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Remodeling Kitchens Design Dilemma

Need help deciding on Quartz Countertop / Backsplash for Kitche

last year

last modified: last year

Need help deciding on a white quartz countertop /backsplash for our kitchen. Attaching 3d renderings of our kitchen design. Upper cabinets are oak wood, Lower cabinets are dark charcoal. Looking for a white quartz countertop with some veining / drawing to it. Any recommendations?

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Comments (5)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
last modified: last year
You have done a really awesome job of the kitchen no cheap in any way why on earth go fake plastic stone for a counter and for sure never for a backsplash behind any cooking appliance . There are tons os beautiful white granites that would make this space look fabulous and can be used for both applications These are 2 of many that IMO would be awesome
Jennifer Hogan
last year
For the most part there are not issues with quartz as a backsplash behind your cooktop, but there are some cooktops that are designed for island use and don't have the necessary space or heat guards that protect your walls.

Most drop in cooktops require a 2" space. This model requires a 12" space or the purchase of a heat guard.

It caused this damage to a quartz backsplash after using the self cleaning oven feature.

And this damage to a tile backsplash after using the self cleaning oven feature.

That said, there are tons of homes that don't have a backsplash and simply have painted drywall behind their stove and tons of people that have tile and quartz behind their stoves and have no issues. I have a MCM home with a 60 year old kitchen that has the original Formica countertops and backsplash (the kind with the metal strips at the seams). I think thousands upon thousands of homeowners had a Formica backsplash back in the day. Mine hasn't discolored from the heat yet and I think the heat resistance for quartz is quite a bit higher than Formica.

Granite is less likely to scorch, but high heat can crack granite and many slabs of granite and marble are resin infused to strengthen the veins and fill in small fissures and holes. I don't know that those fissures wouldn't risk staining if exposed to extended high heat and grease from a self cleaning oven vent placed directly under it up against the wall.

Best bet is to follow all building codes and installation instructions.
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I think white would be a nice contrast. I've attached a link to a GW member's (kellienoelle) kitchen that used Delicatus granite & a classic white backsplash. Here is a link that might be useful: Kellienoelle's Dark Cherry & Delicatus Reveal This post was edited by romy718 on Fri, Mar 14, 14 at 21:46
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@Beth H. - thank you for your comments. I don't think we want to have dark counter tops. The kitchen is open to our family room. The minimal wall space in the kitchen will be painted a light blue color, as will the walls in the family room. We were thinking about: a) white cabinets and island b) the Calacatta gold marble 3" x 6" tiles for the back splash c) light(ish) counter tops on the perimeter and island (perhaps with some grey coming through d) medium brown hardwood floors We thought about using walnut for the island surface, but decided against it due to maintenance issues. If we didn't want to have dark counter tops, are there any other options? Thanks!
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I'm impressed too. really! I didn't know it even existed. if you're doing a simple backsplash that happens to fit well -- with no outlets and no corners -- then I could see this product being somewhat easy for a novice DIYer. but I don't see it making this particular kitchen project much easier or cleaner. they would need the tiles to meet in a corner (trickier if the walls are not perfectly plumb). plus cutting holes for outlets. plus lots of grouting and caulking is not super easy for a novice either. all of it very messy. (OMG the process of washing the grout. ugggggggh.) that's all I'm trying to say. peel and stick backing would only make this the tiniest bit simpler, and majorly limits the style and color choices. just doesn't seem worth it.
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herbflavor
last year
i'd pick soapstone for the perimeter and the white for the island for waterfall ?? edges is apparently what you want there on island. I'd get a shape or textured white tile for backsplash. You are finishing !! and it looks like a great space . DO personalize it a bit w a tile pick for the splash and youd love soapstone I think.
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
I have never had a granite backsplash crack from heat in 22+ yrs of using that material.
Jennifer Hogan
last year
And I have Formica that is 60 years old that hasn't discolored, scorched or been damaged.

My point was that for the most part, painted drywall, Formica, Marble, Granite, Tile is suitable as a backsplash material. Any one of them can fail, especially when you don't have a range that is designed to be close to the wall.

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