Posts Tagged ‘Granite’

Formica backsplash: One material, many uses

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

The first thing that meets the eye when you enter the kitchen is the backsplash. So without a doubt it needs to be done in a manner that compliments the décor of the entire kitchen. However, there a few materials that not only suit all types of kitchen décor but also all pockets. One such versatile finish is Formica. It’s just not the Formica backsplash that has everybody talking but also furniture, walls and counter tops.

All about the Formica backsplash

Formica is the best known brand of plastic laminates. It is a sheet material that is made from decorative paper stuck to several layers of Kraft paper and then resin tested. There after, the same material is treated with transparent melamine-resin. The resultant material is hard and water, fire and alcohol resistant. Further, it remains unaffected by stains. Unlike stone products like granite and limestone, the Formica backsplash does not require sealing. The surface is highly durable and long-lasting. It is easy to clean and at $3-$4 per square foot, is definitely very affordable.

The Formica backsplash is available in several colors and sizes. But you’ll be better off checking for the same in the local store rather than the retail outlet. You are more likely to find greater variety in style, color and price with the local distributor. You can find several designs to fit any décor and even a color to match the countertop.

Formica backsplash installation

One of the most popular ways to install a Formica backsplash is to cover the entire wall instead of just probably 4” from the countertop. But in such an installation, you’ll require cut-outs and fit pieces that are shaped oddly, including cut-outs for the electrical outlets and switches. This method is rather time-consuming and slightly expensive, but the full Formica backsplash is definitely more durable that most other installations.

Forums for the Formica backsplash

Are you getting bogged down by ways to remove the Formica backsplash in order to replace the same with tiles? Or are you keen to know more about the backsplash for Formica ubatuba granite? You can get the answers on the scores of sites that deal exclusively with the Formica backsplash on the Internet. So the next time you are confused about the clearance between the base of the cook top and the Formica kitchen backsplash, you know just where to go.

The Formica backsplash is definitely one of the most durable and versatile options for the kitchen backsplash that are available today. Above all, it is extremely cost-effective. When are you going to try it out?

Do-it-yourself backsplash: Add Wow to your kitchen

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

A kitchen backsplash is more of creativity than function. No doubt, it has a singularly important function of protecting the kitchen wall from spills and splashes, but it also offers the home owners the perfect opportunity to let their imagination run wild. In the do-it-yourself backsplash lies an enviable opportunity to add creative zest and spunk to your kitchen. Since there’s nothing sacrosanct governing the kitchen backsplash design, the do-it-yourself kitchen backsplashes offer the ideal weekend home project.

What are your options?

The easiest do-it-yourself backsplash option is either painting or wall papering. But even though the installation process is a breeze, the after effects may turn out to be rather messy. The backsplashes may be prone to staining, pealing and untimely wear and tear. So, you would be better off with the range of pre-fabricated materials like tile, rock, brick etc that are flooding the home market. But before you get the material, you need to the look that you really want. The material must coincide with the look and style of the kitchen. Like a do-it-yourself tile backsplash will blend perfectly with a country-styled kitchen. Similarly, in case your ultra-modern kitchen is the pride of the entire family, then the do-it-yourself stainless steel backsplash will only add to that pride. The color and finish of the permanent fixtures is another important consideration. Make sure the colors in the backsplash match the tones in the kitchen cabinets, walls and the countertops. Don’t forget to also bear in mind the color palette in the adjoining rooms as well.

Do-it-yourself backsplash: Endless possibilities

There are several options when it comes to creating your own backsplash in the kitchen. Stainless steel, a very popular material in restaurant kitchens has made forays in to the home market in a big way. But make sure it fits in to the theme of your kitchen. Granite is yet another beautiful and elegant option, but the steep price and the cutting involved may keep several home owners away. But tiles both glass and glazed, offer the best do-it-yourself backsplash alternative. Affordable and easy to install, you can choose from diverse colors and sizes. Install these tiles on the first day and grout them on the second and enjoy their visual appeal for many years to come. Do-it-yourself panels that use adhesive or adhesive tape are also equally popular. If you need some assistance, there are loads of do-it-yourself backsplash guides on the Internet.

A do-it-yourself backsplash is the perfect way to add that wow factor to the kitchen space. Trust me; you’ll have something that’ll definitely make your neighbors envious. In any case if you find installing the backsplash hard, you can always fall back up on a pro.