Limestone Backsplash Kitchen Designs

The kitchen is a battlefield and one of the ways you can protect it from your daily wars against grease and spills is to have a backsplash installed. A good and durable backsplash can help you protect your kitchen and at the same time add aesthetic value to the room. With many options to choose from, it can get overwhelming to plan and think about.

A backsplash is a feature of the kitchen that allows homeowners to exhibit the beauty of their cooking area through a range of styles, hues, materials, textures, and elements, and so that their sense of aesthetics can be appraised. 

Normally, the material utilized for the backsplash is easy to maintain, attractive, and functional. It is the area of the house where elegance and efficiency must harmonize. It must look attractive. Fortunately, limestone backsplashes have magnificent, natural textures because they are manufactured from minerals that inherently rested on the earth’s surface over centuries.

A limestone backsplash’s richness to your kitchen makes it an unrivaled part of the entire house. The natural mood provided by this stone is due to subtle patterning and toned-down neutral tones. 

If you need a good place to start and an option to consider, why not check out these limestone backsplash kitchen designs? Learn more about what a sedimentary rock kitchen backsplash can offer you and weigh its pros and cons to know if it’s the ideal option for you.

  

Limestone Backsplash Characteristics

A limestone backsplash is a protective surface you can install on the wall perpendicular to your kitchen’s countertop and stove. The role of the backsplash is to protect the wall from cooking oil splashes and other substances you use for cooking and preparing food. This is why it’s important to choose a backsplash resistant to these damaging substances. 

Limestone is a solid sedimentary rock composed of minerals and various crystal structures of calcium carbonate such as calcite and aragonite. Limestone comprises disintegrated fragments of shells of aquatic creatures and living beings.

Moreover, this sedimentary rock is primarily produced when sea creatures absorb calcium carbonate from water to create shells and bones, including clams, oysters, and mussels. Their shells and bones descend to the seafloor when they perish and develop solid sedimentary rock over millennia.

They can also be created by rapid crystallization from water. This rock develops most typically in clear, warm, shallow seawater. Since this material is a hard sedimentary rock, it is durable enough to serve as a sturdy backsplash.

This means that the material is composed of different minerals and crystal forms of aragonite and calcite, as well as skeletal marine organism fragments in the form of grains. Yes, if you choose this option for a backsplash what you have is a product of years of nature preserved in a stone. Nothing can get as natural as that if that’s what you’re going for.

Fossilized stone backsplash kitchen designs can cover a few inches from the countertop or reach all over the ceiling. The decision is all yours, as well as the choice of colors, designs, and textures.

While kitchen backsplashes are highly functional, you must use their aesthetic value to your advantage. With wide choices based on their appearances, you have the freedom to customize however you want.

Another offshoot of limestone is travertine which is a subset of the stone. Travertine is a land formed stone, whereas the former rock varieties are formed under the ocean. You can frequently find travertine countertops, backsplash and flooring available at a less expensive price than limestone.

Backsplash Cost

The cost of clastic rock backsplash kitchen designs ranges from around $400 to $1,300, depending on several factors, including the material’s color, thickness, and finishing, as well as the total cost of labor. Conglomerate rock slabs and tiles range from $2 to $11 per square foot, where the low-cost materials are very porous while the high-cost ones have a more textured finish.

If you choose to DIY the backsplash, you will surely be able to save some money but you need to know how to be able to do it effectively, or else you’ll just be wasting your time, money, and effort. 

Limestone Pros And Cons 

Limestone is an incredible natural stone. Using it as a kitchen backsplash provides several advantages you can make the most of and disadvantages that you need to take note of to assess if its benefits outweigh the drawbacks that come with it. Here are the pros and cons of going for conglomerate rock backsplash kitchen designs.

Pros

A limestone kitchen backsplash offers incredible benefits that make it one of the popular choices for homeowners. Here are some worth taking note of:

High Resistance & Durability: With its high mineral composition (if you choose a high-end calcific material), this backsplash is incredibly durable and resistant to bacteria and mold, which is what you will need for your meal preparation and cooking in the kitchen. With proper installation, sealing, cleaning, and maintenance, this backsplash can stand the test of time and last for a long time. 

Extremely Versatile: Considering limestone is a soft stone, it can be cut into different sizes and shapes, from a delicately small shaped design to large planks and slabs. Limestone is uncomplicated to trim and form to any size. 

One of the reasons why customized limestone backsplash tiles are so widely known is that buyers can have exactly what they want and not compromise on the size they do not prefer.

High Aesthetic Value: Limestone backsplash kitchen designs offer this stunning natural design showcasing class, elegance, and rustic ambiance. The material is seen in a variety of colors, from neutral colors tan and gray to pastel shades and blue. 

These colors come from the specific organic material found in the stone, where yellow and brown are high in iron oxides and jet black shows high organic material content. 

Since these limestone tiles are created from naturally derived minerals, they offer wonderful, natural patterns. The tiles can, without a doubt, give your kitchen a polished and gorgeous look.

Owing to its inherent aesthetic qualities, it has been utilized in homes for ages. It reflects the owner’s personality in designing and organizing the kitchen. It is also available in a variety of colors, as aforementioned.

Safe: Limestone is a non-combustible rock and a non-flammable material. It is safe to use in kitchens since it does not spontaneously combust or catch fire. A non-flammable material such as limestone will be safe to be used in the kitchen where tasks can involve fire when you’re cooking. 

This is an important feature of limestone for kitchens. Limestone absorbs heat well, and unlike other synthetic backsplash tiles, it does not crack because of heat uptake.

Cost-effective: Purchasing and installing limestone is more affordable compared to other natural stones like granite and marble. It is a good option if you want a natural stone’s rustic and elegant aesthetic but can’t afford the most common options. 

Environmentally Friendly: A limestone kitchen backsplash does not require the forsaking of the environment and a long process just to develop the material (unlike synthetic tiles), helping conserve energy as a result.  

Furthermore, limestone backsplash kitchen designs do not necessitate a lengthy production process, which benefits the environment by avoiding pollution. Limestone saves energy due to its brief manufacturing procedure and usage of natural resources.

Easy to Maintain & Clean: Limestone backsplashes are simple to clean and maintain. They necessitate normal sweeping and wiping only on infrequent occurrences. Regular cleaning may be necessary, but you only need to wipe the surface with water to keep it hygienic.

Since the material is anti-bacterial, you don’t often need to rigorously clean it. Limestone should last a long time if properly cared for and protected. You can also seal them to protect them from stains and extend their longevity and durability.

Timeless Style: Limestone is a versatile stone that can be incorporated into any style or design of a kitchen. It is a gentler stone than others and can be trimmed into small dimensions for mosaic or backsplash arrangements. Limestone backsplash tiles will complement practically any kitchen design. Its natural hue will never go out of fashion.

Cons

Limestone also has several drawbacks you need to be aware of in order to make a decision if it is the ideal material for your kitchen backsplash despite these disadvantages. Here are some of the relevant cons of limestone backsplash kitchen designs you need to take into account.  

Weighty: Limestone is a weighty backsplash material, and its backsplash tiles, particularly the bigger ones, are quite heavy as well. Thus, they must be managed with care to avoid being dropped, fractured, or broken. 

Because of their weight, limestone slabs frequently necessitate professional installation, and transporting them can be difficult. This, nevertheless, has no bearing on their efficiency, aesthetic value, or functionality.

Soft Material & Can Be Easily Scratched or Damaged: Compared to other hard raw stones, limestone is soft and susceptible to damage like breaking, chipping, and scratches from high foot activity and bumping with heavy types of furniture styles. Sealing the material and keeping the stone properly can help prevent these damages. 

Porous & Needs Regular Sealing: Since limestone is a sedimentary rock, it is a porous type of stone requiring you to seal the material regularly. Unsealed limestone will have substances seep through the pores, making it unhygienic and can create irreparable damage after a short period of time. 

To solve this issue, you must seal it routinely; otherwise, the contaminant would permeate into the gaps and make the backsplash tiles look unattractive, ruined, and dirty. Regular sealing is vital, which can be costly after some time.

Types of Limestone For Backsplash

After weighing the pros and cons of limestone backsplash kitchen designs, the next step is to consider your options. And there are various choices you can check out, especially in terms of colors and styles.

Limestone comes in colors depicting the organic material and components embedded in the stone. This is why it can be offered in various colors, from light shades of beige and green to dark shades of blue and black. The material offers this elegantly natural yet rugged look you won’t find in synthetic tiles. 

Besides the range of colors you can choose from for your limestone backsplash, it also has different designs and patterns. Here are several you can explore:

Limestone Tile

Not only is limestone tile backsplash an aesthetic choice because of its stunning colors and natural patterns but also an economic decision, considering it is comparatively more affordable than other natural stones. It is considered one of the most popular choices when it comes to limestone backsplashes. 

A limestone tile backsplash is one of the best options for a wall backdrop because of the different patterns that can be created from it. The patterns are flexible and you can customize whatever design you want, from a diamond pattern to unique formations.

Since the patterns are easily customizable and you can choose from a variety of colors, integrating the backsplash into your kitchen’s design is not a difficult task. 

Mosaic Tile

The term mosaic refers to a design made up of numerous little pieces of stone. Limestone mosaic tiles are made from small chunks and bits of stones in a mix of colors and arranged in a random pattern, which is made possible due to the natural stone’s flexibility. Among all the limestone backsplash options, the mosaic ones scream artistry like no other. 

A limestone mosaic backsplash does not only serve its main protective function but also its aesthetic role since they look like masterpieces glued on the kitchen wall. 

The appearance of an exquisitely stunning limestone in an intriguing, patterned mosaic is a great combination of timelessness and modernity. While keeping the richness and charm of the limestone, a hexagonal, arabesque, or herringbone mosaic provides a modern touch to your kitchen. See different tile shapes on this page.

Installing a limestone mosaic tile is a superb option for a visually appealing kitchen backsplash. This type of limestone backsplash tile gives your kitchen a more rustic vibe, whether you choose multi-colored stones or a polished limestone surface in your cooking area. With so many fantastic selections, picking a specific style or arrangement with limestone mosaic tile would be easy.

Compared to regular limestone tiles, limestone mosaic tiles offer a twist in the patterns. You can create a diamond pattern with the tiles, but mosaic tiles will give it a unique yet more sophisticated look. The downside is that you need to ensure it’s sealed well and properly since it can be damaged faster due to how it’s constructed.  

Subway Tile

A subway tile originally became a trend in the early 1900s, when white glazed ceramic tiles were used all over the subway stations in New York City, hence the tile’s name. The tiles are in the form of a rectangular brick shape, which is a classic and rustic wall look. And they were made from glazed ceramic in the past but now you can find a subway tile kitchen backsplash made from limestone. 

Limestone subway tile backsplash has a traditional, subtle aesthetic that is quite adaptable and may be very affordable for a simple variety. It can also go with almost any kitchen décor, from traditional to ultra-modern. 

Limestone subway tiles are typically modest to medium in size and rectangle in shape. However, limestone subway backsplashes normally have grout lines, which might accumulate dirt over time.

Vein Cut Limestone

Limestone is formed through the compiling of organic materials gathered through the years. And the stone’s selection of colors and veining come from the different elemental impurities in the material’s formation.

And the veining can vary depending on how the material is naturally-made. While some limestone only has small specks, others have more prominent streaks and are in contrasting colors too. 

You might use a vein-cut limestone tile to offer a more dramatic impression of your kitchen. The vein cut gives a little interest while maintaining that stylish yet minimalistic design, making this one of the newest trends in backsplash design.

The stone slab is cut parallel to the bedding plane or bedrock with a vein-cut limestone tile kitchen backsplash. This means that the veins run along the entire slab, which is entirely different from other stone slabs with veins cut along the grains. 

Since the stone is cut following the grain in the vein-cut method it reveals the layers or lines of limestone and contains horizontally created veining. As opposed to the cross-cut procedure, vein cutting involves cutting the limestone tiles against the grain. The pieces may have veining but would not seem striped with this procedure.

Vein-cut limestone tile is increasingly becoming a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes. You could transform the ordinary into the exceptional by employing grayish, vein-cut tiles in your kitchen. The finished backsplash appears to be something out of a high-end kitchen.

Considered the traditional among the different cuts, vein cut tiles offer a more dramatic showcase of the veins and patterns on the slab. This particular cut also allows better matching of styles and designs, which will be good for you once you add the backsplash into a kitchen with an already established design. 

Brick Veneer

Limestone brick veneer backsplashes are natural stone materials that are preferred for their unique design, texture, and charm. This stone variety is often used in architectural designs stretching back to the medieval era. Limestone brick veneer is available in a multitude of colors to suit a wide range of design options.

Moreover, limestone brick veneer backsplashes are used in kitchens with rustic interior designs. These backsplash materials are often vintage-looking. On a positive note, these materials are quite durable, extremely fireproof, and can guarantee to protect your walls from food and oil spillages. 

Limestone Finishes

Besides the different limestone backsplash kitchen designs and patterns, there are also different types of finishes you can choose from. Some finishes are not possible for particular types of stones so you must know which ones are applicable. 

Once you’ve decided to go for a conglomerate stone kitchen backsplash, one of the next steps to take is to consider the finish you want it to showcase. Here are some considerations for limestone you can explore. 

Tumbled Limestone

A tumbled sedimentary rock refers to when the stone has a rustic finish that delivers an ambiance of the old world and something antique. Tumbled fossilized stone backsplash tiles go through a process to give them a gentle surface and a curved edge with an antique style finish.

This is among the natural stone backsplash kitchen designs that add elegance to the room. This is done by creating the all-rounded effect that the stones by the seashores also showcase. A tumbled sedimentary is more textured since the finish itself tries to imitate the “aging” look. 

If your kitchen has an aged and antique look that’s authentic to its form and design, your fossilized stone backsplash is ideal to have a tumbled finish to add rustic detail to the room. It also adds character to the kitchen and can even serve as the room’s accent wall.  

To have this tumbled finish, the semimentary tiles are placed inside large drums and are then shaken and aggregated so as to have that ruggedly “aged successfully” look. This kind of finish can hide marks and imperfections on the surface, which can be a good option for porous stones with noticeable marks in them. 

The tumbling procedure gives the tile a smooth, weathered appearance with a moderately gritty surface. The most common tumbling process involves placing the conglomerate rocktiles into a rubber-made tumbling drum and then filling it with sand and water.

The machine is then tumbled, rotating the drum and its components. The sand gets to wear away the rough edges of the backsplash tiles as the machine tumbles, leveling the surface.

Manual tumbling with hand-chiseled edging is required for large tiles. Machine roughing is used in some fossilized stone backsplash tiles to create a tumbled effect on larger tiles.

However, the tumbling procedure slightly degrades the limestone’s natural luster by generating a chalky deposit that must be cleaned. Therefore, a color-enhancing sealer applied to the fossilized stone helps to protect it from water disruption.

Not only does the sealer protect the conglomerate rock backsplash, but it also accentuates the natural hue of the stone, making the backsplash more aesthetically attractive.

Polished Limestone

A polished finish on a fossilized stone showcases the highest luster compared to all types of finishes you can apply to a stone. Also known as glossy or high glossy, the polished finish makes it possible to see every grain and vein on the surface of the stone. For conglomerate rock tiles, this means that the veining will even be more transparent. 

With polished sedimentary rock, the surface is sealed making the entire stone less porous and more durable. The big drawback in choosing a polished finish is that its smooth and reflective surface allows every scratch and mark to be visible, whether you intend for them to be shown or not.

And to achieve this sheen, the natural stone is exposed to a significant and thorough smoothing process using several polishing wheels. Unlike marble, fossilized stone is not noted for its dazzling shine.

However, you may easily get a polished appearance on sedimentary rock. Polishing enhances the inherent color and contrasts of fossilized stone by brightening its appearance. Natural stone backsplash tiles can be polished using various methods such as mineral oil, hand polisher, and so on. Nonetheless, most polished sedimentary rock tiles are polished by machine.

When it comes to general aesthetics, polished sedimentary rock caters to a more traditionally elegant taste, which is why it is a good option for formal spaces. If you are going for something luxurious and artistically unique but timeless, this is the ideal finish for your natural stone. And yes, that includes your sedimentary rock backsplash. 

Honed Limestone

If you choose honed limestone for your backsplash, you are going for a less smooth finish than satin and polished. Also referred to as matte, it offers something muted when it comes to its appearance but retains more texture and authenticity from the natural stone.

Compared to a polished finish, it is also able to hide minor scratches better. It is a good option if you’re going for a more contemporary and warmer look, which is an interesting addition to the kitchen. 

The downside in choosing honed sedimentary rock over polished sedimentary rock is that it does not fully seal the stone. And since clastic rock is porous, you will need to refinish and seal it in order to protect it from stains and moisture. In addition to that, the textured surface makes the surface more complicated to clean. 

Brushed Limestone

A brushed surface has a more textured finish than honed and polished sedimentary rock but is a bit smoother than a tumbled finish. If you are looking for a texture that is quite similar to an orange peel, this is the ideal finish for you.

The texture offers the classic rock a more authentic look with more softness yet at the same time handles wear and tear well. This authentic textured look can be achieved by running the stone under the wheels and getting brushed with metal bristles and a steel comb. This process allows the stone to have more texture and enhanced natural color. 

Limestone Colors

Most fossilized stone backsplash kitchen designs are made up of unique grains with a variety of color variations. They are an incredible material for enhancing the kitchen area as they are frequently used to create backsplashes. The surface veining, streaking, and subtle shading of carbonate stone backsplashes generate a variety of patterns and colors, which make it very appealing to a lot of homeowners.

Several types of sedimentary rocks feature extremely fine specks, whereas others have lines. Within the natural attractiveness of the natural stone tiles, they yield a variety of clashing colors. The wide spectrum of colors is caused by various elemental impurities inherent in carbonate stone throughout its development. 

Here are some of the well-known color combinations of conglomerate stone backsplashes:

• Gray and Light Gray

• Beige, White, and Off-White

• Raspberry, Plum, Burgundy, and Red

• Charcoal and Jet Black

• Gold and Yellow

• Pastel Pink, Pale Pink, and Rose

• Copper, Rusty, and Orange

• Tan, Light Brown, Brown, and Cinnamon 

The light color variations of carbonate stone backsplashes offer the kitchen an exquisite appearance and architecture. They are simple to combine with other design elements such as cabinets, countertops, and flooring. Read more about limestone kitchen countertops here.

Traditional, modern, retro, minimalist, and contemporary ambiances are often generated by carbonate stone backsplash tile patterns.

Is Limestone Durable?

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of organic minerals and the denser the collection of grains is, the more durable the stone is. This is the reason why the darker the color of the sedimentary rock, the more durable it is and vice versa. So if you want something harder and more durable, go for a darker-colored sedimentary rock. 

While sedimentary rock is a soft stone that’s less durable compared to marble, it can be considered hard and durable among other soft stones. It is more stable and not susceptible to fragile vents just because it has veins.

It is incredibly durable provided the natural stone is sealed properly and regularly maintains that condition. Proper sealing protects the surface from moisture and other substances that can easily damage it, especially because the stone is porous. 

How Do You Care For A Backsplash Made From Limestone?

In taking care of your sedimentary rock backsplash, it is important to regularly clean it from damaging grease and dirt. This means that adjusting how you clean the conglomerate rock backsplash is important. 

Regular cleaning only requires wiping the surface of the stone with a wet cloth and warm water but if you decide to use a cleaner, make sure to go for neutral cleaners since it has calcium carbonate that gets rid of acid, which is dangerous and damaging to the stone. 

Sedimentary rock types of kitchen backsplash are prone to having oil splashes and leftover food particles and if they are left too long, they will turn into stubborn stains. Splashes need to be wiped immediately off the tiles and stubborn stains require the use of stone cleaners and grout. 

Here are some of the steps you can perform to clean your conglomerate backsplash:

Vacuuming: To minimize scratches on the conglomerate backsplash tiles caused by abrasive cleaners, you can always vacuum them to remove debris and grit.

Steaming: You can steam the tiles to remove dust and water particles that have formed and blackened on the tiles’ tiny pockets. It is preferable to steam the tiles on a constant schedule. 

Water and dirt contaminants can create small pits on the tiles, which might discolor or blacken them. Such problems can be avoided with the help of steam. After steaming, you should immediately dry the tiles.

Wet Mopping or Wiping Using a Wet Rag: You can clean your sedimentary rock backsplashes with a wet mop every 2 to 3 days, using a moderate solution consisting of mild detergent and water. 

Mild cleansers are a must in terms of cleaning clastic rock. Because it is largely composed of calcium carbonate, it can react with acids, potentially damaging the stone.

The mop you will use should not be your floor mop but a different mop solely made for your backsplashes.  Moreover, you should wipe away all the spills and splatters from the sedimentary rock tiles quickly as they are the source of tile stains.

Sealing: Because of their porosity, sedimentary rock tiles need sealing regularly, around once or twice a year. Sealing will protect the natural stone from stains and overtime wear and tear. 

How to Clean Limestone Surfaces

Cleaning your sedimentary rock backsplash will be easy once you’ve properly sealed the surface. The daily basic cleaning is not as complicated and you will only need the following things before you start: 

• Clean Rug

• Soft-bristled Brush/Toothbrush

• Dish Soap/Natural Stone Cleaner

• Bucket

And these are the simple steps you can follow:

• Step 1 – Prepare a bucket of soapy water solution: Fill your bucket with water and soap. You can choose either a mild dish detergent or a pH-neutral cleaner made especially for natural stones.

The solution can help you clean your conglomerate backsplash, especially the oil splashes and grease, without worrying about possible damages you can inflict on the surface. Mixing it with water will help avoid staining from the dripping and splashing cleaner. 

• Step 2 – Wash the kitchen backsplash with a bristle brush: Dip the brush in your soapy water and generously apply the solution to your backsplash. Start brushing and be very thorough, especially if the finish you chose for your backsplash is not polished. Take time to brush the small crevices you see. 

• Step 3 – Thoroughly rinse the backsplash: Get a bucket of clean water and a rag to wipe away the soapy solution and rinse it away. Make sure you don’t miss any spot on the surface. 

Tip: If the stain is not easily removed, mix baking soda with little water and apply it to the stain using a spatula. Leave it to dry for at least 30 minutes and then brush it off. Repeat this process if the stain is persistent and let the mixture sit longer. 

Do You Need to Seal Limestone?

Yes. Since carbonate stone is very porous, it must be sealed routinely every year or two. Sealing the sedimentary rock will assist in minimizing stains as well as wear and tear. More than just daily cleaning, you need to seal the conglomerate rock to maintain its quality and protect the surface from irreparable damage.

For instance, sections behind the stovetop that are prone to grease and cooking spatter, hence they need extra protection. And because sedimentary rock is more permeable than granite, it undoubtedly requires more frequent sealing.

Since this material is porous, sealing is a vital part of using it. While sealing is not a complicated process, it can be expensive because sedimentary rock is highly porous. Sealant alone costs $100 to $200 per gallon and maintenance of conglomerate stone, in general, can set you back $40 to $300, depending on the size and needed cleaning. 

The excellent thing is that applying sealer does not have to be a time-consuming or complicated task. Furthermore, sealing sedimentary rock backsplash tile can increase its natural attractiveness, giving you the desire to complete the task.

Is Limestone Good For Backsplash?

When you make a major purchase for your kitchen, you surely want it to be a perfect complement. When considering modifying something in your kitchen, such as installing sedimentary rock backsplashes, you want to make sure you will be satisfied with the results.

Sedimentary rock can be a good option for a kitchen backsplash despite being one of the “soft” options among the different types of natural stones. It is one of the most durable soft stones you can use and can provide an ambiance of authenticity and elegance that only natural stones can deliver.

Since it is highly porous, sealing the natural stone once a year can protect it from oil splashes and grease, and extend its lifespan. This is one of the drawbacks you must consider. If you weigh the benefits and drawbacks though, you are guaranteed to benefit more from conglomerate stone backsplash kitchen designs, even with these few drawbacks.

See more related content in our article about limestone flooring ideas on this page.