I love the look of tile backsplashes but I'm not sure if it will happen or not. Can a tile backsplash look nice with a formica counter top? I am clueless as you can probably tell. Can I get a large apron style (I think that's what they are called.) sink with a formica counter?

Is there something else that is an option that is around the same price?

This link is to a handyman's website with white cabinets, laminate tops and tile backsplash.

http://winchester.handymanconnection.com/kitchen-remodeling-portfolio. aspx

I really want an apron front sink, and if I do go the laminate route then I would probably get the Kohler Vault drop in apron sink. It's stainless steel and has a very low profile (not the big lip that drop in sinks usually have so you can actually sweep junk right into the sink). If you don't like SS then I did see some ceramic or maybe porcelain ones the other day when I was searching.

To see what's out there I just googled some sink websites, chose three, and then I looked at their top mount sinks. Different sites carry different brands and price points so that's why I'd look at a couple.

Good luck!

Here's the Kohler Vault Apron front sink I mentioned:

I stand corrected with the Karran sinks. I thought they just had a couple of composite sinks (from what I remember glossing through on the laminate site, but I just looked at their brochure (on their site where they recommend you start). They have a nice variety, and a stainless steel undermount apron front sink!

I hope this helps.

#1..The cove area in a laminate back splash is important. It keep water from getting down between the countertop, wall and base cabinet. Yes you can tile down to the countertop if you choose to, but always keep in mind that there will be caulking between the surface of the countertop and tile. Caulking discolors, hold dirt, and can crack over time. You can always tile above the laminate back splash. Now, from designer's view....I like the tile look down to the countertop surface itself.

#2 Apron Under-mount sinks do not work in laminate countertops. You can select a topmount apron sink, but there really isn't a company that makes an apron under-mount sink for laminate.

#3) Karran under-mount sinks are specifically design to mount into laminate countertops. They are amazing!! They can come in the acrylic version to mount into laminate. Or if you prefer they have the Edge Series to mount into laminate tops too.

Below is the Karran sink link, however they are redoing the stainless steel line, and the stainless steel sink won't be available until late March or April 2013

If you were going to get the laminate back splash would you still do a tile backsplash over it or just leave it painted or....?

We have laminate with a tile BS, no strip. I think it looks pretty nice for laminate, but I'm not crazy about our edge, which is just a strip of wood that matches the cabinets. No issues with the caulk line where the BS and countertop meet, they used a clear grout and it hasn't discolored at all.

This is the only pic I have right now.

Our laminate is a brown pattern, it's not too busy looking and isn't trying to mimic natural stone or anything. Other than a few scratches (from not using a cutting board or something) it is is good shape. Our countertops are going on eight years now and are frequently abused. I love that I can clean them with windex or whatever and not worry. Just be sure not to scrub with the green backed sponges, ask me how I know :(

I just saw some pictures with laminate up higher on the wall. It looks thin and not the thick block resting on the counter. In the pics I've seen it is always the same color/pattern as the countertop. I wonder what it would look like if it was a different color/pattern. Has anyone seen this done?

I know this is a laundry room but just so you know what I am talking about.

OP if you go this route be sure to use epoxy grout (for stain resistance and easy cleaning) and caulk the interface between grout and countertop so you don't get cracks where the dissimilar materials meet. It is a beautiful look.

Yes you can tile down to the countertop if you choose to, but always keep in mind that there will be caulking between the surface of the countertop and tile. Caulking discolors, hold dirt, and can crack over time.

This would be true of any counter and tiled back splash - you always supposed to caulk the space between the counter and the tile (grout will crack) as mic111 indicates.

mic111

That's very generous of you. I see folks here all the time who managed to get a lot more (higher end materials) for what my Mom's budget was but I think we did a good job of getting an attractive finished product using less expensive materials. $$$ just don't seem to stretch as far in Canada.