Check the specs for your range/cooktop. This one required 5" or 6" clearance to combustibles so the countertop there is actually 31" deep rather than the standard 25" depth. We did another kitchen like this with a butcherblock backsplash and needed to purchase a stainless backsplash that attached to the range that came up 6" or so. As for sealing it. We did two coats of clear water based gloss and a final coat of clear water based matte. I wouldn't want it somewhere that it was going to get wet a lot. Hope this helps and good luck Aleissia.

Assuming you built to code you are safe with wood on the backsplash with no additional protection by the stove! To have a wooden backsplash by your sink we always recommend a modified Tung Oil finish (like the one we use - Waterlox brand) which is waterproof. So, if you build to code and have a waterproof Waterlox finish - standard on Craft Art tops & back splashes for example - you are totally covered and no stainless steel or other material is needed.


About 15% of our wood countertops customers also get wood backsplashes.


Good luck and enjoy!

www.craft-art.com or http://store.craft-art.com to see the exact finish process we use to create a natural water proofing.