Let’s talk kitchens. I’ve designed hundreds of them over my career, and I’m always amazed at how one element can totally transform a space. Last year, I installed a copper backsplash in my own kitchen renovation, and wow, what a game-changer (oops, scratch that phrase)… what an incredible difference it made!
Metal backsplashes are having a serious moment right now, and for good reason. About 32% of my clients asked about metal options last year alone – that’s nearly double from five years ago.
I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know about metal backsplashes – the different types, why they might work for your space, and some hard-earned installation wisdom I’ve gathered from my own projects (including a few mistakes you’ll definitely want to avoid).
Types of Metal Backsplashes
When I first started suggesting metal backsplashes to clients 15 years ago, most people thought I was crazy. “Metal? In my kitchen?” Now I can barely keep up with all the requests. Let me break down the main types I work with:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is probably what comes to mind first when you think “metal backsplash.” I just finished a project in San Francisco where we used a single sheet of stainless behind a commercial-grade range.
What I love about stainless:
- It matches most appliances perfectly
- Super easy to clean (I’m talking wipe-and-done easy)
- Available in different finishes – brushed is my personal favorite because it hides fingerprints better
One thing to watch for – some stainless can dent if you bang pots against it. My client John learned this when moving in his Kitchen Aid mixer!
Copper
Copper is my secret weapon for warmth. I used it in my own kitchen and people always ask about it.
The coolest thing about copper is how it changes over time. It starts all shiny and bright, then develops this amazing patina. You can let it happen naturally or speed it up with chemicals. I prefer letting nature do its thing.
Copper costs more than stainless – typically $20-30 per square foot compared to $15-20 for stainless. But the look is worth every penny. Just know that acidic foods that splash on it will affect the patina, creating unique patterns over time.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the budget-friendly option here. You can get really nice aluminum backsplash sheets for around $8-12 per square foot.
I recently used aluminum tiles in a beach house kitchen in Florida. The client wanted something that wouldn’t break the budget but would still look super cool with their blue cabinets. The aluminum brought this awesome reflective quality that made the small kitchen feel bigger.
The catch with aluminum? It can scratch easier than other metals, so you need to be a bit more careful around it.
Brass
Brass is making a huge comeback! I just finished a kitchen in Boston with a brass backsplash paired with navy cabinets, and it’s absolutely stunning.
Like copper, brass will patina over time. You can maintain the shine with regular polishing or embrace the aged look. About 70% of my clients end up preferring the patina look once they see it develop.
Brass runs about $25-35 per square foot, making it one of the pricier options. But nothing beats it for adding warmth and a bit of luxury to your space.
Metal Tiles (Mosaics, Patterns)
This is where you can really have fun! Metal tiles come in so many patterns and shapes now.
I put penny round metal tiles in my sister’s kitchen renovation last summer. They catch the light in this amazing way that makes the whole room feel vibrant. She went with a mix of brushed nickel and stainless penny rounds – sounds simple but looks fantastic.
For a more artistic approach, consider using decorative metal tiles, such as tin tiles for backsplash. These tiles can be arranged in intricate designs that create a stunning visual impact, perfect for statement walls that draw the eye.
Metal tiles typically cost between $15-40 per square foot depending on the complexity. The installation is more involved than sheet metal because of all the grout lines, but you get amazing texture in return.
Advantages of Metal Backsplashes
Let me tell you why I keep coming back to metal backsplashes for my clients:
First off, they’re practically indestructible. I installed a stainless backsplash in a restaurant kitchen 12 years ago, and it still looks amazing despite constant cooking and cleaning.
The durability factor is huge. According to a survey from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, kitchens get renovated on average every 10-15 years. But a quality metal backsplash can easily last 20+ years with proper care.
Cleaning is ridiculously easy. No grout lines to scrub (unless you go with metal tiles), and most spills wipe right off. This is why about 45% of my busy professional clients gravitate toward metal options.
The light reflection is something most people don’t think about until they see it installed. Metal backsplashes bounce light around the room, making even small kitchens feel bigger and brighter. I had a client with a tiny Manhattan kitchen that felt like a cave until we put in a stainless backsplash. The difference was night and day.
Heat resistance is another big plus. You don’t have to worry about hot pans damaging metal like you would with some other materials. I once had a client accidentally rest a hot cast iron against their marble backsplash – disaster. With metal, that wouldn’t be an issue.
And let’s talk about the wow factor. A metal backsplash is not what most people expect to see, so it immediately makes your kitchen stand out. When I installed that copper backsplash in my kitchen, it became the first thing anyone commented on when they walked in.
Installation Tips For Metal Backsplashes
Ok, I’ve made every mistake possible when it comes to installing metal backsplashes, so learn from my pain!
First, measure twice, cut once. Actually, measure three times with metal because mistakes are costly and sometimes impossible to fix on-site.
For sheet metal backsplashes, your wall needs to be really flat. I learned this the hard way in a 1920s home where the plaster walls were wavy. The metal sheet showed every bump and dip. We ended up having to install a layer of 1/4-inch backer board first to create a perfectly flat surface.
Watch out for electrical outlets! You need special metal outlet boxes that are grounded properly. This is not a place to cut corners. I always hire a licensed electrician for this part.
For cutting metal, use the right tools. I tried using regular snips on a copper sheet once and ended up with jagged edges that cut my hand. Not fun explaining that one to the emergency room nurse! A good nibbler tool works for most sheet metal.
Adhesives matter a lot with metal. You need something that bonds well to both the metal and your wall substrate. I’ve had good results with construction adhesive for most applications, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you’re installing metal tiles, use a polymer-modified thinset. Regular thinset won’t bond as well to the metal backing.
Remember that metals expand and contract with temperature changes. Leave a tiny gap at the edges that can be filled with a matching silicone caulk to allow for this movement. I forgot this once in a kitchen with a commercial range, and the metal actually buckled during an intense cooking session!
Conclusion
After installing hundreds of backsplashes over my career, metal remains one of my favorites for the right space. They’re not for everyone – some people prefer the traditional look of tile or the luxury of stone – but metal brings something special to a kitchen.
I particularly love how metal backsplashes age with your home. While many materials deteriorate over time, metals like copper and brass actually get more character and charm.
If you’re considering a metal backsplash, start by ordering samples. Live with them in your kitchen for a few days before committing. See how they look in different lighting throughout the day.
The prices I mentioned can vary by region and fluctuate with material costs, so get current quotes from local suppliers. And don’t forget to factor in installation – while DIY is possible for some types, others really benefit from professional installation.
My copper backsplash is going on three years now, and I love it more each day as it develops its unique patina. That’s the thing about metal – it lives and changes with you, which is something most backsplash materials simply can’t offer.
Have you installed a metal backsplash or are you thinking about it? I’d love to hear your experiences! Drop a comment below with any questions – I’m always happy to help fellow design enthusiasts make their kitchens shine.
