Backsplashes are a great way to add personality and protection to your kitchen. However, you may find that your existing outlets don’t line up with your new backsplash. Extending outlets so they sit flush against your new backsplash is an easy DIY project that can make your kitchen look polished. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to extend outlets for backsplash.
Buying Materials for Outlet Extension
Extending outlets requires just a few materials that are readily available at your local hardware store or home improvement center:
Electrical Box Extender
An electrical box extender is a plastic or metal sleeve that fits around your existing electrical box, extending it outward so the outlet sits flush with the new wall surface created by your backsplash. Purchase one that extends the box out to the thickness of your new backsplash tile.
Wall Plate
You’ll need a new wall plate that is sized wider and taller than your existing one to cover the now-larger electrical box. Purchase a plate that coordinates with your backsplash tile.
Wire Connectors
Get some new wire connectors to reconnect the outlet wires within the deeper electrical box safely.
Drywall Screws
Drywall screws are needed to secure the electrical box extender to the wall. Opt for corrosion-resistant outdoor screws.
Wire Nuts
Wire nuts connect and seal wires within the electrical box. Get extras in case any break during the project.
Drywall
You may need to cut a small piece of drywall to size if there are gaps around the extender box.
With these supplies on hand, you can move onto the next steps of extending those outlets.
Turn Off Power and Remove Outlet
Safety first! Switch off the circuit breaker for the outlet you are extending. Verify power is off by plugging in a tester or lamp. Then remove the existing wall plate and outlet from the electrical box.
Be sure to take photos of the wire connections before disconnecting anything, as a reference for reconnecting later. Carefully detach each wire one at a time, keeping track of where they were attached.
If there are multiple outlets on the same circuit, be sure you know which wires go to just this outlet that is being extended. You don’t want to disrupt power to other outlets accidentally.
Attach the Electrical Box Extender
Now you can focus on getting that electrical box to extend out further. First, remove the box from the wall if needed to access screw holes. Then position your extender sleeve over the box, aligning any screw holes. Use a screwdriver and the provided drywall screws to secure it into place.
If the extender has flanges designed to sit flush on the wall surface, you may need to cut away a bit of the surrounding drywall so it can fit. Remove just enough drywall so the extender sleeve perimeter rests flat.
Reconnect Wires and Install New Outlet
With the extender sleeve firmly in place, you can now re-feed the wires into the box and reconnect them. Use your photos as a reference, and attach the wires to the same terminals as they were originally.
Push any excess wire length to the back of the box to keep things neat. Then screw the new outlet into place on the extended electrical box.
If there are gaps between the box and the wall, cut pieces of drywall to size with utility knives and fit them around the edges. This will give you a flush surface for attaching the new wall plate later.
Attach the New Wall Plate
The last step is to screw the coordinating wall plate to the extender box, covering both the outlet and any drywall seams. Choose a plate that overlaps the box slightly to give a seamless look.
Turn the power back on and test that the outlet is still functioning properly. Plug in a lamp or phone charger to confirm everything is wired correctly. Once you’ve verified it works, you can move onto your new backsplash installation knowing your outlets are prepped and extended!
FAQs About Extending Outlets
Many homeowners have additional questions when taking on the project of extending outlets for backsplash tile installation. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How much does it cost to extend an outlet?
Extending an outlet costs $5 to $20 in materials, depending on the parts needed. This makes it a budget-friendly DIY endeavor. Hiring an electrician averages $100 to $200 per outlet extended.
Can I put tile over an electrical outlet?
No, tile should never be placed directly over a plastic electrical box as this poses a fire hazard. The box and outlet must be extended first so tile sits next to or below it.
How far should an outlet be from backsplash?
Ideally outlets should sit 2-6 inches away from the outer edge of any backsplash. Extend boxes outward so outlets align with backsplash tile instead of being placed behind it.
Should outlet be above or below backsplash?
Outlets can be installed either above or below a backsplash, depending on your preference. Putting them right at backsplash height hides cords better. Just be sure to align outlets with tile seams for a streamlined look.
Can I put an outlet behind a tile backsplash?
Outlets should not be placed directly behind backsplash tile, as reaching them becomes difficult. Extend boxes so outlets sit next to backsplash tile instead. This allows easy access.
How do I cut tile around an outlet?
Use a tile wet saw or an angle grinder with a diamond blade to cut tiles for a flush fit around outlets. Turn off power, then trace the box shape onto tiles and cut out neatly using safety gear.
Extending Multiple Outlets for a Full Backsplash
If your kitchen backsplash spans multiple outlets, don’t worry – you can extend them all using the same process. Just be sure to work on one at a time, turning off power and disconnecting each outlet before extension.
Repeat the box extender, wire reconnection, and new wall plate installation steps for each outlet along your backsplash area. Take your time to avoid wiring errors.
Once all outlets are extended properly, tiling your full backsplash will be much easier, with no uneven gaps or overlapping outlet covers disrupting the sleek finished look. Just plan accordingly and budget a bit more time and supplies for multiple extensions.
Hiring an Electrician
Although a DIY outlet extension project can certainly be taken on by many homeowners, if you are uncomfortable working with electrical wiring, it may be wise to hire a professional electrician.
They can complete the process safely and ensure it is up to code in your local area. Convenience also comes with a pro – no need to make trips to the hardware store or learn new skills yourself.
Be sure to get an estimate first, as prices can vary widely based on electrician experience levels and your specific needs. Outlet extension may range from $100 to $200 per outlet, with potential discounts for doing multiple outlets.
Safety Tips for Outlet Adjustments
When dealing with any electrical work, safety should always be your top priority. Take these precautions when extending outlets:
- Turn off power at the breaker and verify it is off before starting.
- Only work on one outlet at a time to avoid wire confusion.
- Use cable labels or take photos to note wire positions for accurate reconnection.
- Ensure outlets are compatible with the extender boxes (GFCI, etc).
- Keep wires secured tightly with wire connectors and tape.
- Avoid overloading extension cords when power is off.
- Check for functionality before completing tile installation.
- Never tile directly over an existing plastic outlet box.
- Hire a professional if you are ever unsure about electrical steps.
Conclusion
Upgrading your backsplash is the perfect time to improve the position and function of your electrical outlets. Adjusting their depth allows for a seamless integration within your new tile design.
With the right materials and safety precautions, extending outlets is a manageable task for DIYers. Taking it slow and making one adjustment at a time will lead to success.
Just be sure to turn that power back on and test outlets thoroughly before finishing your backsplash tiling. Then you can enjoy a revitalized kitchen space with outlets and tile that align beautifully!