Will backsplash cover this gap?

13 years ago

One of the latest issues with my cabinet installation is that there is a 1/2" gap between the left refrigerator panel and the wall. The panel is one solid piece that runs floor to ceiling.

Between the counter top and the bottom of the upper cabinets (where the backsplash would be) is my concern as the gap is exposed and very visible. (Opposite side of where the broom is propped up.)

From Kitchen Remodel

From Kitchen Remodel

From Kitchen Remodel

The cabinet guy said it is because my wall isn't straight, which very well may be the case.

Both he and the GC are telling me that my backsplash will hide this gap, however, I don't believe it will. Although I have not finalized my backsplash choice, the one that I am leaning toward is glass tile that is only about 3/16" thick (maybe 1/4" at most). So then the other 1/4" would be a thick layer of mastic????

He is telling me that they don't apply the thinset/mastic directly to the dry wall ... that they have to put a layer of cement, then the thinset, then the tile???? Does that sound correct?

When I pushed back on this, they said I have 3 options:
1) replace the entire panel which they said could result in damage to the cabs
2)put a filler piece of molding along the back (I do not like that idea)
3)add a strip of wood that they would sand down to be even with the existing panel, and then repaint the panel and the filler piece to look as one

I have been so incredibly unhappy with the cabinet workmanship so this is just one in a long list of issues.

Any advice is appreciated.

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Comments (4)

amandasplit
13 years ago
Ugh, I am so sorry you're having a hard time! I think backer board is usually used in a bathroom where there is a ton of water. If you already have dry wall I would think they just put the tile directly on that. I do think it will cover it, though, between the tile and the mastic and maybe some extra grout/caulk.
aliris19
13 years ago
I had a gap bigger than that. I did chose thick tile but as it happens, was really happy with this anyway; I would likely have chosen this tile regardless.

Nevertheless I was grumpy about the whole thing but I have to admit, the problem did go away. I'm still not happy about all of it, but it did get resolved. Depending on what you choose for backsplash, I'm guessing it will be OK.

Maybe you could compromise with them that if it turns out the tile you choose will not be thick enough to cover the problem easily, they'll come back and make one of the fixes suggested, else if it turns out OK they're off the hook? That is, don't try to fix it until you know it's broken, and recognize you won't know that for a little while yet. But try to leave yourself a way of backtracking if it does turn out after all to be broken? [get it in writing; be explicit].

Good luck! I know it's exasperating, but I do think even though the gap may be bigger than MBKA standards, it will go away yet....
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catbuilder
13 years ago
If you choose the thin glass, it won't cover the gap. They don't need to use cement board on top of the drywall for a backsplash, but they could use that, or drywall, to pack out the wall. Your pictures are too small for me to really see, but if I am interpreting them correctly, all they need to do is add a piece (drywall or backerboard) to the one wall between the refrigerator and the corner. There's no need to do the other walls.
blackchamois
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks all!

I really don't like any of the 3 options they offered, so I think what I may have them do is, as catbuilder suggests, and add another piece of drywall to build it out slightly. The counters are adequately deep so I may not miss the space.

(Also, if you click on the pics the should resize a bit larger for you.)

Thank you!