EDGE OF THE COUNTER. Why? Because this is the most noticeable spot. Because a tiled backsplash, is nothing more than the sophisticated and stylish sister to a basic counter top 4" riser. Where would that riser end? At the counter edge. And if it did NOT? You would be on the phone screaming, asking who in hell "shorted" your lowly and boring riser by an inch.. That's why. Your tile guy is 100% correct.

Tricky dilemma. Either way it's going to look odd. if this was my decision I would have ended backsplash at the upper cabinet. That way if it really bothered me I could put something on the counter in front of it.

You asked.......................... and you now have that nutty one inch with no tile behind it? Whatever!!! You have to stare at it. I don't. Thank heavens, I'd flip. Looks like you ran out lol.

I’ve read hundreds of threads on here. Most pros/non pros would not agree with Jan and say straight clean look.

Yes, Jan seems to feel strongly about this, but in all my years on this forum and renovating my own kitchens, the general advice has always been to not extend it past the upper cabs. To me it just looks off having it extend, but I guess, as with much in design, it is a matter of personal preference.

Anslie, I'm not sure I would have even noticed there was an issue had you not asked the question. Based on your photo and cpartist's mockup makes me think there's logic for going either way.

Looking at Anslie's picture, it appears that the lower cabinet ends where the upper cabinet ends so doing it the way it is in the top photo just highlights that you're going to the end of the overhang which looks even worse.

If I was buying this house, I would be fine with the backsplash done either way ... but those pulls placed horizontally on the frames of those lower cabinet doors would drive me crazy!

I like it to the end of the lower cabinet, however, I also dont like that it doesnt meet up with the upper. Someone made a mistake, not to have uppers and lowers exactly the same. I think, I would buy a moulding the correct size, and have it stained to exactly match the cabinets and put it alongside the upper cabinet, so they are both the same length, and leave the backsplash as it is now.

"...I also dont like that it doesnt meet up with the upper."

LOL, cat_ky, that would have been too easy!

I see that now, Anslie. My guess is you'll line the splash with the cabs? Seems a win either way.

For those who can not "suffer" the mismatch? The sole purpose of the one inch overhang is to protect the cabinet side. Planning your kitchen? ADD one inch to the last upper cabinet . Yes, Right at the start. It will align with the lower/counter. There. Problem solved. Because that left over inch of no back counter........and the missing tile? Looks nuts. Account for the disparity when you PLAN . Because no reputable counter fabricator will want to leave you without the inch of protection on that lower.

Plan it.

Just to be clear, you're advocating that the uppers end with the counter rather than lowers?

I typically say the tile should end at the counter but in this case I feel it looks better stopping at the end of the upper cabinet. Not to throw in more confusion into the mixture but I am not a fan of ending a tile splash like that with a pencil, I think it draws your eye to look at it more. If it were stone tile the tile setter could have done a slight bullnose edge on it or if it is ceramic there was probably a bullnose available?

"Just to be clear, you're advocating that the uppers end with the counter rather than lowers?"

I am saying PLAN for the scenario of "you want the straight line from upper cabinet to counter" The only logical way to avoid the picture below??? Which doesn't look great, sorry........is to add one inch to that upper cabinet. When your tops go on? All will line up. And you will AVOID this look ( lower right corner. ) You won't have that "blank" inch of counter.

Otherwise? End the tile at the counter edge.....: ) and yes, the upper will be shy of that edge by an inch or an inch and a little.

We are in the same situation. Our counter overhang will extend 1/2" pass the wall cabinets. It is close to lining up. We are having it tiled to the end of the counter. If I spill liquids on the counter I want the tile to protect the wall from getting moisture.

Backsplash to end of COUNTER on left, and don't go to the ceiling. Please.

Why not to ceiling? Becuse it will be hideously awkward around that window and you don't splash any water that high . It's a kitchen not a bath. I'd wish we would LOSE this tile to the ceiling "thing" of late. They call it a "back splash" for a reason. : )

You're not running a meat market or smoke shop.The hood area? Fine. Now stop at under the cabinet line