Woman creates backsplash from wine corks
Karen from Sew Many Ways used 396 wine corks to create a unique bar backsplash that resembles basket-weave tile. The corks were arranged on a 40-by-16-inch hardboard panel, which was cut to fit the space behind a black bar cabinet.
The panel was mounted with 44 corks across and nine paired rows, with each pair of corks switched in direction to form a woven pattern. This layout gives the surface more movement than traditional rows.
Creating the Backsplash
The project started with a 2-by-4-foot sheet of 1/8-inch hardboard, which was cut to fit the space before any corks were attached. They chose the hardboard because it is thin enough to sit behind the bottles without consuming much shelf depth.
To accommodate existing wiring and cabinet obstacles, small sections were removed from the hardboard before the corks were attached. A notch was created to make space around a light cord, and similar cuts can be made to accommodate outlets or other fixed parts.
Before adding the corks, the cut panel was tested to ensure it fit inside the cabinet. The edges should sit behind the cabinet frame, and any openings should line up with cords or hardware.
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Arranging the Corks
Rather than setting every cork in horizontal rows, pairs of corks were placed side by side and then rotated 90 degrees. This creates blocks that resemble a basket-weave pattern, with the labels and stains on the corks adding variation to the design.
Tapered corks required some attention during this stage, with their wider ends alternated to maintain square blocks and reduce gaps between neighboring pieces. The marked corks were spread across the board, with blank pieces between them to prevent the lettering from dominating the pattern.
A line of hot glue was used to secure each cork to the hardboard, with the pairs aligned with the previous block. The pattern became more apparent as the surface grew, with horizontal pairs meeting vertical pairs at right angles.
Karen used natural cork rather than synthetic versions, which gives the backsplash its varied surface, with different pores, marks, and wine stains preventing the finished panel from looking uniform. The project used secondhand corks, including batches purchased online.
The finished backsplash contrasts with the dark cabinetry, making the cork pattern easy to read. The light cork faces brighten the recessed area, while the darker marks connect it with the cabinet finish. The entire back of the bar cabinet has been turned into a textured wall treatment, with the repeated corks creating the scale of tile.
