Learn how to make this cheap and easy cottage stone backsplash with just a few quick steps! With some mortar, chicken wire and some free stone you can recreate an expensive look for less!
Oh Cottage Stone, You have our hearts!
I have to actively stop myself from thinking of how to incorporate this stone and mortar technique in every room of our home….. Wouldn’t it be so dreamy in a shower? Or even as an accent wall in a master bedroom? ….See what I mean?
This cheap and easy DIY stone backsplash could be done on a small or large scale to enhance your space while giving that cozy old world charm. It’s light while also being grounding, in other words… STUNNING!
This stone backsplash cost us $10 because we had a few of the supplies on hand. If you had to buy everything, this project could be done far as little as $30! This is a very versatile and simple project, so if you don’t have exactly what is listed for supplies down below there will be a few alternatives suggested as well to help you out!
Our last project, the DIY Cottage Stone Fireplace Makeover which will be linked here, used stone that was found on a walk around our property! We loved how the stone looked so immediately I was looking for where else to add a touch of this cottage stone old world look, the kitchen! It was so ridiculously easy and took about an hour total of work time.
Let’s Make a Cheap and Easy Cottage Stone Backsplash!
Tips for making a stone backsplash with an old world look
For attaching the stone to your backboard, you can either apply chicken wire, hardware cloth or completely cover your surface in mortar using a trowel with a grooved edge. If using the trowel technique, you will let the layer of mortar dry completely so that the stones will have a rough surface to adhere to.
The type of mortar really matters! There are many uses for mortar and almost a different type for each use! We have tested multiple and found the best results from the one we have linked below.
This project is very forgiving with the amount of set time. I was taking care of our three kids, between many diaper changes and snacks served I was able to be in no hurry while I perfected and smoothed the mortar.
Our stone backsplash measures about four by three feet, we ended up using about twelve cups of mortar total. Depending on the size of your project, you could have plenty of mortar left over for other projects.
DIY Stone Backsplash Supplies and Tools
- Stones
- White Large Tile and Stone Mortar
- Putty Knife
- Bucket
- Chicken wire
- Sponge
- Screws
- Drill
How To Install Cottage Stone Backsplash
Step One: Prepping Materials and Wall
- Purchase your materials. Depending on which hardware store you buy your supplies at, there are multiple types of mortar to choose from. Make sure to grab the White variety that is meant for large format stone and tile.
- Measure out the wall space you want to cover and cut the backboard to that size
Step Two: Install Backboard and Chicken Wire
- Place the backboard on the wall and place screws all along the perimeter. These will be covered so no need to worry too much about their placement
- Cut and install the chicken wire to cover the entire backboard.
Step Three: Mix Mortar and Place Stones
- Measure five cups of mortar into a bucket and mix enough water to make a very thick consitancy. The mortar should be spreadable but when you scoop some on your putty knife you should be able to rotate your knife without the mortar sliding off.
- Cover the entire back of the stone with mortar and start placing them from the center of your backboard and work towards the outer edges. This is a very forgiving step, so feel free to take your time. If the stones start to slip once placed, mix in some additional mortar powder so that your mixture has more hold.
- Once you like all your stones placement, let dry completely overnight.
Step Four: Filling Gaps
- Mix eight cups of mortar with enough water to create a thick pancake batter constancy. Using a two inch putty knife start filling any gaps around the stones
- To create a soft and overfilled look, cover all the sharp edges of the stones with mortar.
Step Five: Final Touches
- Once all the mortar is applied let dry for forty five minutes, watch the mortar start to lighten slightly and you can touch it without it sticking to your finger.
- Fill your bucket with water and with a very wet sponge start to smooth out all the texture in the mortar left from the putty knife. Let dry for another forty five minutes.
- The key to the smooth mortar is to let it dry a bit between using the wet sponge multiple times, so repeat Step 2 until you have achieved the desired look.
Now, where are you imagining this beauty in your home?!
For how simple this project is, I really cant believe how seamless it turned out. It feels so refreshing to be in our kitchen where so much time is spent already, and now when I am cooking I tend to get distracted by how much I love this project! I hope you make this cheap and easy cottage style stone backsplash with just a few quick steps! Feel free to email if you have any questions and sign up for our weekly email subscription that will fuel your DIY fire!
Cheers to you and your family from us here at The Hinterlands!
Magen Jones
Great detailed tutorial! Thanks for sharing! I love the charm it adds to your space.
Megan Smith
Such a cool and beautiful project!
Heather Wood
This is so unbelievably creative!! Iām anxiously awaiting more from you!! HGTV needs to find you!!
Lindsay
This is a really cool idea i love how beautiful it looks. Might have to give this a go in our kitchen!
Kimberlee
I love it! It is so homey! I can’t wait to try it out! We need to do something to our plastic backsplash. What kind of stone did you use?
courtneyscholz
Hi Kimberlee! Thank you so so much! The stone was found on a walk actually, its a type of natural slate that breaks off very thin. But Honestly, as long as your flag stone is less than 3/4 of an inch you could use any! Most of the stone is covered with the mortar so even the shape doesn’t matter, I wanted mine to have more browns than greys but you could always even paint wash the stones a bit before adding the mortar! Such a flexible project and I hope you get to try it!
John Konstantinov
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this blog.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging
to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appeal.
I must say that you’ve done a amazing job with this. In addition, the blog loads very fast for me on Chrome.
Excellent Blog!
courtneyscholz
Thank you so much John, it definitely is a hard balance and it is amazing when someone knows the struggle :D!
Maddie L.
This is such a neat idea! I love the rustic look! Might have to give this a try when we get out on land š
courtneyscholz
I hope you get to have your cottage kitchen soon Maddie, thank you for the sweet words!
Leisha
What a great tutorial! It turned out beautiful!
courtneyscholz
Thank you so much Leisha!
Kara
This looks like a good DIY option on a budget! I LOVE the cottage style, and hope to incorporate it into our house additions.
courtneyscholz
Yay! I hope you try it and please send a picture if you do!
Rachel
What a cool idea! Love it! The cottage look is so lovely š
courtneyscholz
Thank you so much!
Trina
That’s so easy, looks beautiful!
courtneyscholz
Thank you! Dont you just love when those two things come together in home renos? It isn’t offten! š