Backsplash Materials & Design for a Beautiful Kitchen

Don’t get stuck in a ceramic tile or porcelain tile kitchen backsplash rut! We did a little virtual shopping and came up with some other backsplash material options. Just as material options vary greatly, so do their prices. We’ve tried to focus our attention on options that are budget-friendly and stylish – not to mention easy for the do-it-yourselfer to install herself/himself.

For each material example discussed, we have included a source, material size information and basic pricing.

A quick look at these kitchen backsplash pictures just might have you heading in a new design direction.

Beadboard Backsplash

When we think of beadboard, we typically think of rustic, country, or cottage design. This kitchen design picture tells a completely different story. It’s a perfect example of how a beadboard backsplash can work in a clean, modern kitchen. The crisp white of the beadboard backsplash is a gorgeous contrast to the sleek black countertop and modern stainless steel appliances.

Elite Trimworks carries MDF beadboard backsplash planks with authentic deep beads. Each plank is 8-1/4″ wide (8″ exposed) x 8′ long. There are three beads per plank and with their tongue and groove joints they install seamlessly. Each plank is priced at $25.50 USD. For a 10 ft. section of backsplash that is 18″ high you would require 3 backsplash planks for a total of $76.50 USD. We think that’s extremely reasonable. In addition to MDF they also carry oak, maple and cherry beadboard planks.

Tin Tile Backsplash

For a vintage kitchen design try a tin tile backsplash. The most common height of a backsplash area measures 18″. As luck would have it the American Tin Ceiling Co. has tin backsplash panels that are manufactured with a 6″ pattern repeat which makes them ideal for use as a backsplash material.

Tin tile panels can be cut with tin snips and installed with Liquid Nails. They recommend using their Nailup panels for backsplash applications. Prices range from $12.00 to $42.00 per 24″ x 24″ panel depending on the pattern and color.

They offer six different patterns with the 6″ repeat and each pattern is available in one of 65+ colors. You’ll also find backsplash switch plate covers in prices ranging from $4.00 to $20.00 depending on the color and size.

Thermoplastic Backsplash Panels

Acoustic Ceiling Products (ACP) has developed decorative thermoplastic panels that very closely mimic the appearance of metal. Their classic style backsplash panels measure 18″ x 24″. These attractive panels are easily installed with adhesive or double-sided tape. Full installation instructions can be found on their site. For a finished look they also provide matching finish outlet cover laminates, corner trim and edge trim pieces.

Choose from 16 different finishes and 6 design styles. We are happy to report that in addition to traditional tin ceiling style tiles, you will also find a funky ribbed design and a quilted metal style.

The panels are fire retardant, but can be deformed by excessive heat. For this reason they are not recommended for installation behind the stove.

ACP’s site includes a list of retailers including: Home Depot, Menards and Lowes. The only pricing we could find for individual panels and accessories was at Lowes.

Per 18″ x 24″Panel – $18.00 to $18.52 USD
Edge J-Trim 18″ – $1.06 to $1.09 USD
Corner Trim 18″ – $1.06 to $1.09 USD
Laminates for outlet covers – $9.98 to $10.14 USD

Looking for an inexpensive stainless steel kitchen backsplash? A stainless steel backsplash can be an expensive option. We looked at various options for stainless steel backsplashes and found that the prices for the stainless steel alone can be very cost prohibitive $170.00 to $330.00 for one 30″ x 24″ panel at one source.

If you’re not feeling terribly confident about working with stainless steel yourself, add onto that the cost of having it professionally fitted and installed and you could be looking at hundreds of dollars. As the expenses add up a stainless steel kitchen backsplash doesn’t equate to a very budget-friendly backsplash option. And then we visited Ikea.

Ikea carries the Imperativ Wall Panel – a stainless steel panel that is available in two sizes: 30″ x 24″ and 37″ x 15″ priced at $18.00 and $20.00 USD respectively. The 37″ x 15″ panel would work quite nicely as a backsplash between upper cabinets and countertops, while the larger 30″ x 24″ panel would offer extra protection on the backsplash area behind a stove or cooktop.

Mounting these stainless steel panels is a breeze with the Imperative Rails. They are 47-1/4″ long, can be cut to the appropriate length, and come in a package of 2 for $10.99 USD.

Now we’re talking budget-friendly and do-it-yourself-friendly!