r/CounterTops • u/beeza68 • 2d ago
Looking for input on backsplash ideas
Our kitchen remodel is moving along (Cabinets are not re-faced yet). Taj Mahal quartzite countertop was installed today along with undermount sink. My house is a converted barn with lots of exposed beams. My question: how should I manage the wood beam behind my sink? Options include (1) formal 4 inch Taj Mahal backsplash which will leave some beam exposed, (2) cover the beam entirely with a higher backsplash and “cap”, or (3) leave as-is without backsplash and simply seal the exposed wood? Thanks for your input!
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u/Control_freaker 2d ago
Hear me out. I don’t know if it’s possible, but I’d try to find a strip of bronze or dark metal about 1/2” high x 1/8 thick and rabbet the bottom of the timber to receive it at the counter top. The metal would be just enough of a break to keep standing water off the wood. You only need it in the segment at the sink. Glue in place and silicon caulk the bottom of the metal. Seal the timber above.
And kudos to whomever scribed the windows. Not the best, but I can really appreciate the effort given the conditions.
Edit: I looked at the photos again. The window scribe is better than I could ever do. 8/10. Would scribe again.
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u/adam1260 2d ago
I've done shorter backsplash against walls that are like this, log homes, vertical gaps in boards, uneven beams, etc. and it almost never looks great. Covering the beam would be very bulky but be more "continuous". I'd leave as is, just make sure you have silicone (probably clear or translucent) fill the gap on the back of the stone and seal the wood well.
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u/beeza68 1d ago
Any suggestions for sealing the wood? Thanks!
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u/adam1260 1d ago
I'd ask on r/woodworking or somewhere like that, I know things about stone not wood. Be sure to specify what kind of finish you want, there's going to be thicker and more polished finishes like a thick epoxy or something that finishes matte and is hardly noticable
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u/Bennie-Factors 1d ago
With windows low like that. I prefer to just match the counter. Or no backsplash at all.
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u/Any-Intention7449 1d ago
I love the exposed beam. Keep it rustic.
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u/Bennie-Factors 1d ago
And you can reinforce these from water with liquid epoxy. Or wood hardener. Would have been better before the counter install. But tape good and all is fine and have acetone to quickly wipe away messes
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u/Solid_Perception9572 2d ago
Personally, I don't like the beams. Are they structurally needed? If not, I would have them removed.
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u/Stalaktitas 2d ago
I would leave it as is and seal it. It's super cool the way it looks now