The 9 Best Backsplash Alternatives for Your Kitchen

While it’s true that tile is the most common backsplash material—it’s not your only option. There are plenty of beautiful and affordable backsplash alternatives that will not only protect your walls from those pesky cooking spills but will also add a skosh of style to your space.

1. Paint

Using washable paint instead of a traditional backsplash material can help if you’re wondering how to save money on your kitchen remodel. Considering the cost of a kitchen backsplash averages about $1,000, using paint as the backsplash should save you quite a bit of cash. You also can change the color whenever you want. Some people choose chalkboard paint, so they can write recipes, shopping lists, or inspirational messages for their families. If you go this route, be sure to use washable and stain-resistant paint.

Best for: Those who want to change the backsplash color frequently, while saving money.

2. Wallpaper

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Although wallpaper could suffer discoloration with splattered food, the bold patterns and colors in a wallpaper backsplash can transform your kitchen like few other materials. The almost unlimited number of patterns allows you to let your personal style show through. You may need to cover it with glass or varnish, though, to fully protect it.

Best for: Those who want to make a bold statement in an eclectic kitchen design.

3. Granite or Quartz Slabs

If you’re redoing your countertops, you may want to use the same material for your backsplash. By using the slab instead of tile, you don’t have to worry about grout lines. Natural stone backsplashes are extremely durable and create a seamless look in the kitchen. However, this isn’t a DIY backsplash job. You’re better off hiring a local backsplash installer to secure the slab to the wall.

Best for: Those who want to match the look of the countertops in the backsplash.

4. Copper or Stainless Steel Sheet

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Adding a sheet of metal is one of the most interesting backsplash alternatives you can select. Both copper and stainless steel add warmth to the kitchen design. These materials can be pricey to add over a large space, but few other backsplash materials are quite as distinctive. The metal may show water marks, but it is durable and easy to wipe down after a spill.

Best for: Those who want to facilitate a commercial design in the kitchen.

5. Wood Planks

Using wood planks as your backsplash delivers a rustic look that few other materials can match. The natural wood grain and variety of stain color options let you customize the design to match your exact tastes. You can event use pre-cut flooring planks or painted shiplap, if desired, to simplify installation. Layout variations and patterns are possible, too. Herringbone patterns can deliver a unique look, for example. 

However, wood isn't very protective because of its vulnerability to water damage. It requires a protective coating of paint, lacquer, polyurethane, or similar products to help it do its job.

Best for: Those who want to create a rustic, natural look.

6. Exposed Brick

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Nothing quite matches the vintage feel of using exposed brick inside your home, whether in an accent wall or a chimney. You can carry this same feel into the kitchen by using exposed brick as a backsplash alternative to tile. You can buy faux brick tiles to simplify delivering the desired look in the kitchen, although you can also hire a mason to cut real bricks in half and install them as veneer.

Best for: Those who want to emphasize a vintage design or mimic an accent brick wall elsewhere in the home.

7. Glass

Add a splash of elegance to your modern kitchen design by installing a glass backsplash. You can add lighting at the edges for an accent. Some people choose mirrored glass to make a small kitchen feel larger. If the kitchen wall is an exterior wall, consider installing window glass in the backsplash location to add natural lighting or to give you a clear look at your backyard while cooking.

Best for: Those who want to enhance a modern kitchen design.

8. Mosaics

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If you don’t mind the work and time required, you can create a unique backsplash alternative by using chunks of glass, stones, or tile to create a tile mosaic. Use glue to stick the pieces to the existing wall in a random pattern, mixing shapes and colors. Then use grout to fill in the spaces between the pieces and seal everything. This is a DIY-friendly option that comes at an affordable price point.

Best for: Those who want to show off their individual creativity.

9. Concrete or Plaster Layer

Although using concrete instead of granite countertops is a choice you may have considered, you may not have thought about adding a concrete layer as your backsplash. Adding concrete or plaster in the location of the backsplash delivers an industrial feel while using a highly durable material. Because of its neutral colors, it allows other items to stand out in the kitchen design.

Best for: Those who prefer an industrial look in the kitchen.