Stone backsplashes for kitchens: Stone Backsplash Ideas That Will Work for Every Kind of Kitchen
Stone Backsplash Ideas That Will Work for Every Kind of Kitchen
By Rachel Brown
Rachel Brown Interior Design, Renovation
Rachel is a freelance writer currently living in Europe. Making homes beautiful is her passion and she loves eclectic style. You can find her frequenting antique stores for the perfect rug or curled up on her sofa with a good book and a cup of tea.
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Stefan Gheorghe Founder/CEO
Stefan Gheorghe is the founder and CEO of Homedit.com. In 2008, he launched the platform out of his passion for interior design and home decoration.
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Among all the types of backsplash for the kitchen, a stone backsplash is one of the best options available. They are beautiful, durable, and create a unique look for the room in the heart of the home.
Farmhouse Living
Of course, a stone backsplash is not for everyone, but for anyone looking for a long-term backsplash with incredible design potential, it is an option worth considering.
Stone Backsplash Types
Natural stone is fabricated into many types of backsplashes. There are stone tiles, slabs, and stacked stone backsplashes. Also, there are many varieties of stone used in backsplashes.
Jam Architecture
Some of the most common are granite, slate, travertine, marble, river rock, soapstone, quartzite, and limestone.
Of course, each has its own particular qualities which are helpful in understanding which stone will work best for you.
- Granite – Granite comes in a variety of colors and styles which means that this stone works well with many kitchen designs. Also, it is durable, hard, and does not need the maintenance that other natural stones require.
- Slate – Slate is a beautiful natural stone that comes in a variety of color tones from brown to green. However, most slate is a deep gray color. Also, it is durable and has a lovely natural texture.
- Travertine – This a light colored natural stone that is a type of limestone. Further, it is durable, though more delicate than other natural stones.
- Marble – Marble is a timeless material that is popular as a kitchen backsplash. It comes in a variety of colors and prices. However, it is more delicate than other natural stones.
- River rock – River rocks are stones that have been smoothed by the flowing water of a river. These are placed flat against the wall or as small stacked stones.
- Soapstone – Soapstone is a dense stone with natural antibacterial qualities. It is dark gray with undertones of blue and green. Also, it has beautiful white veining throughout.
- Quartzite – Quartzite is similar in appearance to marble, though it is less expensive and requires less maintenance than marble.
It comes in a variety of colors and veining patterns.
- Limestone – This is sometimes used as a slab or as rough cut stones for a backsplash. Limestone is not as durable as some stones, but it has a natural and textured quality that is valuable in rustic design.
- Onyx – This is a rare natural stone with dramatic color variations and vein patterns. However, it is one of the more delicate stones and needs to be sealed on a regular basis.
Pros and Cons Of A Stone Backsplash
Trickle Creek Homes
Stone is an amazing option for a kitchen backsplash. However, there are some things to consider before investing in a natural stone backsplash.
Pros:
- Durability – A natural stone backsplash is one of the most long-lasting backsplash materials.
- Cost – Some stone varieties like river rock and granite are cost-effective options for a backsplash.
- Beauty – Natural stone is a striking choice for a backsplash and has so much variety that your kitchen will never look just like anyone else’s.
Further, there are stone options to fit kitchen designs featuring many color schemes.
Cons:
- Cleaning – Some stone backsplashes have rough textures and crooks and crannies that are difficult to keep clean.
- Maintenance – Natural stone varieties like marble need to be sealed each year. Also, others like travertine and soapstone are delicate and need to be treated with care so as to prevent cracks and dents.
- Staining – Natural stone is porous and liable to staining. Therefore, you need to clean up any spills of water and food to keep the backsplash from staining.
Stone Backsplash Ideas
Beth Webb Interiors
We have gathered some of the most beautiful examples of stone backsplash ideas for your consideration and inspiration.
Rustic stone backsplash with German schmear
Lindsey Brooke Design
This kitchen from Lindsey Brooke Design features a backsplash with rough cut limestones called Austin stone named after quarries from the area surrounding Austin, Texas.
This rough stacked stone backsplash with a mortar wash is popular in farmhouse and other rustic design styles.
Also, you can get this look with a stone veneer backsplash that has been fabricated to look like natural stacked stones rather than the real thing. The price range of limestone varies, but you can find limestone anywhere from $70-$200 per square foot.
Quartzite’s appeal
Lux Decor
As you can see from this picture, quartzite has an amazing resemblance to white marble. However, unlike marble, it is durable and hard making it the perfect material for a backsplash or countertop.
Also, quartzite comes in many colors and has marbling with high visual interest. Quartzite is a mid range stone that you can find from $60-$120 per square foot.
Soapstone
DeVol Kitchens
Together, this honed soapstone backsplash with the white kitchen cabinets have a timeless appeal and cohesive design.
The slab fabrication with corresponding countertops presents the most elegant but simple combination. Further, the pairing of the dark backsplash with the brass fixtures has just the right amount of contrasting color.
Soapstone prices range from $55-$100 per square foot.
Classic white stone backsplash
Studio DB
White marble is a good choice for this kitchen backsplash creating the perfect contrasting texture for the room. A sleek shelf keeps the two pictures away from the splashes of water and provides a bold focal point for this space.
You can have marble installed with different finishes.
For example, polished marble surfaces project a more modern look and honed marble has a European or rustic vibe. Also, marble is one of the less expensive stone options which you can find from $40-$100 per square foot.
Slate tile backsplash
Georgiana Design
If you like the traditional look of farmhouse style but want a stone tile backsplash with some elegance, try a slate tile option. Slate has an old-world classic style that looks impeccable with this kitchen style.
Notice, the owners have used the tiles on a small part of the wall above the stove and blended the short backsplash section with wood paneling for a more custom look.
Slate has a wide price range anywhere from $50-$200 per square foot.
Travertine stone tile backsplash
Unique Design Solutions
The natural look of a travertine stone backsplash makes it a popular choice among natural stone options.
In this kitchen, the interior designer has used narrow subway tiles from a light, neutral travertine stone and paired it with light marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. Further, the gray wood cabinetry provides a cool toned contrast to the overall warm space.
Travertine stone costs range from $50-$100 per square foot.
River rock backsplash
Cory Holland Photography
If you are looking for a more rustic stone kitchen backsplash, consider river rock. In this coastal home, river rock creates continuity in the interior spaces by connecting it with the outside environment.
The blend of the multi-colored stone backsplash with the natural wood and gray cabinets is effective.
River rock for backsplashes come on square grids for easy installation and costs anywhere from $10-$25 per square foot.
Granite countertop and backsplash
Studio Villanueva Architecture, LLC
The transition between the granite countertop and the granite slab backsplash look seamless creating a sleek look loved by interior designers and homeowners alike.
The light granite blends with the white cabinetry creating a cohesive kitchen design. Granite ranges from $32-$75 per square foot.
Striking onyx stone backsplash
Date Interiors
Onyx is indeed a luxury stone which has the look and style of a work of art. The pink marble veining on this slab is a dramatic look and perfect for this glamorous kitchen.
It complements the gold tones of the island and provides all the decoration needed in this space. Onyx prices range from $75-$250 per square foot and is the most expensive natural stone that you can choose.
Mixed materials
Buechel Stone Corp
Mixing different types of stones and other materials can create a unique and fresh look. For example, consider this kitchen from Buechel Stone Corp.
They used a variety of natural stone in this contemporary kitchen including a marble backsplash behind the stove and a rough stacked stone on the wall with the oven.
Sophisticated and modern limestone
Andrew Mann Architecture
Limestone is one of the most versatile of all stone backsplashes for kitchens. Thus, it can be fashioned in a rustic style or in an elevated style like it is in this kitchen.
The details of this kitchen like the textured limestone tiles, the ivory walls, and the wood paneled island all work together to create a modern kitchen style that is light and bright.
Moody marble backsplash
Wolfe Rizer Interiors
The most popular marble for backsplashes today is white. However, marble in a dark color can create a dramatic and stunning backsplash. For example, Wolfe Rizer Interiors have paired this beautiful brown marble backsplash with granite countertops and white flat-fronted cabinets for a modern traditional look with an extravagant touch.
Elegant quartzite
Duaer Design
We love this chic contemporary Los Angeles kitchen styled with a brown toned quartzite. The light and dark veining echo the warm wood cabinetry. Further, the cabinets ground the design and contrast with the light walls and cabinets.
Rustic slate backsplash
Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects
This mountain home has a variegated slate backsplash with a rustic texture. This natural stone kitchen backsplash shows all the amazing colors of slate. Further, the natural wood cabinetry provides a contrast to the stone backsplash and picks up the touches of burnt orange in the slate.
Soapstone slab backsplash
Salamander Construction Inc
The soapstone backsplash and countertop have lovely white veining bringing a subtle textured look to this cottage kitchen. The contrast between the dark soapstone and the robin’s egg blue cabinets is striking. Notice, the interior designer has provided the area behind the stove with a tall backsplash with a lower one around above the other counters to allow space for the upper shelves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Does stone make a good backsplash?
A stone backsplash is one of the best options for backsplashes out of all the options available. While there are some drawbacks including the difficulty of cleaning and some required maintenance, stone is hard, durable, and beautiful.
How much is natural stone backsplash?
Natural stone backsplashes vary in price depending on the price of the stone, the style of the backsplash, and installation. The cost of the materials range from around $32 per square foot for inexpensive granite options to $250 dollars per square foot for the most expensive onyx. For installation, you will pay anywhere from $60-$80 per square foot.
Are stone backsplashes out of style?
While there are ebbs and flows in stylish and popular backsplashes, a stone backsplash will never go out of style. This is because stone provides natural texture and interesting color variations that work with many types of kitchen styles.
How can I get the look of a stone backsplash if the cost of natural stone is not in my budget?
First, you can consider remnant slabs which sell for a cheaper price than retail options. Also, consider doing the work yourself as this will reduce the cost of the overall project making it more affordable. Last, there are peel and stick stone backsplash options that create the look of natural stone for a much cheaper price.
What kitchen backsplash is in Style 2020?
White backsplashes of all varieties remain one of the most popular backsplash options. This includes white tiles of ceramic and marble. Another popular trend is rough stone veneer backsplash that is covered in a light mortar wash for a farmhouse look.
How do you clean a natural stone backsplash?
Look for a specific natural stone cleaner for the exact type of backsplash that you have. If you have a rough textured stone, use a non-abrasive scrub pad or one with soft bristles to get in the small crevices that you need to clean. Make sure to clean the backsplash on a regular basis as it will be easier if you have not allowed dirt and food to build up over time.
How do you seal a stone backsplash?
First, clean the backsplash and allow it to dry. Next, brush or wipe a sealer on to the backsplash making sure to watch for drips. Then, allow the backsplash to sit with the sealer on it for at least 10 minutes so that the sealer can penetrate the porous surface. Last, begin wiping away the excess sealer. Allow the surface to dry before using.
Stone Backsplash: Conclusion
Natural stone is a beautiful choice for a backsplash.
While many types of natural stone are more expensive than other backsplash options, they are worth it for the qualities they bring.
There are many wonderful varieties that are durable, beautiful, and each has characteristics that make it one-of-a-kind.
In the end, consider all the options for yourself and see how they can enhance your style and kitchen design.
14 Stone Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Try in Your Home
Hart & Lock Design
Considering a stone kitchen backsplash? First of all, good choice. They’re beautiful, timeless, and add a ton of character to any kitchen. In selecting, there are two very different aesthetic routes you can choose from: rough, textured stacked stones that create a rustic, organic look, or sleek, modern stone backsplashes, like quartzite or marble.
Stone backsplashes are not without their drawbacks though. If you’re an avid home cook, you may want to avoid stacked, rough stones, or commit to a regular cleaning schedule, as wayward grease and spills will inevitably find their way into the nooks and crannies. Natural stone needs to be continually resealed too. How often? That depends on the type of stone (travertine, for instance, is more porous than granite, meaning it’ll need to be sealed more often), but you’re likely looking at annual or bi-annual resealing.
If you can commit to a little bit of maintenance, stone backsplashes provide endless charm and elegance to everyone’s favorite room to congregate in. Scroll on for stylish stone backsplashes to inspire your own kitchen design.
51 Standout Backsplash Ideas Perfect for Any Kitchen
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Julian Interior Design
For this kitchen’s backsplash, Billie Tharaldson of Julian Interior Design didn’t have to look too far to find the stone inspiration.
“When we selected this rock, it was the same found on the exterior of the home,” she says. “We wanted the wall to feel like a foundation wall since it is the heart of the home, and give it some architectural strength and structure that sheetrock simply couldn’t do.”
The results are strong, natural, and textural.
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Black Lacquer Design
“I tend to like my kitchens to feel both dramatic and clean,” Caitlin Murray, founder and creative director of Black Lacquer Design, says. “So, a great book-matched stone that serves as both countertop and backsplash is one of my go-to’s.”
Because this 1920s craftsman bungalow had a kitchen that was on the smaller side, Murray embraced the opportunity to go big with materials while still staying with the inherent architecture and goal of lightness and brightness.
“I opted to cover all walls touching cabinetry with quartzite for a completely encompassing effect, down to the integrated floated shelving,” she says. This was also a useful tactic for establishing seamlessness where existing windows were placed somewhat sporadically.
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Interior Impressions
Amy Leferink, owner and principal designer of Interior Impressions, had a bold vision for this basement bar area.
“We wanted to create a bar that was equal parts inviting and statement-making,” she says. Enter the stone backsplash, which Leferink used to add an extra level of dimension and depth, all while bringing the outside in. It’s organic, simple, and effective.
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JLK Interiors
Nothing screams “elegant” like marble, that’s for sure. Jamie King of JLK Interiors chose a beveled edge marble for this kitchen, laying it vertically to draw the eye up, creating the illusion of height. It’s endlessly elegant, so it will last decade after decade without becoming dated.
“The addition of the marble mosaic inlay enhanced the details in the cabinetry while adding additional interest to the backsplash,” she says—and we agree.
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Gilmer Kitchens
Texture, texture, and more texture! To add depth to your kitchen, take inspiration from this Gilmer Kitchens-designed stone backsplash, which paired the stacked stone with natural wood and luxe marble countertops. With so many smooth surfaces, the backsplash provides a textured focal point.
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Black Lacquer Design
This Black Lacquer Design kitchen can be summed up in three words: sleek, sophisticated, and sexy.
“While I wanted to keep with a mostly neutral palette in this kitchen, there was so much cabinetry that it called for a statement at the same time to avoid feeling redundant or boxy,” Murray says. “White and black felt like the classic answer.”
Murray always prefers natural stone, but for a high traffic zone, it can be a pain to maintain marble or anything porous. “Because of this, quartzite has become my savior in kitchens,” she notes.
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Hart & Lock Design
We’d like to cook a feast in this beautiful kitchen ASAP, please. This cottage kitchen by Hart & Lock Design is a standout for 100 reasons, one of which is the white stone ledge wall tiles, which tie all the various neutral tones of the room together, from the French hood to the stainless steel oven to the gray marble countertops.
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Julian Interior Design
If you can tear your eyes away from that stunning La Cornue stove for one second—we don’t blame you if you can’t—you might get some backsplash inspiration from the stone technique Billie Tharaldson of Julian Interior Design employed.
“It was a relatively small wall for the La Cornue to be on, as it is a substantial piece,” she says. “By picture framing just the backsplash we were able to keep the space clear and also enhance the focal point.”
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Kris Tamburello for Sire Design
The near-black cabinets in this Sire Design kitchen pop against the small, subtle stacked stone backsplash, don’t they? Yet for as contrasting as the light backsplash is next to the dark cabinetry, all the elements make for a cohesive kitchen design, thanks to the various shades in the stone that pick up on tones in the countertops, hardware, and the more textured stone wall opposite the backsplash.
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Arjay Builders
To warm up a white kitchen, choose a backsplash carefully, as that can make or break whether it feels stark and cold or fresh and inviting. Take notes on how this stone backsplash by Arjay Builders did just that. The stacked stone in variegated neutral shades of brown and beige create a rich backdrop. Here’s betting everyone will gravitate towards this type of kitchen, guests and family members alike.
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Norstone
While there’s much to love about this Norstone backsplash—the one-of-a-kind feel and the understated texture, for starters—first and foremost we’re entranced by the use of both thick and thinly cut pieces, making for a perfect fit and unexpected layout. Bonus: the slate tones are an easy complementary match to stainless steel appliances and accessories.
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Aidan Design
Rustic stone backsplash, meet a modern kitchen. Stainless steel oven dual range, meet the hefty stones of this backsplash. Aidan Design knew what they were doing pairing the two opposite styles, which unexpectedly complement each other though. Here’s proof you don’t have to commit to one kitchen style, instead melding old with new, shiny with matte, and rustic with modern.
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Carolyn Leona
In this Carolyn Leona-designed kitchen, the stone backsplash takes a backseat—and that’s on purpose. The powder blue cabinets steal the show, while the silver/gray/white stack stone backsplash tiles star in the under-appreciated supporting role, creating a just-neutral-enough background for the cabinets to shine.
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Getty Images
Think stone backsplash and you might imagine big, bulky stones. That’s one option. Another is like the one above, with stacked tiles of monochromatic tiles with the faintest of grout lines. It’s subtle, it’s sleek, and it’s still a stone backsplash.
16 Unique White Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
Kitchen apron made of stone
Apron is a very important frame for the working area of the kitchen. Its main function is to protect the wall from moisture and stains in the area with the highest risk of contamination. Aprons are mounted on the wall around the perimeter of the work area, at the same time stylistically complementing the tabletop. This is an area with an increased risk of staining. Splashes from the sink and stove, traces of food and household products can greatly harm the overall design. And noticeably upset the hostess..
Today there is a wide variety of materials suitable for an apron on the market. Among the leaders of sales: ceramic tiles, glass, wood, plaster and various types of artificial stone – acrylic or quartz agglomerates.
Each of these materials has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. And each of them is focused on different segments.
Apron made of natural stone
But in this article, of course, we will talk about kitchen aprons made of natural stone – their varieties, features, positive and negative aspects.
The main and most valuable advantages of a stone apron are its uniqueness and durability. After all, unlike typical drawings of artificial materials, every centimeter of natural stone is an absolutely unique miracle, formed in the depths of nature itself over thousands and even millions of years.
But according to many other criteria, the stone often lags behind modern competitors. Natural stone is a rather expensive material, heavy and porous. This means that its installation in the kitchen imposes obligations on the owners for timely care. We will talk about the features of stone care separately when we consider the features of each type of stone.
Apron finishes
Stone in different formats is used to create kitchen splashbacks.
- Often these are solid semi-slabs and large slabs that cover the wall near the working area without joints or seams.
- Often these are tiles of different shapes and sizes, laid out in a classic finishing sequence.
- Often this is a mosaic made of small stone segments – one-colored or composed of stones of various shades.
- It can also be a stone panel – a highly decorative and valuable author’s drawing created from various types of stone using artistic cutting and subsequent gluing. Note that such work will increase the cost of the apron at times, or even dozens of times.
- Also popular for kitchen splashbacks is the “stone ridge” finish.
This is an imitation of the layered occurrence of stone in natural conditions. Creates a chipped rough texture with a clear layering. It looks very stylish and natural, but it will require careful regular cleaning from the hostess.
The apron can be made from the same material as the top or from a different, contrasting material.
Types of stone for aprons
Aprons made of granite
If the durability and reliability of an apron are important to you in the first place, then granite will be the best choice. Especially practical will be countertops and aprons made of basalt (black granite). The material of deep black color is not susceptible to stains of a different nature and does not interact with household substances. Basalt in the kitchen is a guarantee of durability. But other, even light grades of granite have increased resistance. There is a rule: the lower the porosity index and the degree of stone graininess, the better from a technological point of view.
Modern variety of granite rocks is amazing and even confusing. To date, the range of finishing granites exceeds two hundred items. And among them are many bright and decorative varieties. You can choose a stone for the backsplash that is ideal for the overall design of the kitchen. Go to the granite catalog.
Like other, less durable rocks, granite needs timely care. Follow two simple conditions: timely cleaning and preventive surface treatment with a specialized water repellent for stone. You can purchase this substance from us and get full information about the nature of the stone you have chosen.
Marble aprons
A few years ago, Russian stone masters refused to consider marble as a kitchen material. Most experts agreed that “marble has no place in the kitchen.” However, take a look at our catalog of completed projects – most of the designer kitchens in Europe and the USA are faced with marble. Snow-white Carrara varieties are especially popular on countertops and aprons.
The variety of marble types exceeds three hundred – stones with unique patterns and colors, physical characteristics and properties. The color scale of marble includes all possible shades. Go to the marble catalog.
So the dream of a marble kitchen has the right not only to exist, but also to come true! Just be careful and vigilant during operation. This highly decorative exquisite material is sensitive to food acids and caustic household products. Marble apron must be treated with a special water-repellent impregnation. With the right selection of a protective agent, it forms a film on the surface of the marble that prevents moisture from penetrating inside. In the event of stains or polishing violations, our specialists will be able to carry out restoration and repolishing work.
Marble onyx aprons
This finish is suitable for those who value aesthetics and visual appeal above all else. Marble onyx has an amazing heterogeneous pattern and the property of translucency. The color range of the stone varies widely: from white to dark gray, from bright yellow to grassy green, with a predominance of pastel veins. The texture of onyx can be distinctly banded (when sawing Vein Cut) or patterned, ornate (when sawing Cross Cut). Go to the onyx catalog.
Most often, designers prefer to use the translucency of the stone to create illuminated aprons. With internal illumination, the beauty of the stone is revealed to the maximum, and it is convenient – additional side illumination of the working area.
In terms of properties and durability, onyx is similar to more fragile marbles. Also, like marble, it reacts with food and household acids. And he also needs operational cleaning and preventive impregnation with a water repellent.
Quartzite Aprons
Quartzite is rapidly gaining popularity in interior design around the world. Possessing outstanding (often exotic) external characteristics, this stone is truly super-strong. It is solid and heavy. It consists of a cryptocrystalline mass of quartz composition. And, as we know, quartz is one of the most durable minerals among those that are widely found in the earth’s crust.
Due to its hardness, quartzite can hardly be worked, carved or polished. Therefore, the cost of quartzite is kept at consistently high levels. However, be sure: quartzite countertops and backsplashes can last for many centuries without needing restoration. Go to the catalog of quartzite.
Slate aprons
Natural slate, very natural and simple, with a matt textured surface. It looks surprisingly organic, especially in the era of minimalism and eco-materials. It is solid and reliable, almost like granite; it has low porosity and immunity to food and household contaminants.
If you appreciate a simple and elegant style, if you like monochromatic soft textures, slate will suit your taste. In recent years, we have seen a slate boom in interior design. Increasingly, orders are coming in for countertops and aprons from it.
It is worth noting that the slate on the backsplash is relevant in different formats: large semi-slabs, tiles, or “stone ridge” finish. The stone ridge is formed from three-dimensional 3D panels imitating the layered occurrence of stone. For these needs, slate blanks with a chipped edge are used. The stone ridge looks relevant both on an apron and as a complete wall finish.
Go to the slate catalog.
Slate also needs prompt cleaning and protection with a water repellent. This will significantly reduce the time spent on daily care of the apron.
Travertine aprons
Travertine is a very attractive natural stone with a porous and slightly loose structure. It is one of the warmest and most natural stones and is widely demanded for many reasons. First of all, it organically integrates into any project, bringing a natural atmosphere to it. It has warm beige tones (bright ones are also found) and a striped or patterned texture. Travertine is easy to process – finishing materials of any shape and complexity are created from it. This stone is light in weight, it does not overload the walls.
Go to the travertine catalog.
Due to its porous nature, travertine easily and quickly absorbs dirt and food stains. The composition of travertine is identical to marble, which means it is afraid of acids and caustic agents. Therefore, a travertine apron also needs careful operation and preventive care (protection with a water repellent).
how to choose and install, photo examples
Decorative stone is an expensive, but high-quality and presentable material that is great for finishing a kitchen backsplash. This element of the interior will be distinguished by high strength, attractive appearance, durability and practicality.
Patterned pattern of decorative stone will give the kitchen respectability and solidity. This material can be safely used in the arrangement of a variety of interiors – from classic to modern. It never goes out of fashion, such an apron will delight the household for many years.
Contents
The main advantages of decorative stone include the following parameters:
- Large selection of shades – a huge color palette allows you to create the most incredible decorative surfaces from this material. If desired, you can equip a glossy or matte kitchen apron, with a uniform texture or multi-colored splashes. With the help of artificial decorative stone, they effectively imitate natural materials: marble, quartz, granite, volcanic rocks. No less popular are plain panels of neutral shades – anthracite, gray, beige, white, cream, pastel. If desired, you can also make a colored apron from artificial stone.
- Smooth connection of the backsplash with the tabletop and no seams – this material allows you to create perfectly even and smooth surfaces without joints.
- Monolithic dense structure – this material has no pores, so it is not able to absorb moisture, grease, dirt and other contaminants.
Fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms do not multiply on a smooth surface. In addition, it is very easy to care for it – just wipe it periodically with a damp sponge using traditional detergents.
- Ease of restoration – if suddenly an apron made of such a stone is damaged, it can be easily restored. To do this, you do not need to change the entire apron. In addition, scratches that have appeared over time are easily removed on such a surface – you just need to sand it well, and the apron will look like new.
- If desired, the decorative stone apron can be completed with a window sill, bar counter and kitchen sink in the same tone, made of the same material. Such an interior will look very harmonious, stylish and respectable.
The decorative stone has some drawbacks, but they are few. These include its high cost. However, it should be understood that the price of the material is fully justified, given its quality and external characteristics.
Moreover, the decorative stone has a considerable weight, which somewhat complicates the process of its installation, this material also makes a significant load on the walls.
In addition, some types of decorative stone are quite sensitive to high temperatures and chemical influences.
Main types
There are many varieties of this decorative material. However, only some of them can be used to equip kitchen aprons.
Ceramic stone (including porcelain stoneware) – material contains mineral additives, clay, feldspar and coloring pigments. In the manufacture of stone, this mixture is pressed under high pressure, and then fired.
Thanks to firing, the stone becomes highly resistant to temperature changes, it also becomes durable. This material is ideal for wall cladding, including apron trim.
Molded concrete stone – quartz sand, Portland cement, and various fillers are used for its manufacture.
This material has a very interesting appearance. As a rule, it does not have a glossy surface, but imitates masonry from untreated natural stone.
Gypsum stone – this finishing material can be made independently, since its main component is ordinary gypsum.
Unfortunately, it does not have special water-repellent properties, so it is rarely used in the interior of the kitchen.
Polyester stone, with hot curing fillers – in the manufacture of such material, polyester resins are taken as the basis, as well as various fillers (it can be granite, marble or basalt chips).
High temperatures are used in the production process of this stone, and the process itself is carried out under vacuum conditions.
Cold Cured Acrylic Stone – This material is very popular when it comes to finishing kitchen splashbacks. It makes not only excellent wall panels, but also durable high-quality countertops.
This material is resistant to high humidity, it is not afraid of high temperatures and does not interact with chemical reagents.
Tip: As a rule, backsplash boards are made to order, according to individual parameters. They are very heavy, so the installation should be carried out by an experienced craftsman, it is not recommended to do it yourself.
Choice of the kitchen facade that will be in harmony with the backsplash made of stone
Decorative stone, which is used to finish the kitchen backsplash, will always have a strict look, regardless of its color and material name.
That is why the furniture facades that will be adjacent to this design element should correspond to it as much as possible.
It is desirable that the set be expensive and made of natural materials – preference should be given to natural wood.
It must be understood that granite or marble cannot be combined with cheap plastic facades and modest curtains – the whole kitchen environment, including facades, must be quite respectable.
At the same time, the use of glass, colored mosaics, artistic carvings and gilding is quite acceptable in the decoration of facades. The main rule to follow is that the interior should look expensive and solid.
Which styles of interiors go with a stone backsplash
There are two categories of decorative stones that are used by designers when decorating kitchens, in particular kitchen backsplashes.
Natural stone – this material will bring a piece of nature into the interior of the kitchen. It looks expensive and spectacular, natural stone is best combined with the classic style of the interior, as well as the art deco style.
Can be used not only for backsplash lining, but also for finishing countertops, floors, window sills.
The type of natural stone, ranging from sandstone to granite, is selected depending on its pattern, properties, as well as the financial capabilities of the owners of the home.
Wild stone in the interior of the kitchen looks especially appropriate if it is a fairly spacious room with good lighting.
This material has strength and free beauty, it goes well with fresh flowers and expensive textiles.
This massive finishing material prefers space, so it is absolutely not suitable for finishing the backsplash of a small kitchen.
Artificial stone – more common in the interior of the kitchen, as it is much cheaper than natural material
In addition, it is characterized by standard forms, ease of installation, excellent tolerance to temperature extremes, high moisture resistance (mold does not form on it) and unpretentious care – the best material for finishing the backsplash just not to be found.
In the interior of the kitchen, artificial stone is most often used for stylization of chipped and sawn stone, as well as for brick. Often it is made in the form of a tile that repeats the texture of slate or marble.
Decorative stone can be used to create a beautiful kitchen backsplash in the form of fancy masonry ornaments and textures that do not exist in nature.
An apron made of this material will go well with a variety of interior styles: Provence, loft, shabby chic, minimalism and high-tech. The main thing is to choose the right artificial stone according to the shade and texture.
Advice: Do not use two different types of decorative stone in the decoration of one room. At the same time, the use of different shades of stone of the same breed will look interesting and original.
Installation
Kitchen backsplash made of decorative stone is a monolithic structure with a perfectly even and smooth surface.
This material is usually produced in large slabs. Its installation should be entrusted to specialists who know all the intricacies of handling such materials.
The entire installation process can be divided into several conditional stages:
- Before starting work, it is necessary to carefully level the kitchen wall and clean it of all unnecessary.
- After that, a quality tile adhesive should be applied evenly over the width of the row – for this you can use a spatula or comb. A plate is gently pressed against each section. During installation, glue begins to squeeze out and appear on the surface, which must be removed immediately.
- All slabs of decorative artificial stone should fit as closely as possible to each other. After installation, it takes time for them to dry completely and fix on the wall surface.
- If desired, the final result can be fixed by covering the apron with a layer of a special protective agent. However, this is not required.
An apron made of decorative artificial stone is difficult to distinguish from a product made of natural stone.
It can serve for the same long time, it looks no worse, and it costs much less.
How much does decorative stone cost?
This material is becoming increasingly popular on the market, and its cost depends on the specific name of the stone, as well as on the costs required for its production.