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border on backsplash under cabinets: how high?

6 years ago

I think I've decided to do my backsplash in 4x4s set diagonally with a 2" border going all around--top, bottom, and sides. While scribbling on my walls, however, I realized that I don't know where the top of the backsplash should be. If I put the border against the cabinets, it will be invisible to everyone. So should I lower it to eye level (mine, obviously) and put the field tile above it as well? Do I even need to tile all the way up?

How few diagonal 4x4s before the pattern is too chopped? Should I switch to a 3x3?

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Comments (5)

daisychain Zn3b
6 years ago
This where the OCD me would get out a large sheets of paper and start drawing many to-scale diagrams of the tiles to try on the wall to make sure I get it exactly right.
Fori thanked daisychain Zn3b
palimpsest
6 years ago
I would also consider whether any layout will be interrupted by outlets.
Fori thanked palimpsest
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ditto beachem's thought. I think when you get around to it, a few more things done will help finish things for the feel you want. I wouldn't hesitate to just use clear caulk....you won't be paying attention to that edge. I would however plan to add an iron rod higher up and sheer curtains you can push back and forth......you can [remove or leave] mini blinds..... The addition of curtain hardware, along with a floating shelf or two, a picture or a clock on wall, will render the look more completed, and any focus of uncertainty about the tile won't really matter. With drywall returns on windows, I think doing something decorative for them is helpful.....but tile isn't the only way. I'd leave the tiling you've done as finished now. Beautiful floor and cabinets...
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Fori
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks! It looks like I will be able to fit 2 complete tiles (alternating with one plus two half tiles) between the borders and have it adequately visible. Outlets would also be inside that area.

Does it matter what goes into the few inches above the border? It will be visible from the kitchen table and possibly across the room. I could use a trim piece with a bullnose for the border there and just fix the paint above it, or continue diagonal 4x4 chunks, or just do straight 4x4s above.

I just realized I'm trying to make my backsplash look like my bathroom floor. Teehee!
palimpsest
6 years ago
Could you do a picture? If you are doing matching grout for the diagonals within the border I think I would do a straight course above to fill in.
Fori thanked palimpsest
Fori
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks. I won't use a contrasting grout although it won't match. We're probably going with a light green tile and will try to minimize contrast. Grout lines will probably not be tight.

Here are some appropriately sizes tiles taped up. (The fluorescent light will be replaced and moved toward the front of the cabinet.)
The following is what a 61" tall person would see from about 6 feet away. Not much above the border, but a bit. The upper cabinets are 18" deep which also affects the view somewhat...

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