Erin Napier Ditches A Trendy Tile Backsplash For A Less Cookie-Cutter Alternative

Tile may seem like the obvious choice when looking at backsplash materials, but it's not the only option. HGTV's Erin Napier showed just how effective a simple beadboard backsplash can be as an alternative to tile. In season 6, episode 7, the "Home Town" star used beadboard applied horizontally to the kitchen backsplash in an effort to bring character to an otherwise brand-new kitchen. In a renovation where camp cabin vibes were the goal, Napier did not want to go too shiny and new, so she decided beadboard was a better fit than glossy tile.

Historically, beadboard was made of interlocking wood planks with a bead or ridge that ran between each plank. Today, you're more likely to find premanufactured panels at big-box hardware stores. Still, these panels provide an easy way to incorporate an old-world look into a new room. While beadboard can be a classy option to bring clean lines to a room, it also delivers a certain classic and even rustic charm. If you're looking for an alternative to tile in your kitchen that will deliver tons of character, it's worth considering beadboard.

Beadboard might be a popular modern-day trend, but it has been a practical staple in homes for about 400 years, helping guard against moisture and trap warmth. It's no wonder designers use it to bring historical charm to properties in need of character. However, there are other reasons to consider beadboard as a backsplash alternative. First, beadboard is often a more affordable option than tile. A 32-square-foot panel of paintable and stainable beadboard costs about $38. At just over $1 per square foot, beadboard falls squarely into the affordable category, especially compared to tile, which can range from $2 to $15 or more per square foot.

Beadboard is also incredibly versatile. Because you can paint or stain beadboard, you can integrate it with any decor. With no mortar or grout needed, it is also easier to install than tile, making it a fairly simple DIY project. If you can make a few cuts, apply adhesive, use a hammer, and apply caulk to seal up gaps, you can do this yourself. There are even renter-friendly ways to apply beadboard to get the look without the commitment. Using this method makes it easy to swap backsplashes for homeowners who change their minds a lot.

Beadboard is also easy to maintain, especially if you apply the right finish to increase its water resistance and make it easier to wipe clean. Using a satin or semi-gloss finish will make it easier to clean painted beadboard backsplashes. The bottom line is, beadboard has maintained its popularity for hundreds of years for good reason.

Beadboard is often used in traditional European-inspired cottage or farmhouse kitchens, harkening back to its original roots in England. Still, there are many ways to personalize the material for creative backsplash ideas for your kitchen. Want a kitchen backsplash that matches your cabinets exactly? Paint or stain it to blend in with the surrounding features. Want the warmth of natural wood? Beadboard is an option if you choose stainable material made from wood instead of PVC or MDF. Choose from a range of stain colors or clear coats to highlight the grain. Want to apply the color-drenching trend to your kitchen but need an easily painted backsplash? Beadboard can be painted any color after being primed to help the paint adhere well.

Its flexibility makes beadboard a great option to help bring your vision to life, no matter what that vision is. One of the biggest checks in the pro column for beadboard is that if you want to change your design, it's very easy to do. All it takes to update your beadboard backsplash is a gallon of paint. It's also easy to remove if you want to change the material later.

Color isn't the only way to play with beadboard in your kitchen. Run it vertically to make a space look taller or horizontally, like Erin Napier did, to help it appear longer. Horizontal installation also gives the room a less refined and more rustic cabin look. Play with scale by using beadboard with wider panels and fewer beads. Wider boards give a more expensive and custom look than the readily available pre-fab panels.