Here are the best kitchen tile alternatives:
- Glass
- Stone chunks / Slabs
- Thermoplastic Backsplash Panels
- Venetian Plaster
- Tek Wall
- Metal
- Wallpaper
- Exposed brickwork
- Laminate
Table of Contents
1. Give a modern look with Glass
Instead of using tiles on your kitchen walls, use glass to give a more contemporary look. Glass can be painted and comes in a variety of colors and in many different designs to match all your dream kitchen needs.
Glass can also add some color to the kitchen as well as come in different textures. It’s easy to clean and you can even install the glass with the right materials (not to mention get creative with painting or designing the glass, we love to see what our readers come up with!).
2. Use Stone Chunks or Slabs
Using a stone slab or panel as a backsplash can give your kitchen a more traditional or homey look when done properly. You can use different types of stone to line your kitchen walls (from quartz and marble to granite). Choosing which stone you want will help determine which look you want your kitchen to emulate.
If you want a more classic style then marble is a great choice. A few things to keep in mind when choosing a stone is if the stone is heat resistant and how the stone is maintained (ie: if it’s porous or not, etc).
Note that stone can be used as tiles or as a backsplash, if you are avoiding a tiled kitchen then we recommend going with a backsplash! Also note the type of finishing of the stone you want to choose for your kitchen (this could impact the amount of maintenance).
Can I Use Kitchen Tiles in the Bathroom
3. Adorn Thermoplastic Backsplash Panels
If you are looking for an easy installation and easily removable tile alternative, then the thermoplastic backsplash panels are for you! These panels come in different finishes and materials and can easily be applied using silicon glue.
These panels can efficiently transform the look of your kitchen to your ideal kitchen appearance (from modern to classic and more!). These panels are typically resistant to water and corrosion, which make them perfect for the kitchen’s daily messes and clean up.
4. Apply Venetian Plaster
Venetian plaster is a great alternative to kitchen tiles. The plaster comes in different colors and materials to suit all your design needs. It doesn’t require much maintenance and is eco-friendly. Attaching the plaster is easy and it’s budget friendly compared to other tile alternatives.
5. Install a Tek Wall
A Tek Wall is a great addition to any kitchen. Because it comes in different colors and sizes it can fit in with any kitchen’s aesthetic and is easy to clean (a very important factor when choosing a kitchen wall, where things can get messy easily!). You can also find a Tek wall that closely matches your kitchen’s countertop to give your kitchen a modern feel.
Tek walls can be coated in copper or even be made to look like marble (without actually using marble) which is a great alternative if you don’t want to use marble as your stone of choice!
6. Install Metal (stainless steel or copper)
To achieve a more contemporary, modern, or finished look, put in metal sheets instead of tiles! These metals typically come in different colors and designs (from copper or stainless steel) and you can even buy it in pre-cut sizes! You can also install these as backsplashes in certain areas of your kitchen to elevate your space and have it look less industrial.
Metal doesn’t tend to show fingerprints and is also easily cleaned on a daily basis. They are water and heat resistant (an important feature in the kitchen if you ask us!). However be careful when maintaining, there are some cleaning products that will damage the steel backsplash (and some dents/dings are difficult to remove).
7. Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great alternative to kitchen tiles. Wallpaper (especially vinyl wallpaper) come in a variety of colors and designs so you are able to make your kitchen truly yours. While not all wallpaper have the same durability or water resistance, vinyl wallpaper is immune to backsplash (something to think about depending on where the wallpaper will be located in the kitchen).
This particular kind of wallpaper can also be washed or easily cleaned with a towel/rag. It’s a durable alternative that lasts when you do your research on the correct type of vinyl wallpaper (be sure to check out the reviews!).
8. Exposed brickwork galore!
When looking at alternatives to kitchen tiles, you can always keep an exposed brick as part of your kitchen feel (if the brick is already part of your building or home’s foundation). Having an exposed brick brings a more homey and modern look and elevates the kitchen’s space.
You can also paint the brick if you want it to match your kitchen’s decor. And there’s always the possibility of mixing the exposed brick with a marble backsplash or another type of backsplash to take your kitchen space to the next level.
9. Laminate Backsplash
Having a laminate backsplash is perfect for those who are on a budget! They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs to make your dream kitchen come true. They’re typically low-maintenance and you can install it over any flat surface.
Though laminate is usually used for countertops, laminate as a backsplash is an easy way to upgrade your kitchen for a fraction of the cost! It’s easy to clean feature and different designs make it the perfect option for people who are eager to try something but not ready to invest a lot of capital.
There are also a variety of other options to use when covering your kitchen walls. You can use anything from a gallery wall to chalkboard even (yes we have seen people do it!).
However some of these materials aren’t the best for the kitchen because they cannot be easily cleaned or they are not as durable (goodness, try taking an oil stain out of a chalkboard!).
The most important factors to look at when choosing a material is your budget, how easy it is to maintain, and if it is heat/water-resistant. These are important because these tile alternatives will be in your kitchen, so it should be easily cleaned! (Please don’t look at our kitchens after we cook, they’re a mess!).
