Backsplash behind the range: ideas that are easy to live with

The wall behind the range is the natural focal point of most kitchens. It also takes the most heat and grease. The best designs look great and wipe clean.

Feature tile

A patterned or handmade tile behind the range, with a quieter tile elsewhere, draws the eye without making the whole kitchen busy. Frame it with a trim or stop it at the hood for a defined panel. Browse backsplash tile.

A full slab

Running the countertop material up the wall behind the range gives a clean, grout-free surface that is the easiest to clean. Quartz, quartzite and porcelain slabs all work. See countertops and fabrication.

Pot filler and ledges

A pot filler or a narrow stone ledge for oils fits naturally here. Both need planning before tile: the water line or ledge support goes in the wall first. See the pot filler guide.

Heat and grease

Tile, stone and porcelain handle heat well. Avoid wood and other combustible finishes right behind a cooktop. Glossy tile and fewer grout lines make grease cleanup easier, and a darker or epoxy grout hides stains. See the grout color guide.

Plan the outlets and hood

Keep outlets out of the feature area when possible, and decide the hood size first since it defines the space. Our range hood guide and backsplash calculator help, and the backsplash guide covers the rest of the wall.

Common questions

What is the easiest backsplash to clean behind a range?

A full stone, quartz or porcelain slab, because it has no grout lines. Glossy tile with narrow grout lines is next best.

How high should the backsplash go behind the range?

Most designs run it up to the underside of the hood, which frames the cooking area and protects the wall.

Can I use wood behind a stove?

It is best avoided directly behind a cooktop. Tile, stone and porcelain are the safer, easier-to-clean choices.