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.
What Is a Full Height Backsplash? Full height backsplash is also known as panel or slab backsplash due to its increased size. It goes from the top of the kitchen countertop to the lower part of the upper cabinets or even to the ceiling.
In many cases, a traditional backsplash is simply a small extension of your existing countertop material. On the other hand, a full backsplash covers the entire wall, starting from your countertops and going up to the bottom of your upper cabinetry.
One of the best benefits of a fully covered backsplash besides its beauty is the protection. Stone, engineered stone, porcelain, ceramic, or glass backsplash tile are much easier to wipe down than your walls, which can become damaged over time from spills and splashes as well as from constant cleaning.
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 I strongly suggest designing it like this, otherwise, it will look outdated like on the bottom image.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.
Space For Your Kitchen Backsplash
Measurements for a typical backsplash are--16 to 18 inches--between the countertop and kitchen cabinets.
The standard distance between the top of a kitchen counter and the bottom of the wall cabinets above it is 18 inches. For the average person, this distance is the ideal balance between plenty of space to work on the countertop and the ability to reach all of the shelves in the cabinet.
While granite countertops remain the most popular and well-known type of countertops most commonly used in homes today, there are several other stone, engineered and tile countertop options that still enjoy significant preference.
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
Laminate Countertops
Generally the most affordable countertop material available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface.
The primary reason to use caulk between your backsplash tile and your kitchen cabinets is because it will create a lasting, waterproof seal. As your house settles, and as different surfaces expand and contract slightly due to changes in temperature, your ceramic tile and kitchen cabinets will expand at different rates.
For countertops, the established standard is for the top of the countertop to fall about 36 inches above the floor. So widely accepted is this standard is that base cabinet manufacturers build all their cabinets to a height of 34 1/2 inches, assuming an adequate toe kick and countertop thickness will be 1 1/2 inches.
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.
A countertop needs to be installed before the backsplash is put on the walls above the countertop.
Standard kitchen island height is the same as standard counter height: 36″. That's a good height for working and seating for average adults. If you plan to use your island mainly for seating and in-kitchen eating space, select bar stools that suit your island height.
A counter-height table runs about 34 to 36 inches tall, and standard dining-height tables range from 28 to 30 inches tall. How do I choose chairs or stools for the counter and bar-height tables?
Countertop depth standard measure is 25 ½ inches, though this varies based on appliance depths, room size, base cabinet size, and the backsplash details. Having a standard depth countertop helps maximize your space and enhances the look of your kitchen.
When installing a backsplash, grout between tiles, once they are set, before you caulk the corners and edges.
Installing your tiles before your kitchen cabinets will cut down on overall labor costs. Putting in your tiles first will help prevent water damage in your kitchen. Cabinets can be installed first if you're placing delicate tiles that might get damaged during cabinetry or appliance installation.
The rule of thumb is to choose a caulking color that matches the color of the granite best. If you match the caulk with a light color from the backsplash and you have dark granite it may stick out and make the caulking a focal point on the counter.
Granite, marble and engineered solid surface stone are the best quartz alternatives as far as durability and cost.
Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot.