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4 inch kitchen backplash + a tile backsplash above it??? Yes or No?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Question: Is it OK to add a tile backsplash above a traditional 4 inch backsplash that covers the perimeter of your kitchen?

I have some odd sections and small area above the sink (with bar over it) so I wanted to countertop to continue up that 4 inch space but wanted to use tile for other areas that have 12+ inches of space up to the cabinets.

The Countertop place suggested I go with the traditional 4 inch quartz all around the perimeter and then add tile above it to the countertops later.

I didn't know that was done but he said it's common. I haven't been able to find one picture with both the stone backsplash and tile backsplash together. Anyone???

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PRO

Beth H. :

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Is it OK? yes. should it be done? No. you often see it in older kitchens. Newer kitchens forgo the 4" piece, older kitchens most often had it in place.

here is what it looks like. (it's not a good look. if you can remove it, then do so)

this is how it should look.

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Comments (15)

nicolediane
6 years ago
NO, NO, NO!
Kathy Finnegan thanked nicolediane
Chessie
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
No! Scroll down in this thread to see a picture of one. I don't like the way it looks at all.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2674402/drumroll-please-the-addition-is-95-complete-lots-of-pics
Kathy Finnegan thanked Chessie
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I always use color matched grout caulk at the interface between my backsplash and counters. Grout gets gunky and cracks down there. I grout and then I dig out all the grout that is in the area between my tile and my counters while the grout is wet, then I caulk the next day. The Tile Shop did not have the grout caulk that matched my grout on my last backsplash but I was able to find it and order it online. It is never a perfect match (one is a cement product and one is a adhesive product so it is hard to get the colors perfect) but it is pretty close and looks good. Occasionally I will choose my grout caulk in a color that either matches the tile or counter top material instead of the grout. You would still need to add something to your Schluter edge (clear silicone most likely) because you need to create a waterproof seal to stop water/liquids from wicking from the countertop behind your tile to your drywall and down to your cabinetry.
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Teri D
6 years ago
You mean a tile backsplash above the countertop extension? No. And I would not suggest doing a countertop extension at all. Look at pics of tile backsplashes with a clean countertop that does not extend 4" up the wall. So much cleaner and updated look.
Kathy Finnegan thanked Teri D
skmom
6 years ago
It is commonly done, that's true... it's not usually the best look though. Those 4" backsplashes are rather easy to remove, and tile going all the way to the countertop is a much cleaner look.
Kathy Finnegan thanked skmom
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Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
6 years ago
NO.

It can be done, but it immediately makes a kitchen look older and cheaper. Any decent tile guy can cut and fit a backsplash into tight spaces.
Kathy Finnegan thanked Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
Dee Sanchez
6 years ago
Nope. It's terrible! Don't do it!
Kathy Finnegan thanked Dee Sanchez
Jenn TheCaLLisComingFromInsideTheHouse
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
My countertop guy said that while he could do the 4", he recommends not to because the granite thickness takes from counter space and a bit heavy for the wall. So we're going to do a backsplash in tile after our counters are installed. It does seem to be a more current look to do things this way and ditch the 4" piece.
Kathy Finnegan thanked Jenn TheCaLLisComingFromInsideTheHouse
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K Interior Design Group
6 years ago
NOOOOOOOO!!!! Don't do it.. See what everyone else has already said.
Kathy Finnegan thanked K Interior Design Group
Lee Ann
6 years ago
The kitchen in my new home has it, and I will tell you something has felt "off" about it since the minute I saw it. I don't generally get too excited over counter tops and tile, but it's the very next thing we're doing. I wouldn't do it.
Snaggy
6 years ago
If you want it do it ..your kitchen ..you live with it ...sod the kitchen police !
Chris
6 years ago
Here is a nicely done version

http://heatherbullard.com/2017/03/organizing-the-pantry/
Brian Berrisford
2 years ago
i prefer it . there are practical reasons whit grout get dirty from cleaning product caulk joint fails and also gets dirty
Kris Gonzalez
2 years ago
I like it too !
b c
last year
I tend to break the "rules" and intend to tile above a laminate backsplash. Tile down to the countertop ( I've done a few over the last 30 years) always leaves a difficult cleaning area for people who do a lot of cooking. Old and dated?? Everything is dated the day after you complete the job. If you like it, do it.

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