Should Backsplash Go on Side Walls? The Ultimate Guide from an Expert

If you‘re renovating your kitchen, extending backsplash tile from the back wall onto the surrounding side walls can take your design to the next levels of style and function. But is this striking look right for your home?

As a home improvement specialist with over 15 years of experience in kitchen design and remodeling, I‘ve installed my share of backsplashes. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know when considering backsplash for your side walls. I‘ll cover the pros and cons, important planning factors, material recommendations, inspiring design ideas, installation tips, and proper maintenance so you can decide if this feature is a fit for your space.

The Benefits of Side Wall Backsplash

There are several excellent reasons to continue backsplash onto adjacent surfaces:

Enhances Visual Appeal – Backsplash spanning multiple walls creates a unified, upscale look. It transforms the backsplash from an accent into an artistic feature.

Protects Walls from Damage – Carrying backsplash over to side walls shields more surface area from inevitable splashes and drips.

Opens up Design Possibilities – With side walls included, you have more space to create elaborate backsplash designs like mosaics, patternsed tiles, or combinations of materials and textures.

Makes Kitchen Appear Larger – When backsplash tile matches or blends with wall color, it gives the illusion of expanded space.

Provides a Finished Look – Covering visible side walls completely gives the kitchen a polished, designer feel.

According to a survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association in 2022, over 67% of homeowners opt to extend backsplash to surrounding walls during kitchen remodels to take advantage of these benefits.

Key Factors to Consider Before Installing

While side wall backsplash offers fantastic advantages, it may not be the right choice for every kitchen. Before making a decision, think about the following:

Kitchen Layout and Workflow

Look at how your appliances, cabinets and surfaces are positioned. Is there adequate clearance for opening oven doors or drawers if backsplash extends to side walls? Any obstruction of workflow could impact functionality.

Also consider the placement of windows, doors or high-traffic walkways adjacent to the kitchen. Covering walls in these areas with tile may not make sense.

Kitchen Size and Dimensions

In a smaller galley style kitchen, backsplash on multiple walls can sometimes feel too imposing or closed in. Measure to see if full wall coverage would overwhelm the space.

However, in a spacious kitchen, backsplash spanning several walls can help define different functional zones and make the best use of the size.

Personal Style Preferences

Full wall backsplashes pair especially well with transitional and modern kitchen aesthetics where sleek, streamlined finishes are key.

In traditional kitchens with more ornate details, containing backsplash to just the back wall area often works better to let the other decorative features shine.

Lighting and Electrical

Extending backsplash to side walls can make electrical outlets, switches and fixture placement more challenging. Task lighting may be needed.

For a streamlined look, install sconces, pendant lights or recessed lighting to avoid interrupting backsplash with too many visible fixtures.

Exposure to Moisture

It‘s smart to limit side wall backsplash installation directly surrounding appliances prone to releasing heat and steam like refrigerators, dishwashers or stovetops. The moisture in these zones can seep behind tiles over time and cause damage.

Focus coverage in the highest splatter areas behind sinks and ranges. Minimize tile around appliances that emit vapor.

Budget Considerations

Material and installation costs will be greater compared to a more contained back wall only backsplash. Make sure to account for the expanded square footage in your renovation budget.

On average, for a 10 x 10 kitchen, side wall backsplash can increase total costs by 15-20% over a back wall only installation.

Best Materials for Side Wall Backsplash

Choosing the right backsplash materials is critical, especially for side wall areas that will require moisture resistance and durability. Here are some top options:

Material	Benefits	Considerations
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile	– Budget-friendly – Easy to clean – Many colors/patterns available	– Tile edges prone to chipping – Grout requires sealing
Glass Tile	– Shiny, modern appearance – Extremely water-resistant	– Higher cost – Grout staining possible
Natural Stone (granite, marble, etc.)	– Elegant classic beauty – Each piece unique	– Requires sealing – Heavy/difficult DIY install
Metal Tile (stainless, copper, etc.)	– Extreme durability – Great for contemporary style	– Higher material cost – Challenging for DIY
Mosaic Tile	– Small scale great for backsplash – Available in endless color combos	– Time-consuming installation – Grout needs sealing

I recommend porcelain, ceramic or glass tile for most side wall applications. All are water-resistant, relatively easy to install, and come in a huge variety of styles at reasonable price points.

Stone is gorgeous but weigh more per square foot, making install tricky. Metals like stainless steel or copper offer lots of shine but also command higher prices. Both also require expertise to cut and install without damaging.

For side walls, I advise avoiding wood backsplashes, which will be more prone to water damage, or laminates, which can peel at the edges with excess moisture. Stick with designed-for-walls materials rated for kitchen use.

Creative Design Ideas to Inspire Your Side Wall Backsplash

Here are some eye-catching design ideas to help you envision the possibilities:

Match Back Wall Pattern

Maintain a consistent subway, herringbone, or other tile pattern from the back wall seamlessly onto the sides. This makes the design feel intentional and cohesive.

[Photo of subway tile backsplash continuing from back wall to side wall in a straight line]

Bold Use of Color

Since side walls offer more real estate, take advantage by using a dramatic color like navy blue, emerald green or eggplant purple for tile or grout on those surfaces.

[Photo of blue mosaic tile backsplash on back and side wall]

Mix Up Materials

Try alternating between materials from the back to side walls like marble subway on back wall and red brick on sides. This adds pronounced visual interest.

[Photo of marble backsplash on back wall with exposed brick side walls]

Open Shelving

Install floating shelves on top of the side wall backsplash to display pretty glassware. Shelving draws the eye up and highlights the tile.

[Photo of open glass shelving over a marble and stone mosaic backsplash expanding from back to side wall]

Accent With Wallpaper

Place a removable wallpaper border or mural above the backsplash on side walls. This creates a beautiful accent that‘s different from the back.

[Photo of decorative floral wallpaper border over a blue glass tile side wall backsplash]

"When planning side wall backsplash, think about how you can make those areas distinct from the back wall instead of just mirroring it exactly," says interior designer Amy Glass. "Use tiles or colors that pop or add wallpaper accents to really make it shine."

Installation Tips for Perfect Results

Proper planning and precision during installation are musts for pulling off a flawless side wall backsplash. Follow this expert advice:

Use Leveling System

Invest in a tile leveling system which uses clips under tiles to keep the rows perfectly straight and even. This avoids lippage (uneven tile edges).

Focus on Sealing Perimeters

Caulk all joints between the tile and cabinets, countertops, sinks, and appliances with a flexible sealant. This prevents moisture intrusion that can damage walls or cabinetry.

Cut Tile Around Outlets Precisely

When cutting tile to fit outlets, take your time. Use painters tape on the outlet faceplate to avoid scratches. See the video below for a helpful tutorial:

[Animated gif or video demonstrating how to measure and cut tile around outlets and switches]

Choose Grout Lines Carefully

Narrow grout lines (1/8 inch or less) give backsplash a smoother, seamless look. Match grout color to tile color for minimal contrast.

Add Edge Pieces

For a finished edge where backsplash meets counter or cabinetry, use trim pieces like bullnose tile, pencil liners, or Schluter metal strips.

[Photo examples of bullnose trim, pencil tile, and metal trim edge pieces]

Installation is definitely the most labor-intensive part of any backsplash project. For such a focal feature, I recommend hiring a professional tiler for the best results, unless you‘re very experienced doing tile work. Pay a bit more to avoid living with imperfections.

Maintaining Your Investment Over the Long Run

Side wall backsplashes are built to last. Follow this routine care to keep yours looking like new:

• Reseal grout every 2-3 years with a penetrating grout sealer. This prevents staining and damage from moisture.

• Use gentle, pH-neutral cleaners like dish soap and water to clean. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads.

• For natural stone tiles, seal the surface annually with a stone sealer to repel stains.

• Repair any grout cracks or gaps in caulk right away using sealant/caulk matching original color.

• Address any chipped or cracked tiles immediately to prevent water intrusion behind.

• Consider re-sealing the edges and seams where backsplash meets counter or cabinets every 3-5 years as preventative maintenance.

Your kitchen backsplash is a long-term investment that can return enjoyment for years when properly maintained. A well-cared for backsplash can easily last 10-15 years before needing replacement.

The Bottom Line – Should Backsplash Extend to Side Walls?

While backsplashes confined to just the back wall remain popular, extending tile or other materials onto side walls is an exciting way to make a dramatic statement.

Full wall backsplashes create a built-in focal point, protect additional surface area, and allow for more creative designs.

Carefully evaluate your kitchen‘s particular dimensions, layout, style and budget to decide if side wall backsplash is right for you. With proper planning and installation, you can enjoy a striking, seamless design that transforms your kitchen.

I hope this comprehensive guide from my experience as a home improvement specialist gives you all the details needed to determine if backsplash on side walls will enhance your space. Feel free to reach out with any additional questions!