and the backsplash have light hues, they can make the kitchen feel more open by reflecting light in multiple directions. Finally, it's important to note that most stone materials are highly durable and resistant to heat and moisture. They don't easily scratch, chip, or stain compared to standard ceramic tiles.