Where to End Backsplash when Counter Is Longer than Cabinets

Ah.. the backsplash. Tiles and tiles of beautifully designed and aesthetically pleasing decor that light up your kitchen. Not only does it make your kitchen look amazing, but it also safeguards your walls from any unwanted mess.

Different people have different opinions when it comes to dealing with backsplashes. Some like it tiled, and some like using a stone slab instead.

But one thing that we can all agree on is that the backsplash always starts from the kitchen countertop. So it’s clear to me that there are no arguments there.

However, the actual disagreement starts when we try to decide where exactly the backsplash should end. How high should it extend to? And the most important question of them all; where to end the backsplash when the counter is longer than the cabinets?

But before we get into the crux of the matter, let’s take a look at some of the things to consider while designing your kitchen backsplash.

How High Should My Backsplash Go

Well, that depends on how high your ceiling is. After all, backsplashes are expensive, especially if you’re using a unique or exquisite-looking tile. So naturally, the higher your backsplash extends, the more money you’ll have to dish out.

The actual purpose of the backsplash is to protect the wall behind the sink from long-term damage from water splashes and food splatters. Moreover, a backsplash can also save the kitchen walls from any grease or other liquids.

Just think about it; you’re always there in your kitchen cooking a meal. That leaves the walls exposed to food particles or cooking oils that can splash up and damage the wall. So, having a backsplash will protect this fragile portion of the wall from any nasty permanent scars.

That leaves the question, how high is high enough when it comes to a backsplash?

How About a 4-Inch High Backsplash

Most people like to extend the backsplash around 4 inches above the countertop, which, in all honesty, looks absolutely great to me.

Although I have to admit, the only advantage of this that I can see from my perspective is that it’ll save you some money.

As I mentioned before, a backsplash protects your wall, so naturally, the higher your backsplash goes, the more protection you get!

A 4-inch high backsplash leaves most of your wall exposed and won’t do a great job protecting anything. So I think this is an option you should take only if you’re on a tight budget.

How About a Countertop to Cabinet Backsplash

This is the most common option that people go for, and I can see why. Having your backsplash extend from the countertop to the cabinet gives you all the coverage you need.

It gives your walls enough protection while looking dashing at the same time! Plus, you’re only spending as much money as you need to secure your wall; nothing too much, nothing too less.

How About Countertop to Ceiling Backsplash

This is the ultimate choice for people who REALLY love a good backsplash. Needless to say, extending the backsplash up to the ceiling is definitely going to burn a hole in your pocket. But is it all worth it? I think it is!

The countertop to ceiling option seems to be growing more and more popular amongst homeowners today. That’s not all; designers seem to really appreciate it too!

I guess there’s just something really satisfying and appealing about taking it to the top. I daresay it’s the most attractive option you could pick!

While it may burn a deep hole in your pocket, a counter to ceiling backsplash will definitely give your wall all the protection it needs while looking amazingly breathtaking at the same time. So if you think this option’s for you, go for it!

How About Ending the Backsplash Somewhere Between the Countertop and Cabinet

Sure, you could do that too! This is a common technique designers use to add some extra flair to your kitchen.

So how do we go about doing this? Simple! All you have to do is find a natural transition that can serve as the ending point.

A great way to go about this is by spotting lines that already exist in the kitchen and simply extending them with the top edge of your backsplash. If you’re wondering what else you can use, well, there’s the bottom of the window, the bottom of the upper cabinet, and the range hood.

Whatever you do, don’t add a new line just for your backsplash; it’ll just clutter up the space.

How Wide Should My Backsplash Go

To be honest, your backsplash can go as wide as you want it to; however, there really wouldn’t be any point to doing this.

Like I said before, wall protection is the key function to having a backsplash, and most of that gets covered with the height. So having a backsplash with an extended width virtually serves no purpose except for aesthetical beauty.

If you’re really OCD about your kitchen design, then I can understand why you’d want to extend your backsplash to the ends of the kitchen walls. I have to admit; there is an attractive quality to the overall consistency of it all.

Where to End the Backsplash on An Open Wall

The best thing to do here is to find natural transition points and use those as endpoints for the backsplash.

In most cases, the countertop and cabinets always end perfectly aligned along the same vertical line. So all you have to do here is extend the backsplash through this line until you reach the endpoint.

You can usually find these lines at the base of the kitchen’s upper cabinets, so just keep an eye for that, and you should be good to go!

Alternatively, you could also use the line at the bottom of the kitchen windows or the range hood. It really depends on the kind of kitchen you have.

How to End Backsplash in A Corner

The most efficient way of ending your backsplash in a corner is to use the inside corners of the wall as an ending point. Not only is it a natural marking point, but it’s also a great place to shift from one material to another.

For those of you who don’t know, an inside corner is usually the spot where the kitchen countertop meets a side wall.

So ideally, what you want to do is extend your backsplash along the countertop line and stop when it reaches the spot.

Where to End Backsplash when The Counter Is Longer than The Cabinets

Now, this is the main problem that most people get stuck on. Like I said before, most Kitchens come with cabinets and countertops that are perfectly aligned with each other.

But what do we do with the backsplash when upper and lower cabinets don’t line up? What if the counter extends longer than the cabinets? Should the backsplash extend up to the edge of the cabinet or the countertops?

Well, worry not, as always, I’ve got a nifty solution for you.

Now, most people assume that the backsplash should naturally end at the countertop; however, this isn’t what designers prefer to do. In fact, they prefer to use the upper cabinets as an ending point instead.

But why is that? Well, think about it; would you want your backsplash to jut along needlessly into an awkward and empty space on the wall? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Where to End Backsplash Around Window

The best thing to do when maneuvering the backsplash around the window is to stop it right on the bottom ledge. Likewise, if the backsplash extends all the way up beside the window, then use the side ledges as an ending point.

Where to End Backsplash Peninsula

When it comes to peninsulas, chances are the upper cabinets, and the countertops won’t align together. So the best thing to do here is to use the upper cabinet linings as a reference point to end your backsplash.

This isn’t a hard rule, and you’re obviously free to extend the backlash with the countertops instead. However, it’s a choice often frowned upon by designers because, let’s face it, it just looks awkward.

Should Backsplash End at Counter or Cabinet

If the counter and cabinets don’t align with each other, it’s usually preferable to end the backsplash along with the upper cabinet.

Wrapping Up – Where to End Backsplash when Counter Is Longer than Cabinets

Designing a kitchen backsplash can be tricky and confusing for a lot of people. While there is no official rule on backsplash extensions, it does help to keep a few things in mind while working on them.

• Always try to align the side edges of the cabinet, countertop, and backsplash for an attractive result.
• Look for a natural transitional spot to serve as an ending point for the backsplash.
• When it comes to the vertical extension, try to end the backsplash at an inside corner.
• When it comes to the horizontal extension, go as high as your budget lets you.