DIY Kitchen Backsplash Tutorial

I had grand plans for a subway tile backsplash in my kitchen. It was going to be easy, cheap, and beautiful. Unfortunately, there is a curse on this house and nothing is easy or cheap. After determining that my cabinets on top and bottom aren’t level, any backsplash with a horizontal pattern (essentially all tile with grout lines) was immediately ruled out. That left very few options. The wood paneling that was left beneath the ugly laminate was so damaged that I couldn’t just paint it and count that as the backsplash. I did A LOT of research at home stores & on Pinterest and really didn’t come up with any suitable options. I then remembered a friend’s DIY backsplash that I loved.

The kitchen before was just so awful and dated. Even with the new countertops, it was looking so much better, but the backsplash was definitely another focal point in the complete remodel.

I decided to use a product made by the company, Fasade. They design some really cool, innovative products to help DIY lovers remodel on a budget. Stores like Lowe’s carry a very, very small selection of their products. I perused their website and catalog and found a design I loved and matched my design idea. I ordered a few samples and the company sent a coupon as well. I STRONGLY suggest ordering some samples and NOT buying from a home store. The coupon discounted my total by over $100, and the company offers free shipping. These deals combined are definitely cheaper than Lowe’s.

Prior to ordering, I chatted online with one of their representatives. I had several questions, and it was helpful to have direct feedback. So I was definitely impressed with the customer service. I ordered on a Monday and the product arrived by Friday. The ordering process was really simple. I chose the Ripple pattern in Argent Silver. Also, just in case of error, I ordered two extra panels. I did end up using one of the extras, so I suggest doing the same.

There is virtually no prep work unless you have to trim down the sizes of the panels which I had to do. Like I mentioned earlier, my cabinets aren’t level, so I had to cut my panels to adjust to that. The main utensils you will need are scissors/box cutter and a pencil (the company recommended a marker, but a pencil is erasable).

There are several different ways to adhere the panels to the walls. I originally planned to use spray adhesive, but I didn’t want to risk getting backspray on my countertops. There is also glue tape, but I didn’t want to use that in case I needed to remove and adjust spacing. I finally chose to use Liquid Nails. I bought one tube and it lasted for most of the kitchen.

If you need to cut straight lines (on the edge and especially when cutting outlet holes), I strongly suggest using an L-bar to keep the lines very straight. I also suggest putting something beneath the panels while cutting. I used the cardboard it was shipped in. You do not need to cut through the panels, but just score them a few times and they will pop apart.

When installing, start left and go right. Again, measure and cut ALL panels before gluing. Once they’re all cut and measured, then glue all at once. As always, measure twice and cut once! Each panel has an overlap piece. Place the next panel flush and over the overlap.

The longest part of the installation process was really the measuring. Again, I have odd-sized backsplash levels, so I imagine it wouldn’t be as difficult for someone else. Luckily, the product is so easy to work with and cutting is so easy that getting the panels to fit securely wasn’t a big headache. After gluing the panels, you should rub over the panels several times to help secure to the glue. The last step is to add the trim on the edges. They make trim for corners and trim for edges. I ordered both types (and ordered extra just in case). It was just as easy to measure, cut, and install.

After I had all the panels glued and trim added, I decided to spray paint my current outlet covers. Fasade does make outlet covers to match the panels, but I figured I could use some leftover spray paint and my current covers and save a few bucks. I was right.

I’m very happy with the final result of my Fasade panels. My only complaint was in the area where my built-in desk is located. That area of backsplash is much higher than the rest of the kitchen, and it required four panels in that area. In one corner, four panels overlapped. It was not as seamless as the rest of the panels. I wish they made extra tall panels in that instance. I do plan to hang a chalkboard over that area, so it’s not a huge deal.

The new countertops, paint, and backsplash have really helped to modernize this dated kitchen! The before-and-afters are unbelievable! Up next is new hardware for the cabinets.