A Gap Between the Granite And The Backsplash
Dear Tom;
We are having a new home built and we just had our walk-thru and I noticed that the granite countertop in one section about 1.5 ft long has a large gap (about 1/2 to 3/4 inches deep). It appears the granite installers did not properly install or properly cut the template. We have a ceramic backsplash that was also installed between the countertop and the upper cabinets and it is not covering this large gap. The builder is trying to say a strip of some sort will be placed in the edge but this defeats the purpose of the granite and tile backsplash. Is there a more cost effective way to cover this gap? We have the black and tan granite countertop and the backsplash is a tumbled ceramic in tan color. — Andrea
Hello Andrea,
What you are describing is not uncommon because of human error but it is the fault of the fabricator. It is nice of you to try to work with them and there is one suggestion that I have for your to explore.
First let me say that the strip will not look good so don’t do it.
Short of tearing the granite countertop out and starting over, you need to at least tear the tile out completely. Then, the contractor can install a 1/2″-3/4″ thick green board or cement board on the back of the wall where the tile will be installed. The tile can be installed over the board and this should cover the gap. Now then, this procedure will also require trim at all the outside splash edges. Tile can be cut to return the tile back to the wall. It can actually be a nice look when done properly because is make the tile on the splash look thicker and can give an ‘old world’ quality look. I prefer it this look, actually.
Best wishes,
Tom Cordova
