Materials

• Pre-primed or Pre-finished Beadboard
• Painters Tape
• Vinyl Gloves
• Rags
• Canvas Drop Cloth
• BEHR Semi-Gloss Latex Paint
• Foam Paint Brush & Roller Kit
• Kitchen & Bath Caulk
• Construction Adhesive

Tools   

• Pneumatic Nailer with 16-gauge nails
• Drill with 5/16-in. bit (pilot holes)
• Circular Saw
• Jig Saw (cut out outlets)
• Screwdriver (to remove outlet plates)
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Caulk Gun
• Very Fine Sanding Block
• Stud Finder

Step 1: Measure & Map

First, you’ll want to thoroughly measure your backsplash area to get an idea of how many sheets of beadboard to buy. It comes in large panels, pre-primed or pre-finished for easy installation.

Step 2: Cut Beadboard

Once you map out the backsplash space, take advantage of The Home Depot’s in-store cutting services to get a head start on the project. If you have your dimensions on hand, an associate can make most of the cuts for you.  This also makes transporting your materials home a bit easier.

Depending on your space, you may also need to further customize your beadboard at home using a circular saw for long straight cuts and a jig saw for more precise cuts.

HINT: Cut along the backside of the board OR place painter’s tape along the cut lines to ensure a smooth cut that doesn’t damage the beadboard’s finish.

Step 3: Make Custom Cuts

For outlets and switches, remove the decorative plate using a screwdriver. You’ll want to measure openings from one side consistently, and pull the tape vertically and horizontally to figure out the placement.

You can also make an outlet template with painter’s tape. Using a 5/16-in. bit, drill a pilot hole in the corner, then insert your jigsaw blade into the hole. Slowly cut around the template to accommodate the outlet. With your custom cuts complete, wipe the boards down with a clean rag to remove any dust, put down a canvas drop cloth, and then go ahead and paint the beadboard and trim, if not pre-finished, with a semi-gloss latex paint. To apply the paint, use a foam brush and roller.

Step 4: Prepare to Install

Prepare the wall for installation by locating the studs, then marking them with a pencil. Place a piece of tape on the countertop or wall cabinet to guide you once the beadboard is in position.

Step 5: Install and Finish

Squeeze your construction adhesive onto the back of the beadboard and place it on the wall, then secure it using a pneumatic nailer, putting 16-gauge nails into the studs.

Fill any nail holes, gaps and seams using white caulk and/or wood filler and a caulking gun. Allow to dry, then lightly sand with a very fine paper. You may want to wear vinyl gloves to keep the fine dust off your hands. Touch up the paint on the boards, as needed.

HINT: To give the backsplash a more finished look and help camouflage areas that aren’t square and level, finish all rough edges with a small profile trim.  Secure the trim to the studs.