Different Types of Backsplash for Kitchens & Bathrooms

Ready to choose a backsplash but not sure which material fits your space? At Baker Bros, we know that cost, maintenance, and the type of area play a large role in your choice of backsplash. Here’s our expert guide to the different types of backsplash so you can balance performance, price, and style.

Key takeaways

• Ceramic and porcelain are the most budget-friendly and versatile options.
• Glass is an excellent choice to brighten rooms; metal adds a modern edge.
• Natural stone brings high‑end character but needs sealing and specific care.
• Matching grout and trim pieces is as important as the tile you pick.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is the all‑rounder of backsplashes: widely available, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. You can find it in every size and shape—from classic 3"×6" rectangles to elongated pickets and sculpted reliefs—so it adapts to traditional, modern, or eclectic bathrooms and kitchens. Because trim pieces and bullnoses are easy to source, edges look finished without extra fuss, and day‑to‑day cleaning is as simple as a quick wipe with a pH‑neutral cleaner. 

If you’re planning a DIY project, ceramics’ easier cutting and forgiving glaze options make layout and installation less intimidating while still delivering a polished result.

Porcelain tile

Porcelain ups the performance with a denser body and lower absorption rate than standard ceramic, which means exceptional resistance to water, stains, and everyday wear. It’s a smart choice behind busy cooktops and in kids’ baths where splashes are routine. 

Thanks to high‑definition printing and textured surfaces, porcelain convincingly replicates marble veining, concrete, or even handmade zellige looks—giving you designer style with minimal maintenance. 

Baker Bros Tip: Large formats reduce grout joints for a sleeker appearance, and rectified edges create crisp lines that feel custom.

Glass tile & glass mosaics

Glass tiles are the go‑to when you want light, sparkle, and color. Their reflective surface bounces illumination around small rooms, making compact kitchens and powder baths feel larger. Because glass is translucent, proper substrate prep matters: a smooth, white setting bed keeps shades true and prevents shadows. 

Mesh‑mounted mosaics speed installation and allow for gentle curves around mirrors and sconces. Once installed, upkeep is low—just a soft cloth and mild cleaner—to keep the surface streak‑free and luminous.

Metal tile

Metal backsplashes, whether stainless steel, aluminum, or copper, bring a modern, chef’s kitchen edge and pair beautifully with contemporary appliances. Use them as full panels behind the range for an easy‑wipe splash zone, or introduce metal as an accent strip within ceramic or porcelain fields for a subtle sheen. Because metals can scratch, choose finishes with protective coatings and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance. 

With the right clearances and trim details, metal delivers a bold, architectural statement that’s surprisingly practical.

Natural stone (marble, travertine, slate)

Natural stone offers unmatched character; no two pieces are alike, so the backsplash reads luxurious and bespoke. Honed marble lends classic softness, travertine brings warmth and texture, and slate adds dramatic, earthy depth. 

Stone does however ask for a bit of stewardship: seal after installation and re‑seal as recommended, use stone‑safe cleaners, and wipe spills promptly to avoid etching from cosmetics or acidic foods. 

In return, you get a surface that ages gracefully and elevates surrounding cabinetry, fixtures, and wood tones.

Large‑format & slab backsplashes

If you crave a sleek, low‑maintenance look, consider large‑format tiles or full slabs that run from countertop to cabinets, or even to the ceiling. Bigger pieces mean fewer grout joints, which simplifies cleaning and creates an uninterrupted canvas for stone, concrete, or marble‑look graphics. Porcelain slabs and engineered stone are especially popular here because they deliver dramatic veining with outstanding durability. Plan ahead for outlet placement, seam locations, and safe handling, and you’ll end up with a showpiece wall that wipes clean in seconds.

Grout matters

• Color effects: Dark grout outlines patterns; light grout blends.
• Maintenance: Epoxy or stain‑resistant grouts reduce scrubbing.

Installation & planning tips

• Order 10% coverage; confirm tile design layout and edge details.
• Check electrical outlet spacing to ensure cuts don’t land on narrow tile slivers.
• Protect adjacent floor tiles during demo/installation.
• Work with the pros: When you plan your project with Baker Bros, their expert installers handle every detail — from precise layout to flawless finishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are backsplashes easy to clean? Smooth glazed ceramics and glass are easiest.
Can backsplash tiles go behind a bathroom sink? Yes—just use the right sealants and caulk transitions.
Can I DIY? Small, simple walls are approachable; complex mosaics or slabs are best left to pros.
What height looks current? Counter‑to‑upper‑cabinet, or full‑height around the range/vanity for drama.

Final Thoughts

Ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, and natural stone all make stunning backsplashes. Choose based on splash‑zone durability, maintenance, and the mood you want to create.

Visit your nearest Baker Bros showroom to compare samples and finalize your design.