Why We Added a Backsplash To our Range (+ How the Paneling is Holding Up)

THE FARMHOUSE

It’s been a few months since we finished our Farmhouse kitchen remodel, but we still had one big lingering project (well a couple, but who’s counting): the range backsplash. BlueStar’s manual recommends adding a backsplash to the range if you have a flammable material behind the range, so we ordered a 6” integral backsplash from them. And I’m surprised to say, I don’t hate it. In fact, I don’t hate it at all!

The Grit and Polish - adding a backsplash to our range (+ how our paneling is holding up)

our Farmhouse kitchen | sources here

are you required to have a Backsplash?

That’s a tricky question to answer. Because different municipalities have different code requirements and different stove manufacturers have different recommendations. We read our BlueStar’s manual and followed their recommendations.

This backsplash was ordered directly from BlueStar (through Albert Lee in Seattle, which is where we bought the discounted range at) and Garrett installed it in about 20 minutes last weekend. On the negative side, it was expensive. Like some $400 expensive. if we had known we’d need it, we probably would have given more thought to adding a marble slab backsplash behind the range (which was our original plan before our stone manufacturer stopped stocking marble). But c'est la vie.

The-Grit-and-Polish---Farmhouse-Kitchen-Backsplash-16.jpg

The-Grit-and-Polish---Farmhouse-Kitchen-Backsplash-5.jpg

Do we like the new look?

I’ve been promoting ranges without backsplashes for years (we waited in line for 4 hours to snap this one up at a warehouse sale)! They don’t break up the line of the countertop like the ones with backsplashes do and there’s an inherent higher-end feel about them. At least that’s what I thought. But honestly I don’t hate this backsplash. I don’t hate it at all. It’s actually kind of nice for cooking as it gives a back edge to the stove top. And I think it gives the range a we-actually-cook-on-this-stove-it’s-not-just-for-looks vibe.

You can see what the range looked like before we added the backsplash here.

The-Grit-and-Polish---Farmhouse-Kitchen-Backsplash-7.jpg

The-Grit-and-Polish---Farmhouse-Kitchen-Backsplash-3.jpg

how is the paneling holding up?

One of the questions we get asked about most is how the paneling is holding up behind the range, behind the faucet, and in general. And honestly, it’s held up great! We’ve had zero issues with it. No water damage. No heat damage. No kid damage. We’re still super happy we used it!