Here are a few ways to hide outlets in your backsplash with little effort.
Too many outlets can ruin the look of your kitchen. Today, I’ll teach you a few ways to hide these kitchen backsplash outlets permanently. After this guide, you’ll have a smooth and clear kitchen.
To hide outlets in your kitchen backsplash, follow these methods.
- Set up outlets under cabinets.
- Use pop-up outlets
- Buy matching outlet caps
- Use paintable outlet covers.
- Order custom faceplates for outlets
Learn about these five methods from the below article.
Five Creative Ways to Hide Outlets in Kitchen Backsplash
No need to worry about outlets destroying the beauty of your kitchen. With little creativity, you can hide them all.
Method 1 – Set up the Outlets Under the Cabinets
This is my go-to method for hiding outlets in the kitchen. Installing an outlet under cabinets is easy, and you can reach the outlet without breaking a sweat. You can install the outlets before the cabinet installation. Or you can install them after the cabinets have been installed. Either way, this is one of the best methods out there.
One of the major benefits of installing an outlet under cabinets is the ease of wiring. You can easily run the wires under the cabinets too.
How to Install Outlets Under Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Things You’ll Need
- Outlets
- Suitable wires
- Plug mold
- Screws for plug mold
- Jig saw with a metal blade
- Metal square
- Drill
- Wire stripper
- Double-sided adhesive tape
Step 1 – Measure and Cut
First and foremost, you should measure and cut the plug mold. Place the plug mold under the cabinets and measure the length you want for this DIY project.
Step 2 – Get the Main Supply Wire
Then, according to the outlet’s location, run the supply wire to the outlet’s position. Use the drill if you want to make a hole in the drywall.
Important: Turn off the main circuit breaker before dealing with electrical wires.
Step 3 – Connect the Wires
Next, you can connect the supply and plug mold wires. There should be three wires for each connection: the black hot wire, the white neutral wire, and the green ground wire.
Strip all three wires for each connection. Then, connect them.
Step 4 – Install the Plug Mold Under the Cabinets
There are a few ways to install the plug mold under kitchen cabinets. Here, I’m using screws and double-sided adhesive tape for that. But if you are worried about damaging your backsplash cabinets or tiles, you can use only adhesive tape.
Step 5 – Install the Outlet
After installing the plug mold, you are ready to install the outlet. Use the drill and make a hole for the outlet. Then, connect the wires to the outlet terminals. Finally, install the outlet under the cabinet.
Note: When you install the outlets, you can use screws or double-sided adhesive tape according to your kitchen setup.
Method 2 – Use Pop Up Outlets
Using pop-up outlets is another way to hide the outlets in your backsplash. This method gives you a new modern look for your kitchen. These pop-out outlets are popular in offices, hotels, and airports. Here is a simple guide to installing pop-up outlets in your kitchen backsplash.
In Particular, we will use the Hubbell tri power countertop pop-up outlet for this demonstration.
Things You’ll Need
- HUBBELL Tri Power Countertop Pop-Up Outlet
- Marker pen
- Wire Stripper
- Drill
- Hole saw
- Screwdriver
Step 1 – Determine the Perfect Location for the Outlet
First, choose a suitable location for the HUBBELL Tri Power Countertop Pop-Up Outlet. As you can see from the above image, the outlet has a diameter of 4 inches.
Mark the location using the marker pen. Then, use the drill and hole saw to create the hole.
Step 2 – Separate the Base and the Housing
Then, take the outlet and separate the base and the housing. After separating, you can see the screw terminals for the electrical wires.
Step 3 – Switch off the Circuit Breaker
Before starting the 4th step, go to your main distribution panel and turn off the corresponding circuit breaker. Or turn off the main circuit breaker.
Step 4 – Run the Wires Through the Lock Nut
The lock nut goes under the countertop and holds the outlet firmly. Hence, remember to run the wires through the lock nut before you connect the wires to the outlet.
Step 5 – Connect the Metal Jacket and Base
Next, grab the outlet base and the metal jacket and connect them.
Step 6 – Strip the Wires
After that, take the wire stripper and strip the three supply wires.
Step 7 – Establish the Ground Wire
This is part one of connecting supply wires to the outlet. The outlet’s ground terminal is located in the outlet base. Hence, connect the green wire to the green terminal.
Step 8 – Connect the Hot and Neutral Wires
Now move to the other two wires; hot and neutral wires. As you can see from the above image, the black wire is hot, and the white wire represents the neutral connection.
The corresponding terminals are located in the outlet housing, not the outlet base. Hence, first, locate the white and brass terminals on the outlet housing.
Then, connect the hot wire to the brass terminal and the neutral wire to the white terminal.
Step 9 – Reattach the Base and the Housing
After connecting the wires, you can reattach the outlet base and housing. Tighten the screws using the screwdriver.
Step 10 – Choose the Finish Color of the Outlet
At this point, the outlet installation is almost complete. However, don’t forget to connect the finish color to the outlet top.
Tip: The HUBBELL Tri Power Countertop Pop-Up Outlet has seven different finishes. You can choose any one of them according to your liking.
Step 11 – Insert the Outlet into the Hole
Now take the outlet and insert it into the countertop hole.
Step 12 – Tighten the Lock Nut
Finally, tighten the lock nut with your hands—no tools are required.
Method 3 – Matching Outlet Caps
Using outlet caps is another excellent way to hide an outlet in your kitchen. These outlet caps are mostly made from rubber or plastic.
You can fit them in your outlet when you aren’t using them. But remember to pick outlet caps that match with backsplash color.
Method 4 – Paintable Outlet Covers
If you want to hide a kitchen outlet, using paintable outlet covers is a sure way to reach your target.
Most outlets are white. Right?
But when you use paintable outlet colors, you can paint them according to your backsplash color. These outlet covers are portable and easy to use.
Method 5 – Custom Faceplates
If you are looking for a convenient way to hide an outlet in your backsplash, using a custom-made faceplate is one of the best methods. You can place an order according to your backsplash design and color. For instance, if you own a green granite backsplash, you can order a custom faceplate with the same design.
However, you’ll have to spend considerable money on these custom faceplates.
References
Video References
Grout Rx
Family DIY tv
Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems
Babyono
COVERPLUG
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