Backsplash Basics: Choosing the Right Look for your Kitchen

The backsplash is one of the smallest surfaces in your kitchen — and one of the biggest opportunities to make it feel finished. Whether you're leaning classic or want something that makes a statement, here's a rundown of the most popular backsplash options we help clients choose between and what to know before committing to one.

Classic & Timeless

Subway tile: Still the most requested option for good reason — affordable, endlessly versatile, and it works in almost any kitchen style. Herringbone or stacked layouts and colored grout are easy ways to make it feel current.

Natural stone: Marble, travertine, and limestone bring warmth and texture that tile can't fully replicate. It needs regular sealing to resist staining near the stove, but the character is hard to beat.

Handmade zellige tile: Slightly irregular, glossy, and full of subtle variation — zellige gives a kitchen a one-of-a-kind, artisan look. Expect a higher price point and a bit more planning around layout.

Bold & Modern

Full-height slab backsplash: One continuous slab of quartz, quartzite, or porcelain from counter to cabinet — virtually no grout lines to clean and a sleek, seamless look that's become one of the most requested upgrades this year.

Bookmatched stone: Two adjoining slabs cut from the same block and mirrored to create a striking, symmetrical pattern — a true showpiece behind a range or on a feature wall.

Colorful or patterned tile: Bold hues, geometric shapes, and hand-painted patterns are showing up more as homeowners look to add personality without redoing the whole kitchen.

Choosing a backsplash comes down to balancing style, maintenance, and budget — and getting the material and installation right the first time. At Stake Construction, our team helps clients weigh these options against their kitchen, their habits, and their goals for the space.