Deciding on the installation order of a backsplash and range hood is a common dilemma when renovating a kitchen. Many homeowners wonder whether to install the backsplash or range hood first. The order of installation impacts the final look and functionality of these two important kitchen features. In this complete guide, we will examine the pros and cons of installing the backsplash before the range hood versus installing the range hood before the backsplash.
Introduction
The backsplash and range hood work together visually in the kitchen. The backsplash protects the wall behind the cooktop and sinks. It defends against moisture, grease splatter, and staining. The range hood ventilates steam, smoke, and odors from cooking surface. It also acts as a focal point in the kitchen design.
Determining whether to install the backsplash or range hood first significantly affects the final installation. Coordinating these installations requires careful planning. In some cases, it makes more sense to install one before the other. We will explore the considerations around installing the backsplash or range hood first.
Backsplash Installation First
Installing the backsplash before the range hood has some advantages. The main benefit is it allows you to perfectly tailor the backsplash around the hood. Here are some key points about installing the backsplash prior to the range hood:
Custom Backsplash Cutting
Putting up the backsplash before the range hood enables exact backsplash cutting around the hood. After mounting the backsplash, the range hood can be placed right against it. The backsplash seamlessly integrates with the hood. Precise cuts prevent gaps between the backsplash and hood. It creates a continuous look.
Built-In Range Hoods
Backsplashes should go up before builtin range hoods. Built-in range hoods fit between cabinets. They integrate flush with the wall and cabinets. The backsplash must surround the hood space for a streamlined look.
Tile Backsplashes
Tile layouts look best when the backsplash goes up first. Tiles can be laid to fit perfectly around the dimensions of the range hood. Intricate tile patterns align neatly with built-in range hood edges. This prevents sloppy tile cuts.
Easier Installation
Installing the backsplash first makes range hood installation straightforward. The hood can simply be screwed into place over the backsplash. There is no need to meticulously cut tiles or other materials around the hood. The backsplash offers a mounting background for securing the range hood.
Clean Finished Lines
A pre-installed backsplash creates clean lines with the range hood. Joints between the backsplash and hood have minimal gaps. The installation does not look pieced together. Everything integrates seamlessly for a unified appearance.
Flexibility in Design
Putting up the backsplash first allows more creativity in backsplash design. The backsplash can use decorative trim or create patterns around the hood. Without the hood in place, the backsplash can be designed freely.
Moisture Protection
A backsplash that extends behind the range hood provides moisture protection. It seals the wall off from steam and condensation. Covering the entire area behind the cooktop prevents water damage and mold growth.
Prepping Wall Irregularities
Applying the backsplash first also conceals any inconsistencies in the wall. It can cover over dents, holes, uneven drywall seams and other flaws. The range hood then mounts over the smoothed out backsplash surface.
Disadvantages to Backsplash First
However, installing the backsplash before the range hood also has some downsides:
- It takes careful measurement and planning to cut the backsplash precisely to accommodate the range hood dimensions. Any mistakes could lead to gaps.
- The range hood cannot be used to assist with backsplash installation. Its absence complicates aligning tiles or sheets around the hood space.
- Damage can occur to the backsplash during range hood installation. The backsplash may get scratched or cracked.
- If the range hood needs to be removed later, the backsplash may have to be altered. Its custom sizing won’t fit a new range hood.
Overall, installing the backsplash before the range hood takes extra effort. It requires perfectly measured cuts and tidy application around the hood area. The end result is a tailored fit between the backsplash and range hood for a seamless look.
Range Hood Installation First
Putting in the range hood before installing the backsplash is another option. This method also has pros and cons.
Uses Hood as Starting Point
Installing the range hood first provides a starting point for backsplash installation. The hood creates a clear perimeter to work outward from when mounting the backsplash.
No Special Cutting
The backsplash material does not need any custom trimming to fit the hood. Standard backsplash sizes are simply installed around the edges of the already mounted hood.
Simplified Installation
With the hood in place, the backsplash can be easily positioned and adhered around it. The installation process is more straightforward without having to cut pieces to size.
Hood Supports Backsplash
The anchored range hood offers a solid mounting surface to press tiles or backsplash sheets against. This makes alignment and adhesion easier. The hood helps support the backsplash pieces.
Avoids Backsplash Damage
Pre-installing the hood prevents any harm to the backsplash during hood mounting. It removes the risk of cracking, scratching, or breaking the often delicate backsplash materials.
Flexibility If Hood Moves
If the range hood needs to shift positions later, the backsplash won’t be affected. The backsplash can remain intact if the hood location changes. Only the area immediately around the hood needs adjustment.
Quick Replacement
Likewise, the hood can be easily swapped out without disrupting the backsplash. A new range hood can be installed without altering the existing backsplash design or tiles.
Disadvantages to Hood First
However, installing the range hood before the backsplash also has some potential drawbacks:
- Gaps may appear between the backsplash and hood. A tight fit is harder to achieve.
- The backsplash has a more basic shape fitted around the hood. There is less opportunity for custom designs.
- Cutting the backsplash material requires careful adjustments around the hood to minimize gaps.
- Pre-existing backsplash layouts may not work well with a new hood placement.
- The backsplash cannot conceal wall flaws behind the hood.
Putting in the range hood before the backsplash takes a simpler installation process. But it sacrifices a super customized fit between the backsplash and hood. The backsplash has a more generic shape around the range hood.
Best Practices for Order of Installation
After weighing the above factors, here are some best practices for determining the order of backsplash and range hood installation:
For Built-In Range Hoods:
Install backsplash first. This allows the backsplash to seamlessly integrate within the range hood space. Built-in range hoods depend on a tailored backsplash fitting.
For Tile Backsplashes:
Install backsplash first. Tiles can be precisely cut and designed to align with hood dimensions. Intricate tile patterns look best fitted to the hood outline.
For Tricky Walls:
Install backsplash first. Backsplashes can smooth over difficult wall areas. They conceal dents, seams, previous holes for a flush hood mount.
For Stone Backsplashes:
Install hood first. Stone backsplash slabs are heavy and fragile. Mounting the hood first prevents cracking or breaking the stone during hood installation.
For Undermount Range Hoods:
Either install order works since the hood mounts to the underside of the cabinets rather than the wall. The backsplash fits around the cabinet cutout for the hood.
For Physical Support:
Install hood first. The anchored hood provides a robust base to press tiles against for easier installation.
For Quicker Installs:
Install hood first. The backsplash can be rapidly adhered around the predetermined hood position.
For Ease of Replacement:
Install hood first. A new hood can easily be swapped in without disrupting the backsplash design.
Carefully consider the style of range hood, type of backsplash, and wall conditions when deciding on installation order. In many cases for built-ins and tile, the backsplash before hood method produces optimal results. But the hood before backsplash approach also has advantages in certain situations.
Planning the Installation Order
Here are some tips when coordinating the backsplash and range hood installations:
- Check range hood and backsplash dimensions. Make sure they align and space properly within the overall kitchen layout.
- Inspect the wall area for any trouble spots that need smoothing over before installing both.
- For tile backsplashes, map out tile placements and required cuts around the hood ahead of time on paper.
- Consider the weight and fragility of backsplash materials and impact on installation order.
- Look at electrical and ducting routes for the hood and how they interact with backsplash placement.
- Use painters tape to indicate proposed locations of hood and backsplash extents on the wall.
- Examine the hood installation instructions for any guidance on integrating with surrounding surfaces.
- Get input from your contractor, interior designer, or installer on ideal order for your specific kitchen.
- Check that the range hood duct size matches cooking surface width to optimize ventilation effectiveness.
With careful advance planning, you can choose the ideal backsplash and range hood installation approach for your kitchen. Weigh how the order of installation affects the look, ease, and functionality you want to achieve.
Integrating the Backsplash and Range Hood
Here are some tips for making the backsplash and range hood coordinate seamlessly:
- Select a range hood style and finish that complements the backsplash color and materials. For example, combine stainless steel with metal mosaic tiles. Or pair an antique copper hood with natural stone backsplash slabs.
- Use trim or decorative edging tiles to bridge any gaps between the backsplash and hood. Small strips of metal trim or accent tiles disguise seams.
- Extend the backsplash height to meet the underside of wall-mounted hoods. This removes gaps and makes the transition sleek.
- Include design details in the backsplash that align with hood features. For instance, place a decorative tile border along the top to disguise any uneven cuts against the hood.
- Illuminate the range hood and backsplash with coordinated light fixtures for a cohesive look. Under cabinet lighting or LED strips enhance the hood and backsplash.
- Select a range hood with similar finishes as kitchen hardware and fixtures. Matching stainless, matte black, or bronze tones pulls everything together.
- Make the range hood and backsplash part of the overall kitchen style. Keep colors, materials, and styles cohesive.
Proper planning ensures the backsplash and range hood coordinate perfectly regardless of installation order. They should act as unified focal points in the kitchen’s style.
FAQs
What goes first backsplash or range hood?
It depends on the type of backsplash and range hood. Built-in range hoods usually require the backsplash to be installed first for an integrated fit. Tile backsplashes also benefit from installing before the hood. However, for stone backsplashes or ease of installation, installing the range hood first is often preferable.
Should you install backsplash before or after range hood?
For built-in range hoods and tile backsplashes, install the backsplash before the range hood. This allows for customized cutting and design. Backsplashes can be fit directly around the hood for minimal gaps. For undermount or chimney hoods, either order works fine.
What order do you install backsplash and range hood?
Generally, the order is:
- Measure and install the range hood according to manufacturer instructions.
- Mark the backsplash cutting lines based on the hood dimensions.
- Cut and adhere the backsplash material, making any final trims around the hood.
However, for built-in range hoods or specialty backsplash designs, the backsplash may go up before the hood.
Should backsplash go around range hood?
Yes, the backsplash should run around the edges of wall-mounted range hoods. Continuing the backsplash to meet the hood provides protection behind the cooking surface. It also gives a built-in look for the hood and minimizes gaps between the surfaces.
Should range hood vent go through backsplash?
Yes, the range hood ducting will need to penetrate the backsplash material. Cut a hole in the backsplash to match the size and location of the ducting exit. Ensure the backsplash opening aligns precisely with the vent so airflow is not obstructed.
How do you cut backsplash around range hood?
Use the range hood itself as a template to mark cut lines on the backsplash. Set the backsplash in place against the wall, lay the hood against it in the mounted position, then trace along its edges. Remove the hood and carefully cut the backsplash material (tile, metal, etc) along the lines. Make small test cuts first.
Can backsplash tile go over range hood?
Tile should not extend over the top of a range hood. The tile should stop flush with the hood edges. If tile lies over the front edge of the hood, it can interfere with ventilation. It also prevents easy access to the hood filters and lights.
How to attach range hood to tile backsplash?
Use a tile bit to pre-drill holes through the tile where the hood mounting bracket screw holes align. This prevents cracking the tile. Insert wall anchors into the drill holes. Then attach the range hood tightly to the tiles and backerboard using screws driven into the anchors. Be careful not to apply so much pressure that tiles crack.
Conclusion
Determining whether to install the backsplash or range hood first significantly impacts the final look of these important kitchen features. For built-in range hoods and tile backsplashes, installing the backsplash first allows for maximum customization and a tailored fit. The backsplash can be precisely aligned and cut around the hood. However, installing the range hood first also has advantages in some cases, providing a solid anchoring point and simplified installation. Carefully consider the types of backsplash and hood along with kitchen layout when deciding on order. With proper planning, the backsplash and range hood can form a coordinated focal point in the kitchen regardless of which goes up first.