Kitchen Design Trends: Four Inch or Full Height Stone Backsplash?
Is a Full Height Stone Backsplash a Trend? Is a 4" Backsplash Outdated?
Some kitchen design elements are classic, like the four-inch stone backsplash that has been a go-to design staple for years. It's a budget-friendly choice that is both practical, and versatile. However, even the most timeless design elements fade away as trends change and time passes.
As manufacturing technology has allowed much more versatility for fabricating materials, the full height stone backsplash is the latest trend and has all but left behind the 4-inch backsplash.
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In this post, we'll explore both of these options and look at the pros and cons of a four-inch and full height stone backsplash design.
The Pros and Cons of a 4-inch Stone Backsplash
The four-inch stone backsplash has been a staple in kitchen design for years, and with good reason! There are both pros and cons when it comes to using this design element in your kitchen.
The Pros:
Because it's smaller a 4-inch backsplash costs less to fabricate and install
Is simple and extremely easy to clean while complementing many styles of kitchen design
If your kitchen has high ceilings or a large wall, it can break up the space making the room feel more balanced
It can be installed with your countertops, making your remodel go a little faster
It allows more versatile design choices in terms of how you paint the walls above it
Of course, even the most classic style choices can have downsides you need to consider when designing your kitchen. Here are some downsides to consider...
The Cons:
It can make your kitchen appear dates or even unfinished
If it isn't fabricated properly and doesn't perfectly match the countertop it can appear disjointed
Even if it perfectly matches, it might look like you ran out of materials or couldn't afford to finish it
It might be too short to do its job and protect your walls from messes
If it's improperly finished or not sealed with grout, it can allow grease, water, or food to drip behind it
If you add tile behind a four-inch backsplash, it breaks the visual plane and can disrupt the cohesion of the space. However, the biggest downside isn't aesthetic, it's functional. A four-inch stone backsplash doesn't protect the walls behind the stove and counters as well as a full-height backsplash.
The Pros and Cons of a Full-Height Natural Stone Backsplash
Today, manufacturing technology has improved to the point where it is possible to cut natural stone into sheets thin enough to fabricate into backsplash material. A full-height granite backsplash is typically installed after the countertops.
The space between the countertop and cabinets is remeasured after installation to ensure a perfect fit that accounts for any variations in the width of different granite slabs.
Right now, the full-height stone backsplash is a growing trend in kitchen design. Homeowners love the way it looks, creating a cohesive look between the countertop and the backsplash and the fact that it's easy to clean and maintain.
There's no denying that a single piece of natural stone on the wall adds color, energy, and movement to the space. No grout lines mean you can achieve a seamless look that is luxurious and aesthetically stunning. Plus, no surface is easier to clean than a natural stone backsplash. Any spills or splashes come right off with a damp cloth and some granite-safe cleaner.
With a full-height stone backsplash, another design option is using a complimentary stone for the backsplash. For example, pairing a white marble backsplash with an absolute black granite countertop.
There are several pros and a few cons for choosing to add a full-height stone backsplash to your kitchen remodel.
The Pros:
Granite and marble are easy to clean and require little maintenance
Natural stone is luxurious and aesthetically beautiful
A natural stone backsplash is a smooth, seamless surface
No grout lines make cleaning a breeze
Natural stone adds energy and motion to the space
Nothing offers as much WOW factor as a stone backsplash
The Cons:
Full-height granite or marble is more expensive than the alternatives
You may need to allow for additional time when installing a stone backsplash. Your space will need to be measured, and the material fabricated, and cutouts for all your electrical outlets, after the countertops are installed to ensure a proper fit.
Should you choose to change to a tile backsplash at a later date, it is difficult to remove a full-height stone backsplash.
You need to work with a qualified professional to ensure that the stone faces match the countertops and don't conflict.
The Bottom Line on Kitchen Backspash Design
At the end of the day, whether you choose to add a four-inch stone backsplash or a full-height granite backsplash comes down to your personal preference and your budget. A granite backsplash, whether it's full-height or four-inch is stylish, reliable, easy to clean and maintain, and will last for decades! Plus, natural materials will never go out of style!
If you live in the greater Boston Metrowest/Worcester area and would like to learn more about countertop installation and full-height or four-inch stone backsplash styles, give the experts at Stonelink Marble & Granite a call at (508) 393-0720.
Let us show you the many exciting benefits of this stunning material!