Hi Tricia. This topic was just discussed a week or so ago and comes up a fair amount. If you do a search, you'll find many threads on the topic. You know this already, but an Internet search is a better way search the forum than is the search box at the bottom of the main Kitchens page. Just type into your engine's browser:

Site:gardenweb.com

Then whatever words specific to your topic. If you take a look at recent or older threads first, your questions may be answered or you might frame your question in a way more specific to your individual circumstance. Not trying to tell you stop asking the frequently asked questions, just trying to help! :) This forum moves fast and covers just about any topic you could possibly think of in regards to kitchens.

I'll link one old thread on the 4" splash here. Many, including myself, feel it is outdated and is visually distracting if you plan to add some lovely tile above. FWIW, my old kitchen had laminate counters and we replaced the 4" matching laminate splash with a DIY tile job. After 10 years, we had zero issues with the seam. Consider just letting your chosen tile carry the wall instead of disrupting it with the addition of a stone strip.

Here is a link that might be useful: One thread on th same subject

Keep in mind that you don't use grout in that seam its caulk. Mine is white and wipes clean easily.

oh and caulk should not crack.

The counter really should not get that dirty back that far on a regular basis,either. It's not like a shower or tub where the caulk joint at the change of plane is exposed to water and soap scum on a daily basis.

the top of the 4 inch piece forms a return and a corner sits in there anyway.truthfully this newer way of tile straight down eliminates that small "ledge". wipe counters,avoid standing liquids... buy good caulk...make sure it's a good install and you'll like it better.

My caulk has cracked along the sink run. I know caulk was used there because I watched the guy apply it. I guess I need to remove it and redo it, but for now, it remains clean and dry (yes, even right behind the sink), so I'm going to leave it alone for a bit.

Here is an example of the google search and how it looks in the search block ...
http://www.google.com/search?q=4%22+backsplash+site:Gardenweb.com

I had antique white caulk along that entire countertop-wall juncture behind the faucet & sink, behind the stove, all around the kitchen - 4 years and counting, and no problems at all. And I am not a neat cook or good housewife.

The newer all-silicone caulk is really tough stuff, it doesn't crack like the older acrylic blends, and as was already mentioned, unless you really leave puddles of grime and water sitting for weeks, there shouldn't be any trouble. Every grout manufacturer makes silicone caulk that matches their grout exactly, your tilesetter will order it along with the grout & tile.

On the other hand, if you are in love with the idea of a 4" backsplash and think it will be of use to you, don't let your guys talk you out of it. I myself always found that little ledge annoying because it was too small to perch anything on it but big enough to catch all the dust and dirt -- but it's your kitchen and your decision.

There's no real right or wrong here other than the fleeting whims of fashion, which will change again soon enough. Enjoy!

Agree, circuspeanut! This being "out" is such a fickle thing, until another trend shows up. To me, a counter without the backsplash looks like a place where corners were cut to save money so that it could be spent elsewhere. Sorry, just doesn't look complete, but to each their own.

I'm covering all the bases. 4" backsplash by the main clean up sink and tile to counter (and ceiling) in the prep/cooking area. Of course, then I am blowing it again by using Corian :-)

I actually like the look and the function of the 4" splash. I've had plenty of gross seams and caulk split, so make sure they use good caulk.

Thanks all. once i have the granite picked i"m going to decide simply by which looks better to me. :)