My granite supplier advised using tile from the granite up (no granite back splash). She could have advised the other way and made a little more money, so I think she advised based on her honest opinion. I also like the "no granite back splash" look better. Just guessing, I'd say the only reason to use the 4" granite back splash would be if you weren't going to use any other back splash at all (a more low-budget option, in my opinion).

I'm not too clear on your details, but it is my understanding that only exposed edges are polished. I would guess that the granite edge that is against the wall is not polished and that is normal. The bigger question is whether or not your counter was scribed to the wall so that there is a tight enough fit so that any backsplash you eventually choose will cover the union of the counter and the wall. I don't think it would be a big deal for a fabricator to remove a 4" splash. It's what is behind it that is the question.

ellendi- if I don't show off, who's going to do it for me? I gotta do it when I can ;) On Topic now, jnh004, I got the tile at "The Tile Shop". I wanted something with a little more life to it, than a cream or off white ceramic. My soapstone is in the background so I made my backsplash with a little more oomph, but still subtle. The tile is called Lansdale Carrara. This is my take on this selection, that it is the impure pieces from whiter stone that can't be used in larger slabs. I could be wrong, but the carrara I see on this site is always white and there is no white in my stuff. Lots of tans, grays, almost greens, and off whites. I think for your granite a more neutral stone or ceramic would work better. Its fun to search and examine what will work. My moto is that if it doesn't "sing" when I look at it, I move on to something else. Of course sometimes you have to move on anyway, but give it your best effort before you make that decision.

Bill has posted some pictures of this before. I found some in what I believe to be a portfolio of his. Personally I believe it can work, but I much prefer to tile the whole backsplash and did just that in our remodel. My contractor tried to get me to do the 4 inch only or tile above it, but I didn't like the look. There is one advantage to the 4" backsplash. Granite/quartz creates a very tight dirt and liquid (essentially) impervious corner where the wall and counter meet. If you use tile that corner won't be quite as straight, neat or "impervious", but I don't think it's much of an issue. - Jim Here is a link that might be useful: Some 4