I don’t think beadboard is a prctical backsplash at all.Why not a simple subwaytile that will stand up much better.

beadboard can look great, especially if you paint it a color with an easy to clean satin paint. I would go with MDF--it will hold up better in the long run.

thank you! Will def do a good satin paint. I think subway tiles are so popular now that they are a fad.

FYI subway tile has been around probly as long as beadboard and MDF if it gets wet will be a huge mess sorry this just is not backsplash material IMHO I don’t care what you paint it with

After you paint it do two or three coats of polyurethane. It will protect the surface and make splatters easy to wipe off.

Another option is to just install 1/2 round wood strips at whatever spacing you like to create a unique backsplash. Nail the strips up with brads, caulk the seam between the wall and the strip and then paint the area strips and wall. I did this to my kitchen before I remodeled to add some interest to the walls.

Poly is a good idea but use polycrylic(spell check) instead or lacquer. Make sure to use a flat or Matt paint and make sure its completely cured. With that said, if I were faced with your decision I personally would do a high quality vinyl so I don't have to worry about moisture. also, in either choice I would use a different material behind the range.

I haven't done my kitchen yet as we're still acquiring materials and appliances but the plan is a wood back splash with a heavy dose of lacquer and behind the range stainless steel rectangular tiles or glass tiles. already bought the wood but we might wait until the project is on the way to make the choice between glass or ss.

just my 2cents but I'm not a designer...