I never decided on a back splash until the counters were in. You can do the tile your self, many people including beginners do it. You can go to a tile store and have them do it even Home Depot of Lowes. You are not tied to any contractor for the back splash.

I think it's a great idea and did it myself on my last remodel. Outlets are pretty easy to deal with--they can simply be shimmed up with spacers.

If you paint the area, even if it's not a perfect finish, you'll find it easy to live splashless while you make a rational choice.

Oh yay, I'm glad my indecision is actually "a great idea." :-)

Fori, what do you mean about shimming outlets? Is that something that needs to be done when the outlets are put in? Or something that needs to be done when I'm finally ready to put in the tile?

The only downside is if your bid includes the tiling work and they don't do it for you. Otherwise you can hire someone yourself to do it when you're ready.

"what do you mean about shimming outlets? Is that something that needs to be done when the outlets are put in? Or something that needs to be done when I'm finally ready to put in the tile?"

If the outlets are not in then they can be set out to match the tile thickness ie: 1/4" or whatever. If they are already in then they make plastic shims that you put behind the actual socket to extend them but you need longer screws.

If you are not sure or if you will live with painted walls then have them put in flush with the backer board and buy the shims when you do the tile. Just make sure they use tile backer board for the wall board where the back splash is. Tell them that you will put in tile later they should add the backer board. A backer board is different from wall board as it is cement based. I didn't use it but I am in the county, no code to worry about although its the proper way to do it.

My kitchen has been finished (more or less) for over a year now, and I still don't have a backsplash. I collected sample tiles etc., but have not gotten around to thinking about it. Not a big deal really. One of these days I will spend some time thinking about my b/splash and get it done. It's a non-emergency part of the remodel in my opinion.

Besides, I'd rather spend the money travelling, LOL

Mari

There IS no downside. I've done more backsplashes than I can count where the renovation work (or new construction) was done for a couple of YEARS before I went in and installed the backsplash. So long as the sheetrock is painted, you're good to go, and you can always tile it later.

My back splash is delayed as well. Not because I can not make up my mind, but because I am OUT OF MONEY! I made the final payment to my cabinet maker today and will just have to wait on the back splash! Bummer, but my husband says it is what I deserve for spending so much on cabinets, knobs, granite, electrical, and everything else. Oh well, hopefully in the next couple of months! Gives me a reson to hang around on the forum!

It took me 6 months after my kitchen was completed to decide on a backsplash.
I wanted cream marble tiles. In the showroom with the samples, I found a tile I thought was perfect, but in my kitchen light the color looked dull. I went with a much deeper gold color, and in my kitchen it looks like a warm cream.
I think you are smart to wait.

There is another positive side to waiting. While everyone is finished with theirs, you still have something "new" to look forward to. It will feel like you're upgrading already, LOL

Well, the consensus is overwhelming. I will delay the backsplash. Thanks, folks.

Of course, Bill, what you described actually IS a downside. In fact, it's my husband's worst nightmare--the remodeling project that is never . . . quite . . . done.

So for the outlets, which are not yet in, is there a standard depth that would make sense? I won't be getting thick tile. I'm only looking at regular ceramic or glass tile. Will setting the outlets out 1/4" take care of most tile?

Yes. About the only thing it would be TOO far out for would be either some glass mosaics or ceramic mosaics. Other than that, it should be fine.

mmme,

You'll obviously not DIY, but talk to the electrician about adjustable boxes- my DH is the electrical expert, but I know there are boxes that can be set forward or backwards- I'd hate to see you have your outlets jutting out for who knows how long (Yes, these things can go on much longer than intended). We are over a year delayed, so we painted and have the outlets sitting flush, but they can be moved forward when we tile.

Adjustable boxes is probably a very good idea. Especially given that I AM considering glass 1x1 tiles, and from what Bill is saying, the 1/4" may not work for that.

I hope light switch boxes can be done with this adjustable thing too!

mmme,

the easiest solution is the extenders for the boxes. Any competent electrician will know how to do that. My DH just woke up, and says in retrospect he wouldn't use the adjustable boxes again-(says it created other problems for him).

He says with the extenders make sure they're grounded properly. (they can be used for both outlets and switches)

Mine was two years. So don't do a sloppy paintjob on your temporary splash. :)

One "downside" that could be an upside is that some people find they like living without a backsplash.

I definitely agree that it is easier to choose tile once the actual counters are in place. However, it is important to keep in mind the potential fire hazard of high capacity burners and a flammable surface behind the burners if you have a cooktop or a range with island-type trim. Your insurance may be in jeopardy if you create a "friendly fire".

Hi Khat, thanks for the info. Fire hazard never occurred to me. What is "island-type trim"?

I just have a regular (non-pro), slide-in style gas range. I would think that would be okay....

On Professional type ranges and rangetops you can get different heights of backguards. The island trim is the shortest and requires a non-flammable backsplash material. If your slide-in has a built-in backguard you should be ok but check the specs for your range. They usually call out the potential of fire hazard as they don't want the liability. Good luck with your tile. It took me 5 years to decide in my current kitchen and I'm having just as much trouble planning my new one. There are way too many cool tiles out there.

I still haven't made a decision on my backsplash. I'd rather wait and be sure to get something I love rather than rush it.

I'm at two years, 4 months and counting on my backsplash. I've gone through dozens of visions, and just as many samples/combinations. It's so hard to decide, but I think I have finally settled on a glass mosaic. . .

trust me....granite looks WAY different in the yard than it does in your kitchen. By all means, wait until the granite is installed before deciding on the backsplash.