Some DIY home projects require just a few hours of time, a modest budget and mediocre home improvement skills. Then, there’s tiling.
Ceramic, porcelain and stone tile can add color, texture and style to any space, but adorning a kitchen backsplash, fireplace surround or bathroom wall with these hard-wearing materials can be daunting and costly for unseasoned do-it-yourselfers.
If you’re still not sold on peel-and-stick tiles, here are a few more economical alternatives to traditional tile. Just be mindful of moisture and heat.
- Shiplap: A fading trend? Maybe, maybe not. In any case, priced at $4 a square foot on average, shiplap is an affordable alternative to tile.
- Beadboard: A staple in powder rooms, beadboard wainscoting is inexpensive and easy to install over existing tile.
- PVC panels: Durable, seamless and a cinch to install, PVC are waterproof and come in a variety of colors and designs.
- Wallpaper: A popular alternative to tile in spaces that aren’t too damp, wallpaper provides a pop of color, style, texture and dimension.
- Stencils: If you’re crafty, stenciling a backsplash is a very affordable way to update a kitchen.
- Stainless steel panels: Inexpensive, sleek and easy to apply with adhesive, stainless steep panels are long-lasting and easy to clean.
- Paint. Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint will suffice, but use water resistant paint to make sure your space is well-ventilated to avoid locking in moisture and damaging walls.
Sources: Upgraded Home, Lowe’s Home Improvement
A tile installation project requires planning, prep and precise measurements, along with special tools, time, patience and a robust budget. A typical tile backsplash installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot or $500 to $1,700 on average, according to HomeGuide.com, a search engine to help homeowners find home service providers.
If you have the will, but not necessarily the skill,…
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