Can I use wood pallets for my kitchen backsplash?

Wood doesn't make the greatest backsplash, because the textured surface catches grease and and because it's flammable. Have you considered wood-look tile? There would be a bit more cost involved, but it's worth it if it prevents a kitchen fire.

I wouldn't suggest wood either, as it would be a fire hazard waiting to happen no matter what you put on it. Most of the sealers wouldn't stop the hazard by any means, I would also suggest the wood-look tile instead.

I can't speak to the flammability, but I've used a great Minwax outdoor polyurethane that I bet would hold up well as a backsplash coating. I'll bet it will take a few coats on palletwood. Here's two coats on deck lumber and it's still not smooth enough for my tastes.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/475129829409320688/?lp=true

That would be a big NO...don't do it.

Hi Dot,

I have a wood backsplash and LOVE it! It's a bit of work, it's lovely. I used a planer(make sure ALL nails have been removed). After planing them, I used a belt sander, then by hand. If you don't have a planer it can still be done, just a bit more elbow grease.

Prior to attaching: Seal it, seal it, then seal it again. I don't recall the product I used. The folks at hardware stores are full of wisdom much like this site.

LONG side note: Behind my stove I attached a square of sheet metal w/screws. I intentionally measured it a foot longer at the bottom and bent it where the floor meets the wall. Seal it to the wall.

Here's why: Cleaning! Something about that very back crevice where dust/dirt settles, it get's me. Now? A quick dust bust and the wash of a soapy cloth. VOILA!

Back to your backsplash: Nail it on(make sure your hitting your studs). Then, seal it again. My range is a slide in as well, (different ball game with a built in).

The console/back guard along with your range hood ventilation performs the same type of build up protection as other backsplashes.

So Dot, I disagree with the other posts. Same applies to wood counter tops. Unless you are cooking back bacon and oil fried potatoes on your rear burners every day without a clean up.....

My opinion? Like in any other kitchen, be mindful, make sure you have smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, etc. & enjoy!

Marneta

From my cozy cottage in the woods:

The Christmas Tree Capital of the World

Lunenburg County-Nova Scotia, Canada

You can use whatever you want as a backsplash as long as you use the correct sealant.