The best rule for kitchen backsplash placement is to look for a natural stopping point. This could be a wall, a window, a cabinet edge, or anything else in between. You can use tile edging trim or bullnose tile to create a distinct edge for the backsplash.
which begs the question how far down to tile behind the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 I strongly suggest designing it like this, otherwise, it will look outdated like on the bottom image.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.
Some like to end it where the upper cabinet ends. Others like to stop at the edge the counter. And still, others want to take it to the end of the wall. Whichever looks best for the kitchen is the best place to end the backsplash.
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.
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.
Can I use peel-and-stick backsplash panels behind the stove? Most—but not all—peel-and-stick backsplashes are heat resistant and pose no problem if installed behind a stove. Read the literature that comes with the product first, however, to be sure. Non-heat-resistant backsplashes may peel off if exposed to heat.
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.
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.
Tile backsplashes need a 1/8-inch expansion gap around the perimeter where the tile meets the cabinets and countertops.
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.
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.
Backsplashes should be installed between upper and lower cabinet walls. You do not want to install them behind the refrigerator because there is no reason to do so. Putting a backsplash behind the refrigerator is unnecessary. Put a backsplash behind the cooktop and hood vent in your kitchen.
Granite, stone and other natural or composite materials are also commonly used in backsplashes, whether in tile form or as larger pieces. These higher-end materials will mean an increase in budget, but also a stunning and long-lasting stove backsplash. Stainless steel is another popular option for stove backsplashes.
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.
Another reason to tile the ceiling in a kitchen is to add height and depth to the room. It can also highlight certain architectural features, provide a nice contrast and make them stand out. The color of the tile in a backsplash that extends to the ceiling can also help you create the mood you want for your kitchen.
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.
Use a Caulked Edge (No Transition)
Some tile types don't offer a bullnose because a bullnose is not necessary. Glass tiles, tumbled stone varieties, and porcelain tiles have naturally finished edge. They do not need a separate edge piece to create a polished look. Simply install up to the edge and caulk.
Use a Wall Protector
These protectors are specifically engineered to act as a shield against heat that comes out of the stove. When you turn on the stove, you can set up the wall protector to ensure the heat remains in front of the stove rather than heading towards the wall.