Erin Napier's Cozy Backsplash Alternative Is Half The Cost Of Tile

Few design elements set the tone of a kitchen space more impactfully than the backsplash. Just ask Erin Napier, interior design pro and the co-host of "Home Town" on HGTV. Napier is no stranger to innovative kitchen backsplash ideas. Her bold wallpaper backsplash sparked some mixed reviews among fans. But, her oft-used choice to employ beadboard paneling for an eye-catching backsplash is one we can get behind.

Beadboard offers a versatile and budget-friendly alternative to a traditional tile backsplash, delivering texture, depth, character, and charm. Beadboard comprises planks typically made from wood, PVC, or vinyl, which are outfitted with narrow horizontal grooves that lock into each other for a seamless look. These shiplap-style planks are commonly used as a decorative wainscoting. But, when it was first invented in the 1800s, beadboard was devised as a functional, protective layer for walls in high-traffic areas, making it ideal for a backsplash.

Perhaps best of all, a cost-effective beadboard backsplash is a fraction of the price of traditional tile. The wall covering is available in large sheets, typically eight to 16 feet long, 48 inches wide, and ½ inch thick. At Lowe's, an 8-foot-long by 48-inch-wide white beadboard panel made from MDF wood currently costs $29.98. By comparison, at $8.95 per square foot, enough polished white ceramic tile to cover the same area (32 square feet) costs $286.40. Want to install that beadboard yourself? All it takes is adhesive, a hammer, and nails. All in all, this long-lasting wall treatment is an aesthetic choice made with longevity in mind. 

Beadboard is available in a kaleidoscope of different wood stains, from pine to oak to cedar and more. This warm aesthetic could be used to offset painted cabinets. Beadboard can also be painted to suit myriad kitchen design schemes, from modern to coastal, farmhouse-style, rustic, or bungalow kitchens alike. The planks can be oriented vertically or horizontally depending on aesthetic preference.

Ultimately, because low-cost beadboard is a less durable material than tile, a beadboard backsplash will require some extra care to prevent damage and warping over time. To allow for easy cleaning without damaging the material, it's a good idea to coat your beadboard backsplash in a layer of washable gloss paint. Gently wipe stray splashes or grime using a damp microfiber cloth. If you prefer a wood-stained look, beadboard can be painted with a coat of clear waterproof sealant. As you apply the sealant or paint, be sure to focus on the grooved areas of the beadboard, which can hold onto moisture. For an extra heavy-duty barrier, you could even protect a beadboard backsplash with a thin sheet of plexiglass– which could be particularly helpful for preserving beadboard segments behind the stove range, where cooking grease and steam heat can pose more stubborn blemishes.