Kitchen renovations can be exciting yet daunting projects. With so many design elements to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Two key components—the backsplash and countertops—may leave you wondering: what goes first, the backsplash or the countertop? This definitive guide will walk you through the ideal process, so you can create your dream kitchen.
Benefits of Doing the Countertops First
Installing the countertops first offers some distinct advantages:
Precise Backsplash Sizing
With the countertops in place, you can obtain the exact measurements for the backsplash. This allows for a seamless fit and clean look. Trying to size the backsplash without the countertop risks leaving annoying gaps or requiring adjustments after the fact.
Countertop Protection
Countertops are susceptible to damage from the backsplash installation process. Cutting tile or stone on top of the countertop could scratch, chip, or stain it. And any etching compounds or adhesives could also permanently mar the surface. Installing the countertop first safeguards its beauty.
Easier Cleanup
Tile cutting, as well as adhesive and grout usage, involve lots of dust and mess. Dealing with all of that on top of a brand new countertop means having to painstakingly clean and cover it. Getting the countertop installation dust and mess over with first makes the backsplash process much easier.
Backsplash Visualization
Seeing the countertops in place allows you to visualize how the backsplash will look. This is especially helpful for getting wall colors, cabinets, and floors to coordinate. Being able to stand in the space and see spatial relationships helps immensely with envisioning the finished design.
Simultaneous Installation
If using a modular countertop system or quality custom fabrication, the countertop can be installed in sections. This allows the backsplash work to be done behind one section of countertop, while the next section gets installed. This efficient process prevents downtime and speeds the project along.
Backsplash Overhang Accommodation
Some backsplash materials, like marble slab, can overhang the countertop edge for a dramatic look. With the countertop installed first, the backsplash can be cut to the ideal overhang size. Trying to cut the overhang without the countertop risks miscalculating the size.
Drawbacks of Countertops First
While tackling the countertops first has its perks, a few potential downsides need consideration:
Additional Countertop Protection
Extra care must be taken to completely protect the installed countertops during backsplash work. This includes covering it fully with plastic or cardboard, and ensuring no activity happens on it. Even with safeguards, accidents can happen, so this risk needs weighing.
Chance of Backsplash Damage
If the countertop extends fully behind the backsplash area, the countertop edges could get chipped or scratched during backsplash cutting and installation. Leaving a slim buffer zone behind the backsplash is wise.
Slowed Installation
Depending on backsplash complexity, installing it after the countertop can involve navigating tight spaces carefully. This may slow the installation versus being able to work freely without the countertop in place. Simple backsplash designs minimize this issue.
Countertop Installation Restraints
Some modular countertop systems don’t allow for removing a section once adjacent sections are installed. This limits the ability to work on the backsplash and countertop simultaneously. However, a well-coordinated installation schedule can still allow efficient overlapping work.
Potentials Alignment Issues
If the countertop and backsplash use noticeably different thicknesses of material, it can throw off alignment. The countertop edge meeting a much thicker backsplash panel often results in a visible ‘step’ between their surfaces, creating aesthetic issues. Planning for alignment is key.
Benefits of Doing the Backsplash First
Installing the backsplash before the countertop also has its advantages:
Optimal Backsplash Positioning
With a blank canvas, the exact positioning and layout of the backsplash can be determined. All measurements and placements will be made without needing to work around an installed countertop.
No Countertop Damage Risks
Backsplash installation day is messy, with dust and debris everywhere. By tackling this major step first, you avoid worrying about covering or damaging a pristine new countertop. The countertop remains pristine through the risky installation.
Efficient Install Order
Once the backsplash is completely installed, the countertop can go in immediately after. This seamless order prevents the countertop from sitting unfinished while waiting on the backsplash work. It maximizes workflow efficiency.
Flexible Backsplash Size
Without an existing countertop, the backsplash size and shape can be adjusted as needed. An integral cooktop or sink that requires precision backsplash shaping is easier to accommodate before countertop fabrication.
No Backsplash Damage Risks
Cutting the countertop into place on top of a finished backsplash risks damaging it, especially at sink or stove cutouts. With the backsplash installed last, its vulnerability to damage is minimized.
Avoids Alignment Issues
Installing the backsplash first means it can be perfectly sized to align seamlessly with the countertop thickness. This prevents annoying surface height mismatches between the backsplash and countertop edges.
Better Visualization
Being able to hold up paint swatches or countertop samples directly next to the installed backsplash allows you to visualize the full design more accurately. This ensures all elements will coordinate as envisioned.
Drawbacks of Backsplash First
While doing the backsplash first can streamline the process, a few factors still warrant consideration:
Backsplash Sizing Challenges
Guessing measurements precisely without the countertop in place can prove tricky. A slight miscalculation means a time-consuming and costly backsplash adjustment will be required after the countertop goes in. Careful planning is critical.
Cluttered Space
With the backsplash installed but countertops unfinished, using the kitchen is tougher. Limited prep space and countertop gaps can make the kitchen functionally inadequate until the countertops are done. This can increase time pressures.
Extra Backsplash Protection
The installed backsplash needs thorough protecting while countertop installation is completed. Damage can easily occur, especially around stove and sink cutouts, if the backsplash isn’t completely covered and shielded.
Countertop Installation Complexity
Installing the countertop with the backsplash already in place often requires more precision. The installers need to take care to not damage the backsplash, while also dealing with tight spaces. Simple countertop designs are ideal.
Limited Design Flexibility
With the backsplash already set in stone, so to speak, options become limited if any design changes are required. Wanting a different backsplash size, position, or shape becomes much harder to accommodate once it’s been installed.
Key Planning Tips
Careful planning and coordination ensures a smooth installation process, regardless of which element you tackle first. Here are some top tips:
- Discuss the preferred order with your contractors early on so everyone is on the same page. Make sure to consider their recommendations as well.
- Set a clear installation schedule to minimize kitchen downtime. Stagger the work over time if needed.
- Make all final design decisions ahead of time. Last-minute backsplash or countertop changes will complicate things tremendously.
- Use detailed drawings and measurements to remove any size-relatedguesswork. Have countertop and backsplash templates made.
- Use durable, high-quality countertop and backsplash materials to limit damage concerns for either installation order.
- Plan for lippage if the materials have significantly different thicknesses. A discreet caulk line often hides lippage.
- Ensure proper overhang space is accounted for in the design if planning for a backsplash overhang.
- Protect surfaces thoroughly during all installation steps. Cover countertops fully and keep backsplash work zones contained.
- Inspect each stage carefully for damage before moving onto the next. Address any issues immediately to prevent worsening over time.
Common Backsplash and Countertop Combinations
Certain backsplash and countertop pairings work especially well together aesthetically. Some top options include:
Tile Backsplash with Quartz Countertops
The durability and stylish appearance of quartz make it a fantastic countertop choice. Paired with a ceramic or porcelain tile backsplash, it allows tons of design flexibility. Vivid mosaic tiles offer contrast next to a solid quartz slab.
Marble Backsplash and Marble Countertop
For a luxurious and seamless look, installing marble slabs on both the backsplash and countertops is stunning. The coordination of patterns and veining creates beautiful flow. A matching overhang can further accentuate marble’s elegance.
Glass Sheet Backsplash with Concrete Countertops
Concrete’s organic, earthy nature gains delightful contrast from sleek glass backsplash sheets. The glass adds light and sheen, accentuating the industrial-chic vibe of concrete countertops beautifully. Glass comes in various colors to complement the concrete.
Metal Backsplash with Butcher Block Countertops
The warmth and texture of wood countertops is fantastically offset by a backsplash using metal like stainless steel, copper, or tin. The inherent compatibility between natural wood and industrial metal makes for a winning combination.
Stone Slab Backsplash with Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone’s solid gray coloration and gentle mottling pair wonderfully with backsplash slabs of stone like marble, travertine, or limestone. The tonal and textural alignment creates a cohesive yet interesting aesthetic.
The Verdict: Countertops First
While each approach offers advantages, installing the countertops first provides the most benefits for a streamlined kitchen renovation. With precise backsplash measurements assured, damage risks minimized, and efficient coordination enabled, starting with the countertops typically yields ideal results. It allows both installations to be completed to the highest standards.
Discuss your preferences with your contractor to decide what order works best for your specific kitchen layout and materials. With proper planning and protection, your stunning new backsplash and countertops will come together beautifully!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should the backsplash go over the countertop?
The backsplash can extend slightly over the countertop edge for a dramatic floating look. However, take care that the overhang size does not make the backsplash prone to cracking or compromise its structural integrity. Overhangs wider than 1-2 inches require very thick and durable backsplash material.
Should the backsplash be installed before or after cabinetry?
The backsplash should be installed after cabinets and countertops are in place. This allows the backsplash to be measured and cut to fit the cabinet and countertop configuration precisely. Installing cabinets and/or countertops after the backsplash risks damaging the backsplash.
How is a backsplash installed?
Backsplash tile is adhered to the wall using thinset mortar adhesive. The tiles are cut as needed to fit the space, using a wet saw or tile cutter. Once all whole and cut tiles are applied, grout is applied between tile joints. The grout is cleaned once dry, completing the finished backsplash.
Should the backsplash match the countertop?
The backsplash does not have to exactly match the countertop, though some coordination is recommended. Contrasting colors or patterns between the backsplash and countertop can look more disjointed versus a more cohesive tonal scheme. But matching every detail isn’t essential for a great design.
What’s the standard backsplash height?
The most common backsplash height is 4 inches, extending up from the countertop surface. However, the backsplash can be designed as tall as desired, even running all the way up to the underside of wall cabinets. Full height backsplashes are popular, offering complete wall protection.
Can you have a backsplash without a countertop?
It is not recommended to install a backsplash without an accompanying countertop underneath. The countertop provides essential structural support at the base of the backsplash. Without this support, the backsplash materials would be prone to cracking, detachment, and water damage.
Conclusion
The ideal order for installing backsplashes and countertops stirs much debate. While each approach carries pros and cons, countertops first offers the clearest advantages. Starting with the countertops allows precise backsplash sizing, protection from damage, efficient coordination, and superior visualization. Together with careful planning, high-quality materials, and professional installation, your kitchen renovation can proceed seamlessly for a stunning final result!