5 Stunning Alternatives to the Tile Backsplash
Try Stone Slab, Glass, Steel, Concrete or Beadboard Above the Kitchen Counter
When it comes to the kitchen backsplash, I'm crazy for tile, but there are alternatives if you're into a more minimal look or just want something different. If you're daunted by too many tile choices, or if you're not loving the pattern of all those grout lines, continuous materials like stone slabs and sheet glass can make for both beauty and easy cleanup.
In a more traditional kitchen, the slab of marble looks as timeless as in the modern kitchen we just saw.
Tip: Be sure to consider details like window sill ledges and electrical outlets when doing full-height slab material.
Tip: Be sure to consider details like window sill ledges and electrical outlets when doing full-height slab material.
Love the look of white marbles like Calacatta or Cararra but afraid of staining and maintenance of marble countertops? A full-height slab of marble as your backsplash allows you to have your cake and eat it too.
I love the contrast of this dark marble backsplash with the all-white kitchen. The natural stone adds warmth and depth to this sleek, modern space.
2. Sheet glass and backpainted glass. Full-height glass backsplashes are a wonderful way to get a minimal, bright and clean look, and they’re so easy to clean! This glass is painted on the back with a white paint, but the color the glass throws is always a bluish-green.
In this kitchen you can barely tell where the drywall stops and the glass begins.
Tip: I've heard it recommended to temper glass behind the stove, which is what we've done on our projects. But, beware: glass often breaks in the tempering process, so the lead time may be longer due to breakage and redos.
Tip: I've heard it recommended to temper glass behind the stove, which is what we've done on our projects. But, beware: glass often breaks in the tempering process, so the lead time may be longer due to breakage and redos.
Tip: When doing a full-height glass backsplash, be aware that there might have to be seams. Check with your supplier about where they’ll be so you don’t have any surprises.
Locate a tile, stone and countertop showroom near you
Locate a tile, stone and countertop showroom near you
3. Stainless steel. In small doses, full-height stainless can work great in residential design. Most people don't love the look of stainless everywhere; it's often too institutional looking. But in small sections or mixed in with other materials it works well.
Here they've mixed stainless and glass, which works great together.
Stainless mixes well with tile and is a standby favorite for behind the stove.
4. Concrete. If you’re doing concrete countertops, it only seems natural to run it up the wall for a sleek and unfussy look — and I love the added shelf on top here. It looks great mixed with the stainless behind the stove.
Discover more clever shelving solutions
Discover more clever shelving solutions
5. Beadboard. If you’re looking for something less modern, but still don’t want the installation effort of tile, beadboard is a fabulous choice. It adds texture and warmth, and when painted with semi-gloss paint, it’s easier to clean and touch up than drywall.
More:
Show us: What Did You Choose for Your Kitchen?
Kitchen Backsplashes That Work
Great Backsplashes for Wood Cabinets
More:
Show us: What Did You Choose for Your Kitchen?
Kitchen Backsplashes That Work
Great Backsplashes for Wood Cabinets
Tip: Make sure to visit the stoneyard or warehouse and pick your actual slabs. Not all stone is the same, even though the name might be. And each lot number can have different character, veining and color.