Hiding electrical outlets in a kitchen backsplash can be a tricky design challenge, but with some careful planning and creative solutions, it can be done seamlessly. A clean, streamlined backsplash with no visible cords or plugs will contribute to a polished, upscale look in your kitchen remodel or new construction. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the ins and outs of concealing outlets in tile, stone, glass, and other backsplash materials.

Choosing Backsplash Materials That Allow Hidden Outlets

The first consideration when trying to hide kitchen outlets is selecting backsplash materials that can accommodate this. While solid materials like granite or marble would fully conceal outlets, covering them makes access difficult. These are some excellent backsplash options that can disguise outlets:

Tile

Tile is one of the most popular choices for kitchen backsplashes, offering many sizes, textures, colors and patterns to choose from. The grout lines between tiles provide natural channeling for electrical cords, and outlets can be tucked discreetly behind certain tile layouts. Subway tile, stacked stone tile, and mosaic tile lend themselves particularly well to hiding outlets. Be sure the tile itself is not too thick.

Glass Tile

Glass tile backsplashes make a gorgeous, contemporary statement. Often set in mesh sheets, glass tile can be easily cut to fit around outlets. Using opaque, frosted or textured glass tiles at outlet locations can further help disguise electrical work. Metallic glass tiles are also ideal for concealing outlets while adding glamour.

Stone Slab

Stone slabs like granite, marble or quartzite can create a high-end, seamless backsplash look. Choosing a slab with sections cut out to fit outlets is one strategy. Another is using individual outlet cover plates made of the slab material itself to blend right in. When covering outlets with stone, take care to leave access for repairs.

Metal

Metal backsplashes like stainless steel, copper, or tin provide an industrial, ultra-modern look. Metal sheets can be cut out around outlet areas, hiding them seamlessly. Using screw or rivet covers finishes off the look. Copper and tin will patina over time, further disguising any outlets.

Wood

Wood adds warmth and texture in contemporary, farmhouse or cottage kitchens. Using planks oriented vertically conceals outlets well. Small gaps between planks can allow cords to run behind. For a truly seamless look, outlet cover plates can be crafted from matching wood material.

Glass/Stone Mosaics

Mosaics made from small pieces of glass, stone, porcelain or other materials create dazzling backsplash patterns. Outlets can disappear behind busy mosaic designs, especially using translucent, reflective materials. Combining multiple mosaic varieties at outlet sites blends them in even more.

With any of these backsplash materials, opting for outlets in finishes that coordinate well with the backsplash will further disguise them. Brushed nickel, chrome, or oil-rubbed bronze blend in better than bright white. Now let’s look at backsplash designs and arrangements that can hide kitchen outlets.

Backsplash Layouts That Disguise Outlets

Carefully mapping the backsplash design is key for concealing outlets undetectably. Here are go-to backsplash arrangements that naturally incorporate outlets:

Use a Focal Point Away from Outlets

Using an eye-catching central feature on the backsplash draws attention away from the outlets. This can be a patterned tile section, artistic mosaic design, marble insert, decorative medallion, corbel, or similar focal point. Surround this with plainer tiles, stone, or other materials to embed the outlets discreetly.

Intersperse Outlets Among Busy Patterns

Opt for a backsplash with plenty of intricate detail, texture and color variation – this complexity masks outlets well. Subway tiles set in a herringbone pattern, multicolored stone mosaics, and Mediterranean tiles with elaborate motifs do the trick. Scatter the outlets randomly amidst the busyness.

Line Outlets Up Behind Appliances

Take advantage of necessary backsplash breaks behind kitchen appliances like the range or refrigerator. Placing outlets neatly behind them takes outlets out of the equation entirely in these areas. Just be sure to allow proper clearance.

Use Partial Backsplashes or Accent Areas

Limiting the backsplash to key areas can eliminate outlet-concealing duties. A small focal backsplash only behind the stove leaves other walls outlet-free. Island and peninsula lower backsplashes also dodge outlets. Accent tile strips on the wall or sides of windows keep outlets hidden outside the backsplash zone.

Strategic Tile Layouts and Patterns

Tile layout itself can integrate outlets discreetly. Keep outlets within the same horizontal row of rectangular tile or in line with subway tile grout lines. Aligning outlets within the same grid pattern of mosaics or offset bricklay patterns disguises them. Use tile cuts, trim pieces, and borders to work outlets seamlessly into the layout.

Planning the backsplash design strategically from the beginning provides the most seamless outlet integration. Now let’s get into the specific techniques and materials for concealing outlets within the backsplash.

Techniques for Concealing Outlets Behind Backsplashes

With the right materials and layout in place, several methods can then fully hide outlets behind your chosen backsplash. Here are handy techniques to disguise outlets:

Create Recesses

One effective strategy is creating indented recesses in the backsplash surface to fit outlets within. These recesses allow cords to run behind while outlets reside flush in the opening.

Tile or glass tile: For tile, leaving out sections of tile creates outlet recesses. Building protruding frames around the recesses with border or trim tiles finishes the look.

Stone slabs: With granite, marble or other stone slabs, having the fabricator pre-cut sinkouts for outlets does the job. The cut-out size exactly fits outlets.

Wood planks: For wood backsplashes, carefully chiseling out outlet cavities lets cords hide behind planks. Stain outlets to match wood hue.

Use Specialty Tile Cuts

With careful tile layouts and precise cutting, outlets can conceal directly behind tiles for zero recess.

L-cuts: Cutting L or Z shapes into corner tiles allows them to fit neatly around outlets. Similar shapes in floor tile hide outlets beautifully.

Notched tiles: Small notches cut into the bottom edge of single tiles accommodate the outlet’s top without exposing the box.

Half-depth tiles: Paired with full-depth tiles, shallow half-depth tiles placed at outlets hide them completely behind.

Pro tilesetters can perform the specialty cuts to effortlessly hide outlets in tile backsplashes.

Install Outlet Covers That Match

For simple concealment without cutting, replacing standard outlet covers with ones made from the backsplash material itself does the trick.

Tile: Choose tile-patterned outlet covers in corresponding size, color and finish.

Stone slab: Purchasing outlet covers cut from the same granite, marble or other stone completely disguises outlets.

Glass tile: Custom glass tile outlet covers maintain the look. Make sure they’re heat-safe for kitchen use.

Wood: For wood backsplashes, wood outlet cover plates ensure outlets blend right in.

Match outlet covers seamlessly to your backsplash for invisible outlets.

Use Extra-Low-Profile Outlets and Boxes

For a barely-there look, installing ultra-thin, low-profile outlet and switch boxes before backsplash tiling allows for an extra-flush fit. Then use rocker switch outlet covers that hug the wall.

Hiding Outlets in Specific Backsplash Situations

Each kitchen layout presents its own unique outlet concealing challenges in the backsplash. Here are tips for dealing with common backsplash outlet locations:

Behind Stoves/Ranges

Gas and induction ranges don’t allow outlets behind them, but electric ranges do. Position outlets immediately behind the range away from heat. Use metal backsplashes that conduct heat safely. Keep proper appliance clearance space.

On Kitchen Islands

Island backsplashes require creative outlet solutions like floor pop-ups or leg cord access. Concealing island backsplash outlets themselves involves choices like glass tile sections, stone slab sinkouts or wood strip gaps.

Near Sinks

Water access limits outlets by sinks. Strategies include low backsplashes with no outlets, lining sinks and outlets up neatly, or placing outlet recesses high above sinks. Waterproof any outlets at risk for splashing.

Around Windows and Doors

Transition areas from backsplash to windows and doors need special treatment. Extending the backsplash slightly past windows/doors keeps outlets off these perpendicular adjoining surfaces. Accent tiles or trim aid the visual transition.

Around Hardware

Work around existing kitchen hardware and fittings during backsplash construction. Place outlets below or above wall cabinets in line with shelves. Drop outlets extra low where backsplashes meet countertops. Coordinate specialty outlet covers with cabinet hardware finishes.

In Corners

Take advantage of backsplash corners and edges to embed outlets attractively. Placing outlets where vertical and horizontal surfaces meet hides them into seams naturally. Continue backsplash materials into corners or use trim.

With smart backsplash design tailored to your unique kitchen, concealing outlets seamlessly is certainly achievable. Now let’s answer some common questions about the process.

FAQ About Hiding Kitchen Outlets in Backsplashes

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about hiding electrical outlets in kitchen backsplashes:

Is it OK to cover up electrical outlets with a backsplash?

It is completely acceptable and up to code to cover outlets with nonmetallic backsplash materials like tile, glass and stone. Just ensure at least the bottom half of outlets remain accessible for plugging in, and avoid covering controls like GFCI buttons.

How do you cut tile around outlets?

Use a wet tile saw to carefully notch cuts to fit tightly around outlet boxes. For larger outlets, create recesses by leaving out whole tiles in sections. Finish with specialty border or trim tiles around outlets.

Can you put tile over outlets?

Yes, it is fine to fully tile over outlets as long as the outlet box itself remains accessible. Use thinset mortar around boxes. Be sure to use non-conductive materials like ceramic tile or glass tile. Keep lower halves of outlets exposed.

How do you hide cords for kitchen backsplash outlets?

Strategies include channeling cords neatly behind outlet recess gaps, allowing cords to run behind backsplash materials like tiles or wood strips, and plugging cords discreetly into outlets aligned with shelves or appliances.

Should backsplash outlets be GFCI?

In kitchens, having GFCI protected outlets is critical for safety, especially around sinks and other wet areas. Ensure outlets behind backsplashes are on GFCI circuits, or use GFCI outlet covers. Waterproof any outlets that could get splashed.

What about access for backsplash outlets and repairs?

Take care to keep lower outlet halves exposed for plugging in devices. Using removable materials like tile allows for outlet repairs versus solid slabs. Ensure backsplashes near appliances have proper clearance. Retain physical access to any concealed junction boxes.

Achieving a Seamless Look

With good planning, the right materials and clever concealment techniques, hiding kitchen outlets in backsplashes is certainly achievable. Take time to map out backsplash outlet locations and select an appropriate backsplash design that will discretely incorporate outlets. Utilize specialty tiles, recesses, matching outlet covers and low-profile boxes to seamlessly disguise outlets. This allows you to enjoy the clean, streamlined look of an uninterrupted backsplash in your kitchen. Just be sure to maintain accessibility and proper clearance for any covered outlets. Get creative with your backsplash design and layout, choose your preferred finish, and hide those unsightly outlets so your dream kitchen can come to life.

How to Hide Outlets in Kitchen Backsplash