Jun 12, 2012, 01:01 PM
carolitis52Inexpensive Backplashes but SAFE

Hi guys! Needs lots of ideas. Renovating a condo on a budget and want an inexpensive back splash. Is tile board- (the flat sheets that usually look like white tile) safe for a backslash? Meaning is it fire resistant- or a fire trap? Are vinyl tiles firesafe and does anyone know if the allure resilient floor tiles can be used for a back splash. If considered safe, are they also safe above the electric range? Any other great ideas for a back splash I haven't seen on here recently? You guys are SO inventive.HELP!
Jun 12, 2012, 05:31 PM
joecaptionYour posting on the DIY part of the web site.
None of your suggestions are that great and some outright will not work.
A simple chep "safe" one is ceramic tile.
It can be stuck right to drywall with thin set.
Jun 12, 2012, 06:55 PM
JaybeeMy first response is also - tile. Fairly easy to install and if you search around for seconds outlets or even out of production styles at tile stores. With tile, you could get a backsplash that looks high-end for the least amount of money.
Jun 14, 2012, 10:06 PM
swschrad"tile board" is a flammable Masonite mess. don't go there. really. hire somebody to slap you if necessary. that stuff is temporary walls in milk houses.
there are a lot of options in inexpensive tile. don't knock it. when you go in the store, tell them you want a backsplash for (x) square feet with 10% for oopsies and future repairs, and you are a cheapskate, where's the back corner full of odds and ends? bring color samples of your paint etc. you'll walk out happy.
somebody is going to mention gluing Formica or sheet metal on the wall with construction adhesive. you need to be really good with cutting, one of those rare people who can carry a flexible sheet without putting kinks in it and ugly foldover bends, and have the trim strips availiable. this usually means "pro with connections." the stuff is not at the big box stores to trim this right.
cheap stock tile with a little line of something classy like a contrasting glass (if so, use white mastic or thinset) or metal tile looks great and you usually only add $20-50 to the job on even a large backsplash area if you keep your head.