Find the Perfect Stainless Steel Sheet for Your Backsplash
Not sure which stainless steel sheet to use for your backsplash? From alloy selection to finish and thickness recommendations, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to make the right choice and order your custom-cut stainless steel sheet from Cut2SizeMetals.
Your step-by-step guide to picking the right stainless sheet for backsplashes
A stainless steel backsplash is a sleek, durable, and low-maintenance choice for any kitchen. Whether you're a DIY homeowner planning a weekend project or a professional installer managing multiple jobs, selecting the right sheet is key. With multiple alloys, finishes, and thicknesses available, how do you choose the best fit?
At Cut2SizeMetals, we make it easy to order a custom-cut stainless steel sheets to fit your exact specifications. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate your choices for:
- Alloy type (304 is recommended)
- Finish selection (#4 Brushed Finish recommended for backsplashes, grain direction options available)
- Gauge & thickness conversion (20–24 gauge recommended depending on usage)
- How to place your order online and when to call for additional customization
Let's get started!
Step 1: Choosing the right stainless steel alloy
At Cut2SizeMetals, we primarily recommend 304 stainless steel for backsplashes. It provides excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and an easy-to-clean surface, making it the best choice for most kitchens.
While 316 stainless steel offers enhanced resistance to salt water and chemicals, it is typically only necessary for outdoor kitchens near the ocean or on boats. Cut2SizeMetals carries 316 stainless steel in a mill finish only. To request a polished or brushed finish, please contact our customer service team!
For most applications, 304 stainless steel is the ideal choice.
Step 2: Choosing the right finish
The finish you select will impact the appearance, maintenance, and durability of your backsplash.
#4 Brushed Finish
2B Mill Finish
#4 Brushed Finish (Recommended)
- Soft, satin-like texture
- Hides fingerprints and scratches better than the mirror finish
- Matches most stainless steel appliances
- Arrives with a protective PVC covering on one side
Other available finishes for 304:
#8 Mirror Finish – Highly reflective with grain marks polished out. It will show fingerprints and scratches easily. It also arrives with a PVC covering on one side.
2B Mill Finish – Arrives exactly as finished at the mill. It can have some surface scratches and may have a dull finish.
Grain Direction Selection (304 #4 Brushed Finish Only)
When choosing #4 Brushed Finish on 304 Stainless Steel, you can select your grain direction while specifying the custom-cut dimensions on the product page.
- If at least one dimension is greater than 48 inches, the grain must run with the long dimension.
- For all other sizes, you can specify the grain direction to match your design preference:
- Lengthwise: Grain runs parallel to the longest dimension
- Widthwise: Grain runs parallel to the shortest dimension
After selecting your alloy and finish, enter your custom dimensions and select grain direction directly on the product page before adding to cart.
Step 3: Selecting the right thickness (gauge) for your backsplash
Stainless steel sheet is available in a wide range of thicknesses. At Cut2SizeMetals, we carry 7 gauge to 26 gauge 304 stainless steel sheet with the #4 brushed finish, giving you options for everything from heavy-duty industrial projects to lightweight decorative uses.
For backsplash applications, however, we recommend focusing on gauges between 20 and 24, depending on how the sheet will be used. If your backsplash is primarily for decorative purposes, a thinner gauge is typically sufficient. But if you're installing it in a high-traffic, heavy-use environment (like a commercial or industrial kitchen), a thicker gauge will offer better durability against dents and wear.
Choosing the right gauge for your backsplash:
| Gauge | Thickness (inches) | Thickness (mm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Gauge | 0.025" | 0.6mm | Minimum recommended for decorative applications |
| 22 Gauge (Recommended for decorative uses) | 0.030" | 0.76mm | Best for residential decorative backsplashes |
| 20 Gauge (Recommended for heavy-duty uses) | 0.036" | 0.9mm | Best for commercial and heavy-use applications |
- For decorative backsplashes, 22 gauge is recommended, with 24 gauge as the thinnest option.
- For heavy-duty applications, such as community kitchens, industrial kitchens, or restaurants, 20 gauge is the best choice, as it can handle more wear and tear.
Step 4: Ordering your custom cut stainless steel sheet
Whether you're ordering for a home renovation or a commercial install, getting a custom-cut stainless steel sheet from Cut2SizeMetals.com is quick and easy. Your order will be tailored to your exact specifications, making your project easier and more convenient.
- Select Your Alloy – Choose 304 stainless steel for most applications.
- Choose Your Finish – #4 Brushed Finish recommended for backsplashes; grain direction selection available for #4 brushed finish only.
- Pick Your Gauge – Choose based on your usage needs:
- 24 gauge (0.025") is the thinnest we’d recommend for residential decorative backsplashes.
- 22 gauge (0.030") is our most frequently recommended gauge for residential decorative backsplashes.
- 20 gauge (0.036") for commercial and heavy-use environments.
- Enter Your Custom Dimensions – Enter your precise measurements on the product page, and if selecting 304 #4 Brushed Finish, choose your grain direction (lengthwise or widthwise).
Important notes about your order
✔ 304 stainless steel with a #4 Brushed Finish arrives with a PVC coating on one side to protect the brushed finish side during shipping and handling.
✔ Once your sheet arrives, double-check the finish, dimensions, and placement to make sure everything matches your order before installing it.
✔ Keep the PVC protective film on the sheet until the end of your project. You don’t want the metal to scratch during the installation process.
✔ Edges are deburred before shipping to remove burrs and minimize sharpness, but we still recommend handling with care.
✔ The corners will be 90-degree corners.
✔ For additional modifications (rounded corners, pre-drilled holes, holes for electrical sockets), contact our customer service team to discuss options.
We're here to make your backsplash project easier.
Whether you’re a DIYer planning your first backsplash or a pro ordering for a client, we’re here to help make the process smooth and straightforward.
Place your order online with custom dimensions, or give us a call to talk through rounded corners, pre-drilled holes, or other custom features.
Working on a project? Share your photos or reach out with questions—we’re always happy to help.
Your custom stainless steel backsplash is just a few clicks away.
Frequently asked questions
& Tips for installing a DIY stainless steel backsplash
Getting ready to install your backsplash? Whether you're a DIYer or a pro, be sure to check out our FAQs for helpful tips before placing your order.
Cut2Size Metals provides general properties and typical uses for the products we carry, however, the suitability of a material for any application or the manner of its use is the sole responsibility of the customer. If you have specific requirements for your application, we strongly suggest contacting us before purchasing. For specific questions or further assistance, feel free to call us at (812) 429-1634. We're here to help!