Getting new formica countertops - should we have back flush to or come up wall?

[WDWorld2003]

We are getting new countertops and can't decide if we should have the back of it come up the wall a few inches or if the countertop should just meet the wall. We are tiling the backsplash. Any thoughts on this? Thanks for any advice

 

[Servants of Evan]

Pros and cons to each -- if you get the back which is flared, it's easier to wipe up/contain a spill. The downside is that the flare can actually make it so you need to mount your sink farther forward than you might otherwise. If you're going to tile the backsplash area, then I would simply go with a straight counter. Remember, do not grout the seam between the counter and tile backsplash -- the counter will flex minutely and it will cause the grout to crack. Instead use a flexible caulk (silicone) for that seam.

 

[bicker]

I definitely would vote for going up the wall, as long as it is done without a seam.

 

[WDWorld2003]

Thanks - I never thought of the lip interfering with the sink. Also, I never thought of behind the stovetop - I would lose the area where I put the salt and pepper! The countertop will be flush with the wall!

 

[Lisa F]

Definitely if you are going to tile the backsplash, you want a "flat deck" which is just the countertop part and no 4" laminate backsplash. I think it's a much higher end look too as it's the detail you'd most often see with granite and solid surface countertops. IMO it looks like you always planned to have a full tiled backsplash rather than getting the off the shelf pre-moulded countertops and then adding tile on top of it.