An over-the-range (OTR) microwave saves counter space, adds task lighting and simplifies ventilation. When you finish the installation with a durable tile backsplash, you protect the wall from steam, grease and heat while giving the kitchen a custom look. At CountBricks, we field daily questions about how to install over the range microwave with tile backsplash and what that means for schedule, cost and code. The guide below walks you through the process CountBricks crews follow on residential projects, and shows where our AI-powered estimating software streamlines every step.
1. Record cabinet opening width, depth and height.
2. Confirm distance between the cooktop and the cabinet bottom (typically 30–36 inches by code).
3. Note stud locations and existing electrical or ductwork.
CountBricks.com/estimate converts these dimensions into an instant material and labor budget, so you know before demo whether a standard 30-inch OTR unit will fit or if cabinet modifications are required.
• OTR microwave with mounting template and hardware
• 2×4 ledger board, 3-inch deck screws and steel toggle bolts
• 12/2 NM electrical cable, 20-amp breaker and surface-mount box (if a new circuit is needed)
• Type-1 mastic, grout and your chosen tile
• Painter’s tape, shims and silicone sealant
A dedicated 120-volt/20-amp circuit is standard. If one is not available, our licensed electricians run cable inside the wall, minimizing tile cuts later. For venting, CountBricks evaluates three paths:
• Vertical through the cabinet and roof
• Horizontal through an exterior wall
• Recirculating with charcoal filters (least preferred, but sometimes necessary for condos)
Shut off power, detach the existing microwave or hood, then scrape away caulk. CountBricks crews patch any drywall gouges so tile will sit flat.
Use the manufacturer’s template to mark stud centers and plate holes. Where studs are not present, CountBricks adds 3/4-inch plywood backing during rough-in for maximum pull-out strength.
Screw a temporary 2×4 ledger below the plate. It carries the microwave’s weight while you align bolts.
Lift the unit onto the plate, pivot it against the cabinet bottom and thread the top bolts. With the ledger removed, confirm that the front edge is level and the exhaust duct aligns.
Dry-lay the first row, centering full tiles behind the range. CountBricks installers map outlets and the microwave footprint in our mobile app, so cut sheets are generated on-site.
1. Spread mastic in small sections, holding a consistent 1/4-inch notch.
2. Press tiles, twisting slightly for full coverage.
3. Insert 1/16-inch spacers unless larger grout lines match the design.
After 24 hours, pack grout diagonally, wipe clean and let haze dry. Silicone where tile meets the counter and the microwave skirt to accommodate heat expansion.
• Verify the bottom of the microwave sits no higher than 54 inches above the floor.
• Confirm the fan reaches 300–400 CFM and vents to exterior if possible.
• Test the GFCI-protected circuit with both light and fan running under load.
• Voice-to-estimate: Walk the kitchen with your phone, and CountBricks captures dimensions in real time.
• Automatic take-offs: Our blueprint parser highlights cabinet lines and tile areas, exporting a shopping list to your preferred supplier.
• Instant change orders: If you decide mid-project to add accent tiles, CountBricks recalculates labor and materials in seconds, protecting your margin and the homeowner’s timeline.
Can tile go up first? Yes, but CountBricks typically mounts the microwave prior to tiling. That way, anchor points penetrate solid studs, not tile joints.
What if cabinets are too low? We shorten the cabinet, raise it, or install a low-profile microwave. CountBricks.com/services shows recent kitchen makeovers that solved this exact issue.
How long does the job take? A straightforward install with a 12-sq-ft backsplash runs 4–6 labor hours plus drying time. Our AI scheduler blocks one day on the calendar and auto-generates the invoice.
Ready to combine smarter estimating with craftsmanship? Explore CountBricks.com/consultation to book a virtual walk-through, or view similar projects at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
When the Morales family contacted CountBricks, they wanted more counter space, better ventilation and a splash of personality behind their slide-in range. Our estimator used a 60-second voice walk-through to collect dimensions, then shared an AI-generated proposal including labor, a 30-inch convection OTR microwave and 14 square feet of handmade subway tile.
• Timeline: 1 day for electrical rough-in, 1 day for install and tile, 1 day for grout cure
• Budget accuracy: Final invoice was within 1.8 % of the initial AI estimate
• Visual impact: The glossy aqua tile echoed cabinet hardware, raising the home’s appraisal by $4,000
1. Include stud mapping in the pre-tile scan to avoid drilling surprises later.
2. Set the microwave first, then align the tile pattern to the unit’s centerline for symmetry.
3. Use a rapid-set grout when homeowners need their kitchen back the same evening.
• Remote inspections: Our site supervisor reviewed progress photos in real time, reducing travel costs.
• Auto-generated warranty docs: Upon completion, CountBricks.com produced a PDF warranty folder with product serial numbers and grout color codes.
• Upsell opportunity: The homeowners loved the backsplash so much they booked a full-height tile wrap, approved via a one-click change order.
If you’re wondering how to install over the range microwave with tile backsplash in your own home, let CountBricks take the guesswork out. Contact our team through CountBricks.com/consultation for an instant estimate or explore completed kitchens at CountBricks.com/portfolio. Smarter software, seasoned tradespeople—CountBricks delivers both.
