Author: Kristina Ferrigan

Going for a minimalist look in your kitchen design? A ledge or shelf for your slab backsplash is not only stylish but convenient – you can have your spices within reach, or even a framed photo of your “best cook ever” grandmother – but picking the right material is key in this design process.

“If you’re opting for a more open, minimalist look to your range area, a slab backsplash with a ledge offers some added functionality,” Normandy Designer Kathryn O’Donovan says. “But when choosing your material, keep in mind that while natural stone will likely meet local fire and building codes for behind a range, some engineered materials may not.”

The heat produced from an open-flame range can change the chemical composition and impact the color of some engineered stone, which contains resin that’s used to bind crushed natural material.

“A slab backsplash, shelf or no shelf, made from engineered materials can’t always co-exist with an open-burner range,” she says. “Some manufacturers won’t warranty their products in this scenario.”

But if you don’t choose natural stone, you still have options.

“If you have your heart set on a certain type of engineered material, there is always the option to go with an induction range, which produces minimal heat,” Kathryn says. “An induction range also adds to the minimalist aesthetic that often inspires a backsplash ledge design.”

Oftentimes, people opt for the same material as the range backsplash for their backsplash shelf. But you can opt for a different shelf material, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve – just avoid flammable materials like wood, and seek out non-combustible options. While you can discuss the ideal depth of the ledge with your designer, backsplash ledges or backsplash shelves are generally about four inches deep.

Another thing to keep in mind, especially if you have a natural stone ledge, is that you can request to have the underside of the ledge to be polished or honed to match the finish on the top.

“Some natural stones might have mesh on the underside for stability, which can detract from a streamlined look,” Kathryn says. “And keep in mind that not all materials can be polished on both sides, like porcelain. It’s important to ask these questions before you make your final decision on the material.”

Do you have a vision for an updated kitchen? Set up a time to talk with Kathryn to discuss your ideas for a kitchen transformation. To get regular design ideas and tips, subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest or Bluesky.