Tired of Tile? These Backsplash Alternatives Create a Unique Kitchen
Updated: May 07, 2024
Watching the latest design shows, you might believe that tile is the only backsplash option for your kitchen. Here are eight awesome backsplash materials that break the tile mold.
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Backsplashes are stylish and add character to your kitchen, and they also function to prevent stains and splatters from covering your bare wall. Tile is the most popular backsplash choice, but if you want to give your kitchen a less traditional look, there are plenty of backsplash alternative options to suit both light and dark cabinets.
These kitchen backsplash ideas make a statement while protecting your kitchen, and they come at a fraction of the cost of traditional tiles. What’s not to love?
Wood Backsplash
Pros:
- Scratch-Resistant
- DIY-Friendly
- Features a horizontal grain pattern
- Features sustainable material
Cons:
- Has a porous surface
- Additional steps after installation are necessary
Not only is wood durable, environmentally friendly and long lasting, it gives your kitchen a rustic, farmhouse look. All you have to do is mix wood with other materials such as stone to create a modern vibe. So versatile!
To create a wood backsplash, use wood paneling or even bamboo flooring. These Carmel Carbonized Bamboo Planks have a scratch-resistant, aluminum oxide finish and a horizontal grain pattern for a natural look. Plus, bamboo is a sustainable product and buyers noted it’s a great choice for easy DIY installation. Just be sure to have the wood sealed when you’re done installing since it is porous.
Brick Backsplash
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Available in 3 colors
Cons:
- Sealant needed in order to avoid staining and moisture build-up
- Difficult to clean
Bring the vintage touch of exposed brick into your kitchen with a brick backsplash. Because brick looks good on its own or painted, it’s adaptable to any kitchen color trend. Choose between purchasing individual bricks, which are inexpensive and customizable to your space, or try a faux brick tile, which is easier to install and comes in several color options. Keep in mind that brick is a porous backsplash alternative, which can be difficult to clean since it has so many crevices. To avoid staining and keep moisture out, use a sealant such as clear polyurethane.
Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
Pros:
- Easily replaceable
- Resistant to heat
- Can offer a 3-dimensional effect
Cons:
- Isn’t suitable for accent tiling
- Number of tiles in each batch can vary
There are so many great things about peel-and-stick options as a backsplash alternative: they’re inexpensive, come in a variety of colors and styles, are easy to install and you can quickly change them once you grow tired of the look. From wood to metal and glass to stone, there are peel-and-stick backsplash options for every taste and budget. And you can just wipe them down to clean!
For a modern look, try these matte black hexagonal peel-and-stick tiles. They come in a pack of four and have a 3D effect for a genuine tile look. Plus, no grout and no glue means no mess when installing.
Chalkboard Paint Backsplash
Pros:
- Streak resistant
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Sheds chalk dust onto countertop
For a memorable and custom look that you can easily change every day, consider chalkboard paint as a kitchen backsplash alternative. This option pulls double-duty as a family message center or shopping list tracker, and it’s incredibly affordable—this Krylon chalkboard paint from Amazon only runs you about $25. Just keep in mind that you’re likely to get some chalk dust on your kitchen counters.
Mosaic Glass Backsplash
Pros:
- Available in multiple designs and color patterns
- Grants the user complete creative control
Cons:
- Tedious application process
Looking to get creative? Try mosaic glass as a kitchen backsplash alternative. Once you sort through your mix of glass shapes and colors and decide on a design, use tile adhesive to attach them to your wall and grout the backsplash. Though this option is more time intensive than standardized tiles, it gives you a one-of-a-kind backsplash that brings personality and value to your kitchen. But, if you’re looking to add a pop of color to your existing tiles, you need to get the right kind of paint.
Painted Stencil Backsplash
Pros:
- Pre-made stencils
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Only suitable for specific surfaces
If you’re ready to test out your painting skills, consider using a stylish wall stencil to create your backsplash alternative. There are a variety of pre-made stencils in different shapes and styles that are extremely cost effective, and you can even mix and match. For those who love geometric patterns, try this eight-piece herringbone geometric wall stencil, which buyers note are durable, thick and easy to use.
Thermoplastic Backsplash
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Can be cut or trimmed
Cons:
- Does not come with 2-sided tape or polyurethane construction adhesive
Thermoplastic is a budget-friendly backsplash alternative that not only gives the look of more expensive tile, but is easy to clean and comes in a variety of styles. As far as DIY backsplashes go, installation couldn’t be easier—just use a polyurethane adhesive or two-sided tape. These Fasade cross hatch backsplash panels give your alternative backsplash a bespoke vintage look. Plus, you can cut the panels with scissors or a utility knife, making them truly customizable to your space.
Metal Pegboard Backsplash
Pros:
- Doubles up as storage compartment
- Useful for small kitchens
Cons:
- Screws and drill necessary
For an industrial look that also creates more storage in small kitchens, a metal pegboard backsplash is a smart alternative. Plus, it’s durable and easy to clean with just soap and water. Save space in cupboards and drawers by adding hooks to this steel pegboard and hanging your utensils instead. Installation only requires a few screws.
Originally Published: August 26, 2022
