Does it make a difference if there is a pot filler on the wall?

A stainless steel back splash might be a good idea.

Kobe Stainless Steel Back Splash Panel, Silver, 30" · More Info

Sample:

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The pot filler must be installed after the metal panel...if it REALLY temporary you could use galvanized sheet metal....or the pot filler must be removed to install the metal. Same is true for the tile. Pot fillers are typically connected with threaded nipples..short pieces of pipe that are threaded on each end. The thickness of the wall determines the nipple length. Tile is thicker than metal and you may need to change the nipple when you change the back splash material. Really cheap might be a piece of laminate scrap from a counter top fabricator....depending on the cooktop BTU and the installation instructions from the manufacturer.

You never "NEED" tile, or any other common back splash material. A backSPLASH is ONLY a decorative finish. (And for water or food SPLASHES) A backGUARD is for heat protection.

International Residential Code

G2447.1 (623.1) Cooking appliances.

Cooking appliances that are designed for permanent installation, including ranges, ovens, stoves, broilers, grills, fryers, griddles, hot plates and barbecues, shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.1 or ANSI Z21.58 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

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Thermador installation instructions.

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International Residential Code - - aka "Local Codes"

CLEARANCE REDUCTION

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_24_sec007.htm

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G2409.1 (308.1) Scope.

This section shall govern the reduction in required clearances to combustible materials, including gypsum board, and combustible assemblies....

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G2409.2 (308.2) Reduction table.

The allowable clearance reduction shall be based on one of the methods specified in Table G2409.2 or shall utilize an assembly listed for such application. (The backguard sold by Thermador)

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Tile applied directly to a wood framed wall or gypsum board is NOT an approved method of protecting the wall from heat, or an acceptable alternative to the listed backguard sold by Thermador for the specific appliance. The listed stainless steel backguard has an air gap behind it to dissipate the heat. A sheet of stainless steel applied directly to the drywall is not a code approved method either.

" b. All clearances shall be measured from the outer surface of the combustible material to the nearest point on the surface of the appliance, disregarding any intervening protection applied to the combustible material."

" d. For all clearance reduction systems using a ventilated airspace, adequate provision for air circulation shall be provided as described [see Figures G2409.2(2) and G2409.2(3)].

e. There shall be at least 1 inch between clearance reduction systems and combustible walls and ceilings for reduction systems using ventilated airspace."

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If you install the listed backguard sold by Thermador, no other protection is required for the back wall.

The Island Trim is called an "ISLAND" trim for a reason... It is NOT meant to be used up against a back wall.

Unless you build the wall behind the range top with steel studs and concrete tile backer board on both sides instead of drywall, the listed backguard is required, and tile won't change that.

Mmmm, I wonder if I will be getting a backguard with my range top. I did see this information and understood that tile worked as approved backguard. Turns out I discussed cost of the really cool custom mosaic with my husband and we decided that it really is not in the budget for the next few years. So, no actual need for a temporary fix. If money is burning holes in our pockets in a few years, then we won't mind pulling out whatever tile we end up putting in since it is just going behind the cooking surface.

No Karen, the Thermador does not come with the back guard. You have to buy it separately. Surprisingly expensive too. I'm pretty sure Fred S. is the person who convinced my husband that we needed the back guard to keep our house from burning down. Thanks Fred.

I just looked it up $250 for the 36". I remember it was $500 for my larger one. Ouch!

Here is the page in the Product Guide (not the installation instructions) that gets everybody stupified. They seem to think "surface" means Just the outer surface, but if they meant "outer surface only", they would have written it that way.

And everyone tries to ignore the cleverly worded disclaimer near the bottom of the page that is designed to confuse the average consumer that really wants the look of the "ISLAND" trim even if it burns down the house.

http://a7ced1f75a02a100d3a2-90d763fcf9b92a01a2bbdc9048c20c84.r80.cf1.rackcdn.com/Professional-Rangetops.pdf

But, the "surface" of the wood stud and drywall are still right behind the tile. The code says "All clearances shall be measured from the outer surface of the combustible material to the nearest point on the surface of the appliance, DISREGARDING ANY INTERVENING PROTECTION applied to the combustible material." (That means tile over the drywall)

The tile, or a stainless steel sheet right up against the wall will not keep the wall from burning any better than your stainless steel pan can keep you from burning food. The heat shield system for the wall MUST be separated from the wall by at least 1" with the ability for the air to move through that gap. Think of it like a double boiler system for melting chocolate on the stove. The LISTED backguard has this air space.

Forgetting that there is combustible material just because you cover it up with tile is like an ostrich putting its head in the sand!

i knew there was a benefit to having my thermador cooktop be on my island.

Also a benefit to having a non-commercial stove.

Can't help with the backsplash, but I have to say I never understood the reasoning behind pot fillers. The difficult part about pots and water is the emptying, and the filler doesn't help at all with that. Pouring water from a pitcher into a pot is easy, and only necessary when cooking a few items such as pasta and corn on the cob. Maybe a really big pot of homemade soup? Extra plumbing and expense are required. I prefer a clean looking backsplash and a pipe sticking out of the wall makes for a busier surface. Another thing to attract grease and, possibly, repairs down the road. Maybe it's just me, but I'd skip it and use the money elsewhere.

Fred, thank you. You gave me a lot to think about. I will see if our range top was ordered with back guard. Also, for fire protection, I am curious if behind the brand new plaster there was more fire safe cement board and metal studs or if it is basic wall board and wood studs. I can also see the benefit of the back guard for clean up. Likely easier to clean than tile (and grout). It is crazy that on a website like Thermador, most of the pictures of their pro ranges and range tops DO NOT show any sort of back guard and it is even a little tricky to find this item on their website. Based on their product guide, the photos they show are not following guidelines.

Its not that easy to clean. There is an opening you can barely reach. Also show every little splatter.

What do people think about granite just behind the cook top as a backsplash?

I have quartz behind the range in our primary residence and vacation home. Easy to clean, no grout. Very pleased with it.

The quartz looks nice. Do you have granite tops? If so can you post a picture? Some granite would work.

Also with a free standing stove like flopsycat's the heat guard is built in.

Suzyq53, I looked up the 36 inch Thermador and saw it was almost $500. Can you tell me where you saw it for $250 as that is obviously a better deal than I have been quoted. Thanks.. Susan

suzyq53

I just looked it up $250 for the 36". I remember it was $500 for my larger one. Ouch!

Sorry, setaverna, I looked again and I can't find it. Also noticed that the prices had gone up considerably in the last year.

can you tell me where you looked it up. What was the web address? thank you....

I saw it at Universal appliance and kitchen center.

Only KOBE Stainless Steel back slash panel can used. All other products are not recommended.

http://www.koberangehoods.com/model-number/ssp30/

It's a 30" by 32" piece of stainless steel. There is nothing special about it. Any metal fabricator can get you the same for about $50.