Why Solid Slab Kitchen Backsplashes Are Trending

Designing your dream kitchen is no joke. With so many decisions to make, it can seem like a never-ending task. From choosing your flooring and appliances to the cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures, there’s a lot to sort through. Why add another item to the list? Instead of opting for traditional backsplash tile, many homeowners are sticking to the latest trend — a solid slab backsplash.

Instead of selecting a backsplash that perfectly complements your kitchen, you can continue your marble, quartz, granite, or concrete countertops up the wall to create a seamless transition. This luxury trend not only looks impressive but offers homeowners many advantages. If you’re considering a solid slab backsplash, we’ve put together an outline of the benefits to help sway your decision.

The Benefits of Solid Stone Backsplash

Unlike a traditional backsplash that consists of tile and grout, a solid slab backsplash is made with a continuous slab of natural stone that seamlessly transitions from the countertops up the wall of your kitchen. This creates an elevated appearance that is truly one-of-a-kind to your space — no matter the style or aesthetic you’re going for. While you’ll most commonly find a solid backsplash in a modern kitchen, they’ve become increasingly popular in a range of kitchens from rustic to traditional. Need kitchen backsplash ideas for your upcoming remodel? Here are a few of the many benefits you’ll experience when installing a solid stone backsplash during your home remodeling project.

Seamless Design

There’s no easier way to elevate your kitchen’s appearance than with a solid slab backsplash. Because the countertop slab continues up the wall, it creates a clean aesthetic that is subtle yet captivating. With a traditional tile backsplash, the wall is often broken up by the tile pattern and accompanying grout lines — which can be a sight for sore eyes! Nix the grout and opt for a minimalist look with a solid slab.

Appearance

When you’re strapped for square footage in your kitchen, you’re probably looking for ways to make the room feel larger than it is. Mixing too many colors and materials can end up making the room feel more claustrophobic, which is why a solid slab backsplash can help open up the room. Instead of using tiles that can make a small kitchen appear busier, it will create a clean slate as the kitchen’s backdrop and make the room feel much less crowded.

Focal Point

There’s no greater feeling than seeing your guests’ expressions when they step into your newly remodeled kitchen for the first time. Whether you opt for quartz, marble, granite, or another material, a solid slab backsplash is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This is especially helpful if you’re leaning towards a more minimalist design where you don’t want anything too eccentric as the focal point. Instead, you can rely on your backsplash’s sophistication and beauty to speak for itself.

Affordable

Due to a solid slab backsplash’s luxurious appearance, it’s a common misconception that it’s often out of a homeowner’s price range. Depending on the material you select for your countertops, it typically isn’t that much more expensive to install a solid slab instead of a traditional tile backsplash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What material should you use for your solid slab backsplash?

When deciding on the ideal material for your solid slab backsplash, you need to consider how it will be as your kitchen countertops as well. No two families are the same, which means you need to understand the pros and cons of each option to determine the right choice for your kitchen. Three of the most popular options for solid slab backsplashes are granite, marble, and quartz.

The placement of your backsplash plays a big part in your choice. Will the backsplash run along the wall behind the kitchen sink? Is the solid slab backsplash directly next to your oven or stove? If the solid slab backsplash is applied in a location where it runs the risk of getting wet or being exposed to excess moisture, quartz’s moisture-resistant properties make it a great match. Similarly, granite and marble perform optimally when placed beside heat — ensuring they won’t experience any damage when alongside your oven or stove.

Ultimately, you need to decide on the look you’re going for and then determine the properties your countertops must have. Once you’ve narrowed down your wants versus your needs, you can begin exploring the options available for your countertops and solid slab backsplash.

How much does a solid slab backsplash cost?

The cost of your solid slab backsplash will depend on the material you select and how much material is needed. On average, both quartz and marble slab backsplashes will cost an average of $90 per square foot. A granite backsplash will cost an average of $50 per square foot but can range up to $75 per square foot. While a solid slab backsplash will always cost more than a traditional tile backsplash, it’s a great investment that will require little to no maintenance over the years.

How thick should a solid slab backsplash be?

The thickness of your solid slab backsplash is dependent on the material you choose. In most cases, you can expect the slab to be anywhere between 3/4? and 1 1/4? thick. If you have a preference for the thickness of the slab backsplash, you can usually request it. While a thinner slab will be less weight for the wall to handle, you want to make sure it still looks sophisticated and charming from the side view (where you may want it to be a bit thicker). When in doubt, make your slab backsplash the same thickness as your countertop.

Is a solid slab backsplash easy to maintain?

No one likes to spend their free time tidying up the kitchen, especially if a little bit of extra elbow grease is required. As a low maintenance option, you’ll be sure to win back some free time with a solid slab backsplash. With a tile backsplash, dirt, grime, and food debris often cakes itself onto the tiles and the grout. After a while, you may find yourself with a toothbrush scrubbing the grout to get it looking like new. Instead, you can install a solid slab backsplash with no grout lines, making for an easy wipe down to keep it appearing its best! Whatever cleaning products you use on your counters will also work on your backsplash.