During the renovation of any kitchen or bathroom, the backsplash around the oven or sink is a very easy way to really boost the appeal of the room. Depending on the material you choose, you really get a lot of bang for your buck. During our current BRRRR Project (see here), we are stretching our budget to the max due to a few unforeseen, major expenses (Pronounced plumbing overhaul). We chose a classic look that can be executed quickly and inexpensively, and it should last for years.
Enter the Tin Backsplash
We purchased our house in 2011 and one of the most eye-catching features that everyone mentioned was the tin backsplash in the kitchen. A classic pattern which everyone loved and still looks good today. After 8 years in the house, the backsplash is still in great shape and only needs an occasional wipedown.
However, I didn’t know until I reached up and touched it this year, that the whole thing is plastic! Seriously, who touches a backsplash? I would never have touched it, but I needed to install a couple so… Anyway. Generally, I am against installing anything plastic for fear of damage to a cheap material, but the fact that I had no idea it wasn’t metal and it still looks fantastic really sold me on it. So, I looked into the different options for the backsplash install.
Tin Backsplash Material Options
It turns out that there are basically two options for tin backsplashes: Actual Metals or Metal Looking Plastic. I thought about this for a fairly long time, and then I remembered, “My tin backsplash is 8+ year old plastic and it is in perfect condition!” This solidified my choice of going with the plastic tiles, I didn’t want to worry about them rusting due to a steamy kitchen.
Tools Needed to Install a Tin Backsplash:
- FASADE Tin Tiles– I shopped around and I couldn’t find anywhere that sold them for less than $19/ per panel. I needed 4, so $80.
- J Channel trim– The trim is a must to finish the sides. I got an 8′ piece for $4.00, and I only used about half of it.
- Corner Trim– I didnt have any corners on this one, but this is a must for a finished look for the corners.
- Ceiling Tile Adhesive– 1 Gallon of Titebond Ceiling Tile Adhesive- $14. The tub of goo is more cost effective than the tubes.
- Utility Knife
- Adhesive Spreader
- Scissors or Tin Snips
Surface Preparation
For this tin backsplash install, time was of the essence. I didn’t prepare the wall as I should have for proper adhesion. Ideally, the wall should be free of dust, debris, and residue. I just wiped mine down with a towel to dust it and knock any dirt off. Not fancy but worked very well. This seems to be plenty of prep for the quality of the project I was doing. However, you could degrease the wall with a dish soap solution and paint it with a good primer paint such as KILZ to really make sure none of your tiles are moving while you own the building.
Application- aka The Fun Part
The instant satisfaction of applying a shiny tin backsplash to an otherwise ugly wall is one of the better moments in a kitchen rehab. Start to finish it took 2 hours, and I messed a few things up which burned some time. I think I can do it in 1 hour in the next kitchen. Anyway, let’s get to it.
- Read the directions for everything! Do not blame me if I do something contrary to the directions, which ends up messing something up.
- Mark and measure the area to be covered, and pick a side to start on.
- Install the J-channel edging on your starting side, smearing the adhesive on the backside and sticking it to the wall. Make sure it is straight with a level.
- My panels needed a bare minimum of trimming to get them to fit. If your’s need trimming do it now. I trimmed the top edge on my panels because an average size adult cant see the top edge, it hides under any top cabinets you have installed.
- “Butter” the back with adhesive using the adhesive spreader. I found this very fun and there was something oddly satisfying about blobbing it on and spreading it all over. If your wall is uneven, add a giant blob or two to act as anchors.
- The FASADE panels have 2 flat edges which should be on the side of the direction you are going to be covering. They will be covered by the next panel. It is fairly self explanatory when you do it.
- Butter and stick the panels, checking with a level and lining up the pattern as you go to make sure it is straight.
- If you need to meet up 4 panels, you need to notch 2 of them to relieve the “bunch” caused by the 4 panels overlapping.
- When you get to the end of the run, butter up another J-channel and you’re done!
Things to remember
- I didn’t find the need to add J-channels to the top of the run, as it sits under the wall cabinets and I couldn’t see them from a standing position. I’ve never noticed it in my kitchen without sticking my head under there.
- Measure twice, cut once when it comes to electrical outlets. If you miss a cut, its near impossible to salvage that panel.
- Adding a panel you didn’t account for because you miss is a pain in the ass. So if you are going for speed; plan it once, and plan it right.
Costs and Time Spent
The length of the run on this tin backsplash was minimal, maybe 10 feet. There we 2 outlets which needed to be cut out precisely and that took most of the time for the install.
Time: 2 Hours
Costs:
Panels: $20 x 4 = $80
Adhesive: $17 (I used about 1/10 of the tub in this install)
Adhesive spreader: $3
J channel trim: $4
Total Cost: $104
Square feet to cover: approximately 14 sqft
Cost per sqft: Roughly $7.50
Conclusions:
Tin Backsplashes are a cost effective choice for renovations. They both look great after completion and can be installed quickly by a layman. It is an effective alternative to a tile backslash in kitchen, and could even be considered for bathroom applications with proper preparation.