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Jeff's experience designing content solutions lead him to be one of our first contributors. He helped draft Makey's blueprint and is one of the best explainers of technical details we know.
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Sometimes, the terms backsplash and splashback can be used interchangeably to refer to the area above a sink in a kitchen or bathroom. However, in some cases, splashback can take on a more negative meaning, referring to a splash of dirty water or other noxious liquid.
A backsplash refers to the area directly above the sink and countertop and below the cabinets (or other structures, like a window ledge or mirror) that is covered with a protective surface material like tiles or laminate in order to prevent damage from water, grease, or other substances. Backsplashes are most commonly found in kitchens but can also be located in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and utility rooms. In most cases, they are both decorative and functional.
If you’re thinking of redoing your backsplash, you should know that you have options. Additionally, you should also know that those options come with their own pros and cons: