I have rough-face slate behind the rangetop. The only reason I wouldn't do it again is because it was a bear to grout, and it was my first grouting job since a tile project in shop in 7th grade! I sealed it before and after grouting, and don't have any particular trouble...But because my counters are 27" or more deep on each side of the rangetop, the rangetop is also bumped out a few inches. I think this makes a difference on how much splashes make it to the backsplash, so I think the distance, as well as the sealer, may play a part in the ease of cleaning. I know, though, that we've splashed it good with oil a few times, and I wiped it down with water with a bit of dish detergent in it. The sealer I used is from Home Depot. It's called Super Seal: Ultimate Penetrating Sealer. The backsplash has been up and grouted for over a year, and I might have sealed it once since then, but I can't remember for sure. I just looked and the backsplash still looks new to me.

I also did my own backsplash. I had tiled quite a bit in the past, and my recommendation is to buy an inexpensive tile saw. I bought a Harbor Freight cheapie that I have used for several tile jobs. Planning your layout is the most important thing. I would NOT use mastic if you use a natural stone, as the oils in the mastic can stain the stone. Fortunately real thin set is a lot cheaper and is easily mixed with a drill and "egg beater" type of attachment. If you do decide to DIY there is not better place on the web than the John Bridge Tile Forum for advice. Also, don't let the counter top people talk you into putting in the 4" backsplash if you don't like the look. I know that a lot of people tile above the 4" backsplash, but to me it always looks like an afterthought. We lived with our unfinished backsplash for over a year and it wasn't a problem to leave it just painted drywall during that period of time. Actually, to be honest, I still have 2 small areas in the kitchen where I haven't done the backsplash yet, and we've been in the house for almost 5 years, but I don't suggest that you do that! Here's my tumbled copper slate backsplash:

Our glass tile backsplash is a mix of glossy and matte glass. I sometimes use a sponge on the wall behind the range, even the blue scrubby side, sometimes alcohol-water mix, or Perfect Kitchen spray or Perfect Glass spray....depends on what I have in my hand at the time. I'll wipe it down with a paper towel or microfiber, again, depends on what I grab first. I'm sure our varied size and "texture" tile hides streaks and smears better than larger format all glossy tiles would(our large format glossy white porcelain tub wall tiles shows streaks more readily than other tile in the house), but I can't imagine the upkeep to be so onerous as to avoid using it.

Basically from a professional stand point, I deal with this dilemma on a daily basis. In my opinion having multiple levels of contrast really makes a kitchen stand out. What I mean is that the flooring should be opposite color from the cabinets, the counter top should match the floors, but the backsplash should tie all the elements together. I personally don't like when the floors, cabinets, countertop, and backsplash all match too much. For me to give my honest opinion on which backsplash I would put in my house, I would have to know the color of the floors and cabinets. However, without seeing those factors, I like the backsplash on the right more since it has more contrast then the option on the left, but still maintains similar colors too the counter. Regardless of my opinion, there is no real rule to this and is just my personal preference. Good luck on you decision. -Deluxe Vanity