Whether it’s a small 4-inch backsplash or a full-height backsplash that covers the wall up to the cabinets, granite is one of the most common backsplash materials considered for kitchens. Oftentimes, you can get granite backsplashes cut from the same slab as your countertops.
Nonetheless, there are many pros and cons to granite as backsplash protection, no matter the size.
So before you go attaching heavy pieces of rock to your kitchen walls, read over these pros and cons presented by Kitchen Infinity to decide whether a granite backsplash is right for you!
Granite Backsplash Basics
Granite backsplashes are usually cut from the same slab as granite countertops, so they match perfectly. Most of the time, a granite backsplash is 1.25 inches thick (3cm) and has a square edge at the top, even if the countertop has a curved edge. The backsplash is attached to the wall with adhesive silicone and any gaps are filled in with caulk.
The granite is perfect for cleaning – it’s heat resistant and stain resistant, so spilled liquids and spitting frying pan oil will wipe off easily, unlike tile backsplashes where dirt gets stuck in the grout lines. If you’re after a stylish and easy-to-clean backsplash, granite is the perfect solution.
4 Pros of Granite Backsplash
So, you want a granite backsplash for your new kitchen? Good idea! Here are the 4 main advantages of a granite backsplash:
Pro #1: They’re undeniably stylish
The look of a granite backsplash is super stylish and chic, especially if it blends in with granite countertops seamlessly. Although the full-height versions can start to look a little “much”, a 4-inch backsplash for granite perfectly protects your wall from food and grease without making your kitchen look like overkill.
If you are looking for a kitchen which is very matchy-matchy, then granite countertop with backsplash is obviously a great way to go. Your backsplash material and design should compliment the countertops and overall look of the kitchen. Granite has been used on kitchen countertops and backsplashes for decades now. Unlike glass tiles and subway tile backsplash, this timeless material still has a fresh look.
Pro #2: They’re easy to clean
Granite is a very easy material to clean, especially when it comes to the everyday spills and grease. If your granite is high-quality, then it should be non-porous. This means that it doesn’t let droplets of food and bacteria inside – it all sits on the surface waiting for you to wipe it away.
Granite countertops are popular for a reason! So it's a good idea to become familiar with how to care for these granite beauties.
If you use your kitchen often, you might make quite a mess. When you’re rinsing things, frying vegetables, or mixing batter, it’s easy for splashes to splatter onto the wall and damage your paintwork. A granite backsplash protects your walls from dirt and is very easy to clean in itself.
Pro #3: They’re relatively cheap
If you’re going for the granite 4-inch backsplash as most standard kitchens do, it won’t make a massive dent in your budget if you’re getting granite countertops installed too. If you’re already getting a granite countertop installed, you can usually get a 4-inch backsplash cut from the same slab without bumping the price up too high.
Of course it would be cheaper to have a wooden backsplash (or no backsplash at all) but the look of a granite backsplash can really elevate your kitchen and give it a chic aesthetic without necessarily costing too much money. If there’s a way to improve the resale value of your kitchen without costing a fortune, it’s worth doing!
Pro #4: They’re very strong and durable
A kitchen backsplash with granite is naturally resistant to all sorts of damage you’d encounter in a kitchen – there’s a reason it’s so widely used for countertop designs. Durability paired with sleekenss is what make granite backsplashes suitable for almost all kitchen designs. A granite backsplash is resistant to high temperatures, acidic foods, and everyday wear and tear, so you don’t need to worry about getting it replaced all the time.
Phew!
You can put a granite backsplash under a lot of stress without it causing any major problems, and this resiliency is what makes these backsplashes so popular in American kitchens. Though they aren’t indestructible, granite backsplashes will take a lot more damage than their wooden, porcelain tile or subway tile counterparts.
4 Cons of Granite Backsplash
While this natural stone is one of the best kitchen backsplashes on the whole, granite backsplashes are not without their faults. Here are 4 disadvantages of a granite backsplash in your kitchen design:
Con #1: Full Height Backsplash Styles Are Expensive
Adding a 4-inch backsplash on top of a countertop isn’t too pricey, but if you’re looking to install a full granite backsplash that goes all the way up the wall, you’re going to start feeling the burn on your wallet.
Full height backsplash designs can almost use as much granite as the countertops themselves, so the price starts to mount up as you go higher and higher up the wall.
In general, granite is not a very cheap material to work with and you may need a granite fabricator. If you’re after a kitchen backsplash which is a lot easier to afford, try a ceramic tile backsplash or a cheap slab backsplash instead.
Con #2: Less Kitchen Space
Granite is a very thick material, so if you go putting it on your back walls, you suddenly start losing countertop space by a good 1-2 inches. That might not seem like a lot, but if you’re working with a relatively small kitchen, you’ve got to make every single inch of space count. Using a full-height backsplash will also make the already small space appear smaller.
In these circumstances, using thick, full-height backsplash slabs of granite that give you less counter space is just not a viable option. There are a number of backsplash options to choose from and you can choose a backsplash tile if space saving is what you're after. For a space saving kitchen remodel, it's necessary to keep these details in mind.
Credit Source: amfgranite.com
Con #3: It Can Stain Sometimes
While a granite backsplash is unendingly resilient and durable, they can become stained over time, especially if certain splashes, spills, and foodstuffs are allowed to sit on them too long. If you’ve got a busy life and you don’t have time to clean your kitchen constantly, you could find that stains start to seep into your granite.
Yikes!
Now obviously no one wants stains on their kitchen backsplash, and when a granite one gets stained, it’s very hard to get it out again without high-end cleaning. Some people opt for a glass tile in-front of the backsplash to avoid any mess but who would want to kill the whole vibe?! Make sure to keep on top of your cleaning regimen.
Con #4: Regular Sealing is Required
If you’ve got a granite counter that connects to a granite backsplash, you need to make sure that the caulk seal is in good shape.
This usually means that regular resealing is required for the grout lines, as small splashes of food, grease, and bacteria can start to make the seal dirty.
Regular resealing is a reality of these backsplash materials, but it’s a relatively hassle-free piece of maintenance compared to some other types of backsplash.
So, Should You Get a Granite Backsplash?
Granite backsplashes have their pros and cons, but on the whole these are brilliant well-designed backsplashes made from 100% natural, resistant, non-porous materials.
While they may be a little pricey and bulky in smaller kitchens, granite backsplashes are stylish, timeless, strong, hygienic and easy to clean. While installing them, you should also make sure that they go with your granite countertops to create a cohesive look of your kitchen.
I mean, what else do you want from a kitchen backsplash? Ask your local Kitchen Infinity expert for help with all your kitchen design or kitchen remodel needs. Schedule a free in-home consultation for this week!
If you like this article, make sure you give a read to some of our articles like how to remove hard water stains in tub, best way to remove hard water stains from toilet, how to remove water stains on marble, how to remove granite countertops and how to remove granite backsplash.
*(Featured image credit to Elementsofstyleblog.com)
