When designing a kitchen backsplash, one of the key considerations is determining how high the backsplash should extend up the wall behind the stove. A common question that arises is whether the backsplash should go all the way up to the bottom of the range hood, or if it should stop at a lower point. There are pros and cons to both approaches that are important to weigh when making this decision.
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Going up to the range hood
Extending the backsplash all the way up to the underside of the range hood provides a few advantages:
- It creates a seamless, continuous surface from countertop to hood, which can have a very sleek, upscale look.
- It protects the wall from splatter all the way up to the hood.
- It avoids an awkward gap between the top of the backsplash and hood that would require caulking.
On the downside, taking the backsplash to the hood means you need a lot more backsplash material, which increases cost. It also leaves less wall area exposed if your backsplash is a different material than the wall paint or wallpaper.
Stopping short of the hood
Ending the backsplash before the range hood has benefits as well:
- It uses less backsplash material, reducing the cost of the project.
- Depending on the backsplash design, it can create a visual break between backsplash and hood that some find appealing.
- More of the wall paint or wallpaper is exposed above the backsplash.
The drawbacks are that it does leave an area of the wall unprotected from splatter, and some find the gap between backsplash and hood unsightly and difficult to caulk neatly.
Guidelines for backsplash height
When deciding how high to take the backsplash, there are a few general guidelines to consider:
- At minimum, extend the backsplash 18 inches above the countertop. This protects the most used and splatter-prone area behind the stove.
- For a standard 30-36 inch tall stove, the backsplash should extend at least 4-6 inches above the stove top.
- To go all the way to the hood, make sure there is at least 30-36 inches of backsplash height above the counter.
The standard backsplash height is 4-6 inches above the cooktop. Going to the hood may require 36+ inches of backsplash.
Backsplash design considerations
The backsplash design can also influence the decision whether to go up to the hood. Here are some considerations with different backsplash materials:
- Tile: Often taken to the ceiling for a seamless look. Multiple rows of small mosaic tile can get very expensive.
- Stone: Usually not taken all the way up due to weight and cost. Ending at standard height creates nice contrast with wall.
- Glass: Lightweight to take it to ceiling. But stopping short can let wall color pop through top.
- Metal: Full sheets are lightweight and make it affordable to go to ceiling. Look can be very modern and sleek.
- Wood: Usually ends at standard height. Matching wood hood provides nice transition point.
What do the experts recommend?
If you’re still unsure what choice is best for your kitchen, here are some recommendations from design experts:
- Interior designer tip: Take tile or metal backsplash to ceiling height for a seamless, modern look. But for other materials, stopping at the stove hood provides a cleaner transition.
- Contractor’s take: Don’t take backsplash all the way up unless you want to spend the money for extra material. The 4-6 inch standard height gets the job done.
- Architect’s advice: Look at backsplash as a whole with the countertops, hood, and cabinetry. Determine the overall look you’re going for, and design the backsplash height to match.
Factors to consider
Here are some key factors to take into account when deciding on backsplash height:
| Factor | Up to Hood | Standard Height |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Much more expensive due to extra material | Less expensive, uses less backsplash material |
| Clean look | Very sleek, seamless | Can have awkward gap requiring caulk |
| Splatter protection | Fully protects wall up to hood | Leaves several inches unprotected |
| Wall exposure | Covers more wall space | Shows off more wall color or wallpaper |
The verdict
At the end of the day, whether to take the backsplash up to the range hood or stop at a shorter standard height comes down to personal preference and budget. The best practice is to evaluate the entire kitchen design, and determine which look provides the most attractive, cohesive aesthetic for your space and style.
If aiming for a contemporary, sleek look with maximum splatter protection, go ahead and take that backsplash all the way up. But if you want to save a bit of money and show off some of your beautiful wall color or wallpaper, stopping at the standard 4-6 inch height above the cooktop is a perfectly acceptable choice as well.
Pay attention to the type of material as well. Tile and metal backsplashes lend themselves well to extending all the way up to the ceiling. While materials like wood, stone or glass often look better ending at a standard backsplash height. This creates a clear visual separation and transition point between the backsplash and hood.
And don’t forget to think about the big picture. Look at how the height of the backsplash relates to your counters, cabinets, flooring and the rest of the kitchen design features. Choose a backsplash height that complements the overall aesthetic you want, whether modern minimalist or cozy traditional. This will lead to the most cohesive, pulled-together kitchen design.
With all these considerations in mind, you can make the best decision for your backsplash installation. Just be sure to think through the practical and visual impacts to determine the ideal backsplash height that matches both your unique style and functional needs.
FAQs
Is it better to take backsplash to ceiling?
Taking backsplash all the way up to the ceiling has a very sleek, contemporary look, and provides maximum splatter protection on the wall. However, it does use much more backsplash material, increasing cost. It also covers up more of the wall. For some styles and materials, stopping at standard backsplash height can look better.
What height should backsplash end?
The standard recommendation is to end the backsplash 4-6 inches above the cooktop. This sufficiently protects the wall from most splatter while leaving some wall exposed. Backsplashes may also end higher, anywhere from 16-18 inches above the counter up to the ceiling.
Should backsplash go to bottom or top of hood?
It is generally recommended to take the backsplash to the bottom of the range hood, not the top. This provides a clean transition line along the bottom edge of the hood. Ending at the top of the hood leaves an awkward gap that requires caulking to seal.
Is it OK to not go all the way to ceiling?
Yes, it is perfectly fine not to go all the way to the ceiling with the backsplash. Many kitchens opt to end the backsplash at the standard height of 4-6 inches above the stove top. This is enough to protect from splatter, while also showing off some wall color or wallpaper above.
Should backsplash match countertops?
The backsplash does not necessarily have to match the countertops. Contrasting countertop and backsplash materials can create an eye-catching look. However, matching can give a more seamless appearance. Consider the overall design aesthetic you want for the kitchen when choosing materials.
Conclusion
Determining the ideal backsplash height is a balance of practical and aesthetic considerations. Going all the way up to the ceiling can provide a sleek, modern look and full splatter protection. But ending at the standard height a few inches above the cooktop uses less material, costs less, and shows off more wall while still protecting where most needed.
Consider the backsplash design within the context of the complete kitchen decor – cabinets, countertops, appliances and architectural details. And choose a height that works with the overall style you want to achieve. With some thoughtful planning, you can pick the perfect backsplash height that matches both your functional needs and design vision.