Kiitchen backsplash for $10- it is possible. I had to think outside the box and my luck for finding deals helped me achieve this with glass tiles that were on clearance for 16 cents a piece (which was just enough to to the cooktop area), a slate piece for the center, and laminate flooring that was hidden in the clearance aisle and marked down to $1.05 a box (from $40 each).
I did this remodel out of necessity and I know many people are in the same situation- bought a house that drains your bank account and your energy. I live in a house that was a dump and it was so filthy that it took me 25 loads to the dump, 12 gallons of KILZ, and lots of energy to clean the house and the yard just so we could see what was really underneath it all. The worst part is that this home was not cheap and it was in a subdivision where the average home is around $300,000 or more. My house was gross and I literally threw the kitchen out from the flooring to the kitchen sink! This kitchen had to be gutted from day 1 and it was has been a work in progress now for 7 1/2 years. My kitchen still is not done and I am finishing it up now as I write this because we are planning on selling soon.
In the above picture the backsplash that we tore down was put in by a bad renter we had for a short time in 2012. See we made a bad decision to move and rent our house out to a contractor (who is now in jail) while we try a move to Georgia. The move did not work out and neither did the renter. After 6 months and court, we got our house back and had to start repairing the damage that he and his family had done. We are still recovering 3 years later from the financial catastrophe of being a landlord. (yes we checked references but who do you know who you really are calling?)Anyhow, he put tile flooring over the drywall which is a no no. You need to use cement board which is made for tile. The tile was uneven and loose in some spots and it took us 15 minutes to tear it down.
My hood vent I found on clearance right after we bought the house for $300 on clearance at Sears (regularly $1200). That was a steal! I vented it outside because I believe that is better than recirculating steam and odors in the house. It was a bit tricky going up the wall and then turning to go into the ceiling and out. I am patient and I am lucky. Yes I was born with this magnet for deals- thank goodness.
I used my air compressor and brad nailer to apply the flooring as the kitchen backsplash. It will be removable for any future homeowners who want to change the backsplash and add their own touches.
I painted the cabinets with $5 mismatched paint (and made homemade chalk paint) which was gray in the store but turned out a blue-gray in the photos. This color works great with the kitchen backsplash and the granite countertops. I will be putting in the toe kicks and molding finally (I hope today and tomorrow). I am going to repaint the cabinets a dark gray and spray paint the handles (again) black. It is a work in progress and I post this hoping to inspire you.
It takes time, patience, and money to renovate a home. It also takes a strong marriage and some skills too. I am a do-it-yourselfer but this house has burned me out. My dream is to find a big old farmhouse in the country with a wrap around porch, a barn, some outbuildings, a greenhouse, a garden, and lots of land so I can walk in a field of flowers, and have a horse again. Oops I digressed a bit…There is still work to be done and I will share more soon!
An inexpensive and beautiful kitchen backsplash can be done with some hunting and patience. On a budget means you have to be more creative and love what you do and ‘think outside the box’. Thanks for stopping by and let me know what you think.
Creating. Inspiring. Gardening without the rules!
2016 copyrighted material C Renee Fuller @The Garden Frog Boutique
