Beadboard is a row of narrow wood planks lined up vertically. In between each wood plank is a little indentation or ridge, also known as a “bead”. These days most beadboard comes in long, monolithic sheets that are easy to install and imitate the look of narrow vertical planks.
Beadboard is a very practical and beautiful choice for kitchen walls and/or ceilings because they are easy to clean. It can be stained or painted and is particularly appropriate in farm, country, or seaside kitchens. Beadboard lends a clean look to any room and is an easy way to add architectural detail to plain old walls. Besides kitchen walls and ceilings, beadboard can be also used for kitchen backsplashes.
The easy installation in considered amongst the biggest advantages of beadboard kitchen backsplashes as you may use prefabricated sheets and it will take less than a weekend to install your backsplash. Last but not least, the price of beadboard kitchen backsplash is significantly lower compared to other options.
Choosing Beadboard
For one thing, you want to think about the width of the board and the depth of the bead. Wider boards add a soothing effect to a busy, cramped kitchen, while narrower is a good choice if you need to tie a large room together. As to the bead, the deeper it is, the more you’ll get that look of handcrafted quality, but keep in mind, very deep grooves can also be tricky to clean.
Use Color to Add Modern Flair
You don’t have to stick to the traditional whites and creams when painting. You can paint your beadboard backsplash in any color, which will enhance the theme of your kitchen interior and match or contrast, if you wish, the color of your cabinetry. Try using a dark beige, slate blue, or mint green for a look that’s a little bit country and a yet edgy, too.
Cleaning
Beadboard paneling has an added benefit in that because there’s no joints, there are fewer places for moisture and mildew to hide away from your scrub brush. On the downside, the main reason against choosing a beadboard backsplash is that with time it is susceptible to dirt, grime, grease and food particles might stick in the grooves. Because wood is somewhat delicate, it’s best to stay away from the harsh cleaners you may use on your stove and countertops. Try to wipe off whatever you can with a microfiber cloth, and then finish up any really tough spots with a water and vinegar solution, using a toothbrush or small, soft scrub brush to get in between cracks.
On the whole, beadboard is great for kitchen backsplashes, this is a material with a lot of advantages and it’s easy to install yourself. Beadboard will give your kitchen a cozy rustic touch, or make a bold accent with a contrasting color.