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Full Height Backsplash & Riser Guide
This is a brief overview of what you can expect with a full height backsplash and riser. This applies to most full height projects and many projects with risers. The goal of this guide is to help prepare our customers and partners for this process.
Field Appointments
Phase 1- Measure for Countertops and Backsplash
Phase 1- Install Countertops
Phase 2- Remeasure for Backsplash
Phase 2- Install Countertops
Electrical
Electrician or Handy man may be needed. Surface Providers does not do electrical work or trim work.
The current trend is to have outlets in the wall relocated to the cabinet. This electrical rewiring work will need to be done prior to the remeasure of the backsplash.
Undercabinet lighting needs to be wired prior to install of the full height backsplash however lightning needs to be installed after full height backsplash installation.
Sometimes outlets are not secured properly and if you have backsplash demo, this may be exposed.
Electrical outlets need to be completely secured to framing before final measurements can be taken (remeasure apt indicated above).
It is the customer's responsibility to move outlets to desired location prior to final measurements.
Outlet holes are cored into the stone with a circular diamond bit as well as cut square with waterjet
Outlet covers and outlets to be reinstalled by customer, longer screws and spacers are needed, the outlet will sit in the stone.
Ranges, Hoods & Faucets
Drywall may not be sufficient, and plywood is recommended or required depending on the size of the full height. If higher than 36", plywood will almost always be required.
If stone is going near or around range or range hood, the hood or range cannot be installed until after stone is installed.
Anchoring points for range hood need to be located prior to final measurements of Full Height.
It is recommended that range hood is "dry fit" to insure it fits properly.
Oftentimes there will need to be anchoring points installed in the wall for range hood. These will need to be installed by customer.
All electrical that services the range hood will need to be pulled and decided before final measurements of backsplash.
If full height backsplash is going in or around faucet, the faucet cannot be installed until after backsplash is installed.
The installers will dry fit the fixtures for cooktops, downdrafts, stoves and faucets to insure they are accurate at the time of the countertop installation. The final hookup and connection by your contractor will need to be done after the backsplash is installed.
Cabinets
Certain trim pieces will interfere with the installation of the full height backsplash and will need to be removed by customer prior to measurements.
There will be 1/8" to 3/16" gap along the cabinets and walls for backsplash to be installed in order to get the stone pieces into place without damaging cabinets or walls.
Silicone or caulk is used to fill the gaps along the cabinets and walls.
General
There will most likely need to be patch and paint work completed by others after the backsplash is installed.
Cabinets and panels can be nicked or dined during the full height backsplash install due to weight and size of the pieces.
It is always recommended that the customer purchase cabinet touch up pens to match the cabinet finish.
If a thinner appearance of the full height or backsplash is requested, this must be identified prior to the initial phase 1 measure and during the sales process. No exception.
Veining will not always line up perfectly between the countertop and backsplash.
Seams are needed in full height backsplash to maneuver them into place.
Seamless pieces may be achievable if upper cabinets are installed after the backsplash.
No changes can be made after the initial phase 1 measure.
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