Accent tiles behind the stove and the range hood add a focal point and an attractive feature to any kitchen. The backsplash behind your range hood probably isn’t something you think about very often. However, if you’re renovating your kitchen, it can be an essential detail to consider in order to create the look you want.
Tiling behind the range hood depends on the situation at hand and will determine the final look of your kitchen’s focal point. You can go ahead and tile behind a range hood if you want the backsplash to go up to the ceiling and enhance the overall look of your kitchen.
Here are some essential tips to ensure your backsplash behind the range hood looks great, no matter what pattern or style you decide. The information in this article will help you learn more about installing a perfect backsplash behind the range hood.
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Does the backsplash go behind the range hood?
When considering whether or not the backsplash should go behind the range hood, many factors affect your decision, such as your home design, personal aesthetics, budget, kitchen size, and the look you are trying to achieve. If your budget allows and you want to tile up to your ceiling, then you can install the backsplash behind the range hood. However, many other options exist when installing a backsplash behind the cooking range and the hood.
Where to stop the backsplash behind a range hood?
A vital question you need to answer when tiling behind the hood is how high the backsplash should go behind the stove. There are many different options when putting a backsplash behind the stove. Choosing between these depends on your unique situation and how your kitchen is designed. Some possible options are:
1. Aligned with the backsplash between upper and lower cabinets
If you have a minimal budget, you can go as far up as the tiles at the back wall of the countertop between the upper and lower cabinets. It will leave a small portion of the wall empty beneath the range hood as the upper cabinets are lower than the range hood. However, it will give ample safeguard from the grease and bubbling sauce when cooking.
2. Till the lower edge of the range hood
Answering a question about the backsplash behind the stove, many users on reddit.com agreed that this option is the best if you don’t want a whole tiled wall behind the stove and range hood. If you have a stove between two windows, you can extend the backsplash to the windows and install tiles between the upper and lower cabinets as usual.
3. Up to the upper edge of the hood
Many homeowners tile behind the chimney-style range hood ending at its upper edge. It looks nice if the hood is not snuggled between the cabinets and there is some space around the hood. It will help you to easily clean up any splashes that find their way up from the hood corners. Moreover, it also imparts continuity to the backsplash instead of stopping abruptly, giving a tidier finish to the backsplash.
4. Going high up to the ceiling
The most common mistake with the backsplashes is not stopping them high enough if the design and budget allow it. Tiling up to the ceiling makes the kitchen look taller and catches your attention instantly. Using bold tiles will make everyone notice the focal point of your kitchen, i.e., the stove and the hood above it.
Do you tile before installing a range hood?
It’s usually best to install the tiles before installing a range hood, whether installing the backsplash up to the lower end of the hood or up to the ceiling. This way, you can be sure that there are enough tiles and that they’re in the proper position. Also, it warrants a neat look.
First, ensure that you have located the electrical box behind the drywall. Then you can install the tiles but do test-fit the hood first and verify that it will fit perfectly at the intended place. To be confident that the hood will fit nicely in its place, mark the mount point. It’s better to leave the anchors in the wall than tile it. It will make it easier to mount the hood over the tiles.
Tips for installing a perfect backsplash behind the range hood
Here are some effective tips for creating a kitchen with perfect tiles behind the range hood. These tips will help you get a practical yet beautiful-looking backsplash.
Select a stain-resistant material
When planning your backsplash behind the hood, it’s important to know which material will look best and last longer. The backsplash helps make the cleanup easy, so don’t go for only a decorative look but go for the material that’s easier to clean and stain-resistant. Ask for the best-selling tiles for kitchens with extensive cooking, and you are good to go.
Make your backsplash the center of attention.
The backsplash behind the range hood and between the upper and lower cabinets cover an extensive area in any kitchen. It is a natural focal point of the kitchen, so using the right style of tiles will instantly grab the attention while adding a personality to the entire space. Use the backsplash wisely to create a perfectly-styled kitchen.
Choose a natural stopping point
If you are tiling behind a range hood, the best place to stop your tiles is near the ceiling, as the backsplash will end naturally without any eyesore. However, if you are terminating the tiles above the hood and aligning them with the upper cabinets with space above it, you will need to add a trim piece or crown molding to create a neat, finished look. So, try to find a natural stopping point to avoid visual awkwardness.
Final thoughts
So, what’s the answer? Well, there isn’t an exact science to choosing where to place the backslash. It is just another one of those “it depends” scenarios. If you have a tight budget, you can install a backsplash exclusively behind the stove up till the lower end of the range hood. But if you have a large kitchen with enough bare space above the hood, it might make sense to extend the backsplash past the range hood and high up to the ceiling.
