Affordable Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

Want to add a decorative kitchen backsplash but don’t want to break the bank? With a little creativity, you can add designer style without paying designer prices. Check out great affordable kitchen backsplash ideas in this HGTV video:

A tile contractor typically charges hundred of dollars for a backsplash. You can do it yourself for half the price. Tiling is a great DIY project for a beginner. Many tile stores give lessons in tile installation. You’ll just need a few extra tools such as a sawtooth trowel and tile cutter.

You can save money by using less expensive tiles in the main field area of your backsplash but splurging on beautiful designer tile randomly inset into the basic tile field or installing decorative trim.

Go faux by painting tiles on your backsplash. Paint a base coat color for your “grout”, then mark off a grid in the tile pattern of your choice. Apply 1/4″ tape to make your “grout” lines and paint your tiles in the semigloss colors of your choice. To create the illusion of light reflecting off your “tiles”, apply strokes of white and brown glaze.

To simulate the look of glass, you can add mirrors or mirrored tiles.

Another option is to use materials intended for other surfaces such as tin ceiling tiles and linoleum floor tiles. They are inexpensive, easy to trim and come in a variety of designs.

Use colorful linoleum floor tiles to create a custom mosaic backsplash. Draw a jigsaw pattern on the space, cut the tiles with a utlity knife and mount them directly on the wall or on backer board to make them easy to remove if you are planning to replace them in the near future. Add a bit of wood trim for the finishing touch.