Relocate backsplash plugs under cabinet
I’m planning on installing a slate tile (4″x4″) backsplash during a kitchen remodel. I’d like to avoid putting some ugly electric receptacles in the middle of this new artwork. I seem to remember an article (Fine Homebuilding, perhaps by Sarah Susanka?) that talked about creating a 45 degree bank at the bottom of the cabinet against the wall and mounting a plug strip there that would be mostly out of view, but that you would be able to plug into without scraping your knuckles. I can’t seem to locate the article.
a) Does anyone know which issue to look at for that article?
b) Has anyone tried this? Success? Tips?
c) Electrical plugs make sense. But what about switches, like for the garbage disposal? Can it be mounted on the bottom of a cabinet (according to code?) Would this be too counter-intuitive?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Replies
is the new slate sitting directly on top of existing countertop? or does is sit on top of existing backsplash? perhaps your slate is a wall covering between countertop and upper cabinets? reason i ask is that if you have a backsplash (i.e.: piece of mat'l same as counter mat'l 4"-6" high, and your 4x4 slate sits on top of it, you can mortise the outlets into the backsplash. or you could run new tall backsplash on top of counter then slate sits on top of it.
i think the outlet strip under the upper cabs looks good on paper but at execution you have a bunch of cords hanging from the bottom of the cabinets accentuated by undercab lighting.
regards
Todd:
To clarify, we are putting in new solid surface (Corian) countertops. The intent was not to put in a (coved) backsplash of corian, but to have the tumbled slate extend up the wall directly from the countertop to the bottom of the cabinets.
I agree, dangling cords highlighted by under-cabinet lighting may not look great, but I don't envision leaving any appliances on the counter and plugged in...
I think I would prefer the look of the slate running all the way down to the countertop, but mortising the outlets into a 4" backsplash (sideways, probably) does seem like a clean installation.
Thanks for your thoughts,
You can put the switch on the front of the cabinet. You can also get air operated switches and put them on the countertop. They have a button that mounnts in a single hole with tubbign that goes to the actual switch.
I don't know that there is anything in that article other than what you mentioned. But you can go to the FHB site and there is online index that you can search to find the issue #.
Yes, it was in a 'Tips and Techniques' some coupla or three years back. I need to find it too!
Cheers
Andrew- Nice in theory, but not for me. I used the same concept in an area in my kitchen because there was a tile mural on the backsplash wall. After two years, I can say with certainty that I am not happy with it. I would not do it again. It's a pain to hang upside down to plug in every time you want power; the alternative being to leave things plugged in and have hanging cords. That's what I wind up doing and it doesn't look good either. My vote would be to use the closest color outlets possible to the slate and keep them in the more inconspicuous places. If you want to try faux painting, you could probably match the plates to the surrounding material pretty well. Good luck. Don
Don:
Thanks for the feedback, although yesterday I had decided to used plugmold, and now I'm undecided...
In your installation, were the outlets facing straight down toward the counter, or were they angled toward the front? I think that if the plugmold outlet strip were mounted on a 45 degree angle, it might be easier to use and you wouldn't have to contort yourself as much to plug things in...
Thanks again.
Cameo Countertops in Toledo, Oh. makes outlet/switchplates out of Corian. They are not cheap but might be an option for you to match up with your counter.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
maybe try this...............
http://www.savontv.com/the-clapper.html?source=google&clapper=1
;)
Sorry, I don't remember seeing that issue.
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