Regular or 'integrated' backspash behind the sink?

14 years ago

As far as I can tell, most people have a (sort of) "add on" backsplash behind the kitchen sink, meaning tile or some other material (e.g., soapstone) on the wall. I assume that the *seam* between the countertop and the backsplash has been caulked.

As that area gets wet all the time, I wonder about how well and how long the caulking will hold up.

Due to a design flaw on my part and my toddler splashing water every time she washes hands, the area behind the faucet in my bathroom always has pools of water. I am worried that it will sooner or later "erode" the caulking, so I wipe it up (almost) after each use - and it drives me crazy.

That is why I am considering a SS countertop with integrated backsplash around the kitchen sink (or even with an integrated sink).

But that is more expensive than a regular countertop with an undermount sink plus it limits my countertop options.

So, I am wondering if I am being paranoid.

Could you explain why you are comfortable with a regular (non-integrated) backsplash?

TIA!

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Comments (7)

marcydc
14 years ago
My caulk is indeed eroding there due to the water. We reapply some now and then.
eleena
Original Author
14 years ago
People who installed the granite countertop in the bathroom told us not to mess with them and that they'd have to come re-apply the sealant and re-caulk.

A few years ago when we renovated our bathroom, I had a contractor caulk around the existing two drop-in sinks and the bathtub (those were the pieces we did not remove at that time). He used a silcone caulk that came in a tube. The caulk got yellow and nasty looking and peeled off in no time. That is why I am not sure I want to deal with it again.

Any word of wisdom?
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ucgal
14 years ago
That's one of the reasons we went with an integrated backsplash and integrated sinks on our stainless tops.

Our old formica was seamed at the backsplash - and despite being a tight seam... it was showing water damage in that seam behind the sink. We also had a top-mounted stainless sink - and I hated that lip between the counter and the sink... it caught crumbs and gunk when wiping down the counters.

I've attached a current picture of our new countertops (and old window/patched drywall... definitely "in progress"). The only 2 things I'd do differently is move the sink forward and to put a marine edge on countertops to hold spills on the countertops.
eleena
Original Author
14 years ago
Ucgal,

Thank you, that is excatly what I have in mind. And I am going to get a sink/countertop with a marine edge.

However, unless the coutertop is metal, the backsplash has to be an 'add-on', right?

*Everyone* here has a backsplash (except for some folks on the "No backsplash" thread :-))

I am so surprised why they don't want to chime-in?

Please?
nini804
14 years ago
I just clean back there when I am cleaning the sink, which is once, twice a day. *shrug* I haven't seen any discoloration or peeling, of course we have been in our new house less than a year...but I don't remember any problems in my old house either. We had granite and ceramic subways in old house, and marble and ceramic subways in new house. Just hasn't been a problem.
eleena
Original Author
14 years ago
Nini,

Do you know what was used for the seam between the tile and the countertop? Was it epoxy grout?

Currently, we have ceramic tile countertop and backsplash and no problems whatsoever. I think it is similar to tiled showers/bathtubs.

However, I was thinking of solid soapstone or granite (if not stainless or another metal) and I *think* they are caulked differently.

I am really illiterate though about those things, sorry. :-(
oasisowner
14 years ago
Laminates, such as formica, can be installed with an integrated 3 or 4" backsplash. Some solid surfaces also have this as an option - I think they call it a coved backsplash.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pics of coved backsplash