How To Add A Beadboard Backsplash For $20
Yipeee, the beadboard is up! Yesterday Hubby took down all the upper cupboards, (you can read more about that here and here) added the beadboard and trim, then raised the cupboards 3″ higher than they were. As you read this post I’m probably filling nail holes and painting. If you remember I talked about painting the cupboard and the island. While Sherwin Williams was having the latest paint sale I made the decision to keep the cupboards the same color just go with a different paint finish.
I’ve always loved the off white (SW Dover) that they’re painted so why mess with something I don’t seem to get tired of. The current paint finish is satin and I’m switching to semi-gloss in hopes it’s easier to keep clean. The only part that seems to get dirty is the side of the island where we sit. My hubby and son come home from work extremely dirty and normally are ready for dinner and we sit at the island to eat which means dirty paint from their filthy clothes and satin finish doesn’t clean up well in my opinion.
I’m so excited with the beadboard I think it really brightens up the space and makes it look bigger than it already is. Hubby even commented that he liked it and thought it was a good decision to add the beadboard. He wasn’t too excited to do all the work but he did it because he knew I wanted it, but let me tell you I though it would be remove a couple of screws, take down the cabinet, make a few cuts, nail up the beadboard and reattach the cupboard. WRONG it’s such a big project no matter what it is and took about 6 hours to complete it all. We did electrical work too, hubby swapped out all the brown switches and receptacles to white for me, plus had to rewire the microwave.
Here’s the kitchen with the cabinets down. I really like the look and actually debated on putting open shelves in and put the cupboard in storage and then I came to my senses. It a great look for other homes, but they’re not for me. I don’t want to dust a dish every time I take it down to use it and I don’t want to style them to perfection all the time. My cupboards are always neat and tidy but I think I’d regret the open shelves before to long and my hubby would give me that I TOLD YOU SO look when he was hanging them again. I had to go with my gut and do what works for our family for now.
So here’s how we did the backsplash for $20. We purchased the 4X8 panels of beadboard instead of the individual slats and worked our measurements so we only needed one full sheet. If you look back at the first photo the beadboard is 32″ off the counter top around the window and 20″ off the countertop at the outside edges. We did go to the extra expense for trim which is all the way along where the beadboard meets the countertop and along the top of the beadboard where it’s not covered by cupboards, but it was only a $4 purchase. Hubby has all the fancy tools, he used the table saw to cut the beadboard and the Multi Master to cut out the electrical boxes. He did take off the trim around the window and put the beadboard behind it and then reattach it using his Paslode nailer.
Yes or No to painting the window trim to match the cupboards? Take into consideration there’s no other trim painted in our home and you can see several doors and windows from our kitchen. I think the white looks better than the stained trim but I’m afraid hubby would have a COW if I painted it and the only way to undo it is replace the trim. I also think it would look nice to paint the log section between the refrigerator and the stove (the pantry area) white.
I’ll be back as soon as the painting is finished and the doors put back on to show you the final reveal. I was smart enough the first time around with painting to keep the inside of the cupboards the natural wood and just put a clear sealer on them, it makes it much easier when I don’t have to paint the inside of the cupboard too. I’m just happy to have the extra 3″ from the countertop to the cupboard. I can’t believe it took this long to figure it all out and get it fixed. And if you missed the previous posts leading up to this point just click the links below.
If you missed the other post related to the kitchen beadboard install just click the photos below.
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WHY THE CUPBOARDS NEEDED TO BE MOVED
Since none of the other trim is painted, I’m with you in thinking it’s best to leave it. Our home was built in the 1920’s and still has the original doors, trim and floors. The previous owner did paint one door, the trim around another door, and even removed some of the trim to put up cheap 70’s paneling. I love white trim, but I just can’t bring myself to ruin the beautiful original wood. We have added trim here and there, and when we did, we painted it white. I don’t mind that there is a mixture – I don’t know what others would think. Lol. We tried to match the trim as much as possible and it still has an old feel.
Jen, You’re right no paint for the trim. I love white trim too and think it makes everything look so clean and finished but right now I don’t have the right kind of home for it, so I’m sticking to the stained color.
It’s all coming together! Now the fun begins …..decorating, organizing cabinets, etc! Looks awesome!! Thx for sharing!
Michelle I so glad to have the extra space now to add a few things on the counters just to look pretty. I’m not big on the cluttered look but I don’t like it completely void of things either.
Love the look!! Hubby does great work..I thought of you yesterday when we came through your town on our way to Silver Lk!!
Jeanie wow through my little town. I didn’t even know anyone knew it existed.
Your husband and son did a good job and painting the wall between the fridge and stove, I’m not sure. It will blend together though.
I’m happy that the cupboards were finally raised! I remember that you wanted the extra space.
Kathleen in Az
Kathleen I can’t believe how raising the cupboards 3″ could make such a difference but it sure did.
I would paint all the things you want to paint. did you know if you go into the store and buy untinted paint during the sale you can take it back later and have it tinted when you need it. if you go to Thrifty Décor Chick’s blog she is having a giveaway of $200 gift card to Sherwin-Williams.
Angela Thank you for the paint tint, I’ve never thought of doing that but it’s a brilliant idea 🙂
beautiful
Thank you Ann 🙂
Looks great!! I like the bead board, it looks clean and bright.
Boy, your husband is a fast worker. I vote for not painting the window trim, but you need to do what will make you happy, since you will be the one looking at it everyday.
Theresa
Theresa the window trim didn’t get painted, I felt it would look awkward with no other trim in the house painted.
Looking so good Dawn. Your kitchen is coming together nicely. Love the beadboard backsplash.
Hugs,
Kris
Thank you Kris I’m happy with the outcome.
I love my beadboard backsplash in my kitchen, it is so easy to change colors if you want. I have had it for about 12 years now and I have never wanted anything else. Ours is the paneling too which works great. I like it so much I had my office paneled in it. 🙂
Pam all our closets interiors are done in it too, makes it lighter in there for finding things. I think I made a good decision for the kitchen as well, I’m loving it.
The backsplash looks great Dawn!!!….Glad you decided to go for it!!!…
Shirley I am too, best decision ever.
Just love the beadboard Dawn. Your kitchen looks amazing. Can’t wait for the reveal!
Debbie thank you for only one day’s work it was a big change.
Hi Dawn, Love the beadboard backsplash and the price is great, too! I think your kitchen looks great, with a nice balance of white and wood. Congrats on your new kitchen! Blessings, Janet
Janet thank you for dropping by I’m in love with the small change that the beadboard made.
You had me at bead board 🙂 We covered all of our ceilings in it we love it so much! I love how your kitchen is turning out! And I also wanted to mention that the Wednesday “To Grandma’s House We Go” link party just started over at grandmashousediy.com and I thought you might be interested in joining it, thanks!
Tarah, I love ceilings done in beadboard. I think we’re all a sucker for the timeless look. Thanks for the invite to your party!