Here at Country Living, we love to study trends, especially those with timeless appeal. As the Senior Homes and Style Editor, it's my job to track these trends and decide which ones are worth covering and which ones are not, which is exactly why I've been watching the rise of wood paneling the last few years. People are desperate to move away from cold, clinical minimalism and make their homes feel more welcoming and lived-in. I was surprised, though, when I started seeing more and more paneling in the kitchen—not just on the walls, but acting as a backsplash. Below, we're diving into everything you need to know about the material set to replace tile as the designer-preferred kitchen backsplash this year. Related Stories What Types of Wood Paneling Are Trending? Before we get too far, let's be clear: Tile backsplash isn't going anywhere any time soon, and I'm definitely not saying you should rip out all your tile and replace it with wood paneling just because it's popular. Wood paneling offers a fresh alternative to tile that adds a warm layer to a space that can otherwise feel sterile. It's been beloved as an easy way to add character to your walls for decades, and its foray into the kitchen shouldn't be a surprise as cottage kitchens become more and more popular both online and in real life. Before you toss out your tile samples, let's examine which types of paneling might be best for your kitchen. ShiplapLove it or hate it, shiplap is here to stay. This style, made popular by Chip and Joanna Gaines more than a decade ago, offers a classic look, making it perfect for homes regardless of their age or location. If you love this look but want something that feels less ubiquitous, avoid white shiplap and choose a warmer neutral, such as Interactive Cream by Sherwin-Williams or Rhine River by Benjamin Moore. Nickel Gap Paneling Think of nickel gap paneling, which gets its name from the consistent, nickel-width gap between each of the planks, as shiplap's older, more refined cousin. Unlike shiplap, which uses a type of connecting grove called a rabbet joint, nickel gap uses a classic tongue-and-groove joinery system. Once installed, the planks feel more elevated and purposeful than standard shiplap. While any type of wood can be used for nickel gap paneling, inexpensive woods, such as pine and poplar, or even MDF are popular options. BeadboardA longtime favorite in country kitchens, beadboard paneling is full of historic cottage charm. (My two cents: If a design element was good enough for the Victorians, it's good enough for me!) Because beadboard has a raised edge—the "bead" that gives it its name—it's a great way to add texture and a sense of history to a space, and might be the best option if you're trying to add age to a newly built kitchen. Related StoryIs a Wood Backsplash Safe?If you love the lived-in look, then wood backsplash is perfect for you, and when installed with care and paired with the right materials, wood is just as safe as tile. If you have a gas stove, always pair wood backsplash with a fire-safe material such as marble or quartz. This not only keeps your wood backsplash in pristine condition but also protects it from any open flame. If you're using an induction cooktop, feel free to leave your wood backsplash uncovered. Related StoryExamples of Wood BacksplashBecky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingBeadboard backsplash adds a cozy twist to this gingham-filled kitchen’s stove cove from designer Trinity Holmes. Stacy Zarin GoldbergIn designer Molly Singer’s kitchen, simple wood paneling adds country charm. Ali Harper for Country LivingIn this Alabama river cottage, designed by Jensen Killen, wood-planked walls were painted a creamy white and run horizontally throughout the kitchen. Mike D'AvelloKnotty pine adds country charm to this kitchen designed by HGTV star Jenny Marrs.Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country LivingIn Maribeth Jones’ Alabama kitchen, yellow walls and paneling add cottage charm when paired with painted floors and a fruit-inspired wallpaper. Related StoriesAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.