Which goes first, countertop or backsplash?

Author: Harold Hayes  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Countertops must be installed before the backsplash – therefore needing to be chosen first – and options for countertops are more limited than backsplash choices. With fewer choices for countertops, it can be easier to pick your countertop and then search for a backsplash that goes with it.

What goes first backsplash or new countertops?

If you mishandle the seams, your project could become an eyesore. If you install the backsplashes first, the spacing between these two can become wonky, making sealing the seam more difficult. Installing the counters first allows you greater control and flexibility over the seams.

Should the backsplash go behind the countertop?

A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one full course of tiles exposed below the countertop when tiling a kitchen backsplash behind a stove. Backsplashes in the kitchen combine functionality with aesthetics. They make cleanup easier when the inevitable kitchen mishaps happen and improve the kitchen's general look.

Does backsplash go before or after upper cabinets?

It's usually best to install tile to the upper cabinets regardless of cuts. Leaving such a big gap looks unfinished; in this case, as you are going to have exposed edge on the side, does the tile come with any profile choices? If they do, you could use them as your finishing pieces.

Does the backsplash end at a cabinet or countertop?

You could stop the backsplash where the upper cabinets end, but we usually recommend lining up with the base cabinets. You could also taper your tile or angle your stone backsplash to gradually connect the top to the bottom.

Which Goes First: The Countertop or Backsplash?

Do you put countertops before or after backsplash?

Countertops must be installed before the backsplash – therefore needing to be chosen first – and options for countertops are more limited than backsplash choices. With fewer choices for countertops, it can be easier to pick your countertop and then search for a backsplash that goes with it.

What is the rule of thumb for backsplash?

As a general rule, a backsplash should be at least three inches above the countertop surface for optimal protection against spills and stains. The usual height for installation is four inches, giving your cooking area a polished and cohesive appearance.

Does backsplash go behind stove or sink?

A backsplash is a surface installed behind the sink, stove, and countertop. It serves two primary purposes: to protect the wall from stains and splatters and to provide you with an aesthetic design element that can separate upper and lower countertops and frame the kitchen.

Do you put a spacer between countertop and backsplash?

Be sure to leave a 1/8 expansion gap between the counter and the tile. As you add more tiles, insert tile spacers at the corners of each tile to maintain consistent grout lines.

Should the backsplash be lighter or darker than the countertop?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether your backsplash should be lighter or darker than your countertop. Both options have their unique advantages and can transform the look and feel of your kitchen.

What is the rule for kitchen backsplash?

Typically, the backsplash fills an area between lower and upper cabinetry. For the most cohesive look, the general rule is that your backsplash should line up with the bottom part of the upper cabinets. Vertically, this means that there are no backsplash tiles behind the cabinets.

What should I put between countertop and backsplash?

ANSWER. ANSWER - You should use an ASTM C920 silicone sealant suitable for granite. Laticrete has a product called Latasil that comes in many colors. Dow Corning has a product called 795 or 790 that comes in a variety of colors and they say it is suitable for most stones.

What not to do with a kitchen backsplash?

Choosing Too Busy of a Pattern
  • Ending the Backsplash Suddenly. When you end the backsplash suddenly, it disrupts the flow and makes the room feel smaller.
  • Installing in the Wrong Order. By installing in the right order, you will save time, effort, and resources.
  • Choosing too Busy of a Pattern.

Should backsplash go behind countertop?

It's best to install your countertop first, ensuring a proper fit and a seamless transition to your backsplash. This approach allows for more precise measurements and a professional, polished look.

Should you paint cabinets or install backsplash first?

If you're doing your project in stages (rather than all at once), I like painting kitchen cabinets first, since they have the greatest surface area and give the most bang for your buck. Then once the counters and backsplash are updated, we're happy to go in and take care of any necessary touch-ups.

Do appliances go before or after countertops?

Countertops and Appliances

The general rule is that countertops are installed before appliances, with the possible exception of an under- the-counter dishwasher.

Should you do backsplash or countertops first?

Does the backsplash go on before or after the countertop? It's simple: countertops should be installed before the backsplash.

How do you coordinate backsplash with a countertop?

If your countertop is uniform and neutral, feel free to amp up the backsplash with a burst of color or more intricate tile patterns. If your kitchen countertop has different patterns and movement but the backsplash tile you love also has a busy design, then try matching the color palettes.

Is a backer board necessary for a backsplash?

A tile backsplash in the kitchen may be applied over clean, level drywall since sinks aren't considered wet areas, like showers, that require backer board.

Should backsplash be installed before countertop?

Tile backsplashes will be installed after your countertops are in. Installing tile is a process that takes time, patience, and skill. If you do not take the time to lay out your tiles, making sure they are flush and centered, you could end up with uneven grout lines and gaps.

Does backsplash go behind refrigerator?

Ideally, the design of a backsplash will aesthetically connect the two sets of cabinets. No need to install backsplash behind the fridge. That is, of course, unless you can clearly see the wall behind the refrigerator. At the very least, a backsplash should span the space be between your cooktop and the hood vent.

Should a kitchen backsplash be lighter or darker than a countertop?

Traditionally, backsplashes are lighter than countertops, similar to how walls are often light-colored. However, there are no hard rules—dark backsplashes with light countertops can be stunning, and monochrome schemes can be timeless.

How many hours does it take to install backsplash?

Typically it takes 2 to 3 days to tile an average kitchen backsplash. It takes 1 -2 days to set the tile depending on the size of the tile . ( Small mosaic tiles and multiple outlets and switches increase the labor time with small tiles and patterns ) Typically it takes 1/2 to 1 day to grout and cleanup the tile .

What size tile looks best as a kitchen backsplash?

If you want your kitchen to remain timeless in design, we suggest sticking with a classic field tile size such as a 3 x 6 subway tile or a 4 x 4 in a straight-set pattern. Or add some design detail with a herringbone pattern. Field tile will transcend trends, making your tile backsplash a sustainable design feature.

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