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Do you really need a backsplash?

5 years ago

We are in the process of painting our downstairs, but a kitchen remodel is a few years off. The kitchen currently has 6" laminate backsplashes that are just sitting on top of the counter and fall down constantly. The counter is bowed down in spots so the backsplash would never sit flat on it (prevent water from going down the back) even if we did glue it up.

Do we really NEED a backsplash? If so, is peel and stick a reasonable alternative to the real deal?
Im mostly concerned because we had planned to paint the walls in a matte (BM Regal Select), and there's no easy spot to transition to something more scrubbable for the kitchen area.

The only spot I'm really concerned about is right below the window sill. Water does splash up there quite a bit and I generally spray it down with bleach. The rest of the kitchen doesn't exactly get water poured all over it.

Featured Answer

Boxerpal

5 years ago

I have seen some people use glass or a great quality scrubbable paint. Could you paint just that tiny spot under the window a scrubbable paint? Maybe use a caulk to seal the counter and wall. Here are some cure BS alternative ideas.

She used chalkboard paint

She used a teal paint.. Very pretty

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Comments (7)

mama goose_gw zn6OH
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I've lived in several houses with no kitchen backsplashes, except paint, all with the integrated 4" laminate backsplash.

I had washable wall-paper in my current kitchen, before the update to beadboard and marble. I kept a spare roll of the wall-paper, and replaced the section above the sink whenever it became grungy--maybe every couple of years. I loved that wall-paper so much I'd used it two kitchens, and after I remodeled the current kitchen, I used the left-over paper to line the shelves and drawers in the new cabinets.

I doubt there are any pictures available after the Photobucket lock-out, but if you search for 'trailrunner' you might find info on her painted backsplash, which, IIRC, she said was fine, even behind her built-in deep fryer.

[ETA, one GW disucssion (not trailrunner's kitchen).[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/any-problems-with-painted-backsplashes-dsvw-vd~2573677?n=20)
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Lovely kitchen. I think I'd complete it with a backsplash -- this is where everyone's eyes are when they come into the kitchen. Take your pic & granite & cabinet sample if you have to a tile store & get ideas. There are some wonderfully understated glass tiles or subway with crackles -- something a little unique, but doesn't have to have a lot of color or splash. It will be icing on your cake. If the $$ are too high at a specialty shop then shop around you often can find similar picks at other stores. You can finish it with a thin piece of matching tile to use as molding or an accent piece. These days every tile doesn't come with a bullnose. Good luck!
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You might also want to take a look at Designs in Tile--their website is a little discouraging in terms of timing/availability, but they do sell overrun which might work for you. I ordered a sample from them and it is a nice flat old school looking tile. Not cheap, though. I ultimately decided to go with Subway Ceramics (installation scheduled for early April--FINALLY!) One warning about the Iron Gate tile--the tile shop warned me that I wouldn't be able to get the tight grout line I want with those tiles. I think they are handmade or something (and they are lovely), but in any case the tile size (apparently) varies enough that they need a bit thicker grout line. Just in case that is a consideration for you. Here is a link that might be useful: Designs in Tile
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The 2" backsplash could be expensive as a temporary solution. I didn't want a backsplash but had to have one because the gap between the granite and wall was too big for caulk. Try to make sure you get a tight fit. By the time I saw the gap on mine (it was covered with brown paper during construction) it was too late to fix it. In a previous kitchen I didn't get around to the backsplash in eight years. There was no caulk and the cabinets were fine. I guess I don't throw buckets of water at my wall.
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Thanks for the suggestion, Davidro1. I think the Schluter edge is a little more contemporary and not sure it will match with my kitchen. Good to know there are other options though. Thank you, Babushka Cat, for putting it into perspective for me. Yes, I am so construction fatigued, I'm willing to put mismatched tiles on the wall! (After being so picky about everything else.) I haven't been able to find any vendors that have crackle tile in stock. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
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Elle
Original Author
5 years ago
I really like the wallpaper idea! Although it might be a challenge to fine one that is simple enough for our busy kitchen. Maybe I will put a piece of glass behind the sink too. Or paint over it with some kind of clear coat?
Elle
Original Author
5 years ago
If I use a contrasting paint or wallpaper, how would you recommend I handle this awkward spot on the right where there's no way to transition it? Would you only do wallpaper on the sink wall or is that weird too?
Sorry- please ignore all the primer and test samples over the door lol.
eld6161
5 years ago
In your case, just remove the border and repaint. You already have the 4-inch backsplash.

I would get "fancy" with contrasting walls etc. Just find a nice color and go with that.
PRO
Anglophilia
5 years ago
Until my kitchen remodel 2 years ago, I have always had vinyl coated wallpaper as my backsplash. I did not like the papers available, so I bought regular paper (from high end to-the-trade showrooms) and then sent it to Resistflame in Cincinnati to be vinyl coated. They do a terrific job and the coating is very scrubbable. It's not that expensive, either.
Elle
Original Author
5 years ago
eld6161, the problem is the backsplash needs to come down. It's bowed and won't stay glued to the wall or the rest flat on the counter.

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