Joanna Gaines Unveils A Sleek Tile Backsplash Alternative That'll Transform Your Kitchen

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Backsplash tile often ties countertops, cabinets, and wall colors together as part of a kitchen design scheme. It also protects the wall behind your stove from splashes and grease that would otherwise cause paint damage. Tile is clearly a great design choice for a kitchen backsplash. However, don't forget that it certainly isn't the only option. HGTV star Joanna Gaines unveiled a sleek tile kitchen backsplash alternative that'll transform your kitchen in a more unique way. Gaines took to her Magnolia website to reveal that she installed a backsplash made of white macabus quartzite as part of a kitchen transformation on Season 5, Episode 1 of the show.

"There are so many tile options out there, but remember you don't have to be limited to just using tile for a backsplash," Gaines said in a blog post shared to Magnolia.com. "Here, we used a polished white macabus quartzite with horizontal veining. This stone offsets the rustic feel of the wooden features in the room and brings in a modern look to the kitchen. I love that it adds texture without competing with the rest of the design details in the space." If you look at the photos of the finished results, you'll see that the polished white macabus quartzite backsplash complements the surrounding design elements beautifully, and we won't blame you for choosing this creative backsplash idea over tile.

The stunning veined stone Gaines installed can be purchased in a few different varieties if you are interested in recreating the look. The White Macaubas Polished Quartzite Slab sold by Marble Systems, for example, looks similar to the cool-toned backsplash in the photos shown on the Magnolia website. If it fits within your budget, you could buy a similar material and have professionals install it behind your stove and countertops. Just keep in mind that white macabus quartzite isn't necessarily budget friendly.

For reference, the slabs sold by Marble And Granite, Inc. are $5,285 to $6,295 each, which works out to about $91 per square foot without installation. If you are in need of a wallet-friendlier alternative, you have other options. You could apply a peel-and-stick contact paper that resembles the quartzite Gaines used. However, this would only work if there is not already a textured material installed as a backsplash in your kitchen, since any grout lines or ridges would show through this finish. If you have tile installed, you'd need to entirely remove your preexisting kitchen backsplash beforehand. If you'd like to go this route, consider snagging the PracticalWs Glossy Marble Wall Paper. Hopefully, you're able to implement one of these options to nail your own recreation of Gaines' unexpected kitchen design choice.