Achieving an Industrial Look with Stainless Steel Kitchen Backsplashes
With their sleek, metallic aesthetic, scuplture can help create an industrial vibe. This durable and stylish backsplash option brings a modern, urban look while also being extremely functional.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Backsplashes
Stainless steel brings some major perks as a backsplash material. Beyond just looking cool and modern, stainless steel backsplashes offer these key advantages:
Sleek, Modern Visual Appeal
With their smooth, metallic finish, stainless steel backsplashes immediately give your kitchen an ultra-modern look. The material reflects light beautifully, adding a bright and airy feel as well as visual interest.
Stainless has a very clean, streamlined aesthetic that pairs perfectly with other contemporary kitchen elements like subway tile, concrete, and exposed ductwork. The modern metallic look acts as an elegant focal point.
Extremely Durable and Easy to Clean
Stainless steel lives up to its name--it's virtually stain-proof. The nonporous surface has a protective layer that repels water, oil, and other liquids, making it very easy to keep clean.
All you need is a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth dampened with soapy water or stainless steel cleaner. Promptly wipe spills and stains, and occasionally polish with olive oil and dry baking soda. Avoid using bleach-based cleaners.
In addition to being stain-resistant, stainless steel is very scratch-resistant and bend-resistant. It stands up exceptionally well to heavy daily use, high heat, and regular cleaning without damage or discoloration.
Resistant to Heat, Moisture, Spills, and Stains
Thanks to its water-resistant properties, stainless steel backsplashes shrug off moisture from splashing or steam. Grease, sauce or coffee splatters are also no match for this durable material.
The stainless surface is heat-resistant up to 1200degF before discoloration occurs. This high heat threshold allows the backsplash to withstand both routine cooking jobs as well as hot oil splatter mishaps.
Achieving an Industrial Look in Your Kitchen
What exactly gives stainless steel backsplashes their cool, urban edge? It's all about thoughtfully contrasting and complementing the backsplash with other industrial-inspired elements.
Exposed Metals and Pipes
Let stainless steel backsplashes shine by pairing them with other unadorned metals. Exposed silver ductwork, brass fixtures, iron beams, or chrome shelving work wonderfully to enhance the edgy metallic look.
Minimalist, Unfinished Aesthetic
Simplify your kitchen's look with plain Shaker-style cabinetry fronts sans ornate trim. Concrete, wood plank, or color-blocked quartz counters also embody industrial minimalism. Stick to a neutral color palette of blacks, whites and grays.
Abundant Natural Light
Sunlight bouncing off a stainless backsplash can illuminate a kitchen beautifully. Knocking down walls for an open floorplan also enhances light.
Mix of Textures & Materials
Beyond metals, incorporate other urban-style materials like weathered wood, brick, concrete, glass and leather for eclectic contrast.
Styles of Stainless Steel Backsplashes
These days, stainless steel backsplashes come in a range of styles. Consider what look you want before choosing an option.
Finishes: Brushed or Polished
Brushed stainless has fine etched lines running in one direction for a soft, matte look. Polished varieties have smooth, shiny mirrors and reflect more light.
Patterns: Subway Tiles or Geometric
For a brick warehouse aesthetic, stainless steel subway tiles in offset grid or herringbone patterns work wonderfully. Or go for a modular 3D honeycomb layout.
Installations: Full Sheets or Partial Accents
Full backsplashes provide maximum contemporary flair, but partial stainless accents can save money while still making a statement. Try behind the stove or sink only.
Installing Stainless Steel Backsplashes
Installing stainless steel backsplash tiles or sheets has some nuances. We recommend hiring professionals, but DIYers can tackle it too. Follow these tips:
Prepare the Wall
Start with an intact, ultra smooth, clean, and dry wall. Sand off old adhesive or grout bumps for flat surface. Stud markers ensure backsplash panels are firmly screwed into place.
Use Heavy-Duty Adhesives
Construction adhesive suited for metals or 100% silicone caulk strongly adhere stainless panels. Apply evenly across entire back panel.
Cut Precisely for Seamless Fit
Measure twice and cut once. For a smooth overall look, precisely trim panels around outlets, corners and edges. Use aviation snips.
Pairing Stainless Steel Backsplashes
What finish should your countertops and cabinets be? Stainless steel backsplashes pair beautifully with different materials and colors.
Matching Stainless Steel
For a sleek, uniform appearance, install coordinating stainless steel countertops and even stainless cabinets or shelving.
Contrasting Counters: Stone or Quartz
Backsplashes pop against organic backdrops like granite, soapstone or marble. Crisp white quartz also complements nicely.
Warm Wood Cabinets & Shelving
The natural wood grain and texture of Shaker cabinets, open shelving or butcher block counters can offset stainless backsplashes elegantly. Walnut and oak suit best.
Vintage Accents
A retro chrome dinette set, antique floor lamp or refurbished factory cart lend industrial flair.
Caring for Stainless Steel Backsplashes
With minimal care, your stainless steel backsplash will maintain its good looks for years.
Use Gentle Cleaners
Avoid abrasive scouring powders, steel wool pads, and acidic cleaners that could eventually scratch the finish or erode the protective layer. Mild dish soap, white vinegar, olive oil or special stainless steel cleaners work well for grease, hard water spots and fingerprints.
Promptly Clean Spills
Immediately wiping corrosive substances like tomato sauce, wine or pickle juice prevents staining and pitting corrosion. Oxalic acid products restore discoloration.
Protect the Surface
Apply food-safe sealants to safeguard against scratches and water spots. Reapply protective coatings every 6 months or as needed.
With minimal care, your stainless steel backsplash will maintain its sleek good looks for years of stylish function.
With their modern metallic aesthetic, stainless steel backsplashes can transform kitchens from drab to dramatic. Sleek, durable and easy to maintain, stainless backsplashes make the perfect focal point for contemporary, urban-inspired cooking spaces.
Bringing an on-trend, industrial edge to your kitchen is effortless with stainless steel backsplashes. Their eye-catching luster and texture will make whipping up epicurean creations a pleasure.
By thoughtfully integrating exposed metals, streamlined cabinets, ample lighting and vintage accents, your stainless steel backsplash can help achieve the urban loft kitchen of your dreams.