Backsplash height should be all the way from the Countertop to the bottom of upper cabinets. I strongly suggest designing it like this, otherwise, it will look outdated like on the bottom image. Also, it protects water spillage much better if it is made all the way up to upper cabinets.
First, during tile installation, leave a small space between the tiles and the wood surface or countertop… no more than 1/8 of an inch.
I would add two or three open wall shelves to the right of the upper cabinets (above the dishwasher ) and extend them to end where the countertop ends. Then extend the backsplash to the end of the countertop. It will give you extra display space, not to mention bring balance to that wall!
A common place for this to occur is in U- or L-shaped kitchens where the uppers end over a peninsula. In this case, I would suggest ending the backsplash in line with the uppers, so you still get a crisp vertical line. Windows. Sometimes there will be very small areas of wall between windows and a counter or cabinet.
When installing tile, leave a 1/8 inch (3 mm) gap between tile and cabinets. Fill the gap between the tile and cabinet with color-matched caulk. Then, smooth it with this caulking tool.
Backsplash height should be all the way from the Countertop to the bottom of upper cabinets. I strongly suggest designing it like this, otherwise, it will look outdated like on the bottom image. Also, it protects water spillage much better if it is made all the way up to upper cabinets.
Leave the Edge Alone
Complete the edge by applying a piece of painter's tape to the wall next to the tiles. Squeeze a thin line of caulk down the outside edge of the tiles where they meet the wall. This blends the tiles into the wall, giving it a clean, finished look.
Backsplashes need to line up with the upper cabinet.
Usually the end of the backsplash tile, if aligned with the uppers, will die ON TOP OF the countertop below.
Run your kitchen backsplash between upper and lower cabinets. The backsplash connects the two sets of cabinets, which helps the room feel bigger and more cohesive. Do not put a backsplash behind your fridge unless you can clearly see that wall.
A standard backsplash is typically 4 inches high from the countertop. A full backsplash comes as high as you need, most homeowners have it all the way up to the height of the kitchen cabinets.
If you're in a kitchen, and you're doing the countertop-to-upper-cabinet-18”-high-backsplash, it's best not to wrap that around to the side wall if you don't need to. As I always say... Transitioning materials on an inside corner is always best.
The bottom of the upper cabinets, the bottom of a window, or the range hood are common lines to use as a guide for where to end your backsplash. Too many lines can make the room feel disjointed; continuing existing lines keeps the look unified and clean.
A countertop needs to be installed before the backsplash is put on the walls above the countertop.
You need a backsplash behind the stove to protect from grease and cooking splatter that could damage the surface behind the stove. The backsplash should be made of durable, nonabsorbent, and easy to clean material that will not discolor easily.
Skinny backsplashes are out of style, we are happy to report. A ceramic tile or glass backsplash that stretches from counter to cabinets is much easier to keep clean, and is more likely to catch spills and splatters.
Step 1: Lay Out Your Backsplash Tile Design
If you are doing a straight wall—like my laundry nook, it's best to start at the center and work your way outward. However, if you are doing a corner, it's better to start in the corner and work your way out.
Luckily, there are few rules about cabinet placement. Upper and lower cabinets may align at each end, and they sometimes do. However, aligning every upper and lower cabinet throughout the room is rare. As long as the cabinets are installed securely, almost anything goes.
Bullnose tiles have one curved edge that finishes a tile installation neatly without exposing the unglazed ceramic or porcelain edges. To finish a backsplash without bullnose tiles, you'll need to disguise the unglazed edge of the tiles with trim molding or caulk.
When installing a backsplash, grout between tiles, once they are set, before you caulk the corners and edges.
Standard Backsplash Height
In general, the backsplash is installed to the height of four inches from the surface of the countertop. These backsplashes can be of any material or color, but we suggest that it compliments the cabinets and the countertops.
The only time tile trim may not be needed is when the tile meets flush against other surfaces like wall corners or floor edges. Continuous tile designs can also be used instead of installing tile trim (but the tile edges should be glazed to remove rough, sharp edges).
No, bullnose tile isn't necessarily outdated. In many home designs, it could be the best choice for achieving a finished tile look. However, it's not the only option for tile projects these days, so you'll want to think about whether bullnose really fits your style.