Is it time to put your kitchen backsplash at the forefront? While it’s easy to think of a backsplash as a background detail, the truth is that a kitchen backsplash is a focal point. The wrong pattern can really bring down a kitchen. Here are seven signs that it’s time to upgrade your kitchen backsplash.
1. There’s a Backsplash Clash
If you’ve updated any of the other elements in your kitchen, a backsplash that simply faded into the background before may suddenly be clashing. People are often surprised to find that their old backsplash is either drawing attention away from other colors in the room or cutting the room in half. That’s why it’s generally recommended that you upgrade your backsplash when updating countertops, floors, or tiles in a kitchen.
2. Your Backsplash Is Stained
Some backsplash options that were popular a few years ago are actually quite porous. That’s why you might be having trouble keeping your backsplash clean. If you’re noticing splatters of tomato sauce or oil that aren’t lifting from your backsplash tiles, it’s a good idea to consider a new option that will easily wipe clean!
3. Your Backsplash Tiles Have Cracked
If you’ve noticed a few cracks in your backsplash, you may be wondering if you can simply swap the damaged tiles for new ones. You may be able to find replacement tiles that match your existing backsplash. However, the truth is that attempting to replace a single tile can be difficult to do without damaging the surrounding tiles. It might be smarter to start over with a more durable material.
4. You’re Changing Themes
It’s always tempting to try to preserve materials you already have in your kitchen when doing a renovation. However, this isn’t always possible when you’re changing the theme of a kitchen. Holding on to an existing backsplash that belonged to one genre can make your upgrade to a new genre unsuccessful because you’ll be designing the new kitchen around a style that you no longer like.
5. You’re Getting New Cabinets
In most cases, the existing dimensions that work with your backsplash won’t necessarily be there when your new cabinets are installed. The last thing you want to do is to limit your cabinet choices by committing to your current backsplash. It’s generally advised to have a backsplash ripped out when old cabinets are being dismantled.
6. Your Kitchen Never Had a Real Backsplash
Did the previous owners of your home use peel-and-stick backsplash tiles to try to do a low-cost kitchen renovation? While they may pass the “quick glance” test, peel-and-stick tiles aren’t designed to be permanent. They will begin to warp and roll up within five years. It’s much wiser to replace temporary backsplash tiles with quality material instead of throwing money at another temporary fix.
7. You Just Need a Change
After staring at the same backsplash while preparing meals in your kitchen for years, you may simply need a change! The good news is that you may be able to refresh your kitchen by updating your backsplash to an airy, modern look. Many people actually get away with keeping their existing countertops if they are in decent shape.