Do You Need a Backsplash for Your Bathroom Vanity?

If you’re wondering if you should get a bathroom vanity backsplash or not, you’re not alone. Many homeowners wonder the same thing. And the answer is, if you don’t have a pedestal sink that sits against your bathroom wall, you’ll likely benefit from having a bathroom vanity backsplash. It will not only protect the wall behind your sink from mold, rot, and mildew, but you also have many bathroom backsplash ideas to choose from to really bring out the aesthetics of your bathroom.

Dangers of Not Having a Bathroom Vanity Backsplash

There are many dangers of having a bathroom vanity without a backsplash. Some include:

1. Wall and paint damage: Water can seep and sit behind your bathroom sink. And, even if you used waterproof paint, you’ll still have issues and damage can occur with constant water contact.
2. Boring, plain bathroom look: Without a bathroom vanity tile backsplash, your bathroom may look plain. Backsplashes add a little color. There are various patterns, colors, materials, and shapes you can choose from.
3. Mold and mildew: Drywall can develop a hidden mildew and mold problem. Mold can grow without being detected and spread to other areas of your home without your knowledge. Not to mention, bathroom mold is also a health hazard and can cause substantial damage. A backsplash will protect against mold and mildew growth.

Pros of Bathroom Vanity Backsplashes

There are a number of bathroom vanity backsplash pros, including:

1. Easy cleaning: Backsplashes make it much simpler to clean the wall since you can easily take a sponge or rag and wipe down the wall.
2. Wall safety: Bare walls in bathrooms are very susceptible to water damage and this will increase your risk of mildew and mold. Plus, in severe cases, walls that have been damaged by water might even compromise the room’s structure itself. Backsplashes allow you to seal and protect the wall beneath the tile.
3. Creativity with different styles and textures: The aesthetic and texture of your bathroom are essential since it’s what you’ll see numerous times a day. There are many ways to add a personal aesthetic touch to a bathroom with a backsplash than just a normal backsplash. For instance, you can install a backsplash with engraving or a detailed edge in the material which will add some texture.

Common Backsplash Materials

Some common backsplash materials to choose from are:

1. Ceramic: Ceramic tile is fairly inexpensive and beautiful. One idea is to use neutral colors throughout your bathroom and then choose a vanity backsplash with accent tile.
2. Tile: Vibrant, gorgeous mosaic tile backsplashes will provide your bathroom with a shimmery glass effect which will create a sparkling accent to your bathroom vanity.
3. Granite: This is a common vanity material for a bathroom. Granite is simple to clean and beautiful. A standard granite vanity will usually come with a 4″ matching granite backsplash.
4. Marble: You can add a healthy dose of grandeur to your bathroom space with marble. It’s a natural stone that you’ll have to seal since it is prone to cracks. It is a bit more costly and does require a little more maintenance too.
5. Stone: You’ll find various natural stone backsplash options and most are hard to chip or break. They’re simple to maintain and clean. Typically, you’d just use a cloth and some mild soap. The organic veining and coloring create a luxurious and stylish vibe that other types of backsplashes can’t match.
6. Glass: Glass tiles are crafted from thin glass pieces with the back of each tile having a translucent glaze. You can buy them in predesigned mosaic patterns or individually. The limitless color varieties and translucence of glass make it the most contemporary-looking and beautiful backsplash material around. It’s also simple to clean.
7. Washable Wallpaper: While you can use wallpaper in your bathroom, you’ll need to find a certain type. Washable wallpaper should be water-resistant and have a thick vinyl coating that deflects any moisture. The design and pattern come down to the style you’re looking for. When done properly, washable wallpaper can instantly transform your bathroom.
8. Laminate: Smooth, seamless, and often a solid color, laminate is the best backsplash material for cleaning up and protecting your walls. Full-wall sheet laminate backsplashes come in large formats and reasonable prices, making them perfect for creating sheet backsplashes.

Deciding on Backsplash Height

The most common backsplash height is 4″ from the countertop, and is ideal for protecting most walls. However, depending on the height of your faucet, you might need a higher backsplash. Some homeowners prefer to double the standard 4″ backsplash to 8″, or even extend the backsplash up to the ceiling.

Installation

If you don’t have any experience or training in backsplash installation, it is recommended you hire a professional. You will not be saving yourself any money with a DIY installation if it results in a mediocre or incorrect job.

When properly installed by a professional, bathroom vanity backsplashes will protect your bathroom, make it simpler to clean, and will even show off your personality.

Phoenix’s #1 Cabinet and Countertop Retailer

If you’re looking to remodel your bathroom in Phoenix, contact our team of experienced home design and installation experts at Diamond Kitchen and Bath. We are the valley’s top retailers of cabinets and countertops with a wide variety of styles and sizes to fit any home.

Stop by one of our showroom locations or give us a call at 602-246-1518 for more information on how you can get the bathroom of your dreams at an affordable price.