Counter top decision, backsplash or not

[bweldon]

I had a countertop made and we did a dry fitting before painting to see how it fit. I didn't intend to have a backsplash but the cabinet maker I used made one for it since the original one had it. I kinda like it without but the wife likes it with. i may have just answered my own question LOL. I guess I'm womdering what the thoughts are on what looks better. Do I need to be concerned about the backsplash to counter caulking tearing loose with the flex in the trailer or not that big of a deal? Or just don't use caulking for this? Thoughts?

Barry

[Jim Foster]

The backsplash will look good. I think it looks more finished.
If you seal the counter top against the wall as you install it, then seal the backsplash where it meets the counter and along the top at the wall, I would think the chance of water getting into the wall would be greatly decreased.

Just a thought.

[Foiled Again]

BTW I like your sink, is it enameled metal or ceramic?

I'd go "with" the backsplash. BUT here's a thought. I used to have a built in knife holder in a backsplash. The prior owner of the house had routed 3/8" deep knife slots in the back of the splash. The knives are immediately available, yet safe.

Paula

[Joe Palmieri]

I am in favor of the backsplash. It's purpose is to keep any runaway liquids from finding their way into spots that make it impossible to clean them up. To me a countertop looks unfinished without a backsplash.

[kswelsh]

I agree - go with the backsplash.

[bweldon]

I appreciate the responses. I think I like the look without but I believe having it is more practical, form vs function I guess for me. I don't know how much flex there is when the trailer is moving down the road but wonder if a line of caulking at the backsplash to counter interface will hold up.

Foiled Again,
The sink is ceramic that I got from Ikea. It is heavy at 37 lbs. Had I know it was that heavy I might have chosen different. The framing seems to hold it fine so just added overall weight to the trailer. I like your idea about the knife holder, you've got me thinking.

Barry

[m.hony]

Backsplash!

[AdamFL]

Check out SmartTiles for the backsplash. I used over the existing wall and then trimmed the gap out with 1/4 90 degree aluminum stock, polished and clear coated. They are easy to install and look like glass tiles but are plastic and will flex, and are very light. Available from Depot/lowes website.

[bweldon]

Adam,

I have seen these and really like them. How easy did they fit over any places where you had to go over a rivet? Did that cause any problems?

Barry

[SmokelessJoe]

Barry,

Nice kitchen. Here's mine:



You need a back splash, if for no other reason than to fill the gap, giving it a finished look.


Sergei

[SmokelessJoe]

Sorry, wrong photo:

[Rollster]

Beautiful kitchen, Smokeless!

[truckasaurus]

I'll play devil's advocate. I scribed mine to fit and caulked, I like the more contemporary look.

[AdamFL]

Originally Posted by bweldon

Adam,

I have seen these and really like them. How easy did they fit over any places where you had to go over a rivet? Did that cause any problems?

Barry

They are very forgiving. I just did some rough sanding and wiped down with acetone and stuck them on. So far so good. Very easy to work with. I will try and get some photos up.

[ALUMINUMINUM]

First and foremost, do what the boss wants.



Backsplash looks fine.



Otherwise, most any laminate shop will have metal coving in stainless or aluminum, a bead of silicone under its foot seals against spills. The concealed mounting flange of the cove metal will attach to wall or countertop.




I used 5052 .032 for kitchen walls. Plain, boring, but covered all my fish-wire holes, and relocated infrastructure mods.


The countertop “tearing loose” doesn't happen if installed appropriately.

[truckasaurus]

What a cool cabinet, the inset sink area looks clever.

[bweldon]

Aluminuminum,

Is that the metal coving your talking about in the pics. I really like that and your setup looks really nice.

[ALUMINUMINUM]

Thanks, The sink base is complex.


The cove profile looks like this. Most any laminate shop has it in stock. It”s on-line too, New York Metal aluminum cove.


Sink base and across aisle refrigerator cabinet have different sized blue, red, white Ikea “trofast” tubs that slide in 1/2” channel. Function as drawers, but removable and have lids. Refrigerator sits atop streetside wheelhouse, also has toe-kick to wheelhouse.

Cat food size tubs store atop the sink base wheelhouse. Plenty of toe-kick for big feet. Three group 27 batteries fit under converter panel(unfinished in photo). Batteries load in through re-purposed former refrigerator outside access.

[ALUMINUMINUM]

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[Gene]

The caulk will break free as the walls move differently than the countertop. Caulk anyway to keep out water as best as possible, then get some aluminum L channel, screw it to the backsplash with stainless screws and it will move along the countertop, but you can't see that theres been movement.

Gene