Kitchen Help

[rikki]

We are going to use this as our countertop and island top. Should I take it up for the backsplash (under cabinets and range) or should I do a subway tile (something with some small artistic detail to it, like interesting edges or a light texture)? Need to decide by Monday and I have no idea which way to go! Thanks!

[sandandsea]

I would do a coordinating backsplash and not the same thing as I think it may take away from the countertop if it’s too much.

[momin2013]

I would not continue it up as a backsplash. Also, I would definitely get it installed first, then bring some tile samples home to see what works best with the countertops.

[Deleted]

I agree with the others, are you able to wait and decide on the backsplash after it's installed? I mean, I definitely wouldn't do the countertop material, but I think it would be better to wait until the counter is in before selecting a tile.

[k3am]

For kitchens, I much prefer a tile backsplash. I like the contrast that it provides, and also think it just looks a little nicer in general.

We were able to pick out our granite, then borrow some tiles from the tile shop and hold them up against the slab so that we could see how they actually went together. Is that an option?

[rikki]

Thanks everyone. I am surprised by the responses. My builder said carrying it up is more high end and you avoid grout lines needing to be cleaned, but I thought I liked tile more, too.

[celeste]

My kitchen (I rent) has a similar marble countertop that carries up to the backsplash. I love it - it looks super clean and sleek. My marble has a slightly more subtle grey pattern, which might make a difference. The condo is also very modern with shiny white cabinets, so the sleek style works together.

[aprilsails]

I agree with your builder that it is something I see in high end finish homes, but I also really don’t like it when the marble is carried up. Just my two cents.

If at all possible, and especially if you are choosing a white backsplash, I would wait to select the tile until after the countertop and all your kitchen lighting is installed. Since tiles are generally somewhat shiny different types of light really effect the final tone on the tiles.

At our last house, all the kitchen area windows faced North and it brought in a lot of blue light that made our tiles look whiter. So we actually had to go with a creamier tile than I would have thought to select to get the right look we wanted.

[RockNVoll]

I agree with your builder that it can make a big statement and look more high-end. But tile backsplashes can be gorgeous too. It's more personal preference than anything.

ETA: I have never needed to clean grout lines in a kitchen.  That wouldn't be a consideration point for me at all.

[sandandsea]

I think it’s the very distinct veins that make me think a coordinating tile would look better. I think with more color gradient and variation, smaller veins, or a more consistent color throughout it would be nice to carry it up.

[morningmania]

We just put in granite countertops this spring. I had the hardest time deciding what to do. I had always wanted tile backsplash. We ended up using the countertop as the backsplash. We couldn't find a tile we loved with the countertop. We felt that the tile made the counter less awe worthy. It is definitely a personal choice.

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[mrsukyankee]

We have an upstand with our countertop, but it wasn't a choice as we had brick behind it and it wouldn't have worked with tile. (pic taken before kitchen was fully finished)

[dragon's breath]

I'm all about "easy to clean as possible". I'd bring it up the back and skip tile, but that's me. It's less about aesthetics though as it is "how much of my life am I going to spend on upkeep". Yes, I'm lazy.