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4" attached backsplash opinions.

5 years ago

Hello all, I've been reading posts about 3" or 4" attached counter backsplashes. My counter guy said that the attached makes it easier to clean since the grout connecting tile backsplash and countertop can get stained easily. However, I hardly see any in photos. How tacky is it to have white countertops with the 4" piece and white subway tiles above? Thanks for your insights!

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K R

5 years ago

Aesthetically it isn’t good. I have never had problems with dirt etc getting between the tile and the countertop...it’s sealed.

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Comments (6)

Emily
5 years ago
It is tacky. Do one or the other - either 4” backsplash with no tile -OR- tile with no 4”.
Maria H. thanked Emily
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Fori
5 years ago
It's not tacky. It's just not trendy anymore.
Maria H. thanked Fori
M Miller
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Regarding cleaning, you are actually adding a cleaning chore because that 3-4” backsplash creates a ledge that collects dust and grime and will need to be wiped down. The 3-4” backsplash does make it easier on the ”counter guy” as you put it, because he doesn’t have to be so careful about scribing, since that little backsplash allows margin for error. I suspect that is why he wants to convince you to get it. Also, he will charge for time and materials to install the 3-4” backsplash.

“the grout connecting the backsplash and countertop”

Caulk should be used for areas where movements occur, like corners, different planes (horizontal of counter and vertical of backsplash), and a change in materials (counter and backsplash). Epoxy grout can be used in those areas, but it is still not as flexible as caulk. Regular grout should not be used in that joint. Since the contractor mentioned staining of the grout, that means he is talking about regular grout. I would pin down this contractor about whether he will be using grout, epoxy grout or caulk between the counters and backsplash.

“It’s just not trendy anymore.”

I don’t really agree with this comment because the small backsplash was never trendy in the first place. It was commonly used in the time before the scribing tools existed that we have today—which some fabricators still don’t have the skill or equipment to use. It actually is trendy today to use the 3-4” backsplash when you want your kitchen to look old-timey, to harken back to an earlier era, particularly when soapsone counters are being used.

Who is installing your tile backsplash? I would not use this guy or someone on his crew. I’d hire a tile installer separately.
Maria H. thanked M Miller
PRO
Flo Mangan
5 years ago
Agree with above. I think in some spots like a small powder bath the 4” backsplash can be useful and even desirable. But in most other locations, I don’t specify it. Too many other better solutions. Mote products for great backsplash looks and great technology for sizing countertops perfectly to fit even irregular walls!
Maria H. thanked Flo Mangan
Maria H.
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you all so much! I really appreciate your detailed explanation, M Miller. I'll be asking my contractor some VERY specific questions!

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