We're used to seeing the standard tile or a continuation of a natural stone material climbing the walls behind a countertop, but a wooden backsplash can have great functionality, and unusual one can add an interesting design element to a modern kitchen.
Too often the backsplash is treated as a utilitarian surface that doesn't require any real innovation to execute. We're thinking of the backsplash as a wall surface like any other - an opportunity to make a statement and add beauty and character to a room. Some ideas to try include using a solid piece of wood with lots of texture, a live-edge plank that spans the length of the countertop, irregularly-sized wooden tiles in different shapes and colors, raw beadboard, or a hand painted mural on a reclaimed piece of wood.
Examples shown:
1. Ikeafans
2. Anne & Nathan’s Northwest Modern Kitchen
3. Kitka
4. ooh_food
5. Better Homes and Gardens
Images: as linked above
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Yeah, but cleaning it?
Permanent oil splatters and splashes are cool?
I do love the live edge wooden plank so long as it has enough layers of protective (and green) finish on it.
what about mold?
Does everyone in America have one of those coffee makers? (I do.)
The issue with using wood as a backsplash is that it needs to be treated and protected to be a long term element in the kitchen. It's a gorgeous look, but wood tends to warp, stain, and mold when repeatedly exposed to moisture. You can see the long terms effects of water on wood in exterior applications that require constant maintenance of paint and sealing to protect the wood. Any crack in the protection can let water in and destroy the great look you're going for.
hey, that's my old nursery (#3)! my kitchen (international small-cool kitchen winner) uses birch for a backsplash - yes, you just need to treat it. mine isn't forever, so i'm not too worried.
Pretty now, but for that much effort I want something that's durable and low-maintenance.
Village, I may be the only one who doesn't have that coffee maker.
so timely! I saw this http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2011/08/the-pinterest-challenge-project/ yesterday and totally want to waste my time making that into a backsplash. I dont cook greasy things much and was going to use something easy to remove and replace behind the sink since its just a tiny slice before the window starts. I think its going to look great and be WOOD!
I also wondered about the durability. On the other hand, there are masses of wooden countertops, surely they are exposed to oil and water too?