Kitchen backsplashes not only provide protection from water damage, but they can also add visual interest and personality to your cooking space. With so many do-it-yourself backsplash options available, you can easily upgrade your backsplash on a budget. Whether you want to tackle a simple peel-and-stick backsplash or get creative with a handmade mosaic design, there are plenty of easy DIY backsplash ideas to suit your skill level and style.
What to Consider When Choosing a DIY Backsplash
When selecting a DIY backsplash for your kitchen, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:
Materials
The material you choose will impact the overall look, durability, and cost of your project. Popular options include:
- Tile: Ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile offers endless possibilities for shapes, sizes, colors and patterns. Tile is very durable but requires more skill to install.
- Metal: Tin, copper, stainless steel or aluminum provide an industrial, sleek look. Metal is easy to wipe clean but can dent.
- Glass: Large sheets of glass tile create a shiny, elegant appearance. Tempered glass is very durable but the large sheets can be heavy.
- Stone: Natural or engineered stone like marble or quartzite have a high-end, classic look. Stone is heat- and stain-resistant but can be pricey.
- Peel-and-Stick: Vinyl, plastic or foam-based tiles stick right to your existing backsplash for quick upgrades. Peel-and-stick options are affordable and easy to install but less durable.
Skill Level
Consider your DIY experience when deciding on materials and designs. Advanced projects like hand-cut mosaic tile require more skill and tools. Beginners may opt for large format tiles or peel-and-stick for quicker, simpler installation.
Budget
Prices can range dramatically for DIY backsplash projects. Factors like material costs, special tools needed and the amount of labor will impact your total budget. Set realistic expectations based on your goals, skills and finances.
Style
Look to your cabinetry finish, countertops, appliances and overall kitchen aesthetic when selecting a backsplash. Complement the color scheme and style of your space for a cohesive look. Play with shape, pattern and texture to make your backsplash a true focal point.
Top 10 Easy DIY Backsplash Ideas and Tutorials
Here are 10 of the most popular and simple to install DIY backsplash designs perfect for beginners:
1. Peel-and-Stick Backsplash Tiles
Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles provide instant transformation with very little work involved. Vinyl, plastic or foam-based tiles have an adhesive backing so you just peel and stick them to the wall. No messy grout or special tools needed! Choose from solid colors, faux stone, mirrored tiles and more. Cut tiles with scissors or a utility knife for customized shapes and around outlets.
Benefits: Extremely easy and quick to install, affordable, removable, wide style selection
Considerations: Less durable than ceramic or glass tile, adhesive could damage walls when removing
2. Painted or Stenciled Backsplash
Add color, texture and visual interest to your backsplash with paint! For a solid color look, use a high-quality kitchen and bath paint. Choose a complementary hue to your cabinetry or wall color. For more flair, use painters tape to create patterns and designs or make your own stencils. Metallic paints add a contemporary, modern look.
Benefits: Very affordable and customizable solution, good for rental kitchens
Considerations: Requires careful prep and priming for lasting results, less durable than tile
3. Tin Backsplash Tiles
Tin ceiling tiles have an antique, industrial chic look perfect for contemporary kitchen spaces. The small metal tiles have a lip that interlocks to form the full backsplash. Use screws to secure the lightweight tin tiles to the wall. Opt for a variety of fun shapes like diamonds, rectangles and hexagons.
Benefits: Quick grid-style installation, easy to cut and shape as needed, distinct vintage aesthetic
Considerations: Metal can dent or scratch, tiles may come in unfinished metal requiring a protective topcoat
4. Faux Brick Backsplash Panels
Faux brick panels instantly transport your kitchen to an urban loft or cafe. The 3D textured panels mimic the look of aged brick but are made of lightweight materials like vinyl or plastic that just stick to the wall with adhesive. Cut panels with a utility knife for fitting around corners and electrical outlets.
Benefits: Relatively quick and easy installation, panels cover large sections of wall space fast
Considerations: Fake brick lacks the texture and depth of real stone or brick, panel seams may be visible
5. Removable Wallpaper Backsplash
Self-adhesive wallpaper transforms the look of your backsplash quickly and affordably while protecting existing surfaces. Choose bold graphic prints, faux marble or textured patterns that complement your decor. Smooth wallpaper installs easily and removes cleanly. Use a vinyl smoother to minimize air bubbles and wrinkles for flush application against the wall.
Benefits: Wide variety of unique prints and textures, easy to install, peel off gently without damaging walls
Considerations: Prone to moisture damage and wearing over time, sections or seams may lift or peel
6. Wooden Pallet Backsplash
Reclaimed wood from shipping pallets create rustic, earthy backsplashes full of character. Use a hammer and pry bar to remove boards from the pallet. Cut boards to fit your space, adding decorative trim pieces if desired. Use construction adhesive and nails to affix boards to the wall with about 1/4 inch gaps between each row. Seal and finish wood for protection.
Benefits: Rustic, eco-friendly recycled wood material, naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial
Considerations: Labor intensive prep and installation, not heat or moisture resistant unless properly sealed
7. Mirror Tiles
Small mirrored tiles catch and reflect light beautifully in kitchens, creating the illusion of a larger, brighter space. The lightweight glass tiles easily stick to the wall using mastic adhesive. Grout between tiles for a seamless look. Use variations in tile size, shape and color for added dimension.
Benefits: Bright, reflective surface visually expands space, mosaic designs provide creative appeal
Considerations: Grout requires upkeep to prevent staining and mildew, glass can break and shatter
8. Marble Contact Paper
Marble contact paper offers the look of high-end stone on a budget. These adhesive sheets provide water-resistant marble, granite or stone-like patterns. Measure and cut contact paper to fit your backsplash area, allowing a small overlap on all sides. Slowly peel away backing and stick to the wall, smoothing gently to remove air pockets. Use a utility knife to trim excess paper at edges and corners.
Benefits: Inexpensive way to achieve dramatic marble or stone look, easy peel and stick application
Considerations: Removing contact paper could damage wall underneath, prone to ripping over time
9. Subway Tile
Classic white 3×6 subway tile provides an elegant, timeless backsplash option. The rectangular ceramic or porcelain tiles have square edges and beveled tops. Use plastic tile spacers between each tile for consistent 1/16 inch grout lines. Subway tile arrangements look great in herringbone, brick, or stacked designs.
Benefits: Classic, versatile style works with any kitchen decor, durable and moisture resistant
Considerations: Requires careful tile cutting for outlets and fittings, grouting can be messy
10. Vinyl Backsplash Sheets
For a seamless backsplash solution, opt for vinyl sheets designed specifically for kitchen walls. These PVC sheets come in solid colors or realistic stone and ceramic patterns. Cut sheets to fit your space before peeling and applying adhesive backing directly to the wall. Use a vinyl squeegee to eliminate bubbles and wrinkles.
Benefits: Quick and easy “one sheet” installation, available in many colors and textures
Considerations: Vulnerable to damage from heat and moisture over time, limited style selection
DIY Backsplash Installation Tips and Tricks
Installing a DIY backsplash may sound tricky, but breaking down the process into simple steps will set you up for success:
Gather Your Materials
Make a checklist of all required materials including tiles, adhesive, grout, cutter, spacers, sealant, etc. Confirm you have all tools before starting. Don’t forget safety essentials like gloves and eye protection.
Prepare the Surface
Proper prep work ensures your backsplash installation lasts. Clean the wall surface thoroughly and fill any holes or imperfections with spackle. Paint the walls if needed and allow paint to fully cure before installing the backsplash.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Precise measurements ensure a proper fit with less waste. Measure the backsplash area and each tile to calculate how many you need. For irregular areas, make cardboard templates first. Mark the wall for electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures.
Follow Instructions
Whether using tile mastic and grout or peel-and-stick tiles, carefully read and follow the product instructions. This will provide important details on set-up times, proper application and cleanup.
Start in the Center
Lay out materials to find the center of your backsplash installation area. Begin applying tiles from the center point and work outward row by row. This helps keep tile lines straight and even on all sides.
Be Patient
Allow adequate time for adhesive, mortar and grout to fully cure based on manufacturer directions. Rushing the process can lead to tiles loosening over time. Let each step completely dry before moving to the next.
Finish with Sealant
Once grouted and cleaned, apply a penetrating sealant to the finished backsplash. This waterproofs the surface to prevent stains and damage from moisture and steam. Reapply sealant yearly.
Creative DIY Backsplash Ideas to Elevate Your Kitchen
Take your backsplash from basic to beautiful with these creative DIY design ideas:
Geometric Pattern Tile
Create visual impact with a graphic tile pattern. Combine geometric shapes like triangles, diamonds, hexagons or circles in contrasting colors. Stagger the fun shapes for dynamic effect.
An eye-catching geometric tile backsplash. Image via Liz Lovery.
Bold use of Color and Shape
Make a style statement with an eclectic display of vibrant tiles in a range of exotic shapes. Mix glossy and matte finishes for added dimension. Accent with metallic tiles, decorative inserts or glass mosaics.
Intricate Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
Recreate the elegance of traditional Moroccan architecture with tiny, interlocking fish scale tiles. Meticulously arrange the ceramic tiles in rows, zig-zagging vertically and horizontally across the backsplash.
An intricate Moroccan fish scale tile backsplash. Image via Erin Kestenbaum.
Rustic Charm of Oversized Subway Tiles
Supersized 4×12 or 6×12 subway tiles make a dramatic impact with fewer grout lines interrupting the sleek finish. Choose a textured tile or bold color like navy blue for contemporary rustic charm.
Natural Stone Mosaic
A mosaic backsplash of travertine, marble or slate creates organic beauty. Shape irregular stone pieces into a patchwork of tiles, using metal or glass accent tiles for added sparkle. The unique variations in natural stone mosaics catch the eye.
Salvaged Antique Tiles
Add outdated tiles from architectural salvage shops for a charming timeworn look. Mix and match salvaged ceramic, porcelain or terra cotta tiles for an eclectic vibe. Use tumbled stone tiles for contrast.
Handmade Ceramic Tile Mural
Get creative and design a backsplash mural using handmade ceramic tiles. Sketch mosaic tile designs that tell a story or make a special artistic statement. Use varied colors, textures and finishes to craft your masterpiece.
Bold Horizontal Stripes
Wide horizontal stripes pack visual impact by elongating the space. Alternate glossy and matte tiles in contrasting colors like navy and white. Add thinner stripes of mosaic tiles or metallic accents for interest.
A bold striped backsplash in contrasting blue and white. Image via Julie Soefer.
FAQs About DIY Backsplash Projects
What is the easiest DIY backsplash?
Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles provide the quickest, easiest upgrade. These self-adhesive vinyl tiles stick right to existing surfaces for fast installation without mess or specialized tools.
Can I install a backsplash over existing tile?
In some cases, yes. Peel-and-stick tiles, backsplash panels and contact paper can be applied over existing tile. Ensure the existing tile is well-secured. Smooth, glossy tiles provide better adhesion.
How do I cut tile around outlets?
Use a wet saw for straight cuts and a tile nipper for notches around corners and outlets. Turn off electricity to the outlet before cutting tile. For square outlets, measure and cut L-shaped notches in tiles so they fit neatly around the box.
Should backsplash tiles match countertops?
It depends on your style. Contrasting tiles can make the counters really stand out while matching tiles promote flow. Tiles that complement the overall color scheme without directly matching can bridge the two looks.
How do I cut backsplash tiles?
Cut ceramic, porcelain or glass tile with a wet saw fitted with a diamond blade. Run tiles under water to prevent overheating and chipping. Use a grinder for small notches or specialty hand tools like tile nippers for detailed cuts around outlets and switches.
How do I finish the top edge of a backsplash?
Options for finishing the upper edge cleanly include installing a matching tile edge piece, moulding strip, or cutting the top row of tiles at an angle. Bullnose tiles create a finished edge. Seal all edges with silicone caulk.
Get Creative with DIY Backsplash Projects
With so many materials, colors, textures and styles to choose from, backsplash projects allow you to get creative and showcase your personality! DIY backsplash installation is very achievable for any skill level. Have fun designing a backsplash that perfectly complements your kitchen’s decor and style. Take it step-by-step for a stunning finished look. Let your creative juices flow and enjoy the process of enhancing your space with beautiful, functional backsplash tile!