The only thing I can think of to do is have the bs line up with the cabs but have the tile go down to the floor.

I think your tile guy is going tell you that he can't end the backsplash in the middle of the outlet anyway. Your contractor not only misaligned the cabinets, he put the outlet in the wrong place.

What is going adjacent to the counter? Table? Microwave cart? Anything?

Thanks for the thoughts so far.

I suppose I could ask our electrician (whom we're still on good terms with) to move the outlet over to the left?

Pug,

I am so sorry. I think you need the electrician who did the wiring, or at least an electrician to see about moving the plug.

Yep. I just taped up some paper towels to represent the backsplash, and I think the thing that would bother me the least down the road is to have the electrician move the outlet to the left and then line up the edge of the backsplash with the edge of the counters. (Notice I said "down the road." I'm pretty sure that whatever I do is going to end up bothering me for quite some time. :p)

Fie on contractor screw-ups! FIE, I SAY!

If you can move the outlet, then my vote changes to line up with the lower cabs.

I don't know what kind of tile your using for your backsplash but I've seen many narrow rectangular type materials (like Fire and Ice) that were applied with staggered ends. Wish I could come up with a picture of it for you but I'm using DH's computer and his is not that picture friendly (or I'm just not adept at PC's as much as Macs). Anyway, with the right kind of tile; it could certainly work.

Pug--I'm so sorry you're continuing to have problems. That cr@ppy contractor!! I saw your post on Newcastlemom's thread the other day about firing him. I was so sorry to hear it came to that. I've been a bit busy to give you my written sympathy, but I sent it telepathically. At least you're rid of him, and you have a good electrician. I say move the outlet. That will take one variable out of your messed up equation.

BTW, what does FIE mean??

Oh, and your gray quartz looks great!! I can't wait to see it all finished.

I agree with remodelfla. I also saw a fire and ice backsplash on GW with a staggered edge. That would be a good solution.

OK Found the Fire and Ice I was thinking about. It is jodi in so california. You can see it in the thread: Share your backsplash pics for a good cause. Also look at countrygal 905, it appears that her counter and cabinet didn't line up. And, not that you can do this but I thought it was interesting in Morton 5, the baksplash all the way to the left continues to the molding and is painted above and below it.

Fie = the F word (in Middle English)

I'm so sorry. I think there is a way around it though and it's all down to tricking the eye. After you move the outlet run the tile from end of counter up. On the side of base cabinet mount a white painted wood letter or mail holder (or something else that's shallow a 3"). If you have something cool but useful there on end of base in an even amount of sticky outy it may looked planned plus it would be handy. There are really all sorts of things you could trick the eye with though, maybe some shallow shelves in cabinet color with a collection of white salt & pepper shakers.

Another idea...kind of like jterrilynn is suggesting, I think.
I realized we had left out a 2.5" filler after our counters were in. I needed every last inch I could squeeze out of the open shelves above, but didn't want them to stick out past the counter. My contractor built this narrow cabinet that tucks under the counter overhang and is topped with butcherblock with slots for knives. Having the built in knife holder had occurred to me early in the kitchen planning but then just seemed like too much trouble, but it's turned out to be a great addition (and I think it covered the goof-up pretty well!) I also considered having a wine rack there, but I didn't have enough room.
This is the best pic I have right now. Sorry-it was really taken to show the floor.
{{!gwi}}

Here are what others did with the similar upper and lower
cabs not lining up. No worries, whatever you decide will
be beautiful. You'll see.
~boxerpups

{{!gwi}}

We ran into the same situation. I had our electrician move the outlet to the left so that it was inside the counter edge and then had the tiles go as far as the counter. The problem with doing a stagger in this case is that your stagger will be going up and I think most staggers go down.

Crap. I would have said end the splash at the edge of the counter but totally agree that you can't have it end midway through the outlet.

I think you're right to move the outlet - what are you planning on using the outlet for? If it's for countertop appliances, it's a pretty screwy place for the outlet anyway. I suspect you'd be much happier with the outlet to the left and cords hidden behind the appliances, than cords possibly dangling off the countertop.

Take a look at Shelayne's backspash. It doesn't fill the whole area from counter to upper cabs, and looks gorgeous. One of her walls includes the outlet within the tile while another does not. By not going all the way to the top with the tile you won't be emphasizing the difference in ending points.

Here is a link that might be useful: backsplash pics

Jcox--love your pic~

We had the same problem with our last remodel. Below is the link of our solution.

A tile was cut and placed behind the plate to make it level with the rest of the tile work.

Here is a link that might be useful:

Jcox,

Your kitchen picture was intriguing. Have you posted more photos anywhere? It looks great!

Just wondering if you plan on putting a valence on the underside of the upper cabinets to hide the undercabinet lighting? If so, you can install that so it's even with the lower cabinets by the looks of things. Have the outler moved and you're good to go.

What a WONDERFUL mix of support, sympathy, inspiration, and practical advice this forum provides! Thank you thank you!

I love all the photos of creative things people have done with backsplashes (as always, boxer, you're the best!)

advertguy2, I am putting in a valence to hide the undercabinet lighting. Our electrician is moving the outlet tomorrow and, you're right, I do think the undercabinet valence could come awfully close to lining up with the backsplash going to the edge of the countertop (or at least look like the placement was intentional). That said, I may have to explore some of these fabulous creative ideas for BS placement! :)

You MUST post your finished backsplash! Good luck!