Stone Backsplash vs. Brick Backsplash? How to Decide

With so many options for kitchen backsplash materials, it’s hard to decide on one. But as a visual focal point in the kitchen, this is an important decision. After all, it’s probably one of the first things you’ll see when you walk into this room each day. But how do you decide on stone backsplash vs. brick backsplash?

If you’re considering a natural stone backsplash or a brick backsplash for your kitchen remodel, learning about their pros and cons can help you pick between the two. Maybe there are certain components you love about stone, but other elements of brick backsplashes that you can’t pass up. Hopefully weighing your options will help clear up any uncertainties.

Brick Backsplash Pros

There’s a lot to love about a rustic, natural-looking brick backsplash. It’s definitely a trendy material and has plenty of visual appeal. Other brick backsplash pros include:

• It’s one-of-a-kind: Not only do brick backsplashes bring uniqueness through natural imperfections, the grout used between the bricks adds another layer. The rough, textured surface adds depth to kitchen walls, especially against sleek, smooth cabinets.
• It’s affordable: Especially if you have a small budget and space limitations, utilizing any existing exposed brick in your kitchen is a great way to save money. It’s totally doable to freshen up your existing exposed brick without completely replacing it.
• It adds a hint of color to the kitchen: Red, tan/buff, white/cream, pink, gray, brown and black are the colors that you usually see with brick — and this list gives you plenty of color options for your kitchen.
• It’s functional: A brick backsplash gives your wall a hard, thick covering, therefore protecting it from potential damage.

Brick Backsplash Cons

Now that we’ve discussed what we love about brick backsplashes, let’s get to the not-so-great parts. Of course, some of this is subjective, so take it with a grain of salt:

• It’s not practical: While there are plenty of options for veneer brick, using real brick is not practical for backsplashes due to the size and weight.
• It’s hard to clean: Due to its textured, rough surface, it can be difficult to clean brick backsplashes. The imperfections and rough grout are perfect hiding places for dirt and grime.
• It can soak up food spills: Brick is porous, so it must be sealed or it’ll soak up food spills and splashes, resulting in unsightly stains.

Stone Backsplash Pros

Now that we’ve gone over the good and bad for brick, let’s turn to natural stone backsplashes. You can’t deny the beauty and character this material adds to any style of kitchen. What else is there to love about stone backsplashes?

• It’s good for resale value: Both travertine and marble stone are classic, timeless materials that will stay trendy and popular for years to come. They’re popular selling points for potential home buyers.
• It’s unique: Just like brick, no two natural stone backsplashes are exactly the same. Each textured element is one-of-a-kind, especially when used in a creative mosaic or pattern.
• It’s neutral: Depending on the other materials you’ve chosen for your kitchen remodel, you might need a more neutral backsplash to tie everything together. Natural stone, which most often appears in shades of gray, brown, black, or tan, is the perfect neutral color.
• It’s beautiful: We already mentioned the beauty of stone backsplashes, but it’s worth calling out here. These design elements certainly draw eyes and when maintained properly, can take your kitchen remodel to the next level.

Stone Backsplash Cons

What’s not to love about a natural stone backsplash? For some people, there are a few disadvantages, including:

• It’s hard to clean: Just like brick backsplashes, the textured, unique surface of some natural stone backsplashes makes it more difficult to scrub away dirt and grime. If it’s not a smooth surface, messes can easily get into the nooks and crannies.
• It requires special cleaners: Natural stone can discolor when exposed to certain chemicals, so make sure whatever cleaner you use is appropriate for this type of material.
• It stains: Another commonality stone has with brick is its porousness. It’s not stain- or water-proof, so it can easily absorb liquids. That means you’ve got to seal it a few times a year.
• It can be expensive: Some types of natural stone are more costly than others. For example, big slabs of quartzite and marble can get pricey, whereas travertine tiles are more affordable.

When you weigh the pros and cons of brick backsplashes vs. stone backsplashes, you can see there are some similarities. There are also major differences, so make sure you choose your kitchen backsplash material wisely. Either way, it’s bound to bring a beautiful finishing touch to your kitchen remodel.

Kitchen Remodels & Refacing Solutions

Every home deserves a kitchen that’s beautiful, welcoming, and functional — designed for the way you live. Established by two long-time central Ohio homebuilders and craftsmen, The Creative Kitchen Co. offers customized kitchen remodeling and refacing solutions. Contact us for more information.