Kitchen term

Backsplash

DefinitionA backsplash is the wall surface between the countertop and the upper cabinets that protects the wall from water, grease and food splatter.

A backsplash is the protective surface on the wall behind a countertop, most often behind the sink and range in a kitchen.

Why it matters for Maryland homeowners

The wall behind a sink or cooktop takes a lot of daily wear. Without a backsplash, painted drywall can stain, peel or get damaged by moisture over time. In a kitchen remodel, the backsplash is also one of the most visible choices, so it has a large effect on the look of the room.

Because it is applied to the wall, a backsplash is one of the easier elements to update later. Many homeowners choose it after the cabinets and Quartz Countertop are selected so the colors and patterns work together.

How a backsplash works

A backsplash covers the wall area between the countertop and the upper cabinets, or a larger area behind a range hood. Common options include:

  • A short, 4-inch backsplash cut from the same material as the countertop
  • A full-height tile backsplash from counter to cabinet
  • A full slab backsplash in the same stone or quartz as the countertop, which has very few seams
  • Other materials such as glass, metal or stone tile

Tile backsplashes are set with grout. The grout lines and the sealant along the counter joint are the parts that need the most care to keep water out.

Good and poor examples

A good backsplash:

  • Uses a material that is easy to clean where splatter is heaviest
  • Is sealed properly where it meets the countertop
  • Covers the area behind the range at a height suitable for the cooktop and hood
  • Fits with the cabinet and countertop colors and patterns

Common problems:

  • Grout that is hard to keep clean near the cooktop
  • A busy tile pattern that competes with a patterned countertop
  • Outlets that are not planned into the tile layout
  • Natural stone that is not sealed, which can stain

Planning tips

Bring a sample of your countertop and cabinet finish when choosing backsplash tile so you can see them together in your kitchen’s lighting. Decide early where the backsplash will stop on open walls, and plan outlet and switch locations so they sit neatly within the tile layout.

Frequently asked questions

How high should a kitchen backsplash go?

Many run from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets. Behind a range hood or on walls without upper cabinets, homeowners often take it to the ceiling.

Can the backsplash match the countertop?

Yes. A full slab backsplash in the same material as the countertop gives a seamless look.

Is a bathroom backsplash needed?

It is common behind a vanity sink to protect the wall from water. It can be a short piece of countertop material or tile.

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