Renovating
Backsplash Showdown Between Glass Mosaics and Natural Stone
What are the pros and cons of these two popular kitchen backsplash materials?
One of the many great kitchen debates involves backsplashes. Just as they do when considering cabinets, countertops, paint colours and flooring, homeowners care about factors such as cost, maintenance and resale value when they’re shopping for a new design. Glass mosaics and natural stones – such as travertine, marble, soapstone, granite and quartz – are two options that get the lion’s share of attention, so we decided to lay the pros and cons on the table. Use this head-to-head showdown to choose the winner for your kitchen space.
2. They’re a hot commodity right now
Glass mosaics are trending. Whether it’s because of how sharp they look or because they’re a fresh alternative to traditional choices such as natural stone and ceramic is up for debate, but there’s no denying their selling power. That’s good news if you’re sprucing up your kitchen for resale. If you’re planning to list your home in the near future, a glass backsplash can certainly seal the deal.
Glass mosaics are trending. Whether it’s because of how sharp they look or because they’re a fresh alternative to traditional choices such as natural stone and ceramic is up for debate, but there’s no denying their selling power. That’s good news if you’re sprucing up your kitchen for resale. If you’re planning to list your home in the near future, a glass backsplash can certainly seal the deal.
3. They’re relatively easy to clean
Grout joints aside, the smooth surface of glass mosaics translates to simple cleaning. It’s a cinch to wipe down, and you don’t have to be as selective with cleaning products as you do with natural stone. However, you can run into higher maintenance with more intricate styles that have excess nooks and crannies or mixed materials such as stone and metal.
Grout joints aside, the smooth surface of glass mosaics translates to simple cleaning. It’s a cinch to wipe down, and you don’t have to be as selective with cleaning products as you do with natural stone. However, you can run into higher maintenance with more intricate styles that have excess nooks and crannies or mixed materials such as stone and metal.
The Case Against Glass Mosaics
1. They can be costly
You might have to crack open the piggy bank when purchasing a glass mosaic. In general, they cost more than natural stone backsplashes. They are no small investments, even for kitchens with less ground to cover.
1. They can be costly
You might have to crack open the piggy bank when purchasing a glass mosaic. In general, they cost more than natural stone backsplashes. They are no small investments, even for kitchens with less ground to cover.
2. They can quickly go out of style
Long-term resale value is questionable when it comes to glass mosaics. Colours and patterns that are in style now probably won’t be in five or 10 years, not to mention that glass mosaics themselves may not be either. Take into account your long-term plans. If you’re not living in your forever home right now, you may want to play it safe with natural stone.
Long-term resale value is questionable when it comes to glass mosaics. Colours and patterns that are in style now probably won’t be in five or 10 years, not to mention that glass mosaics themselves may not be either. Take into account your long-term plans. If you’re not living in your forever home right now, you may want to play it safe with natural stone.
3. They’re seldom unique
Some people would label glass mosaics as cookie-cutter. Yes, some designs are one of a kind – particularly those that are crafted by hand or manufactured with avant-garde techniques. Most styles are mass produced, however, which eliminates the novelty factor. They aren’t like natural stone, which is an innately unique product. On the plus side, with so many glass mosaic styles available, you may just stumble upon one that not many homeowners have.
Some people would label glass mosaics as cookie-cutter. Yes, some designs are one of a kind – particularly those that are crafted by hand or manufactured with avant-garde techniques. Most styles are mass produced, however, which eliminates the novelty factor. They aren’t like natural stone, which is an innately unique product. On the plus side, with so many glass mosaic styles available, you may just stumble upon one that not many homeowners have.
The Case for Natural Stone
1. It has universal appeal
If you’re remodelling with future resale in mind, a natural stone backsplash should be at the top of your list. Not only are travertine and marble – to name two – timeless, but they’re also well-liked, which gives them top-notch staying power. They will appeal to a large buying audience, whether you’re selling in five, 10 or 15 years.
1. It has universal appeal
If you’re remodelling with future resale in mind, a natural stone backsplash should be at the top of your list. Not only are travertine and marble – to name two – timeless, but they’re also well-liked, which gives them top-notch staying power. They will appeal to a large buying audience, whether you’re selling in five, 10 or 15 years.
2. No two stone backsplashes are the same
The beauty of natural stone is that it won’t ever look exactly like your neighbour’s. Variation is an inherent property of stone, even within two pieces of the same colour. All of the veins and swirls will belong uniquely to your kitchen. If you’re looking for something to call your own, go with natural stone.
The beauty of natural stone is that it won’t ever look exactly like your neighbour’s. Variation is an inherent property of stone, even within two pieces of the same colour. All of the veins and swirls will belong uniquely to your kitchen. If you’re looking for something to call your own, go with natural stone.
3. It doesn’t cost a fortune
Natural stone is relatively affordable.
Natural stone is relatively affordable.
The Case Against Natural Stone
1. It’s harder to clean
This isn’t to say stone is necessarily hard to clean. It just requires a little more elbow grease than a glass mosaic does. The pits and grooves make it more challenging to wipe down, especially because dirt and scum can get caught in between.
You also have to be selective with your cleaning products. Natural stone can discolour when exposed to certain chemicals. Warm water or a special stone cleaner will usually do the trick, but always check manufacturer guidelines before you bust out your cleaning supplies.
1. It’s harder to clean
This isn’t to say stone is necessarily hard to clean. It just requires a little more elbow grease than a glass mosaic does. The pits and grooves make it more challenging to wipe down, especially because dirt and scum can get caught in between.
You also have to be selective with your cleaning products. Natural stone can discolour when exposed to certain chemicals. Warm water or a special stone cleaner will usually do the trick, but always check manufacturer guidelines before you bust out your cleaning supplies.
2. It isn’t water- or stain-friendly
Stones are naturally porous. They tend to absorb stains and water, both of which run rampant in kitchens. It’s important to seal your stone every couple of years to protect against grease and grime. Even then, some stains will be hard to remove. Some homeowners just don’t have the time or patience for this added maintenance. Devoted cooks might want a backsplash that’s better equipped against staining.
Stones are naturally porous. They tend to absorb stains and water, both of which run rampant in kitchens. It’s important to seal your stone every couple of years to protect against grease and grime. Even then, some stains will be hard to remove. Some homeowners just don’t have the time or patience for this added maintenance. Devoted cooks might want a backsplash that’s better equipped against staining.
3. It can have too much variation
Natural stone is unpredictable. There’s a good chance your backsplash installation will look a tad different from the sample piece you saw at your local retailer. Variation usually isn’t a problem, and most homeowners choose natural stone for a diversified look. But sometimes you’ll notice colours and patterns that you don’t really care for – and you have to either live with them or start from scratch.
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Natural stone is unpredictable. There’s a good chance your backsplash installation will look a tad different from the sample piece you saw at your local retailer. Variation usually isn’t a problem, and most homeowners choose natural stone for a diversified look. But sometimes you’ll notice colours and patterns that you don’t really care for – and you have to either live with them or start from scratch.
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1. They offer a high-end look
Glass mosaics sure know how to dazzle. They’re much more polished than natural stone, which is undoubtedly why they often feel more luxurious. Certain colour combinations and shapes can make an artistic statement, while iridescent and shiny finishes can make neutral tones feel as bold as primary colours.