Let’s be real—you want that gorgeous white brick backsplash you keep seeing on Pinterest, but your wallet is giving you major side-eye. I totally get it. Kitchen renovations cost a small fortune, and backsplashes can drain your budget faster than you can say “subway tile.”
Good news? You don’t need to empty your savings account to get that dreamy white brick look. I’ve tested, installed, and regretted enough budget backsplash options to know exactly what works (and what ends up looking cheap). These 13 ideas will give you that high-end aesthetic without the high-end price tag.
Peel-and-Stick White Brick Wallpaper
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking—wallpaper in a kitchen? Sounds sketchy. But modern peel-and-stick options have come a long way, and some actually hold up surprisingly well.
Before upgrading, I used this in the splash zone behind my stove for two years. There is no water damage or peeling. The key? Select waterproof and heat-resistant models made especially for kitchens. Don’t simply buy any wallpaper at the craft store.
The best part? You can install it in an afternoon with zero special tools. Just a utility knife, a ruler, and some patience. Total cost for most kitchens? Under $50. Try beating that with real tile.
Vinyl White Brick Panels
Vinyl panels are basically the grown-up version of peel-and-stick wallpaper. They’re thicker, more durable, and honestly look more realistic.
No joke, I’ve witnessed these idiots who are real contractors. You have to touch it to tell the difference because the texture is so similar to actual brick. Panels must be cut to size and adhered with construction adhesive during installation. Easy things.
Why I recommend vinyl panels:
- Water-resistant and heat-tolerant: Perfect for behind sinks and stoves
- Easy to clean: Just wipe down with regular kitchen cleaner
- Affordable: Usually $30-80 depending on your kitchen size
- Removable: Great for renters who want to upgrade
Painted Real Brick (Existing Wall)
Got exposed brick already? Stop right there. Don’t tear it down—paint it white instead.
If you’re using pre-existing brick, this is without a doubt the most affordable choice. You can get that realistic texture without spending any money on materials with a gallon of high-quality masonry paint, which costs between $30 and $40. Just so you know, the texture of real brick is superior to any imitation.
Clean the brick thoroughly first (TSP cleaner works great), prime it, then apply 2-3 coats of paint. Use a quality brush for the grout lines—rollers miss those crevices.
White Brick Veneer Tiles
Veneer tiles give you real brick texture at a fraction of the weight and cost of full bricks. They’re thin slices of actual brick that you install like regular tiles.
I love these because they’re the real deal—actual clay, actual texture, actual durability. You just skip the structural weight and expense. Most home improvement stores carry them for $3-6 per square foot, which is totally doable on a budget.
Installation requires thin-set mortar and grout, so you’ll need basic tiling skills. But honestly? YouTube can teach you everything you need in about 20 minutes of videos.
Foam White Brick Panels
Okay, foam sounds cheap (because it is), but hear me out. Modern 3D foam panels have gotten shockingly realistic, and they cost pennies compared to real tile.
These panels function best in low-splash locations rather than right behind your stove or sink. If you want visual interest without sacrificing functionality, consider accent walls or spaces above upper cabinets.
Quick cost breakdown:
| Material | Cost per sq ft | Install Time | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam panels | $1-2 | 2-3 hours | Moderate |
| Vinyl panels | $2-4 | 3-4 hours | Good |
| Veneer tile | $3-6 | 6-8 hours | Excellent |
White-Painted Plywood with Routed Lines
Want that brick look but prefer a DIY project? Cut plywood into brick-sized rectangles, paint them white, and mount them with spacing for “grout lines.”
This is not as complicated as it seems. In essence, you’re making a textured wall covering that, from a distance, resembles brick. For lightweight installation, use 1/4″ plywood; for dimensional interest, slightly route the edges.
Total material cost? Maybe $40-60 depending on your wall size. Plus you get major bragging rights for the custom work.
Thrifted or Reclaimed Brick
Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local demolition sites. People literally give away old bricks for free or dirt cheap because they don’t want to haul them to the dump.
Once, I got 200 bricks for $20. They only needed to be cleaned because they were already painted white (bonus!). Adding paint yourself keeps costs absurdly low, even if you purchase unpainted bricks.
Reclaimed brick adds authentic character that new materials can’t match. Each brick has history, imperfections, and unique coloring that creates depth in your finished backsplash.
White Brick Contact Paper
Similar to peel-and-stick wallpaper but even cheaper. Contact paper costs $10-15 per roll, and one roll usually covers a decent backsplash area.
What is the catch? Compared to purpose-made wallpaper, it is less resilient. For tenants making short-term improvements or for accent spaces away from significant water exposure, I suggest this. Behind shelves that are open? Excellent. Right behind a farmhouse sink? Perhaps not.
Application takes about an hour, and removal is super easy when you’re ready to change things up. Zero damage to walls underneath.
Painted Concrete Backer Board with Carved Lines
This one’s for the ambitious DIYer. Buy concrete backer board (used under tile installations), carve brick patterns into it with a scoring tool, then paint it white.
Sounds crazy, but the results look impressively realistic. The carved lines create actual depth and shadow, mimicking real grout lines perfectly. Plus, concrete board handles heat and moisture like a champ since that’s literally what it’s designed for.
Material cost runs about $15-25 per sheet, and each sheet covers significant square footage. You’ll need a scoring tool ($10-15) and some patience, but the payoff is worth it.
White-Painted Drywall with Added Texture
Already have drywall? Add texture paste in a brick pattern, then paint everything white. This transforms your existing wall without adding materials or thickness.
You can buy texture paste at any hardware store for under $20. Use a trowel or putty knife to create raised brick outlines, let it dry completely, then paint. The texture catches light and creates shadows just like real brick.
This technique works best when you’re already planning to repaint anyway. Kill two birds with one stone—new color and new texture in one project.
Leftover White Tile Arranged as Brick
Got leftover subway tiles from another project? Arrange them in a brick pattern for instant backsplash appeal. Even mismatched white tiles work if you commit to the eclectic vibe.
I’ve seen people buy discounted or clearance tiles from home improvement stores for this exact purpose. Those “oops” sections with random white tiles? Goldmine. You can mix glossy and matte finishes for added visual interest without looking chaotic.
Standard thin-set and grout application applies here. The savings come from using discounted or leftover materials instead of buying full-price designer tiles.
Stenciled White Brick Pattern
Buy a brick pattern stencil online ($15-25), grab some white paint, and get to work. This is probably the absolute cheapest option that still looks intentional.
Because you are essentially painting each “brick” separately using the stencil as a guide, the technique calls for patience. However, how much control do you have over spacing and placement? Unrivaled. Additionally, you can alter the size of the brick to precisely fit your space.
Stenciling tips I’ve learned:
- Use foam rollers for cleaner edges
- Tape stencil securely to prevent paint bleeding
- Apply thin coats (thick paint creates buildup)
- Work in small sections for consistent results
Whitewashed Corrugated Metal
Okay, this one’s unconventional, but stay with me. Corrugated metal sheets create texture, handle heat brilliantly, and cost almost nothing. Whitewash them for a modern industrial-meets-farmhouse vibe.
I’ve used this in a rental kitchen, and it looked way more expensive than the $30 I spent on materials. The metal’s natural texture creates visual interest without needing perfect brick patterns. It’s different, it’s budget-friendly, and it definitely makes a statement.
Mount sheets with construction adhesive or small screws. Seal edges properly, and you’ve got yourself a unique backsplash that nobody else has.
Budget White Ceramic Tile in Brick Layout
Sometimes the best budget option is just buying the cheapest real tile and making it work. Basic white ceramic subway tiles cost $0.50-1.50 per square foot during sales.
I stock up while I wait for home improvement store clearance events. Even though these tiles don’t have elegant finishes or flawless edges, when they’re installed with neat grout lines? No one knows that you purchased them on sale.
The brick layout pattern (offset by half) adds visual interest that makes even basic tiles look intentional and designed. Good installation matters more than expensive materials here.
Installation Cost-Saving Tips
Want to save even more? DIY the installation. Tiling isn’t rocket science—it just requires patience and attention to detail.
Watch tutorial videos, invest in a cheap tile cutter ($20-30), and take your time. The money you save on labor (typically $500-1500) can fund your entire material purchase several times over.
Making Budget Look Expensive
The secret that no one tells you is that installation quality is more important than material cost. Cheap materials appear high-end when they are properly sealed, have consistent spacing, and have flawless grout lines.
I’ve seen $2 tiles installed beautifully that looked better than $15 tiles installed sloppily. Take your time, measure twice, cut once, and don’t rush the grout work. These details separate budget backsplashes that look cheap from budget backsplashes that look intentional.
Also, lighting makes a huge difference. Install under-cabinet lights to highlight your backsplash texture. Good lighting literally transforms how materials appear and can make budget options look twice as expensive.
Your Budget-Friendly White Brick Kitchen Awaits
Look, the kitchen you’ve been picturing on Pinterest for months doesn’t require a large budget. All you need is imagination, a willingness to do some do-it-yourself work, and reasonable expectations regarding the capabilities of various materials.
Start by identifying your kitchen’s needs. High-splash zones need durable, water-resistant options like vinyl panels or veneer tiles. Accent areas can handle more decorative choices like foam panels or stenciled patterns.
Determine your square footage, choose the option that best suits your skill level, and establish a reasonable budget (even $100 can work for small spaces). Unconfident when using tools? Limit your options to peel-and-stick. Enjoy a challenge? Take the route of the carved concrete board.
Your dream kitchen doesn’t require a dream budget—just smart choices and a bit of elbow grease. Now stop scrolling Pinterest and actually start that project. Future you will thank present you, trust me 🙂