Every homeowner has a laundry list of remodeling projects they would like to tackle. From installing a new pool in the backyard to a brand new kitchen, deciding which one to do first can dominate your priority list. If you choose to make the kitchen remodel your first option, a whole new host of critical interior design decisions opens up that you need to consider.
So Which Comes First — the Countertops or the Backsplash?
Homeowners embarking on a new kitchen remodeling endeavor have multiple decisions they need to make. Everything from the materials they use, the color scheme, and whether or not it will be a full remodel are all factors they need to make. Among those considerations is a question that they may not have high on their list but can have lasting effects on your remodel — do you install the counters or backsplash first?
Long Ranging Repercussions
The answer to this particular question will influence every aspect of your kitchen. Colors schemes, materials, and more can get significantly influenced by your counters and backsplash. Having even a vague idea of what you want these to look like impacts every aspect of your remodel — sometimes in ways you couldn’t anticipate.
Before you start the remodeling process, you will have long discussions with your designer about different natural stone countertop materials and kitchen backsplash tile ideas. While you may have these essential details hashed out to the point where it shouldn’t matter if you do one before the other, the success of your kitchen renovation can rely on the order in which you install the materials.
Does It Matter Which Goes In First?
Kitchen remodels can quickly become a tricky proposition. Homeowners do their best to complete the remodels as swiftly and efficiently as possible without disrupting their lives. Some schools of thought regarding countertop and backsplash remodel say installing your tile backsplashes first and extending them below where the counters go can provide additional support. Still, you can also rectify that by adding support for your granite countertops first.
In the end, installing your kitchen counters first offers the rest of your remodel a set starting-off point. The new focal point of your kitchen or bath influences the other decisions you make throughout your remodel and provides that guiding design light you need throughout the process.
Why You Should Start With The Kitchen Counters
When you need an answer to “should I remodel the countertops or the backsplash first,” understanding the hows and whys behind the importance of your counter space is crucial. Your kitchen remodel requires careful planning and acute attention to detail to help make the process as smooth as possible. Your contractors have a general idea of how they want to proceed, and you can help give them a more definitive answer by emphasizing your countertops.
It’s a Sensible Place to Start
The first reason you should start with the kitchen countertops is practicality. Your kitchen is one of the primary focal points of your home. Having new granite or quartz countertops installed can help ease the transition into your new kitchen and reduce how often you have to order out during the remodeling process.
It’s the Backbone of Your Kitchen
Whether you’re food prepping for the week or making dinner for your family, most of the cutting, rationing, and cleaning happens on your countertops. As the backbone of your kitchen, your counters have to offer enough versatility to handle all your appliances, cutlery, hot pots, and more — all while being one the eye-catching focal points of the entire space.
You Have More Options for the Backsplash
Starting with your countertop options opens up your remodel to greater optionality. As you begin the remodel, getting the countertops done first allows you the chance to make on-the-fly changes that can directly affect how your kitchen wall tile gets installed.
Getting your countertops set first allows you to make crucial decisions about your incoming backsplash placement, layering, and color choices. It’s a new opportunity to unify your kitchen features and establish a unique and clean look across the entire kitchen.
You Can Address the Seam Between the Two Easily
With any remodel comes the little details that bring the final vision together. In the case of installing your counters and backsplash, that last finishing touch is the seam between the two materials. If you mishandle the seams, your project could become an eyesore. If you install the backsplashes first, the spacing between these two can become wonky, making sealing the seam more difficult.
Installing the counters first allows you greater control and flexibility over the seams. You can more readily apply caulk instead of more gout. Caulk can withstand more stress and is less likely to crack over time.
The Case for Doing Backsplashes First
In most cases, installing the countertops before the backsplash makes the most sense. However, in some cases doing the backsplash before the countertop may make more sense for your particular situation. It all comes down to what you want as the focal point of your kitchen. While most kitchens have the countertops become the stylistic draw of the kitchen, it’s not the only approach you can take to your installation.
When a Backsplash Captures Your Imagination
Sometimes, a particular backsplash speaks to your core, and you absolutely fall in love with it. If you decide to do the countertops before installing your dazzling design, the materials might clash with each other and ruin your vision. In cases like these, the order in which you instill these vital components of your remodel truly matters.
By installing the backsplash first, you can find a counter option that feels complementary instead of competing for attention. You can properly emphasize the striking backsplash design you fell in love with and find a countertop that doesn’t make your kitchen feel busy. Staying tonally consistent with the color scheme can help offset any potential issues with multiple focal points jockeying for attention.
How Counters Influence Backsplashes
Your remodel’s purpose should involve getting your kitchen set up the way you’ve always wanted. Everything from the cabinets to the appliances, countertops, and backsplash should have complementary colors that fit the overall theme. The countertop selections can also influence the variety of backsplash styles available.
Kitchen backsplash ideas and inspiration can come in many forms. The style options are endless, including checkered patterns, solid colors, and multiple other styles that can perfectly complement or contrast with your countertops.
Installing your backsplash after your countertops allows you to call any audibles that may be needed as you go through the kitchen design remodel. Rarely does everything go as planned, so having a degree of flexibility to make changes on the fly can prove beneficial to your project.
The Suburban Marble & Granite Difference
For some homeowners, answering whether you should remodel the countertop or the backsplash first feels overwhelming. It’s the first decision on a long list that impacts every aspect of your vision. Having a countertop contractor that you can trust to guide you through every step of the process becomes critical.
Transforming your kitchen remodel from a dream into a reality is a multi-step process requiring an expert team to bring the project to fruition. You need a company with years of experience and knowledge to handle the sudden developments that can arise during the remodel. Suburban Marble & Granite can help make your new countertop and backsplash installation go as smoothly as possible.
We have extensive experience working with homeowners to build their dream kitchen remodels. Our contractors understand the relationship between countertops and the backsplash and provide our customers with their choice styles.
Contact our team to get a free estimate and schedule an appointment today!
