Need advice - 4 inch countertop backsplash

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Hello,

I have just had my kitchen refaced with great results. The countertops were quartz and in great shape, so we kept them. They included a 4 inch backsplash. I am now considering adding a tile backsplash for added interest and style with the under cabinet lighting in place, but everything I read says to remove the 4 inch backsplash. Unfortunately, I neglected to think of this when the refacer was working on our cabinets.

My problem is this - the cabinet with the wall oven has a 4 inch backsplash on it and the new finish panel was cut to accommodate that when it was refaced. So, if I remove the backsplash I leave a big 4 inch unfinished gap there all along the wall oven cabinet side. Easiest thing would be to just leave as is with no tile and painted walls. Or, I could add tile above the 4 inch backsplash and ignore modern thinking on this. Alternatively, I could go back to the refacer and ask them to order me a new panel and recut it, with additional cost.

Curious about other thoughts and opinions on this!

Thanks!

Featured Answer

Pam

11 years ago

I struggled with this too but decided it would be fine and I ended up liking the look..

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Comments (19)

Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
this would make me grumble, too.

i looked at a bunch of photos and couldnt find any.

why dont you go bring home some samples of what you'd like and set them on top of your backsplash and we can mull on it. it would have to be solid color tile (or else glass) as the two patterns showing together would be sad.
Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
hold the presses. google "tile on top of granite backsplash" and click images, there are a lot, you can decide how they look to you.
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Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
here's a houzz one
Walnut - Mill Valley · More Info

i really think it'll be ok.
miacometlady
11 years ago
I don't have a good idea of your counter color so I am struggling with color. But I think a small tile will look good with that raised granite piece.
kbspri thanked miacometlady
miacometlady
11 years ago
Why don't you price out the fix you mentioned then balance how happy you would be to get it right versus compromise. Honestly it may sting to have someone undo a mistake but in the long run you are making it what you want.
kbspri thanked miacometlady
kbspri
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the comments, nnigrt! Very helpful. I went on one trip to a Home Depot and looked at mosaic tile, and here is a picture of one I kind of liked and brought home to check out: an elongated hex in antique white. I would probably run it horizontal as opposed to vertical (but it sagged down when I tried to set it up horizontally on the backsplash). Also considering looking for an antique white or cream subway tile - either stone, porcelain or glass. Thoughts?
Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
i honestly think the simpler the better.
kbspri thanked Judy Mishkin
kbspri
Original Author
11 years ago
Good thoughts also, Miacometlady! Will take your advice as well and get some pricing for making it right vs. compromise.
Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
ok i take that back. i looked at your tile and its pretty. i'd go with a more matching grout than contrasting grout and call it a day.
kbspri thanked Judy Mishkin
kbspri
Original Author
11 years ago
Small tile is a good suggestion, too, Miacometlady. Countertop is Silestone quartz in bamboo. It has flecks of whites, creams, browns, and grays in it.
kbspri
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Was thinking the matching grout too, nngirt. Nothing high contrast. :) Just something prettier and cleaner with the LED under cabinet lights on!
kbspri
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thanks, justone! Great pic - yours turned out really nicely!!
PRO
Precise Home Builders
11 years ago
If you decide to just add a backsplash, we found these beautiful ones- http://www.domainehome.com/statement-kitchen-backsplash/slide12
User
11 years ago
Glass tiles in a smaller design would work and not look too overwhelming in the kitchen. This is the mini-subway matted Leather color from www.backsplashideas.com.
Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
thats really sharp, justone, it made it come together so well.
Pam
11 years ago
Whatever you decide, nnigrt, will look great with those beautiful new cabinets..
Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
oops i'm not the OP but yes i'm sure kbspri's project will come out fine.
Pam
11 years ago
Whoops..I got all these initials mixed up!