One of the most popular elements of any home is the kitchen backsplash. Backsplashes are practical and desirable because they protect the walls from stains and water damage — but the benefits don't stop there.

Installing a kitchen or bathroom backsplash can make a real impact on the look and feel of your home. Here is what is worth thinking about before you shop.

A backsplash adds a personal touch to the room's style

Your walls are open canvases. You can add your style to them with paint, but nothing adds a stylish, personal touch like a backsplash in a tile that speaks to you. There are endless tile choices — let your imagination and creativity be your guide and you can have something truly unique to you and your home.

Not all tiles reduce stains or maintenance

If you love to cook and hate to clean, be careful which tiles you choose. Some tile choices add to your maintenance workload instead of reducing it.

We love the look of natural stone, but stone and marble are naturally porous, so they are susceptible to staining and need scheduled maintenance with specialty cleaners and sealers. Small tiles can also need more maintenance, because more grout joints means more places for grease and dirt to take up residence.

If low maintenance is a priority, we recommend ceramic, porcelain, glass or even metal tile. These materials are non-porous, so stains cannot penetrate the surface. We also recommend an upgraded grout with stain-resistant technology built in. And remember: the larger the tile, the fewer grout joints, and the less maintenance.

Think long term

Whenever you invest in your most valuable asset, consider the long term impact. If you plan to live in your home for a very long time, you most likely do not want to be remodeling every few years because a decision as large as tile selection — or which tile contractor you hire — was rushed. It would be a shame to choose something because it was on sale, only to find out there was a reason it was on sale.

If the home is temporary and you plan to put it on the market within a few years, tile choices should be less about what you want and more about the general public. Choose neutral colours and tile that appeal to a larger group of people — think subway tile instead of mosaics. Subway tile is a classic look that has stood the test of time and is always in style.

It is not TV magic

We understand HGTV makes it look as though a kitchen backsplash can be installed, grouted and ready for action in a couple of hours. That is not the case. They call it TV magic in Hollywood, but in the real world there is a lot more involved in producing quality work that will last for generations. Do not rush your decision, and do not choose on something as fleeting as price alone.

Before you hire

Ask your contractor these questions

The answers tell you quickly whether someone has thought the job through.

What grout will you use, and why?
Will you use silicone caulking between the wall and the countertop, or grout that joint?
If you are removing an old backsplash, how will you protect the cabinets and countertops?
How will you protect the rest of the home from fine dust?

Our work