Why do you need a backsplash in a bathroom?
The reason is practical: a bathroom backsplash protects the wall behind the sink from rot, mold and mildew. Beyond that, a backsplash can provide a lot of design appeal.
Do you need a backsplash for a sink counter?
If you have a sink counter that does not butt up against the wall (a pedestal sink, for example), your need for a backsplash is only aesthetic. For either applications, kitchen or bathroom, a backsplash is essentially your last line of defense before water, grease, food, or damaging items reach your wall.
Do you have a backsplash in your powder Bath?
If you're using wallpaper, that gives some protection on the wall and you can get away without doing a splash. I have no backsplash at all in my powder bath that has a pedestal sink with wallpaper on the walls. I’ve never had any water issues there and we use that bathroom a lot.
Do you need a backsplash for a small kitchen?
"All kitchens and bathrooms need a backsplash — even if it's a small one," interior designer and creative director Sheila Bridges tells Hunker. "Backsplashes don't have to be ceramic tile. They can be stone, laminate, mirror, tempered glass, or washable wallpaper. There are lots of creative and colorful options that can work." 3.
Is it OK to not have a backsplash?
Most designers will recommend that you use a backsplash because they prevent water, grease, and other liquids from damaging the wall behind it. Designer Ashley Fong tells us that, You don't need a backsplash, but without one, your wall is exposed and will require a higher level of maintenance.
Why do vanities come without backsplash?
In many ways, the backsplash will protect the wall behind the vanity, but this is only from the water that can enter from above. Since paint by itself doesn't provide any protection for the wall the vanity sits up against, it is a good idea to take the extra step of waterproofing the wall.
Is it OK to not have a backsplash on bathroom vanity?
There are many dangers of having a bathroom vanity without a backsplash. Some include: Wall and paint damage: Water can seep and sit behind your bathroom sink. And, even if you used waterproof paint, you'll still have issues and damage can occur with constant water contact.
What can I use instead of a backsplash?
Beautiful Backsplash Alternatives To TilePaint, Stencils, or Prints. Paint is a great way to liven up the area under your cabinets. ... Wallpaper and Peel and Stick Coatings. Wallpaper or contact paper can be a great way to spice up your backsplash area. ... Wood. Wainscoting. ... Brick. ... Stone. ... Metal. ... Glass. ... Small-Object Mosaic.
Do I need to tile behind vanity?
It isn't imperative to tile behind a vanity unit and whether or not you choose to do so depends entirely on your own preferences. Some homeowners choose to begin their bathroom updates by tiling the wall and then adding the vanity unit, simply because it suits them and it's how they would like to approach the project.
Are side splashes necessary?
If it's a powder bath or a bath that is used by guests, I would say they'll likely be more tidy and you don't have to worry as much about splash. If you're using wallpaper, that gives some protection on the wall and you can get away without doing a splash.
Are 4 inch backsplashes outdated?
One fear that many have when it comes to a 4-inch granite backsplash is that the concept is outdated. However, this is far from the truth. While the style has come under fire in recent years for its dated appearance, you can easily modernize your backsplash to give it a unique and fresh appearance.
How do you attach a backsplash to a vanity?
1:252:50Soterra Vanity & Backsplash Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce the vanity is in place use the caulk finishing tool to clean any caulk that may have used outMoreOnce the vanity is in place use the caulk finishing tool to clean any caulk that may have used out lay the backsplashes face down on the counter.
What is a backsplash in a bathroom?
A backsplash is an opportunity for layering the design of the bathroom with color, texture, and shapes.". 2. There's more flexibility in materials than you think. "All kitchens and bathrooms need a backsplash — even if it's a small one," interior designer and creative director Sheila Bridges tells Hunker.
Why do you put a backsplash behind a sink?
1. Cleaning the wall will be easier. "I would always recommend a backsplash behind a bathroom sink not only for its functionality, which is to keep the wall easily wipeable and prevent water to go behind the vanity," award-winning designer Marie Burgos tells Hunker, "but mostly for the opportunity of design that a backsplash represents. ...
Is a backsplash a necessity?
"Although backsplashes are not always a necessity, they are practical against water splashing in a busy bathroom but can also add another layer to the design aesthetic when using options beyond the traditional 4-to-6-inch counter splash," Wendy Yates of Abigail-Elise Design Studio tells Hunker. "Whether you choose a full wall, tile border, or extend the countertop, we suggest thinking big, bold, and implementing something sustainable."
Why do we need a backsplash?
They also help protect the wall against grease splatter when cooking or food splatter during meal preparation . Backsplashes are more than just functional, though. Built with care and an eye toward aesthetics, backsplashes can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen or bathroom—almost like a permanent picture on the wall.
What is a backsplash in a kitchen?
A backsplash is a vertical extension to a counter—typically a kitchen or a bathroom counter. A backsplash can extend a few inches high or it can go as high as the ceiling . The purpose of a backsplash is primarily functional. It protects the wall behind the sink against water damage from inadvertent splashing. ...
What is the best material for a backsplash?
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile. Ceramic tile and porcelain are common backsplash materials. Vitreous (slick surfaced) ceramic tile or porcelain offer good wipe-down ability, no small thing when dealing with behind-stove grease splatter. Ceramic is also cost-efficient.
Where are backsplashes found?
This paint layer is protected against wear and tear and is virtually impossible to scrape or scratch. Backsplashes of this type are mainly found in kitchens and sometimes in bathrooms, directly behind sinks and usually stretching the entire length of the counter and up to the ceiling. Read More.
Do you need a backsplash for a pedestal sink?
If you have a sink counter that does not butt up against the wall (a pedestal sink, for example), your need for a backsplash is only aesthetic. For either applications, kitchen or bathroom, a backsplash is essentially your last line of defense before water, grease, food, or damaging items reach your wall.
Can you use a backsplash in a bathroom?
Even if you can control the water, the walls may become damaged from items accidentally pushed up against them: knives, cutting boards, food, and more. In bathrooms, a backsplash is still recommended, though it is possible to do without a backsplash in some situations.
What does a bathroom look like without a backsplash?
Boring, plain bathroom look: Without a bathroom vanity tile backsplash, your bathroom may look plain. Backsplashes add a little color. There are various patterns, colors, materials, and shapes you can choose from. Mold and mildew: Drywall can develop a hidden mildew and mold problem. Mold can grow without being detected and spread to other areas ...
What is the best backsplash material for a bathroom?
When done properly, washable wallpaper can instantly transform your bathroom. Laminate: Smooth, seamless, and often a solid color, laminate is the best backsplash material for cleaning up and protecting your walls.
How high should a backsplash be?
The most common backsplash height is 4″ from the countertop, and is ideal for protecting most walls. However, depending on the height of your faucet, you might need a higher backsplash. Some homeowners prefer to double the standard 4″ backsplash to 8″, or even extend the backsplash up to the ceiling.
What are the dangers of not having a bathroom vanity?
There are many dangers of having a bathroom vanity without a backsplash. Some include: Wall and paint damage: Water can seep and sit behind your bathroom sink. And, even if you used waterproof paint, you’ll still have issues and damage can occur with constant water contact.
What is the best material for a bathroom vanity?
Granite: This is a common vanity material for a bathroom. Granite is simple to clean and beautiful. A standard granite vanity will usually come with a 4″ matching granite backsplash. Marble: You can add a healthy dose of grandeur to your bathroom space with marble.
What to use to clean a backsplash?
They’re simple to maintain and clean. Typically, you’d just use a cloth and some mild soap. The organic veining and coloring create a luxurious and stylish vibe that other types of backsplashes can’t match. Glass: Glass tiles are crafted from thin glass pieces with the back of each tile having a translucent glaze.
Does a bathroom backsplash protect against mold?
Mold can grow without being detected and spread to other areas of your home without your knowledge. Not to mention, bathroom mold is also a health hazard and can cause substantial damage. A backsplash will protect against mold and mildew growth.
Why do you need a backsplash in a bathroom?
The reason is practical: a bathroom backsplash protects the wall behind the sink from rot, mold and mildew. Beyond that, a backsplash can provide a lot of design appeal. Let’s start with the practical reasons for a vanity backsplash and then look at how it can be used to enhance your bathroom aesthetic.
How high should a bathroom backsplash be?
Bathroom Vanity Backsplash Height. A bathroom vanity backsplash should extend a minimum of 4 inches from the countertop along the width of the vanity. This will protect the most vulnerable areas of the wall behind your bathroom sink or sinks. However, the height of your faucets can make a higher backsplash necessary.
What is the most common bathroom vanity material?
Granite is the most common bathroom vanity material. And your standard granite vanity comes with a 4-inch matching granite backsplash. For this reason, it can appear ho-hum. But granite is also beautiful and easy-to-clean. To go for a more customized look, pick out a slab from the showroom for your countertop and consider a higher than average backsplash to match. Or, think about building a backsplash that combines granite and another textured tile like glass mosaic to add another layer of intrigue.
How high should a bathroom faucet be?
These faucet types, though, are higher than 4 inches, and may extend 8 inches from the vanity countertop. So for these kind of faucets, you would want an 8-inch high vanity backsplash at a minimum. However, even if you are using a standard-height bathroom faucet and a 4-inch tall backsplash could work, you still might not want that.
What happens if you don't have a backsplash on a vanity?
If your vanity has no backsplash to protect it, the drywall will collect moisture. That may sound harmless, but it’s not. In fact, you probably won’t realize until it’s too late that the drywall has warped or rotted.
How high should a faucet spout be?
If your faucet spout is higher than 4 inches, then you’ll need a backsplash to match the faucet height. Roman and Waterfall faucets, for example, can add a regal and spa-like design element to any bathroom. (Find the ideal type of bathtub faucet for your bathroom here.)
What to do after ripping out a bathroom vanity?
After ripping out the bathroom vanity, a contractor uses a moisture meter to check for water damage. Think of your bathroom vanity without a backsplash as a person outside in a rainstorm without an umbrella. After all, the wall behind your sink most likely is splattered again and again.
What to look for in a bathroom backsplash?
The most important thing to look for in a backsplash is how well it will protect your wall. The bathroom is a hotspot for inadvertent splashing or damage on the walls, which can lead to a drywall getting damaged and getting moldy or warped. Damage to drywall can be irreversible and can become extremely difficult to replace. And yes, it does take a lot of water to cause that amount of damage, but after months and years of constant use that a bathroom deals with, that kind of damage will keep building up. A little extra information on the great use of a backsplash can be found here.
What materials are used for a backsplash?
This creates a wide range of materials, including things such as glass, wood planks, or brick. A lot of these materials are budget-friendly, so it makes for a great combination of creativity and a project that is easy on the wallet. With different materials comes with a different variety of benefits, such as a different texture or a range of colors that the stores don’t quite provide. It creates more ways to add a personal touch when decorating a house while also having the many benefits that come with a backsplash. It becomes a lot easier to choose and decorate once all of the options are laid out, and with a variety of materials, it becomes a lot more interesting.
Reader Question (Kids Bath)
"On the kids bath I was going to do a 3x5 white subway, brickset, and do all 3 walls from counter to ceiling, and line up the edge of the tile with the end of the counter. (This is actually a jack and jill with two sink areas that are the same, except one has doorway on both side walls and one of them just has a doorway on the left sidewall.)"
Reader Response (Powder Bath)
"On the half bath, I was going to do a 12x24 wavy texture white tile, stacked (contempo mashup) and do the entire back wall, including behind the toilet area from floor to ceiling.
What is wainscoting backsplash?
Wainscoting is a sheath that goes over the lower half of a wall. It is often used decoratively and topped with a chair-rail. However, if your wainscoting is installed behind the appliances, sink, and kitchen counters and comes up several inches to three feet above the cooking surface - it can be your backsplash instead.
Can you clean the wall behind a kitchen counter?
It is impossible to clean the wall behind your counter and behind emplaced kitchen appliances. So having a surface that curves up from the cooking surface is essential to prevent problematic crumbs or spills.
Does drywall get along with paint?
Moisture and drywall do not get along, and neither do food residue and paint. The painted drywall of your kitchen - the parts not covered by cabinets and appliances - is still susceptible to moisture and will crumble if soaked regularly. A backsplash is particularly important behind the sink for this reason.
Can you wash paint on drywall?
Paint on drywall is not always scrubbable. Even washable paint can take damage when cleaning up a serious mess. Backsplashes are designed to both contain mess and to be safely cleaned endless times.
Can you use tile as a backsplash?
Tiled walls and painted brick can also serve as a backsplash. If you're not thrilled about installing a traditional backsplash, you can use matching tile or bricks to provide the same purpose without having your backsplash space stand out in the room.
Can you use enameled cabinets as a backsplash?
By installing enameled surfaces or even using built-in enameled cabinetry as your backsplash, you can skip the traditional backsplash installation.
