Metal Kitchen Backsplashes - An Easy Update
Upgrading your kitchen's style doesn't have to involve a major renovation. Installing a metal backsplash provides an affordable yet dramatic update to any kitchen's look and feel. With custom sizing available, metal backsplashes can be tailored to fit perfectly into any space. Let's explore the unique benefits metal backsplashes offer and how to integrate them into your home.
Why Choose a Metal Backsplash?
Metal backsplashes provide many practical and aesthetic advantages over traditional backsplash materials like ceramic, glass, or stone:
- Durability - Metal backsplashes are extremely durable, able to withstand high heat, grease, steam, and the normal wear and tear of a kitchen without damage.
- Ease of Maintenance - Metal requires very little maintenance, just occasional wiping with a damp cloth to maintain its gleaming finish.
- Design Versatility - Metals like stainless steel, copper, bronze, and tin are available in various finishes to match any style from modern to farmhouse. Mix metal tones and textures for added visual interest.
- Customization - Get a backsplash created in the exact dimensions needed for a flawless fit. Fully customize the look with personalized shapes, inlays, and designs.
- Cost Effectiveness - Metal backsplash sheets provide cost savings over purchasing individual tile pieces. Peel-and-stick tiles offer budget-friendly options starting under $5 per square foot.
Beyond their intrinsic strengths, metal backsplashes also elevate the overall aesthetic of a kitchen. Their sleek, smooth finish lends a refined yet understated elegance. Like jewelry for the kitchen, a metal backsplash unifies the space while providing an artistic focal point.
Most Popular Metal Backsplash Options
From traditional to ultra-modern, metal backsplashes complement any existing decor. Here are some of the most sought-after metal styles:
Stainless Steel
A stainless steel backsplash gives kitchens an industrial, professional look. The versatile metal pairs well with any cabinetry from dark wood to high-gloss white. Brushed stainless steel has a softly textured finish that masks fingerprints and water spots. Highly polished stainless steel provides maximum shine and light reflection.
Copper
Warm copper backsplashes infuse kitchens with a natural, organic beauty. Over time, copper develops a unique patina and soft green oxidation. Use patina-forming copper cleaners to accelerate the aging process. To maintain copper's enduring shine, apply a copper polish monthly.
Tin
Tin backsplashes offer a distressed, vintage appearance reminiscent of antique furnishings and architectural tin ceilings. Natural tin backsplashes feature subtle brushed detailing, while antiqued and verdigris finishes show beautifully aged, timeworn character. Pair vintage tin with brass fixtures and reclaimed wood for a fitting farmhouse vibe.
Aluminum
Sleek aluminum backsplashes give contemporary kitchens a refined, aspirational look. Extremely lightweight aluminum installs with ease using silicone adhesive. It's available in soft brushed finishes along with shiny mirror-polished and distressed patinas. Integrate aluminum backsplashes into minimalist, modern spaces.
Get Creative with Metal Backsplash Designs
Metal backsplashes allow for creative applications that make them stand out as true artistic showpieces. Consider these unique design ideas:
- Use an expansive metal backsplash to highlight a pro-style stove or sink installation.
- Combine mixed metals like stainless steel, copper, and brass tiles for an eclectic look.
- Fabricate your backsplash in metal with customized cut-outs, special shapes, and special details.
- Install a full accent wall with metal tiles as an artistic focal point in an open kitchen.
- Choose bolder colored metals like black stainless, bronze, rose gold, or navy blue for dramatic impact.
- Incorporate metal inlays, medallions, or geometric patterns for added visual interest.
For a truly bespoke kitchen backsplash, many metal suppliers offer full custom design services to create something tailored to your unique taste and space.
How to Install a Metal Backsplash
Installation of metal backsplashes is a relatively straightforward DIY project, or can be professionally installed in a day or less. Here's an overview of metal backsplash installation techniques:
Stainless Steel Backsplash Installation
For lightweight stainless steel sheets under 4 lbs per square foot, use silicone adhesive to attach the backsplash directly to the wall. Prepare surfaces for best adhesion by sanding walls and degreasing the metal. Screws can provide extra support if needed.
Heavier gauge stainless steel exceeding 4 lbs per square foot should be screw-mounted into wall studs. Pre-drill holes in the stainless steel to avoid buckling and use trim pieces to hide raw edges. Use a laser level to ensure even alignment.
Copper Backsplash Installation
Solid copper weighs over 4 lbs per square foot, so screwing it directly into studs provides the most secure installation. Use a laser level for precision. Carefully seal seams with silicone caulk rated for copper to prevent moisture damage and match the finish.
Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Installation
Peel-and-stick metal backsplash tiles require no messy adhesive or grout. Simply peel off each tile's adhesive backing and press onto the prepared wall surface. Use a grout pen in coordinating colors to finish seams for a polished look.
Cost to Install a Metal Backsplash
Here are typical price ranges to budget for your new metal backsplash, excluding demolition of any existing backsplash:
- Metal backsplash tiles: $15 - $50 per sq. ft. installed
- Metal backsplash sheets: $20 - $40 per sq. ft. installed
- Professional installation fees: $3 - $15 per sq. ft.
Ways to reduce installation costs include:
- Installing the backsplash yourself
- Choosing budget-friendly metals like tin or aluminum
- Using backsplash sheets instead of individual tiles
- Selecting smaller sized or peel-and-stick tiles
- Installing only behind a stove or sink instead of a full wall
Be sure to get detailed estimates from metal backsplash suppliers and installers. Exact costs depend on factors like material, size, custom designs, and local labor rates.
Caring for a Metal Backsplash
Metal backsplashes are designed to be easy to maintain. Follow these simple care guidelines:
- Clean with a mild detergent and soft cloth regularly.
- Rinse and dry completely after cleaning to prevent water spots.
- Immediately clean any grease splatters to avoid buildup.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads and powders which can scratch.
- Use a metal polish monthly on finished like copper or stainless steel to retain luster.
- Re-apply protective sealer yearly for untreated metals like aluminum or tin.
Metal backsplashes resist damage from high heat and moisture. Take care to thoroughly dry surfaces near sinks and appliances to limit water contact. Implement these simple care steps and your metal backsplash will maintain its stellar look for decades.
Metal backsplashes have sleek finishes, custom sizes, and are durable. A metal backsplash elevates a kitchen's decor as both a practical sanitary barrier and an artistic element that catches the eye. For a quick yet high-impact upgrade, metal backsplashes make renovating easy and attainable without the need for a full kitchen overhaul.