How High Should Backsplash Go: Pro Tips From A Designer

In this post I’ll answer the question: how high should backsplash go in a kitchen and a bathroom.

When you’re building a new house or planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, you should decide on how high you want the backsplash as soon as possible.

Because how high the backsplash goes will be a critical part of planning the overall design of the room!

So let’s talk about the different backsplash heights, from the builder grade standard to the full slab height options.

How high should backsplash go in the kitchen and bathroom?

Backsplash is important because it helps protect your walls from splashing and splatter that can stain the paint, or even worse, create water damage.

So, there are several things you need to think about when you’re deciding how high to take the backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom:

1. Is this an area that could get splashed by water easily?
2. Is this an area that food or oils could splatter?
3. Step back and look at the wall – what are the sight lines and what do you want to see or hide when you look at the backsplash wall?
4. Are there going to be cabinets? Open shelves? A ventilation hood?
5. Are there going to be mirrors? Lighting? Other wall decor?
6. What’s the overall style of the room?

The overall height of the backsplash will depend on how you answer these questions about your space.

For example, in a kitchen with upper cabinets, I’d recommend a backsplash height to be carried to the bottom of the cabinets, which is usually 18 to 20 inches.

But it’s tough to give a one-size-fits-all answer to how high should a backsplash be!

So, let’s dive into the 3 most common heights here: Standard, Extended, and Full Height/Slab.

What is the standard backsplash height?

The standard backsplash height is typically between 4 to 6 inches above the countertop.

This is the height of a backsplash that you’ll see in a lot of builder grade homes or flip homes. And the most common way this is done is by using a 4 inch ledge of the same countertop material.

It’s the most inexpensive way to do backsplash.

This standard height is used most often in bathrooms where the vanity countertop extends just 4 inches up the wall. But sometimes this small backsplash is also used in kitchens.

The problem with standard height backsplash is that it isn’t really the best aesthetic choice and it still leaves a lot of your wall exposed to potential splashes that can stain the paint.

What is extended backsplash height?

An extended backsplash height – sometimes called cabinet height backsplash – will go up higher on the wall and typically end at the bottom of whatever is on the wall.

This is the *sweet spot* answer to when most people ask, “how high should kitchen backsplash go”.

So in a kitchen, an extended backsplash could reach to the bottom of the upper cabinets, the bottom of the ventilation hood, or the bottom of open/floating shelves.

In a bathroom, an extended backsplash would reach from the vanity countertop to the bottom of the mirrors.

If you’re wanting to make sure your wall is fully protected from any splatter but you’re still wanting a more affordable option, an extended backsplash that is 18 or more inches high is going to be the best choice.

What is a full height backsplash?

Full height backsplash is exactly what it sounds like: it extends fully to the ceiling.

A full height backsplash will provide the most protection from splatter AND make more of a visual statement as the focal point in a space.

In a kitchen, a full height backsplash would extend from the countertop all the way to the ceiling, being cut to go around any upper cabinets. If there’s a ventilation hood or open shelving, those would be placed on top of the backsplash.

In a bathroom, a full height backsplash would go from the vanity countertop to the ceiling and any mirrors or sconces would sit on top of it.

The only downside of a full height backsplash is the cost.

Depending on what kind of material you’re using, you could be spending a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars more on materials and installation labor costs by bringing the backsplash all the way up to the ceiling.

What about a full height marble backsplash?

The biggest trend right now is to use a full height SLAB backsplash. This solid piece of stone has no grout lines and blends seamlessly from the countertop all the way up the wall.

The idea is that you use a slab of the same countertop stone – so marble, quartz or quartzite.

You could potentially use a granite slab as well, but it’s not as popular.

If you’re thinking about using a slab backsplash, know that IT WILL BE PRICEY!

And it will require extra work to install support rods within the wall because putting one giant slab of stone vertical on a wall is a lot heavier than grouting smaller tiles.

So, keep your budget in mind when thinking about using a slab backsplash. If you don’t want to go full height, you could choose an extended height slab backsplash instead and still make quite the statement without spending as much.

Full height marble backsplash creates a stunning focal point and is easier to clean since there are no grout lines.

An interior designer’s recommendation on high should backsplash go in your home

Ok so to sum it all up, the ideal backsplash height will really depend on your budget and style.

As a designer, here’s what I’d recommend for most homes:

• Go with a standard height backsplash if you’re working with a lower budget. This is more practical and common in a bathroom. Then, you could splurge a little and do a higher kitchen backsplash height.
• Choose an extended height backsplash of 18 inches or more if there’s more wiggle room in your budget and you want to create more of a visual statement.
• Do a full height slab or tile backsplash if you can swing it financially and want to get the most bang for your buck! You will never regret going full height!