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 I strongly suggest designing it like this, otherwise, it will look outdated like on the bottom image.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.
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.
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.
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.
Kitchen backsplash tile installations need a solid support beneath the bottom row. This is no problem when installing a backsplash over a countertop, but when you tile behind appliances, such as your range, there's no counter for support.
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.
It's essential to use caulk where the backsplash meets the kitchen counter, as well as at the top and edges of the backsplash. This prevents water from seeping in between your tile and the wall or trickling in behind your countertop. Water that infiltrates your wall in this way can cause mold, rot, and damage.
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.
Backsplashes need to line up with the upper cabinet.
Align the tile backsplash with the upper cabinet. It doesn't have to align with both although that would be nice! Usually the end of the backsplash tile, if aligned with the uppers, will die ON TOP OF the countertop below.
Fully covering the wall usually is your best bet in a small kitchen (or in a larger kitchen that has just a small area for the backsplash). This sort of layout, with just a single backsplash area between the fridge cabinet and the side wall, is common in galley kitchens in apartments and condominiums.
600mm high is usually a good rule of thumb and finishing at the low part of the cabinetry ensures that you maintain the height of the ceiling.
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.
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.
Matching Colors
For example, cream, beige, brown or gray backsplash tile often matches granite, wood or neutral-color synthetic countertops. This is advantageous if you have small appliances or decorative accessories in colors such as such as red, black or turquoise that contrast with your tile.
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.
White Subway Tile Backsplash Don't: Freehand Caulk Lines
Once the tile and grout are set, you'll need to edge the perimeters with matching caulk. Being one of the final steps, its tempting to rush through this last tedious step, but the result could end up being an eyesore.
Caulking should come after the often-messy grouting process. Although tile caulking manufacturers do not require caulking installation to be done before or after grouting is performed in a shower, caulking before grouting a shower has significant downsides.
Measurements for a typical backsplash are--16 to 18 inches--between the countertop and kitchen cabinets.
So just remember: 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.
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.
The short answer is yes; you need to trim or edge your backsplash or tiling to ensure your tiles look seamless and are protected from the environment. If you were not to edge your tiles, they could get chipped, and your project wouldn't look as striking and well put together as you had hoped.
Getting Started
It's always advisable to start tiling your grid in the centre of the wall, as it's easier to make sure your pattern is symmetrical. It also means any half-tiles you may need can go at the end of each row and will be of matching size.