@JAN "On a side note: I re read previous comments and noticed someone stated that NKBA has no value...I beg to differ. I am a certified kitchen designer - had to be in the business for a min of 7 years before I could take the exam. "
"DO NOT increase the height of your backsplash. It should NOT exceed 18" unless you are VERY VERY tall. "
"15" is good, the reason 18" can be somewhat a standard max height is that "most" counter top appliances will not exceed 18" in height"
According to building and fire codes, 18" is the MINIMUM HEIGHT around the RANGE or COOKTOP in most cases because THAT is what "UL" (NRTL and appropriate standards) has listed the APPROPRIATE clearance to be through standards and testing, and is what you MUST follow according to the installation instructions of the SPECIFIC appliances that will be installed around the cabinets. Without knowing the specific brand and model of cooktop that these people are installing, you are giving them REALLY BAD ADVICE. The only way to ensure that the cabinets are installed to meet building and fire codes without knowing the exact appliances of a standard 30" width, is to have a MINIMUM clearance of 18" vertically from the countertop to the bottom of any combustible trim on wall cabinets adjacent to cooking appliances. Although there are a few "zero clearance" electric ranges on the market, 18" MINIMUM is more the rule than the exception.
EXAMPLE
SECTION M1901 RANGES AND OVENS
M1901.1 Clearances.
Freestanding or built-in ranges shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to unprotected combustible material. Reduced clearances are permitted in accordance with the listing and labeling of the range hoods or appliances. The installation of a listed and labeled cooking appliance or microwave oven over a listed and labeled cooking appliance shall be in accordance with Section M1504.1. The clearances for a domestic open-top broiler unit shall be in accordance with Section M1505.1.
M1901.2 Cooking appliances.
Cooking appliances shall be listed and labeled for household use and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The installation shall not interfere with combustion air or access for operation and servicing. Electric cooking appliances shall comply with UL 1026 or UL 858. Solid-fuel-fired fireplace stoves shall comply with UL 737
SECTION G2408 (305) INSTALLATION
G2408.1 (305.1) General.
Equipment and appliances shall be installed as required by the terms of their approval, in accordance with the conditions of listing, the manufacturer’s instructions and this code. Manufacturer’s installation instructions shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection. Where a code provision is less restrictive than the conditions of the listing of the equipment or appliance or the manufacturer’s installation instructions, the conditions of the listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions shall apply.
G2408.5 (305.8) Clearances to combustible construction.
Heat-producing equipment and appliances shall be installed to maintain the required clearances to combustible construction as specified in the listing and manufacturer’s instructions. Such clearances shall be reduced only in accordance with Section G2409. Clearances to combustibles shall include such considerations as door swing, drawer pull, overhead projections or shelving and window swing. Devices, such as door stops or limits and closers, shall not be used to provide the required clearances.
While "UL"(NRTLs), and "listing and labeling" ARE part of the building codes that MUST be followed, "NKBA" IS NOT. If they never taught you the difference between REAL CODES, and NKBA in 7 years, then I wouldn't place much value on any "certification" they give.
Q
cabinets
Q