Alternative Backsplash Materials & Ideas

Have you been cooking in your kitchen and noticed that your backsplash is looking a bit dated? Is it stained by food splatter or missing some tiles? Emerge2 can help! To make that space behind your counter sparkle again, a new backsplash is the way to go. A tile backsplash is a classic look that has stood the test of time, but installing a new tile backsplash can be costly, messy, and without proper know-how, is probably a job best left to professionals. But installing tile isn’t your only option. Here are some great alternative backsplash ideas to inspire your space.

Peel & Stick

This is one of the easiest alternative solutions for your backsplash because it’s as simple as it sounds with lots of available looks to choose from. A metal-look backsplash is a great way to modernize, and complements your stainless steel appliances. A red brick pattern provides a great contrast to a bright countertop. If you want to keep the area looking bright, use a white brick-patterned backsplash. Bring the look of the outdoors into your kitchen with wood-look backsplashes in a variety of tree species. If your heart is set on tile, peel-and-stick tile options are available in many different patterns and styles. While subway tiles remain one of the most popular styles, the ease of use of peel-and-stick allows you to try different options before you start a big project. Honeycomb and mosaic are popular tile patterns available.

Faux Tin Ceiling Tiles

You might recognize these patterned square tiles from the ceilings of old homes, but their colors and patterns make them a great alternative backsplash option. You can find metal options of these tiles but the majority are made of vinyl. The symmetrical patterns draw your eyes toward them and their texture adds depth to your countertop area. Because these tiles are meant for ceilings, you can also find them in larger sizes if you have more space to fill. And since they are styled after tiles in old homes, they are available in styles meant to look older, such as copper. While you may be able to find some peel-and-stick varieties of these tiles, you will get a better selection if you expand your search to include tiles that are attached with an adhesive.

Laminate Flooring

We looked up for our last backsplash solution, now it’s time to look down! Laminate flooring is one of the most popular types of flooring due to its relatively low cost, easy installation, and the huge number of styles available. These factors make it great not only for your floor, but as a backsplash option as well. If you’re looking for a natural wood look, laminate imitates that look very well. But it’s not just the color and pattern that make laminate look so natural – it’s the way it is manufactured so each piece looks slightly different than the other. Most laminate flooring clicks together, which makes installation simple. However, since these pieces will be going on a wall instead of a floor, you will need a nailer, like a brad nailer, to attach the pieces to the wall with small nail holes that won’t be obvious when you look at them.

Chalkboard Paint

Why stick to one style of backsplash when you can erase and create a different backsplash whenever your heart desires? Making your backsplash with chalkboard paint allows your creativity to shine! Chalkboard paint is a cheap and simple solution if you’re looking for different ideas for your space. A great thing about chalkboard paint is that you don’t have to do much prep work to your area before applying. If you have existing tiles, it is possible to apply the paint on top of them instead of having to remove them first. You can also expand the paint past the backsplash and paint an entire wall as a continuation of the backsplash. With a bit of paint and chalk, the ideas are endless.

If you have any questions or need more information, visit Emerge2. Our team is always available to help in any way we can.