Is it usual to have a gap between wall and worktop?

[Wollstonecraft1]

We are having a new kitchen fitted and there is a small gap between the wall and the oak worktop in a corner. Is this normal? DH says tiles will cover it up but we currently can’t agree on tiles so we might paint it and I don’t understand why it isn’t flush. I don’t know what is acceptable and what isn’t!

There is always a tiny little gap because the wall isn’t totally straight and it’s not possible to cut to exactly the curvature of the wall. You either have tiles or an upstand to cover the gap.

Thanks Head. That is reassuring. It does look like it is the worktop that isn’t straight rather than the wall at the moment.

I've never seen that.

Any gap should be very minimal and then silicone sealant would finish it off to seal the gap and be part of the finished look.

Hmm, I think it is bigger than sealant - possibly pinky sized. I will try and take a photo tomorrow, I’m too tired to go down now!

There should be a small gap to allow your wood worktop to expand and contract

If you don't want to have tiles to cover the gap, the most common solution is to use an upstand.

Thank you. So much to learn! Upstands seem to look nice when I have Googled them.

There is normally always a very small gap of a few mm between the wall & the worktop especially with wood as it needs to expand & contract in the changing environment of the kitchen. Not to mention the walls are never completely straight. The gap is usually covered by tiles, an upstand or silicone sealant. So nothing to worry about =)

That gap sounds a bit too big?