Beadboard Backsplashes

Sure, that antique kettle and lace curtain treatment add Victorian nuance, but if you really want to ratchet up the quaint factor in your kitchen, a beadboard backsplash is one of the fastest ways to get there. Plus, it’s so much more affordable than tile, and it’s super easy to install, to boot!

So what is beadboard, you ask? It’s a type of paneling made out of planks of wood (the “board”) and a small indentation (the “bead”). Beadboard originally popped up in cabinetry, but you’re probably most familiar seeing it in bathrooms. It’s popular there, often installed along the bottom of the wall, because it’s an inexpensive alternative to tile—and also because, unlike tile, it can be cut to any length. Coincidentally, these are the exact same reasons that make it perfect for kitchens.

What does it take to install one of these backsplashes, and what do you need to consider before jumping on the beadboard train? Let’s dive into the nitty gritty and decide if beadboard is best for you!

via Fern Creek Cottage

Genuine Beadboard vs. Beadboard Paneling

The word beadboard actually refers to two different types of paneling: genuine hand-assembled beadboard and its manufactured lookalike. Genuine beadboard consists of tongue and groove boards that are fitted together at the bead point. Manufactured beadboard means plywood, fiberboard, or wood paneling in large pieces which have been cut to mimic the tongue and groove effect.

Handcrafted beadboard has the benefit of quality, but as in all things in life, if you want handmade, you’ll have to pay for it. Genuine tongue and groove beadboard is much more labor-intensive to make, and therefore more expensive. So if you want to reap the financial benefits of beadboard, you’ll need to opt for beadboard paneling.

Individual boards also have a tendency to warp and ruin the fit of the grooves—especially in moisture-heavy areas like the kitchen. For these reasons, we highly recommend paneling in a backsplash, unless you just cannot live without the real thing.

Shopping for Beadboard

There are a couple different considerations when it comes to picking out your beadboard. For one thing, you want to think about the width of the board and the depth of the bead. Wider boards add a soothing effect to a busy, cramped kitchen, while narrower is a good choice if you need to tie a large room together (but don’t go any thinner than ¼ inch). As to the bead, the deeper it is, the more you’ll get that look of handcrafted quality (and avoid the fakey appearance of paneling), but keep in mind, very deep grooves can also be tricky to clean. Also, have a look at samples of the paneling you’re purchasing before committing: quality board will have a neat, clean bead rather than one that looks ragged.

via DIY Network

Installation

Installing a beadboard backsplash is not exactly brain science, but still, it can be a frustrating and tedious task if you aren’t careful with your measurements. Make your life easier by working in four-foot sections, and double and triple check the size and location of any outlets or cuts you need to make around low-hanging cabinets. Use a circular saw, and line the beadboard up against the wall to double check your work.

Once you’re pretty sure you’ve got your measurements down, attaching the wall is pretty simple. You just load a caulk gun with liquid nails and apply it across the back of the board in a looping pattern, lay it against the wall, and staple gun it into place. Fill your holes, and you’re ready to paint! It’s so easy you could have it installed in an afternoon—compared to hours spent laying down tens or hundreds of tiles.

Use Color to Add Modern Flair

Even if country cute makes you gag, you can still reap the benefits (and savings!) of installing beadboard. You don’t have to stick to the traditional whites and creams when painting. For instance, we love the idea of using a dark beige, slate blue, or mint green for a look that’s a little bit country and a yet edgy, too.

via A Spotted Pony

Cleaning

Beadboard paneling has an added benefit in that because there’s no joints, there are less places for moisture and mildew to hide away from your scrub brush. But it can still be a little difficult to clean, which is of the highest order for taking care of those messy stove splatters. Because wood is somewhat delicate, it’s best to stay away from the harsh cleaners you may use on your stove and countertops. Try to wipe off whatever you can with a microfiber cloth (and do it as soon as possible, since wet wood means warping). Then finish up any really tough spots with a water and vinegar solution, using a toothbrush or small, soft scrub brush to get in between cracks. You’ll have it clean in no time!