Tile backsplash when there is existing countertop backsplash

I have a little different idea for you to consider. I used textured wallpaper on my back splash and it looks so pretty. The best part is it's easy to find, inexpensive compared to tile, easy to hang, is paintable so you can paint it any color to coordinate with your existing kitchen colors and everyone who sees it just has to touch it and comment on how pretty it looks. They have tons of different patterns to choose from to suit any ones taste. It comes in a roll like wallpaper but has the texture and feel of puff paint on a thick paper background . I used a texture paper that sort of looks like a fine textured knock down sheet rock wall then painted mine once dry a sage green color to match the upper walls in my kitchen. I have chair rails on the walls in my kitchen with a pretty rose print border then a dark tan color from chair rail down to the baseboards. Another good thing about using this thick wallpaper is you won't have to replace all your outlet and switch boxes to extend them out like you would if you put up regular tile and the paper is thick enough to hide any minor flaws in your walls. I even have this wall paper on my formal dining room ceiling in a pressed tin pattern and it is beautiful. You can keep the back splash that you have and bring the wall paper down to meet it. I've had my back splash wall paper up for several years and it still looks as pretty as the day I put it up. It's easy to wash with a wet dish rag or sponge but I don't use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on it. Just a little down and warm water takes anything off it. I used regular wall paper glue to hang it with and smoothed it out with a plastic car bondo spreader but you can use a wallpaper brush just as well. BEWARE make sure your wall paper is the kind that looks like puff paint sitting on a paper surface not the wall paper that looks like the designs are pressed through from the backside of the paper. You can tell the difference by gently pushing your fingernail into the design. If the design doesn't have a little bit of spring to it or leaves a dent that doesn't slowly rise once you lift your nail off it it's probably the pressed design pattern. This paper stretches to much and is much harder to hang. Another fool proof way to tell the difference in these wall papers is if you can see the back side of the paper the pressed paper will have the surface design in it in reverse where the good kind of wall paper will have a flat smooth back side.

I also think using ceramic or stone tiles especially tumbled stone would look beautiful as well and I'd take your existing back splash off and bring the wall tile all the way down to the counter top. If using the wall paper I'd keep your back splash as is and bring the wall paper down to it. Hope this helps! Just another option to consider.

Leave what you have and sculpture the rest. Joint compound with a simple swirl would be nice. You need to practice prior to doing the kitchen if you wish to do it yourself. Once it dries you can paint it the color of your choice.

You've had lots of thoughts/opinions already. To add mine, I vote to leave your current backsplash in place and add tile above. Really, though, you should do what makes you happy. My sister gets a picture in her head and nothing will suit until she achieves it, cost bedamned. Me, I'm a frugal-and-least-resistance kind of gal so that's what sparks my suggestion. You do have a lovely kitchen and whatever you decide will only make it better. Hope you show us your end results.

I think it would be better to keep the wall bare like it is, and you can find out latest kitchen backsplash ideas easily from here http://ow.ly/mvhN30aGCxV this will help you to get the best thing to do.

I have the same issue. I am trying to decide if this would be ok. We have 6 inch granite backsplash and I want subway tile. I have it tacked up there to get an idea of how it would look.

We removed the 4" granite piece that was part of our backsplash and I love the results! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/backsplashes/backsplash-and-4-granite-removal-29977413

Tile over it

In our area it’s quite common to tile down to the existing backsplash, or even just the area between the cabinets and the backsplash, which is quite nice. Because there is not much wall that needs to be done and this is a small kitchen, you will want to avoid loud and busy colors and designs. Let your accessories (like those bright red flowers!) provide seasonal color.

A small 1x2” tile on a mosaic layout in a solid one color brick pattern would look really pretty here. See if you can find the same color as the floor. Use the same color grout.

Change the fabric over the sink to a valance with a solid color and level the top of it even with the tops of the adjacent cabinets.

This uniformity will help with resale.

Hope this helps.

We just went through this and I wanted to remove our granite backsplash and add subway tile BUT when the installers came, it turned out the granite counter didn't go all the way to the wall, (the backsplash covered a gap between wall and counter) so IF we tiled to the counter, there would be a gap. UGH. So we left the granite backsplash and tiled above it. Black grout going in today (pendant lights still off, stove out) but you get the idea....(notice in the photo with installers, there are items on the counter and you can't even see the backsplash, so I think it will work beautifully) Bottom line, you can make either work for you!

Can you post which way you decided to go? My kitchen is very similar and I’m curious what you ended up doing or if you left it as is.

I think Kitchen looks great as it is, but if you wanted to you could put one above the standup!

Hi Kate, hope this helps you out. You can add tile above the existing countertop backsplash. Many countertops come with a partial backsplash that extends 4 to 6 inches above the surface of the countertops. This feature, typical with laminate, granite and solid surface countertops, generally consists of the same material as the countertop. If you'd prefer your backsplash to extend up to the bottom of the cabinets, simply add tile starting at the top of the existing backsplash.

Choose from tiles made from faux tin or other metals, glass mosaic or traditional ceramic in colors that complement your existing backsplash and countertops. Use a bead of tub-and-tile caulk between the top of the existing backsplash and your first row of tile to seal out moisture

You can remove the small backsplash you have and then tile.

You mean a tile backsplash above the countertop extension? No. And I would not suggest doing a countertop extension at all. Look at pics of tile backsplashes with a clean countertop that does not extend 4" up the wall. So much cleaner and updated look so the 4 inch back splash really dates a kitchen.

You could use Perspex (Plexiglass) or Tile or Mosaic or Tile covers or Sticky backed Plastic - Contact, Cork tiles, Old Coins, Bottle Tops, Fabric, Wallpaper etc.

I've seen many homes with tile above the countertop edge. I would take it all the up on the cabinet end as well I think.

I wonder what was decided about the backsplash? The question was first posted over 10 years ago, so seems those offering advice now is strange. Could the original poster let us know what they did and maybe provide a picture? Thanks! :)

Go to Floor and decor and look at their sheet tiles. You can definitely install above the 4 inch border. or Take off the border and install tiles all the way down.

Beautiful kitchen, I'm not sure you should be concerned with the transition between your countertops backsplash and a wall backsplash! This can be easily accomplished by the grout color!

Based on your overall design and lines I've collected several suggestions for you! Keep in mind you can mix and match some of the tiles to create a custom pattern. There's also companies that will create custom tiles to create the pattern you want. Of course this will all depend on your budget.

The majority of the tiles I attached are available through Lowe's, Home Depot, Etsy and Amazon.

Hope this sparks an idea for you!