I was finalizing the design of the kitchen for my new townhouse with staff from Boonthavorn and the issue of kitchen backsplash came up. I always thought I just needed to put tiles on the area of the wall which remain visible after installing the kitchen cabinets and and the worktop.

But she recommended that I put the tiles over the whole wall first and then install the cabinets and the worktop over the tiles as this arrangement would protect the cabinets from possible moisture buildup. I am not sure how valid her claim is, but she seems to be genuine in her suggestion and I hate to see the cabinets crack up due to the moisture and mould after just a few years. But at the same time, I am actually more concerned about whether the tiles can hold the weights of the cabinets, especially the upper ones. The difference in the cost will probably be not much (just the cost of extra tiles to cover the whole area, which is just about 9 sq. meters) since they charge the same minimum installation fee of 3,000 Baht for areas less than 10 sq. meters.

So ignoring the cost issue, which is a better option for functionality and durability of the kitchen? Should I tile the whole kitchen wall or just around the cabinets?

As they say in Thailand 'Up to You'

My whole kitcen area is tiled but that is because the tiles were put up before the cabinets, which were being custom made, were ready to install and there is no problem with the top cabinets. If you use decent size screws so you go deep in the wall I cannot see a problem. I don't see the arguement about moisture buildup over here with the high temperatures but at least if you tile first there will be no gaps or thick areas of grouting which tends to happen here as I have noted in my toilets and showers..

I tiled around cabinets so bugs can't find a way to the backs.

Tiles are relatively cheap here in Thailand, so the more the better. Here is mine

Will be starting on my kitchen soon and noted that good advice re: stopping the bugs getting behind.

@Langsuan Man - in your pic, i believe the extractor/vent (whatever its called) leads to the outside.

Do you have idea what minimum size the hole in the wall should be?

You don't need to tile the whole wall, unless you have a moisture problem on that wall.But of you want to tile the whole wall, that's no problem, the cabinets are not attached to the tiles the anchors that secure the cabinets will go through the tiles and in to the wall.

Thanks for inputs so far and I do really appreciate your taking time to share your thoughts. I am already beginning to think the Thai saying of 'Up to You' might be actually a good answer here since it seems to be quite subjective. The "bugs issue" is certainly something I didn't think about. As the tiles can hold up the weights and the cost difference is not much, I am inclined to do the whole wall except the "bugs issue" are bugging me now . I won't be moving in to the new house until next year so I have a lot of time to make the decision so please keep your opinions and experiences flowing in.

Farang0tang: The staff at Boonthavorn said the hole for the hood ventilation for my kitchen will be 6 inches in diameter. I am not sure if that's the absolute minimum required but I don't recall seeing any duct less than 6 inches in diameter when I was browsing various catalogues.

FaranOtang the pipe going through the outside wall is 6 inch blue water discharge pipe, see upper right ceiling opening

Thanks Coolpint & Langsuan.

Just another "thing" to add to my list of questions to our house builder.

Cheers