How high should a kitchen backsplash be?

Author: Prof. Sallie Keebler PhD  |  Last update: Friday, July 1, 2022

A standard backsplash continues from the kitchen countertops to approximately three to six inches up the wall, with four inches typically being the most common height.

Should backsplash go all the way up?

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 I strongly suggest designing it like this, otherwise, it will look outdated like on the bottom image.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.

Where should backsplash begin and end?

It all starts with the alignment of your upper and lower cabinets. Hopefully they are lined up perfectly, as they are above, where the splash can run from the top edge of the countertop to the underside edge of the upper cabinet.

What is a full height backsplash?

A standard backsplash measures 4 inches from the top of the countertop surface. Full-height backsplashes, also called slab or panel backsplashes, can stretch from the top of the countertop to the bottom of upper cabinets or all the way to the ceiling.

Should backsplash go up to ceiling?

In terms of how high your kitchen backsplash should be, that's up to you. Many homeowners stop their backsplash level with the bottom of their upper cabinets. However, some choose to take the tile all the way up the ceiling. This can make the kitchen feel taller, drawing the eye up the wall.

How high should you put the backsplash behind the stove?

Does backsplash go behind range?

Backsplashes should go behind the stove and between the countertop and the bottom of the upper cabinets, but not behind the fridge. The backsplash should be wherever there will be food and water splatter, but not where it can't be seen.

How far should backsplash go behind stove?

When tiling a kitchen backsplash behind a stove, the best practice is to continue the tiles down the wall a minimum of one full course below the countertop height. This is done in order to prevent any visual discontinuity so you cannot see any untiled wall surface.

How high should backsplash tile go?

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.

How do you measure for a kitchen backsplash?

Multiply the width and height to find the total area in inches, then divide by 144 to find the amount of square feet needed (amount of inches in a square foot). For example, if your space is 48″ (width) x 18″ (height) = 864. 864/144 = 6 square feet. Be sure to measure every area that needs tile and add them together!

What goes in first the countertop or the backsplash?

A countertop needs to be installed before the backsplash is put on the walls above the countertop.

How far should tile be from stove?

Make sure there's at least 8 ”- 9” between the burner and the tile surface, or a back control panel on the stove to provide distance. Always follow fire codes when installing your stove.

How do you finish the edge of a backsplash?

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.

Are kitchen backsplashes out of style?

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.

Do you leave a gap between countertop and backsplash?

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.

How much space should be between cabinet and backsplash?

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.

Should backsplash go to end of counter or cabinet?

Backsplashes placed near the cooking range typically go all the way up to the bottom end of the overhead cabinets. Backsplashes near the sink can be made short. Having this on the side wall of the kitchen counter may not always cause an aesthetic problem to the overall look-and-feel of the kitchen.

How do you calculate kitchen wall tiles?

To begin, calculate the area of one tile in inches by multiplying the tile's length and width in inches. Finally, divide the calculated size of the space by the area of one tile. The result is the exact number of tiles required for the area.

How do I calculate the area of a kitchen?

Measure the length and width of the space and multiply. Just as you did before. For example, if you have a bay area that is 5 feet by 4 feet it would be 5×4=20 sq. ft.

How much does it cost to backsplash a kitchen?

Kitchen Backsplash Cost. The average cost for kitchen backsplash is roughly $400 to $600 per 16 square foot, excluding labor. You could pay about $300 to $400 per 16 square foot for cheaper ceramic variations, or between $650 and $1,000 per 16 square foot for high-quality types.

Where do you end a corner on a backsplash?

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.

Where do you start backsplash?

Make a mark directly in the middle of the wall above the countertop. This is where you will center the first tile to start the backsplash project. If the countertop is tiled, locate the tile that is in the middle of the counter and use that as your starting point.

Can you put peel and stick wallpaper behind stove?

Peel and stick vinyl backsplash can be used for stove backsplash DIY, it will resist the heat of a stove (if it's a gas stove, make sure you left a safety zone to avoid any contact with an open flame). The peel and stick backsplash behind the stove will not move or yellowing.

Do you put backsplash behind microwave?

Install the backsplash, grout, and install the microwave. The meeting of the microwave and the tile will look much nicer if the tile is behind the microwave rather than butting into it.

Should backsplash go on side walls?

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.

What is a timeless kitchen backsplash?

There are many timeless options for a kitchen backsplash such as hexagon tiles, picket tile, penny tile, and square format tile (just to name a few). Timeless Backsplash Tip: Opt for a natural stone like marble or slate for a more traditional and timeless look. For example, marble or slate mosaic tile!

Previous article
What is the best thing to mop floors with?
Next article
Can you use hardwood cleaner on laminate?