DIY Beadboard Backsplash

We are LOVING this kitchen update and only wish we had done this when we moved in four years ago!

After we treated the counters with Rustoleum Countertop Transformation kit here, we had bare torn up drywall for a backsplash.

The laminate countertops extended up the wall, where it had been glued to the drywall. When we scraped it off, it decided to take bits of the wall with it. Up until that point we were thinking to keep the costs down we would just paint the wall. Now looking back I really am glad we had to do a backsplash!

Here are some photos of the kitchen before the awesome beadboard was installed...

I taped freezer paper to the wall to form a pattern. I made sure to mark the pieces so there wouldn't be any confusion later.

I folded and taped up the bottom, making sure I got as close to the counter as I could.

We unhooked the range hood above the oven before we started the backsplash. It was a beige-ish color and didn't work anymore. 

Since we are moving we bought a replacement for around $40 that was nearly the same, just bright white and of course new!

Next we traced the pattern directly on the beadboard.

We made the long cuts with the circular saw.

Then we pre-drilled holes in the corners of the outlet cut outs.

It was super sunny out while we were doing this, hence the bright photos.

For the smaller areas we used the jig saw for more control.

And here is where I didn't get a picture of the finished cut outs. We were racing a fast moving storm and it started raining on us as we were finishing the last cuts. It was one of those, "Quick, throw everything in the garage!" moments.

I'd like to say it was easy peesy and they all just slipped right into place like they were supposed to....

nope.

We had to go back and make small cuts here and there to finally get everything to sit right. And then we were able to nail it to the wall.

*tip* Make sure you put some painters tape on the bottom of the foot (or whatever it is called!) of the jig saw, if you don't want those black marks around the outlets! Live and learn!

Next we needed a piece of trim to cover the rough edge from cutting off the laminate on the wall from the counter. 

This was our solution. The only problem was we needed it to be rounded on the back to fit into the curved spot where the counter met the wall.

Fortunately, the trim was soft enough that it was easy to whittle down.

Finally, all that whittling practice I did as a kid went to good use! Who knew!

This was the result...

And once I worked my magic, they fit great and were nailed into place!

Next we cut and nailed in the trim on the top to fit snug under the counters.

Then we had to caulk the gaps and nail holes and let it dry.

Then a few coats of paint on the trim and the backsplash and we were done!

I used painters tape to protect the counter while painting the trim. As I was crammed up under the cabinets I was thinking it probably would have been a good idea to paint the trim before installing it! Hmm...next time!

And that was it!
Here was our cost breakdown...

2 panels of beadboard -$40 ($20/panel)
2 8ft smaller quarter round trim - approx $10
2 8ft molding (the bottom ones) - approx $10
We already had the paint and caulk.

Now you can't beat that for a frugal great looking backsplash!

Here is how the beadboard turned out over the oven with our new range hood.

The new white range looks leaps and bounds better then the yucky beige one! And this one actually works!

Both the top trim and bottom fit nicely and was just enough to finish off the edges.

We love the fresh white beadboard with the contrast of the dark counters! It adds the bit of character the kitchen was needing.

Oh, and your not seeing things.... the dishwasher is white now (it was all black)! I will be posting about that frugal update too. 

Have any of you used beadboard in your kitchen? Have you had success with beadboard in other projects? I would love to hear!