SFGate

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design If I were doing a laminate countertop, I would tile the backsplash the same way I would do it if it were a granite countertop, as is shown in photo below.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

leeisonline The laminate that curves into a backsplash can be thought of as dated. As well the pliability of the laminate to make the curve means the laminate is thinner and easier to wear out.

jonathan3 This is probably going to be the only kitchen I design for me. Thanks for the ideas--we are in the process of choosing the countertop and a curved backsplash looks dated. I would love to have the same backsplash from the surface of the counter to the bottom of the cabinets. It's a go--now to choose the backsplash.

nevadan Years ago when laminate was in use I used a heavy scrubbable wallpaper for the backsplash. In a very small stripe it looked greast and was very practical! Held up well. Used the same paper for the dining alcove. Loved it.

emsprater I'm remodeling my kitchen now as well, and budget ( along with personal preference) dictates formica instead of the higher end products used today. I'm using tile for the back splash just as I would for quartz, concrete, granite or other materials. You can do a wall vinyl, a painted beadboard, you can even use the same formica on the wall. I chose the tile backsplash so I could make the kitchen look more custom. Attached is a layout, the work will not be done for about a month yet. In the picture, you can see a sample in the lower right corner of the formica : Wilsonart HD 'Sedona Spirit'.

jonathan3 We, too, chose Wilsonart for its depth of color and texture. Ours is "something" Venito. We actually found a beautiful piece of Cosmos Schist for an island counter which separates the kitchen area from the great room. The dark formica was chosen for its practicality for a food prep space along with a stainless steel sink. We were told that it was not in good taste. We changed our contractor and got what we wanted--a beautiful peninsula serving area and a practical work space! It will be completed in about one month. We have chosen tile, but it is not as elaborate a pattern since we are doing the tile work ourselves.