I am remodeling my kitchen and trying to decide on the size of my backsplash. Is a 4-inch backsplash big enough?
Don’t do a 4-inch backsplash when using slabs or solid surface countertops. The 4-inch backsplash was designed by the laminate industry in the 1940s. Unfortunately, many retailers carry this measurement over to slabs, but 4 inches is often not effective for catching splashes.
Fabricators charge a lineal foot price for those backsplashes, so save your money and spend it on a material that will cover the whole back wall under the cabinets. By refinishing that whole wall up to the bottom of the cabinet, you will have a larger area to catch the splashes.
It’s also worth noting that vertical surfaces draw the eye to them before horizontal surfaces do, so backsplashes can become a fetching focal point or create the theme for a room. — Jan Neiges, certified kitchen and bath designer with the National Kitchen and Bath Association. She’s available through the Sterling Design Center of Valley ACE Hardware in Westcliffe, 719-783-9333.
To “Ask the Experts” your design and remodeling questions, send e-mail to marina@denverdesign.com. Responses are compiled for Room by the Denver Design District, or 303-282-3226.
