Making a Splash
With Backsplash
by Nancy Thomas
Adding a small amount of detail to
the backsplash can really make the
kitchen sparkle. But we must always
be aware of the kitchen's utilitarian
nature. Water, grease, heat, and cold
are the primary sources of aggravation
to keep in mind when choosing
materials and details.
First and foremost, the counter
must be fully sealed to the backsplash
to prevent liquids from seeping down
the back—leading to rotting plywood
or swelling particleboard.
Second, whatever material is used,
it must be easy to clean. In some
cases, especially with commercial
ranges, fire retardation and clearances
would be a wise third concern.
Fourth, consider ways to use the space
more effectively—for example, for
storage.
Another design consideration is
where