Having a unique backsplash is a relatively new concept in kitchen design. A few decades ago, the kitchen backsplash wasn’t as important as it seems to be nowadays. I’ve seen TV shows where a homebuyer refused to buy a home because it didn’t have the backsplash she wanted. That homebuyers probably didn’t realize how easy it can be to install an affordable DIY backsplash in any home.
A kitchen backsplash isn’t just about style – it also protects the wall around your stovetop and food prep. The style and color is just an added bonus.
Installing a new backsplash in your kitchen instantly updates the room and there’s a style for every budget and taste. However, if you’re broke like me, you can’t afford to even look at the fancy tile options at your local home improvement store. You may, however, have some acrylic craft paint, a paintbrush, and a few extra dollars for a can of sealant. That’s about all you’d need for this faux tile backsplash project.
Today’s most popular backsplashes are made of subway tile with 6″ long and 3″wide white rectangle tile.
The second most popular backsplash style is a mosaic tile. Mosaic tiles are usually purchased by the sheet that measures 1 foot long by 1 foot wide with a net-like webbing on the back that holds the tiles together. They aren’t cheap but they are beautiful and adds an undeniable style to any kitchen.
Unfortunately, mosaic tiles can be quite pricey but you can get a similar look for less than $50 in materials with this creative and affordable DIY backsplash project.
Related: Cheap Backsplash Ideas: Painting Tileboard
Unfortunately, one of the biggest downsides of a tiled backsplash is cost. If you want the latest, trendy style with colorful mosaic tiles you’re gonna be paying quite a bit for it. Even if you install the tile yourself you will still spend anywhere from $5 to $100 per square foot for the material alone. That’s a lot of money for a relatively small space!
One creative homeowner shared her painted DIY backsplash project on Imgur. She figured out how to have the tiled backsplash look without the extravagant price and you can do the same thing in your home with this step-by-step tutorial.
You can have a colorful, trendy backsplash without the high price by using acrylic paint and sealant over your manufactured home vinyl coated walls or sheetrock.
Before you begin your DIY backsplash project find photos of your favorite mosaic tile backsplashes online. This will help you narrow your options and give you an idea of the colors, materials, and style you want to use in your own affordable DIY backsplash project.
Speaking of design and style,
The design used for the tile placement is an important element in this project (or any home renovation project). There are many different patterns used when tiling. I’ve added an image below that shows a few popular tile patterns. A simple pattern is probably best for this affordable DIY backsplash project since you will be using tape and paint to achieve the look.
Popular tile patterns used in modern kitchen design:
Learn more about painting mobile and manufactured home walls here.
This affordable DIY backsplash project is perfect for those that want a unique backsplash without the expense and hassle of tiling. Believe it or not, tiling a backsplash is much more complicated than most think. You simply can’t just throw tile up on the wall!
By painting the backsplash onto your wall you can get the same look with only half the prep and a quarter of the cost and that’s assuming you have to buy new primer and paint. This is a great way to update your kitchen.
As always, thank you for reading Mobile Home Living!
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View Comments
Hi Crystal! Thanks for this inventive idea! I did a "portable" backsplash with mosaic tiles in a wooden frame and attached it to the wall over the sink. A mini DIY project that is versatile and easy to change out - but will keep this idea in mind for future reference.
I finally got around to trying the painted floor idea too! I'll be doing a post on that soon.
Thanks for all your great ideas here!! :)
Hi Jeni! It's so great to hear from you! Hope you're doing well!
I need to hope over and visit your blog and see that gorgeous home of yours again - it's been a good while and I apologize for that. I'm getting lazy these days!