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No Backsplash?

14 years ago

Our tiny kitchen is being gutted next week. We're down to the final details and I'm having second thoughts about the backsplash. We are having granite countertops with a leather finish, and they are making a 3" backsplash. I originally wanted tile, but not sure how it would look with our kitchen. Does anyone ever have just paint and skip the backsplash tile or the 3" granite? I know most people use 4" for the backsplash if they have it, but ours would be 3". Our kitchen is very, very small and modest. Thanks for your input!

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Comments (6)

ellendi
14 years ago
I am not sure why they are making the backsplash three inches, but it is good to have it. You can put it aside and decide to install it or not. I have a backsplash on my bathroom vanity which is just propped up, we never attached it. The backsplash is the hardest for some of us and this will give you more time to decide.
mls99
14 years ago
I have white Caesarstone counters and have no backsplash, just paint. Behind the sink and cooktop, I put up a solid sheet of backpainted glass. I've not had any problems or staining of the paint.
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Have you thought about stainless steel backsplash tiles? https://www.houzz.com/products/4x11-honeycomb-matted-metal-peel-and-stick-backsplash-tile-set-of-3-brushed-st-prvw-vr~100903589. These tiles would look great with your stainless steel appliances.
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Agreeing with others, but want to add. Not only is backsplash choice last, but it also should not be chosen until after everything else is installed. Everything looks entirely different after it is installed, and if you choose your backsplash before that, you will make a mistake. Don't worry about not having your GC still available for the backsplash after everything else is installed. You will actually get a better backsplash installation if you hire a tile installer yourself. Remove the backsplash from the GC's scope of work, and hire someone yourself later to install it.
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From the glimpse you've given us, you have a really nice kitchen. Your countertop is a "busy" pattern. Really like the painted wall (in lieu of high backsplash) you have with it -- that wall color is as perfect as it gets. Are you changing the countertop; if not, definitely would not add a backsplash. If your fridge is running well, would NOT replace it for a smaller (counter dept) one, the full opening of which could be impeded by the countertops, making it difficult or impossible to remove the veggie drawers for a thorough cleaning as needed. Would NOT b ox in the fridge -- you'd need to lose cabinet space to do that. Instead, invest in a few more magnets and fully embrace having the sides exposed. Dollar Tree sells some wide magnetic clamps that would let you hold a tablet for an ongoing grocery list, etc. Similar to this but black ... and a lot less expensive. The work and last every bit as well. I've had to glue the magnet back in to both the more expensive one and a less expensive one after dropping them. Still work well.
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It depends on a couple of things - your personal taste and your intentions for the home. Backsplash can be tricky - depending on what you put in, it could become outdated and make it harder to sell if that is your intent. On the flip side, if this is a home you are in for the long haul, do what makes your eyes happy! The great thing is you could start off without it and add it in after. You could go to a Lowes to pick up a couple sheets of their peel and stick backsplash just to get an idea of how it will look. Hope that helps! ~Rachel www.homesweethomestore.com
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belasea
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you ellendi, that is a good idea that may work. They are only making it 3" because that is all the granite that is left. In some ways I don't mind that it's a little lower since our kitchen is so tiny. I am currently leaning toward just attaching it. You are correct that the backsplash is difficult! I don't see anyone putting up the 4" granite anymore - it seems that everyone is doing tile.
User
14 years ago
The backsplash does prevent wall dings from pots and pans, and keeps you from scrubbing the paint off the wall when you scrub the counters ... it's as much practical as fashionable.

If it's attached, and has waterproof sealant along the bottom edge it also protects the walls behind the cabinets from water spills and other nasties.
belasea
Original Author
14 years ago
lazygardens, thanks, those are good points. We're getting custom cabinets, can't imagine ruining them by not having a backsplash. Now, I'm wondering about beadboard.....all so much to think about! The countertop and backsplash have been the most difficult.
lizziebethtx
14 years ago
I'm sure I'm in the minority but I don't have a backsplash and don't want one. I didn't have one in my previous kitchen due to money issues. Once I recovered a bit from the remodel I no longer thought it was necessary and I liked the wall color all the way to the quartz countertop. I lived in that kitchen just about 24/7 for 5 years. On a rare occasion I had to lightly wipe a spot or two from the wall, but I had satin BM paint and it's very durable. I never had a single issue with pots banging into the wall and dinging it. But I never place my pots that far back on the countertop. In my current remodel I have the money for a backsplash but I'm choosing not to do it. I love the wall color coming right down to the countertop. I have a wilsonart top and they fabricator did an excellent job in measuring. It buts tightly with the wall and a bead of clear silicone finished it off. I dont' think they are absolutely necessary, but I do agree they can be very attractive.

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