Inexpensive Backsplash Ideas

If you're looking to install a kitchen backsplash on a budget, you'll surely want to browse as many inexpensive backsplash ideas as possible.

Kitchen backsplashes can run the gamut from minimalist affairs to elaborate, floor-to-ceiling designs—but depending on your goals for a kitchen backsplash, you may be able to install the design you're looking for and still stay on (or under) budget.

Step 1. Determine How Much Backsplash Material You Need

Your first step toward installing an inexpensive backsplash is to define exactly how much backsplash your kitchen needs. First, you'll need to decide if you want the backsplash to cover the entire wall area above your countertops, or simply a portion thereof. Obviously, the more extensive your backsplash design, the more expensive it will be.

Step 2. Consider the Cost Savings of a Minimalist Design

So, if it's your intent to create an inexpensive backsplash, you may want to consider covering only a portion of the walls above your countertops. Many homeowners implement a design that covers 25% to 75% of the wall above the countertops. If you're trying to minimize the effect on your budget, you should choose the minimal level of coverage that will still provide adequate protection for the walls based on how much cooking you do and how close the wall is to the most active cooking area.

Step. 3 Choose Your Material

Once you've settled on the scope of your backsplash project, it's time to think about materials. Budget will definitely be a consideration if you're looking to keep this project fairly economical—and luckily, there are many options for backsplash materials that are priced to move. Ceramic tile, one of the most popular options, is also one of the cheapest. It's so widely available and comes in so many different styles, colors and textures that you'll likely have no trouble finding the option that's right for your kitchen design and budget. Additionally, ceramic tile is available in several pricing tiers, each of which corresponds to an ascending level of quality. Glass tile can also be an option for an inexpensive backsplash. Similarly to ceramic tile, it's available in a vast array of colors, styles and textures, and it can also be found in various pricing tiers. At the higher end of the backsplash tile pricing spectrum are natural materials like granite or travertine. These are significantly more expensive than ceramic or glass, in general, so if you're attempting to stay on budget, it may be challenging to find these within your price range.

Step 4. DIY or Professional Install?

When you've settled on the scope, materials and style for your inexpensive backsplash design, it's time to get to work. The only question remaining is who's actually going to do the work in question. A DIY backsplash installation will save you a significant amount of money versus hiring a contractor to install your backsplash design. Depending on the complexity of the design, the surface area that needs to be covered and your general handiness, you may be able to install the backsplash yourself without too much trouble. Conversely, if you don't have the requisite time or expertise to install the backsplash, you may need to hire a contractor, which will likely impact your bottom line and other considerations like scope and materials.