Update the look of your kitchen with a unique backsplash.
A backsplash adds function and style to a kitchen. It keeps walls clean of food and moisture and adds a decorative accent to complement cabinets and counter-tops. Backsplash material options available today span beyond conventional tile and include a variety of non-traditional and innovative materials to complete your kitchen and ensure its design is current.
Thermoplastic Panels
Thermoplastic panels are made of a synthetic material, which is made to look like plastic. They come in a variety of styles from plain and patterned to more ornate designs. The panels come in sheets of 18 inches by 24 inches, which are installed using double-sided adhesive tape. Although the panels are fire retardant, extreme heat can cause them to warp, and as a result should not be installed behind a stove. Thermoplastic panels are suitable for most kitchen design styles, but especially modern ones.
Tin Tile
Tin tile offers a classic look suitable for country-style kitchens. Tin tile are installed as panels, which can be cut to accommodate various size spaces. They are generally available in at least six different styles with the design repeated on each panel tile. Tin tile comes in a variety of colors. You apply them to the wall using liquid nails.
Beadboard
Beadboard is a classic backsplash. Although it's most notably found in cottage kitchens, it also works well in traditional and modern kitchens because of its simple vertical lines. It's made of wood planks that have tongue and groove joints that fasten together. You can purchase them in various wood finishes, such as maple, oak and cherry or buy them in natural wood and paint them white or a color to match your kitchen d cor. It usually takes as many as three planks for a 10-foot section of backsplash, states Suzy Renovator. One drawback of beadboard is that planks you can paint require periodic repainting every year or so to keep them looking their best.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is an inexpensive backsplash option. Most wallpaper comes with an adhesive backing that is applied in a peel and stick fashion to the wall. Certain wallpaper companies produce styles that resemble tile or metal to imitate the look of these materials without the high cost. One downside of wallpaper is maintenance. Although most food spills can be removed with a clean, damp sponge, oil does not come out as easily and could permanently damage the backsplash.
