How Tall to Make a Kitchen Tile Backsplash

Between Cabinets

• Generally, you want the tile backsplash to cover the entire space between your upper cabinets and countertop, which is usually 18 inches, according to "Workbench Magazine." Scott Gibson and Leslie Plummer Clagett from This Old House write that this gives the room a finished quality. A low backsplash, like that used in bathrooms, which usually extends 4 inches above the counter, requires you to paint or wallpaper the rest of the wall up to your cabinets. Tile, however, is much more durable and easier to clean than paint or wallpaper. This means that splatters and splashes from food prep can easily be wiped off with a multi-purpose cleaner.

Behind the Sink

• It’s especially important to have a durable backsplash behind your kitchen sink, the area most likely to get wet, but the height depends on the layout of your kitchen. If you don’t have a cabinet above your sink, you'll want to keep a straight line for the eye to travel all the way around your kitchen. If you have a window in front of your sink, as many people do, install tile on any wall space around the window up to the same height as the backsplash used between your cabinets. If you have a bar or countertop without upper cabinets behind your sink, install the backsplash up to the base of the countertop, regardless of the height of this space. Again, using the same tile, even if it extends to different heights, will create a uniform look all the way around the kitchen.

Behind the Stove or Cook Top

• Many kitchens feature a larger wall area behind the cook top or stove than that between the upper and lower cabinets. If this is the case in your kitchen, your tile backsplash should extend from the top of the stove or cook top to the base of your vent or hood. This area is very likely to get messy, and having complete coverage with tile will make it simple to clean. You also want to avoid wallpaper in this area, since it can pose a fire hazard. Many homeowners choose to install a decorative tile mosaic or design in this space to create interest in the larger area.

Other Tips

• Gibson and Clagett recommend sealing grout between tiles on your backsplash so it won’t stain or absorb water. In some cases, you will need to seal certain types of natural stone tile. When installing tile, start at the bottom of the backsplash -- or top of the counter -- and work up, cutting the last row of tile beneath the upper cabinets to make it fit.