If you’ve ever looked at a backlit onyx wall, a glowing Cristallo island, or a feature backsplash that looks like it belongs in a design magazine, you’ve probably wondered: How do you actually backlight stone properly—without hotspots, seams, or guesswork?
We put together a complete, step-by-step backlighting guide that covers the real-world details designers, architects, and fabricators need to get consistent results: layering, diffusion, spacing, mounting, power supplies, and the practical decisions that make or break the finished look.
Why We Made the Guide
Backlighting often gets overcomplicated. The reality is:
when the layering and power approach are correct, the installation becomes predictable—and the final surface looks smooth, even, and intentional.
We created this guide to help professionals avoid the most common (and expensive) issues we see in the field—especially when stone translucency varies slab-to-slab, or when the project requires multiple illuminated sections.
Even if you’re early in the process, the guide helps you confirm the right build-up and spacing before the stone is installed and access becomes difficult.
What’s Inside the Backlighting Guide
This PDF is designed to be practical. You can forward it to your fabricator, contractor, or electrician and keep everyone aligned. It covers:
Layering and spacing options for different stone types (including high-translucency and crystalline slabs)
Power supply basics including common system layouts and what to plan for during rough-in
Mounting methods for countertops, islands, vertical walls, backsplashes, and feature panels
How to avoid visible seams when multiple illuminated sections are required
How to think about diffusion (when you need it, when you don’t, and how to decide quickly)
If you’re working with onyx, Cristallo Quartzite, other quartzites, marble, glass, or specialty translucent materials, the guide will help you build a reliable plan before you commit.
Support When You Need It
If you’d like, you can send us a photo of the slab, a quick sketch, or a layout drawing. In many cases,
a 2-minute review is enough to confirm the right layering approach and prevent surprises later.
We’ve been focused exclusively on backlighting integration for over
16 years, with
thousands of installations completed across North America. There’s not much backlighting that we haven’t seen—especially when it comes to slab translucency, wiring constraints, and clean installation planning.
We regularly support projects in major markets including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Phoenix, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Denver, and many more—along with Canada-wide support as well.
Regards ,
Mathew Barlett
Backlighting Integration Specialist
Nu World Custom Lighting and Design
T: 1-604-900-2313
C: 236-818-3910
E: info@nu-wo.com
Have a look at our Feature Projects: https://nu-wo.com/featured-projects/
