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Beadboard Backsplashes

Consisting of vertical installations of narrow (usually 1 1/2 to 2 inches) tongue-and-groove boards, beadboard has been a mainstay of kitchens, particularly in the English and American country styles, for over a century. Whether painted (usually white or off-white) or varnished, it imparts a simple, homey yet classic quality and adds a rich, handcrafted look. If you're lucky enough to have an older home with original beadboard, congratulations! If not, never fear, because it's readily available.

As with other materials requiring meticulous piece-by-piece installation, genuine beadboard can be somewhat labor-intensive. In recent years manufacturers have come up with beadboard-finished panels of wood, plywood, or fiberboard to mimic the look of hand-set boards and reduce installation costs.

There are, however, a few caveats, which go a long way to explaining why homeowners of decades past couldn't wait to tear out their beadboard backsplashes and replace them with something more "modern" and seamless. Based on anecdotal evidence, some homeowners aren't bothered by them and others find them complete deal-breakers, so it's good to be aware of the issues as you make your plans.

One issue, which beadboard shares with tile, mosaic, and other crevice-rich surfaces, is a tendency of dirt, grime, grease and airborne food particles to stick in the grooves and be hard to clean. While some homeowners report that in real life this problem never actually comes up, others find it an ongoing struggle.

Exacerbating this problem is the tendency, in some climates, for the wooden tongue-and-groove boards to swell and shrink as the humidity changes. Over time this can cause warping; it can also cause the gaps between boards to enlarge, creating ever more opportunities for trapping crud. This is one area where panels have a distinct advantage, but if you decide you prefer the look of the real thing, consult with your building professional about possible ways -- e.g pre-seasoning the boards before installing them -- to minimize swelling and shrinkage. Caulking the seams also helps protect the underlying surface.

Another important issue is preventing moisture from getting through the seams in the beadboard -- between the boards, as well as in the areas where the backsplash meets the cabinets and countertops. Aside from the fact that accumulated moisture can loosen the bond of the boards to the wall, it can also eventually weaken the wall itself and/or create a hospitable climate for mold.

Finally, there's the simple matter that water splashes and grease spatters are no friends to paint and varnish, softening them and causing them to deteriorate, as well as leaving permanent stains.

Experts have come up with some ingenious solutions to address these problems. One popular approach is to use a more impervious material such as tile or stone behind sinks and stoves, or to cover the beadboard with glass or plexiglas in those areas. Another is to use a tough polyurethane finish on the boards to protect them from moisture and grease.

Whether you're restoring your antique kitchen or designing a new one, be sure to discuss these issues with your building professional in the context of your particular needs. Most problems are entirely preventable with a bit of planning, so be sure to let your contractor know about your concerns early in the design process.