Backsplash: Yes or No?

12 years ago

These are our current backsplash plans:

White gloss subway tile (brick pattern) backsplash (3x6) up to the cabinets in the kitchen.

Scaled down white gloss harlequin pattern/pencil edge border behind range (we are getting a GE cafe flat range so thinking it will nicely fill the open space between the flat range and the low profile range hood)

With that said, I am at a loss on the side wall next to the range. Our GC doesn't love the idea of any backsplash on the side wall. I normally agree with form over function, however I've always thought that with our rehab we would do backsplash next to the stove to prevent not so much spills and splatter, but essentially damage, there are areas where the paint looks stained, but it's actually from the heat essentially scorching it... and we don't even use those burners often.

So, please give me your thoughts. Should I consider doing or not doing backsplash on the side wall? Two rows of subway tile, up to cabinet height, up to the bottom of the range hood or something else?

Our kitchen layout isn't ideal, but we weren't able to open any walls or move appliances around either.

Thanks everyone :)

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Comments (6)

Jillius
12 years ago
I think I'd do that whole wall where you are considering the side-splash. There'd be no place to stop it where it wouldn't look odd. So do the whole wall.
desertsteph
12 years ago
I agree. at least no lower than the bottom of cabinet over the vent/fan.

it'll make cleaning a lot easier also.
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badgergal
12 years ago
Is your new range the same width as the current one? If so it looks like you don't have enough room for the tile on the side wall. You really need to consider the depth of the tile. If the tile on the side wall ended at the top of the range it would probably be sticking out over the top edge of the range.
Maybe a sheet of stainless steel would fit between the wall and the range. The stainless could also be used behind the range. I would have installed to the height of the hood both behind the range and around to the side.
If you are not replacing your countertop, I would not put any tile above the short splash that is already there. Just skim coat the wall and paint the area.
poohpup
12 years ago
Exactly what badgergal said.
talley_sue_nyc
12 years ago
I'd put something there! I didn't, on mine, and the paint *is* bubbling from heat, and there is splatter that's harder to clean off the paint.

I'd do it one of a few ways:
-up to the top of the cabinets and all the way out to the door (so, in front of the stove)
-up to the top of the cabinets and only as far out as the front of the stove itself
-up to the top of the range hood and only as far out as the front of the stove.

My vote: Take a pic from far enough back to get as much of that end of the kitchen in as you can. Print out a few copies on your printer (gotta love digital cameras!) Color in the various areas w/ a crayon in some sort of sensible color.

See which you like.
Errant_gw
12 years ago
I would be inclined to tile that side wall, floor to ceiling. If you have othe areas where you can tile to the ceiling, I would do the same to tie it in. I would keep the tile behind the stove the same as the rest, and skip the framed detail.

Can you post a picture of your kitchen from further back so that we can see more? Oh, and is the current counter staying?