Deciding where to end your backsplash behind the stove is an important design consideration that impacts the look and function of your kitchen. Get it right, and your backsplash will beautifully frame your stove and protect your walls. Make the wrong call, and you could end up with splatters on your paint, or a disjointed look between your backsplash and wall.
When determining where to stop backsplash behind a stove, there are a few key factors to consider:
Distance from the Stove
The primary purpose of a stove backsplash is to protect the wall from grease splatters, steam, and heat coming from the stove. For this reason, your backsplash should extend far enough behind the stove to safeguard your painted walls. Most design experts recommend extending the backsplash 18-24 inches behind the stove.
Here are some guidelines for distance:
- For a 30-inch stove, the backsplash should extend at least 18 inches behind the rear burners.
- For a 36-inch stove, the backsplash should extend at least 24 inches.
- For an extra-wide 48-inch stove, the backsplash should extend a full 36 inches or more behind the stove.
Going with a longer backsplash than the minimum recommendation is always a safe bet for better protection.
Stove Clearances
Another factor determining backsplash length is maintaining proper stove clearances to combustible surfaces. Every stove has clearance requirements printed in the manufacturer’s manual. For example, a typical minimum rear clearance is 4-6 inches from the back stove panel to the wall or backsplash.
Be sure to check your stove manual and abide by the stated clearances. Building codes also govern minimum stove clearances for fire safety.
Avoid Cutting Off Design Elements
When deciding where to end your backsplash, scan the area around your stove and look for any design elements you’ll want to incorporate. For example, if your stove is centered beneath a window, you’ll want the backsplash to extend evenly on both sides.
Or if your stove is next to a full-height backsplash or tile design, you’ll want to carry the backsplash behind the stove to match the rest of the wall. It creates an integrated look.
Conversely, if you have an ornamental range hood, you don’t want your backsplash ending abruptly halfway up the hood. It’s best to extend the backsplash all the way to the underside of the hood.
Taking note of other design elements will help prevent your backsplash from looking awkwardly short behind the stove.
Stovetop Visibility
Consider the sightlines from your cooking space. If the back wall behind your stove is highly visible from the front, you’ll want to extend the backsplash to make the area look finished.
A good guideline is to continue the backsplash at least as high as the top of your stove backguard. This provides full protection and gives the back wall a complete look.
On the other hand, if your stove is against an interior wall or island that isn’t visible from the front, you can end the backsplash at a lower point without it looking odd.
Match Backsplash Lengths
For a cohesive look, it’s usually best to extend your stove’s backsplash to the same end point as surrounding backsplashes.
For example, if you have full-height backsplashes on either side of the stove, continuing the stove backsplash to the same height makes the design consistent.
Likewise, if your countertop backsplash ends 12 inches above the counter, ending the stove backsplash at the same 12-inch height creates symmetry.
Matching backsplash lengths makes everything look coordinated.
Access Electrical Outlets
Make sure your backsplash doesn’t completely block access to electrical outlets located behind the stove. Building codes require outlets to be accessible.
Leave at least a few inches between the outlet and backsplash for plugging in stove cords. Or specify extra-long backsplash tiles to create gaps for outlet access.
Overview of Backsplash Length Guidelines:
- Extend backsplash 18-24 inches minimum behind the stove
- Check required stove clearances from your manual
- Continue backsplash to same end point as surrounding backsplashes
- Leave access room for electrical outlets
- Avoid cutting off integral design elements around stove
- Extend high enough to conceal the wall above the stove
Backsplash CONFIGURATIONS and Where to Stop Them
Now that we’ve covered the key factors for determining backsplash length, let’s look at some common stove configurations and the best backsplash stopping points…
Full Height Backsplash Behind Stove
Extending your backsplash to the full ceiling height behind the stove is a classic, foolproof option. Not only does it fully protect the wall, a full-height backsplash gives your stove area a finished, built-in look.
To create a clean transition from the stove backsplash to an adjacent side backsplash, align their top edges. Allow the side backsplash to slightly overlap the stove backsplash.
One tip if opting for a full backsplash is to use extra-durable and heat-resistant materials behind the stove. Glass, metal, or stone tiles are good choices.
Partial Height Backsplash
If you don’t want the expense or prominence of a full backsplash, another option is to extend it partially up the wall behind the stove.
For a unified look, match the height to your countertop backsplash. For example, if you have a 4 inch countertop backsplash, continuing that height behind the stove creates consistency.
When transitioning to an adjacent taller backsplash, miter the edges or decorate the seam for a streamlined look.
Backsplash Extending to Range Hood
If your stove has a range hood, extending the backsplash all the way to the underside of the hood provides full protection and looks custom-designed.
Using the same materials on the stove backsplash and hood creates a monolithic look. This treatment works especially well for minimalist wall-mounted range hoods.
Adding trim or metal edging along the top of the backsplash finishes off the transition from tile to hood.
Backsplash with Shelf Behind Stove
Another unique but functional backsplash option is adding a shelf behind the stove. The shelf provides decorative display space while also protecting more of the wall.
For this look, the lower backsplash should extend at least 20” behind the stove to catch splatters. The shelf can then begin about 30” above the cooktop.
Keep the shelf at least a few inches from the wall for proper stove ventilation. And use heat-safe materials to avoid warping.
Backsplash with Open Shelving Behind Stove
Along similar lines as a backsplash shelf, open shelving behind the stove adds style while protecting more of the wall. The lower backsplash catches immediates splatters, while shelves collect wayward steam and grease.
The backsplash should be at least 18” long behind the stove. Extending to the bottom of the first shelf provides the most shielding.
Space shelves far enough from the wall and stove for proper ventilation. At least 3 inches is recommended.
Backsplash Transitioning to Side Wall
For a clean look, integrate your stove backsplash into the design of surrounding walls. For example, if you have subway tile covering the wall behind the stove, wrap it around the side walls a few inches.
This makes the transition from the backsplash to wall seamless. Finish off the edges with trim or metal edging.
Carrying over design elements from the backsplash prevents it from looking stuck on as an afterthought.
Backsplash with Angled Side Panels
Besides wrapping a backsplash around side walls, another trick is adding angled tiles or panels to create side wings off the backsplash.
Cut the side tiles at a 45-degree angle to seamlessly fit against the wall. This treatment makes the backsplash look like a built-in part of the stove area.
Tile, marble, or stone are great wing panel materials since they integrate nicely with the backsplash and provide splatter protection.
Factors Affecting Backsplash Size Behind Stove
Beyond where to end your backsplash, there are a few other factors that dictate its size and coverage area behind the stove:
Stove Size
For adequate protection, larger stoves require a longer backsplash. Here are some recommended minimum backsplash lengths based on stove width:
- 24-inch stove: Extend backsplash at least 12 inches behind stove.
- 30-inch stove: Extend backsplash at least 18 inches.
- 36-inch stove: Extend backsplash at least 24 inches.
- 48-inch stove: Extend backsplash 36 inches or more.
Going several inches longer than the minimum is wise for wider stove models. This prevents grease splatters from hitting the unprotected wall.
Stove Fuel Type
Backsplash needs also depend on what type of stove you have. Gas stoves produce more moisture from combustion versus electric models. So extending your backsplash further behind a gas stove helps shield walls.
Since electric stoves don’t vent combustion byproducts, you can get away with a slightly shorter backsplash. But extending at least 20 inches behind is still a good practice.
Stove Features
Specific stove features like grill tops or double ovens can increase the needed backsplash coverage zone.
Models with grill tops require a backsplash reaching the full width of the grates to catch drips.
And for double oven ranges, extend the backsplash behind both oven sections since heat and splatter come from both.
Ventilation Type
Good ventilation will reduce moisture and grease on your walls behind the stove. So you may be able to get by with a shorter backsplash if you have an effective overhead range hood or strong downdraft system.
On the other hand, if you lack a vent hood, extending the backsplash as far as possible helps compensate.
Best Materials for Stove Backsplash
In addition to proper coverage, choosing backsplash materials that can withstand heat and moisture is key behind a stove. Here are some of the best options:
Metal Backsplash
Metal backsplashes are naturally heat-resistant and come in sleek stainless steel, copper, brass and tin finishes. They’re easy to clean and provide modern style. Polished metal or hammered textures suit stove backsplashes well.
Glass Tile
Made from tempered or fused glass, glass tile is very durable and heat-tolerant. Glass backsplashes withstand temperatures up to 800°F before softening. From mosaics to large slabs, glass tile comes in endless colors, prints, and textures.
Stone Backsplash
Granite, marble, and other stone types are naturally heat-proof choices safe behind stoves. Plus, the polished sheen of stones like marble, travertine, and onyx provides beautiful backsplash patterns. Just be sure your stone tiles are properly sealed.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Available widely and inexpensively, ceramic and porcelain tiles work well for stove backsplashes. Glazed ceramic tile can withstand heat better than regular wall tile. Porcelain is also tougher than ceramic. Just make sure to use tiles rated for wall rather than floor use.
Concrete Backsplash
For an industrial vibe, concrete backsplashes are durable, heat-resistant, and stylish. Stained, stamped, or polished concrete backsplashes provide a custom look. Be aware concrete can be prone to cracking unless properly sealed and reinforced.
Fireproof Boards
Backsplash boards made from fireproof materials like wonderboard or duraboard are purpose-made for heavy-use areas behind stoves. These cement boards withstand heat and moisture well. They provide a seamless and groutless look when installed properly.
Backsplash Height Considerations
We’ve covered optimal backsplash length behind stoves. Now let’s look at how high you should extend the backsplash vertically.
Standard Backsplash Height
The standard height for a kitchen backsplash is 4 inches above the counter or cooktop. This protects the wall from minor splattering.
Extending to this baseline height behind the stove is better than no backsplash. But more height provides much better protection.
Backsplash to Bottom of Vent Hood
For improved coverage, continue the backsplash to the base of the range hood or ventilation duct. This encapsulates the entire wall area above the stove that’s vulnerable to grease buildup.
Matching the backsplash height to the hood also gives a custom look.
Full Height Backsplash
Taken all the way to the ceiling, a full backsplash provides complete wall protection behind a stove. Floor to ceiling backsplashes also give a built-in look.
For open floor plans, a full backsplash prevents cooking mess from spreading to other living areas.
Partial Height Backsplash
Extending a backsplash partially up the wall – say two-thirds of the way to the ceiling – is a compromise providing more protection than a 4 inch backsplash without the cost of a full height design.
Backsplash Finishes and Details Behind Stove
Applying certain backsplash finishes or edge treatments provide added function and style behind stoves:
Bullnose Edging
Bullnose edges on backsplash tile create a smooth rounded transition between the tile and wall. This prevents sharp grout lines or tile corners from catching grease. Bullnose edging also looks more finished.
Decorative Trim
Metal, wood, or stone trim along the top backsplash edge and around outlets provides a decorator touch while concealing any uneven cuts or gaps.
Specialty Grout
Using grout containing polymers, epoxy, or silicone provides added heat and stain resistance behind stoves compared to plain cement grout.
Creative Accents
Adding creative tile patterns, medallions, or glass/stone inlays makes your stove backsplash a focal point. This extra touch dresses up the hardworking space.
Contrasting Materials
Mixing materials like combining glass and ceramic tile or adding stone or metal accents creates visual interest behind stoves. Contrasting textures also make grease and stains less visible.
Integrating Backsplashes with Countertops
Creating a smooth transition between the stove backsplash and surrounding countertops results in a seamless look:
Match Countertop Height
If your countertop backsplash is a standard 4 inches tall, making the stove backsplash the same height creates continuity. The two backsplash sections will blend together.
Coordinate Materials
Choosing stove backsplash tile or colors that complement the look of the countertops makes the two elements visually integrate. For example, pairing a granite countertop with stone backsplash tile.
Consistent Backsplash Height
Keeping the height of the backsplashes consistent where they meet at corner joints ensures an even transition.
Overlapping Tile
Allowing the stove backsplash to slightly overlap the countertop edge will conceal any gaps and account for uneven walls. Use trim or caulk for further refinement.
Continue Signatures
Carrying over a signature accent stripe or mosaic section from the countertop backsplash to the stove backsplash makes them look like one integrated surface.
Planning Backsplash Layouts Around Stoves
Carefully mapping out backsplash tile layouts results in a seamless design around stoves:
Center on Cooktop
If your range location allows, center the backsplash joint or pattern on the stove cooktop for visual symmetry. Measure out from the center to determine optimal end points.
Align with Hood or Cabinets
Aligning the backsplash layout with range hood edges or cabinetry creates orderly lines. For example, center tile grids on ventilation hoods.
Outlet Spacing
Plan tile spacing to allow room for outlets or recess boxes into the wall to maintain backsplash alignment.
Border Tiles
Using border or trim tiles along backsplash edges provides a finished frame around stove cutouts. This makes an irregular shape look intentional.
Tile Around Obstructions
Thin mosaic sheets or small tile make it easier to closely trim tiles around outlets, pipes, and other obstructions for a streamlined look.
FAQ
Where should backsplash end behind a stove?
For most 30-36 inch stoves, extend the backsplash at least 18-24 inches behind the rear burners. Full-width stoves need an even longer backsplash reaching 36 inches or more past the stove.
What material should I use behind a stove?
Heat and moisture-resistant materials like ceramic or porcelain tile, stone, metal, glass, and fireproof backer boards are best. Avoid vinyl or paper-faced backsplashes.
How high should backsplash extend behind a stove?
For full protection, continue the backsplash to at least the underside of the ventilation hood, or all the way to the ceiling. Partial heights of 18-24 inches are also common.
Should backsplash go around sides of stove?
Wrapping backsplash tile a few inches around the sides of the stove creates a finished integrated look. Add angled side panels for even more protection.
How do I cut backsplash tiles around my stove?
Make a template the shape of the stove and outline it on the tiles. Score tiles and break or cut them along lines with tile nippers. Use edge files to smooth cut edges.
Can backsplash go over a gas stove?
Yes, just maintain the proper clearance above the cooktop specified in your stove manual, usually at least 30 inches to combustibles. The backsplash can extend down to the recommended height.
What about electrical and ventilation needs behind stove?
Leave room for outlets behind backsplashes and vent spaces for range hoods or downdrafts. Center backsplashes on vent grates for the best coverage.
Conclusion
Choosing where to end your backsplash behind the stove balancing the factors of protection, height, clearance requirements, and aesthetics is key to creating a safe and stylish kitchen backsplash design.
Carefully considering your stove size, type, and configuration along with the style of surrounding kitchen surfaces will help determine optimal backsplash dimensions and materials for your space.
This allows you to protect your walls fully while integrating your backsplash seamlessly. Keeping these backsplash planning best practices in mind will let you design a functional and beautiful kitchen backdrop showcasing your stove.