Before and After: An Inexpensive, Renter-Friendly DIY Backsplash (For Real!)

Installing tiled kitchen backsplashes can be expensive, especially with inflation going up and labor availability going down. And for those considering the DIY route, keep in mind that as a professional handyman who's done all kind of messy jobs.... I still hate cutting tile.

So when it came to finishing out our kitchen, I asked my wife to find a solution that didn't involve a tile saw. We knew we'd only need a small amount, since our sink is in front of a window and we just needed to cover the part behind the stove.

One possibility would be to simply use a nice color of backsplash paint, and we considered that. Other possibilities would include beadboard or wood, but I'm not a fan of the look.

After some research, she came across a really nice option from a company called Fasade.

Image via Fasade.com

It looks like stainless steel, doesn't it?

​Here's another version in copper:

Image via Fasade.com

And a more modern look:

Image via Fasade.com

These are actually thermoplastic panels with a sheet of metal foil over the top, plus a protective barrier to make it easy to clean. In other words, they're basically PVC, so they're much less expensive than real metal.

As of now, you can request as many samples as you want, just for the cost of shipping. I recommend getting them in several options and styles. We originally thought we'd want to use the copper, but since we already had a lot going on color-wise, we went with a more restrained bronze color that matched the cabinets.

Super Easy Install

Installing the Fasade panels went so fast that we didn't pause for pictures. Here's how it turned out. I truly think it took more time for my wife to rearrange the china on our shelves, than it took to us put in the backsplash.

You're supposed to use industrial-strength double-sided tape, or adhesive caulk, but it was snowy outside and I didn't want to run to the hardware store.... so I used a hot glue gun. Just a few dabs at each corner and away we went.

The shelves and brackets also helped keep the panels adhered to the wall. If you're a renter and you want an even lighter touch, you could even try upholstery nails or decorative brads. It's fairly easy to nail through these.

And cutting the panels was a breeze - we used our kitchen scissors for most of the work, with an Exacto blade to cut the hole for the outlet. Way easier than using a tile saw!
​
It's been a few months since we did the install, and the backsplash is going strong.

Any Drawbacks?

Thermoplastic isn't as heat-resistant as real metal, so I wouldn't use this directly behind a flat-top range. Our range has a panel behind it that holds the stove knobs and serves as a protective barrier, so the heat from our cooking doesn't cause any problems at all.

And if you have a toaster oven, don't let anyone push the toaster up close to the wall. But ours sits in the corner, just a few inches from the backsplash, and I haven't seen any heat damage despite my nightly peanut-butter-and-toast ritual.

I also saw some reviews saying it's hard to install outlets on the wall since the backsplash has raised elements. However, my outlet covers went on just fine. I suppose if it's a concern, you could use some longer screws.

You do see a gap there if you look up close, but you could touch this up with matching caulk if it bothered you:

(It doesn't bother me. I don't even notice it.)

​I also think the "metal" look is very realistic on our backsplash, and it fooled our friends and neighbors as well. It also looked great on most of the samples, but there were one or two in finishes that didn't completely convince me. So you'll definitely want to order some samples ahead of time.

Overall, this is a fantastic material with a lot of possibilities beyond backsplashes. Here's another image from Fasade showing a mudroom cubby with some nice farmhouse charm:

Unless you have mobility issues, you could definitely DIY this project.

However, if you'd like us to DIFY (do it for you) give us a call and we'll lend you a hand.

Get In Touch