Large gap between counter and backsplash

[birdographer]

I don't know if anyone will have any thoughts on this but I'll ask. We had a terrible contractor here to redo our kitchen. Part of the problem is that in places (one long stretch on one side of the kitchen, short bit in a corner of the other side) there is a large gap between the counter (laminate) and backsplash, 3/4" in some areas. He had planned to put down backing rods and then caulk over it. That wide an area of caulking, and only in a couple of places, does not appeal. [Note: I can't talk to him about this because he is no longer on the job.] We found that there were some recommendations to use short (top to bottom, not length) molding around the entire kitchen countertop, making it more uniform and covering the gap. While we can paint it to match the countertop and backsplash, we are concerned because one section of it goes behind the sink and faucet, an area that can get wet. We aren't sure what to do about this, never encountered it before (but then again, never had such an unskilled contractor before). Any ideas for what would be best? We can't afford anything major, we need to work with what we have been left with.

[dweller]

1. Hmmm

Just for grins … take a 2’ level and check counter from front to back …
Is it level, or are the counters lower in the back ?
🤔


✌🏻

[birdographer]

8. They are level n/t

[OAITW r.2.0]

2. one option might be 2" 1/4 round molding.

That would cover the gap and wouls=d be flar against the countertop and the backsplash. Use a clear silicone to seal for water.

here's a link...couldn't find 1" x 1" on the website - largest is 3/4 x 3/4, but it might be available at other lumber supply stores. Available in wood or plastic.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TRIMFINITY-WM-105-3-4-in-x-3-4-in-x-96-in-EcoPoly-Interior-Polystyrene-Quarter-Round-10001969/204188256

[Phoenix61]

3. How is the back splash attached to the wall?

How expensive is it? Best way would be to carefully remove the backsplash and install a backer to push the backsplash out to cover the gap. A 1x4 should work although you may have to rip it so it’s not higher than the backsplash.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. The countertop should have been scribed against the backsplash or wall, but have you

considered using a PVC molding that would repel water?

[Timewas]

5. That is

A pretty big gap3/4 inch is almost as wide as some back splashes and would be really thin if scribed to the wall. Any trim you try to use is going to almost cover the top of the parts that are against the wall as they should be but that seems to be the best answer.. I would get some 3/4 round trim and see how it looks..

[Warpy]

6. You can get composite molding that is pretty impervious to water

It is pre primed in white, ready to take whatever paint you want to put onto it. It's either that or have the countertops redone by someone who can read a tape measure, probably more money than you want to throw at it at this point.

You might need to dab more paint on it behind the faucet from time to time, but the water won't damage the molding.

[birdographer]

10. Can't afford another guy

We were wondering about vinyl molding but that may be the PVC you are talking about. We have done a lot of grouting and caulking in our day (we were grouting and caulking when this clown was in eighth grade handing in his homework), but never encountered anything like this (because we grasp the concept of measuring).

[Hassin Bin Sober]

7. Can you post a picture?

Is the wall material drywall? Is this behind the one-piece laminate backsplash?

[birdographer]

9. Picture?

I haven't posted a picture here for awhile, let's see if this works.

[img][/img]

Ok, that worked. This is the view down the wall behind the sink. It's about 1/2" here. I misspoke, husband now says closer to 1/2 all the way across.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

11. Ooof. Did he install the tile backsplash first before countertop installation?

Is that countertop actually laminate? It looks like a solid surface?? But hard to tell

A piece of trim would look like crap. Caulk not much better.

If that was solid surface countertop I would have a 4 inch backsplash made. Although that might not fit behind the sink. And I prefer no countertop backsplash when there is tile involved but some people like that “applied backsplash” look.


Without seeing the entire layout, the countertop might be able to be kicked back that half inch but that would require grinding out the tile and globs of thinset where the counters is currently touching. The countertop attachment(s)would have to be removed. This wouldn’t work if the counter turns a corner and has to be tight up against a stove/oven or end of a cabinet.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

12. Like this. If laminate and you can get a match

[Luciferous]

13. Wow that is some shoddy work! What about

a quarter round or pencil tile that matches the backsplash?

[birdographer]

14. Funny you should mention that

We have a local handyman who is *supposedly* very good coming out tomorrow to look at this mess. I described it to him and sent a photo. Among his suggested alternatives to having the kitchen with wide swaths of grout next to normal amounts of grout was to use a trim tile all around, and he even mentioned the pencil tile.

I would feel buoyed after talking to him on the phone, but I also felt great upon first meeting the clown.

I did manage to patch all the areas where he tore too much of the painted wall surface and left us with drywall showing--lucked out with matching paint. So that's nice.

[Luciferous]

15. I think it's probably the easiest option at

this point and shouldn't be too expensive. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. Hopefully the new handyman can get everything fixed.