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Kitchens Design Dilemma

looking for quartz backsplash with shelf opinions

Erinkathleen_c C

2 months ago

We are in the planning stages for our kitchen reno and need advice about the quartz backsplash with narrow ~3in shelf at the top. Our contractor pointed out that there may be splashing and stains above the shelf line. Has anyone encountered this?
Also. To the left of the window it doesn’t make sense to do the shelf due to obstructing the cabinet opening. Is it ok to just take the quartz up to the same height with no shelf?
I would love photos and real life experience.

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (6)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last month
A self above a range never and for sure not quartz. I never use quartz even for counters but many horror stories here about heat damage behind ranges . I aslo wonder why sconces in that area either and I see no overhead ceiling lights but that could just be the rendition drawings.
thinkdesignlive
last month
Splashes can occur anywhere. Even the ceiling. I also agree with the comments so far. If you have an induction cooktop you may be able to use the quartz there. And instead of a straight line you could have the whole backsplash slab arched/curved, etc. just search for arched slab backsplash and see if you see something you like.
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All, thanks a lot for your honest feedback (please keep them coming!) Raehelen - This has been also a dilemma for me: the overhang question with the 24" tiles. I have researched this quite a bit. Maybe should post this on a separate threadÂ but for now here is a run down: There are few options: 1) Going for ultra modern look and stop at the cabinet depth (this should be OK only if the total depth of the cabinets stops at 24" - Otherwise would look weird with doors and drawer faces protruding beyond the counter edge). 2) Finishing the edge with a trim piece: Either similar to the material of your cabinetry to give it some consistency or use a metal edging (there is a cool company names schluter-systems (www.schluter.com) that offers such solutions especially designed for tiled counters) 3) Running a small strip of the tile in the back Â Can be the tile itself, OR a completely different tile, likely the same as the backsplash. Thinking in the line of 1" mosaics that continues onto the backsplash. Can do lots of things hereÂ just requires a bit of creativity. Bellacat_2008 - The tile is called Steelwork, color Argento (it comes also in a bronze/copperish and a darker/black tone). The manufacturing company was difficult to figure out Â as most suppliers wonÂt tell you their sources. But it is called "Fioranese" I think. Bellow is a link to a website that has some pictures of it in different settings: Here is a link that might be useful: tile pics
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They actually make a narrower tile that should fit perfectly under the window so I am not too worried about that. Definitely not interested in combining it with cream subways/ dark borders or pencil liner - those can look nice but really aren't my taste so much. It seems like the vote is still split more or less 50/50 which I guess means that we just have to decide what we want to do and go with it! I was hoping to get into the tile store tomorrow but I think it's going to snow so we may have to postpone. Annoying as I want to get this ordered but am not quite sure how much to order.
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So we finally decided and the tile went up earlier this week. We are living about 40 minutes away from the house right now, I stopped by the house last evening. We ended up using the suggestion of taping up paper with pictures of the tile - thank you for that suggestion!!! I tried to do photoshop, but I wasn't doing a great job. Seeing it in person helped. We ended up tiling the area above the range and then the 18 inch area between the uppers and counter. In the open shelf area the 18 inches below the lowest shelf are tile, but then above the shelves is paint. Sorry for the poor quality cell phone pictures. It was dusk and the electricity wasn't on. I was also holding my 1 year old at the time.
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The white counters have already notceably made the space look bigger and more open . Continuing with a coordinating white will continue with the effect. This is what you want to do because it is a small space. The minute you contrast w backsplash or add a pattern you draw attention in , and it is tight , really tight dimensions . Just continue w expanse of white without detail . If you want detail use things on top of island, floor mats, a solar shade etc.
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PRO
OTM Designs & Remodeling Inc.
last month
Caesar Stone makes special quartz for outdoors, which can stand the heat. You can use it behind your stove to be on the safe side.
Erinkathleen_c C
Original Author
last month
The sconces are just part of the current rendering. Still sorting that out. We will have led recessed lighting in the ceiling as well as pendants above the island.

Interesting feedback about the heat damage from quartz. I am glad I asked! I see many photos of it but perhaps need to have a certain heat resistant material.

I am drawn to the potential for easy cleanup without grout lines with a tile backsplash
M Miller
last month
last modified: last month
“Caesar Stone makes special quartz for outdoors, which can stand the heat. You can use it behind your stove to be on the safe side.”

@OTM Designs & Remodeling Inc. you are incorrect. The Caesarstone Outdoor Surfaces warranty states that it can be used in conditions up to 122°F. A pot or pan gets hotter than that. Also, many ranges vent the hot air from the oven through the top back, as exactly shown in @James Overton's photo just above. Oven temps are of course several times hotter than 122°. Furthermore, the Caesarstone Outdoor Surfaces warranty specifically has the following exclusion: ”Improper use or abuse. Improper use or abuse includes, but is not limited to, damage from excessive heat...” If the OP took your advice, and her Quartz was damaged from her range’s heat, she’d have no coverage under Caesarstone’s warranty.
HU-432451269
last month
The ”exterior” version has plastic that resists UV degradation. It is no more heat resistant than any other plastic resin used in quartz manufacturing. It all scorches and burns, when exposed to the actual heat of cooking.

A shelf creates eddies with the cooking plume currents, that notmally travel upward. That upward velocity is disturbed. Grease gets deposited all over the range, backsplash, and shelf. And the counters, cabinets, and rest of the kitchen. Instead of traveling straight upward, to be caught in the vent baffles. The pro grade warming shelves over ranges are open vented, not solid. They are also located much higher from the cooking surface.

The whole thing is a dysfunctional fad, for people who have giant decorative ornaments that do not even boil water.

Ditch the shelf. Add a prep sink to the island, if you want clean hands and clean produce.

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