The Case for Glass Mosaics<\/strong><\/p>\n1. They offer a high-end look. Glass mosaics sure know how to dazzle. They\u2019re much more polished than natural stone, which is undoubtedly why they often feel more luxurious. Certain color combinations and shapes can make an artistic statement, while iridescent and shiny finishes can make neutral tones feel as bold as primary colors.<\/p>\n
2. They\u2019re a hot commodity right now. Glass mosaics are trending. Whether it\u2019s because of how sharp they look or because they\u2019re a fresh alternative to traditional choices such as natural stone and ceramic is up for debate, but there\u2019s no denying their selling power. That\u2019s good news if you\u2019re sprucing up your kitchen for resale. If you\u2019re planning to list your home in the near future, a glass backsplash can certainly seal the deal.<\/p>\n
3. They\u2019re relatively easy to clean. Grout joints aside, the smooth surface of glass mosaics translates to simple cleaning. It\u2019s a cinch to wipe down, and you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
The Case Against Glass Mosaics<\/strong><\/p>\n1. 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. Quality glass mosaics rarely cost less than $10 per square foot. Most cost between $20 and $30 per square foot, with high-end options topping $50 per square foot. These are no small investments, even for kitchens with less ground to cover.<\/p>\n
2. They can quickly go out of style. Long-term resale value is questionable when it comes to glass mosaics. Colors and patterns that are in style now probably won\u2019t 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\u2019re not living in your forever home right now, you may want to play it safe with natural stone.<\/p>\n
3. They\u2019re seldom unique. Some people would label glass mosaics as cookie-cutter. Yes, some designs are one of a kind \u2014 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
The Case for Natural Stone<\/strong><\/p>\n1. It has universal appeal. If you\u2019re remodeling with future resale in mind, a natural stone backsplash should be at the top of your list. Not only are travertine and marble \u2014 to name two \u2014 timeless, but they\u2019re also well-liked, which gives them top-notch staying power. They will appeal to a large buying audience, whether you\u2019re selling in five, 10 or 15 years.<\/p>\n
2. No two stone backsplashes are the same. The beauty of natural stone is that it won\u2019t ever look exactly like your neighbor\u2019s. Variation is an inherent property of stone, even within two pieces of the same color. All of the veins and swirls will belong uniquely to your kitchen. If you\u2019re looking for something to call your own, go with natural stone.<\/p>\n
3. It doesn\u2019t cost a fortune. Natural stone is budget-friendly. Travertine, for example, comes in many forms (subway tile, 4 by 4, mosaic), all relatively affordable. Most styles will run between $4 and $8 per square foot (not including installation). That\u2019s a bargain in the world of backsplashes.<\/p>\n
The Case Against Natural Stone<\/strong><\/p>\n1. It\u2019s harder to clean. This isn\u2019t 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. \u00a0You also have to be selective with your cleaning products. Natural stone can discolor 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.<\/p>\n
2. It isn\u2019t water- or stain-friendly. Stones are naturally porous. They tend to absorb stains and water, both of which run rampant in kitchens. It\u2019s 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\u2019t have the time or patience for this added maintenance. Devoted cooks might want a backsplash that\u2019s better equipped against staining.<\/p>\n
3. It can have too much variation. Natural stone is unpredictable. There\u2019s a good chance your backsplash installation will look a tad different from the sample piece you saw at your local retailer. Variation usually isn\u2019t a problem, and most homeowners choose natural stone for a diversified look. But sometimes you\u2019ll notice colors and patterns that you don\u2019t really care for \u2014 and you have to either live with them or start from scratch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Battle of the Backsplashes: Glass Mosaics vs. Natural Stone By Sam Ferris\u00a0on Houzz.com One of the many great kitchen debates involves backsplashes. \u00a0 Just as they do when considering cabinets, countertops, paint colors and flooring, homeowners care about factors such as cost, maintenance and resale value when they\u2019re shopping for a new design. Glass mosaics and natural stones \u2014 such…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[669],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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