I've done plenty both ways. There's nothing wrong with it. In fact, quite a few people have opted to go with both just so they could clean easier without having to get grit and grime into the grout joints as they cleaned.

Typically it's either/or. If your walls are out of square more than 1/4" then the tiles might not cover the gap, but I think that's a rare case where tile won't cover any gaps/problems. I definitely think it looks better to just use tile. Your eye doesn't see that break- it just looks better. And it gives you more space to work with on your pattern/layout. I think it looks odd to have the vertical line of the backsplash, it's almost like the top is that high, as in the above picture

Opted to go with 4" granite backsplash as undecided what I wanted to do. I think it's just a matter of personal preference. Some will say it's not a good look to do both but this is my kitchen and I'm going to do what I like regardless of whether it's stylish or not. By doing the granite backsplash I now have the time to really decide what else, if anything, will go on the walls. I personally don't much care for grout so having the 4" granite may aid in keeping things cleaner back there as Bill said. I'm sure whatever you decide will look wonderful because you chose it!!

It depends on what looks good to you. Personally my first reaction was, I don't think it looks good to do both.. But I think Bill's first picture looks good. However, I don't like the second one. I think the whole wall being tiled with large tiles and the dark diamonds that match the counter is part of what makes the difference. The second one has dark diamonds, too, but for me it just doesn't work.

Good Luck

Just my opinion, but to me tile above a 4" granite backsplash looks like an "add on" and not a design choice. You could get creative and make it look like part of the plan, however.

We had the same dilemma. We initially had the 4" backsplash included in our measurements thinking that it would take us a long time to find a backsplash. However, we recently settled on a backsplash that we love, so we called the fabricator and had them remove the granite backsplash from the plan. They told us that we could make this decision right up to templating time. You can also put it in and remove it later without much of a problem. Good luck!

Putting it in and removing it later could actually present some pretty big problems. First, if it is adhered to the wall with big globs of silicone, it could damage the drywall if you try to remove it. But the biggest potential problem is many fabricators don't bother templating closely to the wall if they know their sloppy work will be covered by a 3cm thick chunk of granite. Sometimes the gap is too big for a tile back splash to hide it.

I think the current trend is to omit the 4" strip and go with tile all the way to the counter. But some people like the ability to re-paint the back splash area for a quick change of color in the kitchen. I don't care for the look of the strip and tile though. Look through the finished kitchen blog and see what look you prefer.

I posted my opinion against 4" backsplash on an earlier thread which I'll link. I also think if your tile installer and countertop installer are qualified and skilled, you shouldn't need a 4" backsplash to prevent "problems" where granite meets the wall. I'd hate to think you'd install the 4" backsplash only because you're anticipating mistakes of your installers which shouldn't happen in the first place (perhaps find different installers). But if you want it cause you like the look, you should get it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread about 4-inch backsplash

Thank you all for your replies. I actually prefer the look of a tile backsplash without the 4 in granite but will have to sell DH on it. I would just do the 4 in granite but unfortunately I am such a messy cook that a mostly paint wall would not be a good thing for me.

Thanks akchicago for the ammunition to convince DH against the 4 in granite.

Only downfall would be that now I have another design choice that must be made asap so the tiling can be done right after the granite is in!

Denise

I'd definately say no to the combo.
I'd say either or.

I do like the idea of having paint that I could change, and a lot of tiling can be too plain, or too busy, and also can be costly too.

I guess I never posted my kitchen in the finished kitchen blog, but in my kitchen we did a 3 inch backsplash all around, liked it smaller than normal, but to be unique and to protect the area behind the sink, we have the granite swoop up to the window behind the sink, and a granite window ledge. Really protects it from splashes and adds interest. We also considered doing a piece behind the stove, but didn't. Just another option out there

And no offense to Bill, I'm sure his work is great in them, but I dislike both the backsplashes. number 1 is too busy with the granite and not my taste. number 2 is too bland. I get sick of things too quickly.

Chris-- no offense taken. Everyone has their own tastes, and it's not for me to tell you you're wrong, because for you, you're not. Personally I didn't care for the first one, either. The second one, though, I did like specifically because of its simplicity. Everyone has their own taste. :-)