Tile down to counter...no 4" backsplash (BS). Of course, this is a personal choice, but I much prefer the look of tile to the counter w/o the interruption of a 4" BS of counter material.

To see both kinds and many other BSs, check the Finished Kitchens Blog.

Here is a link that might be useful: Finished Kitchens Blog

I think a backsplash looks better if the tile goes right down to the counter. IMO, that 4" backsplash gives it a 50's look. You might want to look through the Finished Kitchens Blog for photos and ideas. Good luck with your kitchen.

No 4". Tile from counter to cabs or ceiling which ever comes first.

Agree, no 4". I think that's now a dated look. What I've read here is that countertop guys like to do the 4" piece because (a) they get to sell more countertop, and (b) they don't have to be as careful in templating against the back wall because any small gaps will be covered up by the 4" piece. (Tiny gaps can still be covered up by a tile backsplash.)

Here's my quartz counter with tile backsplash right down to the counter:

{{gwi:1579756}}

I did a very simple backsplash because I have a tiny kitchen and less than 17" in height to play with (most backsplashes are 18"), but look through this forum and the finished kitchen blog and you'll find some beauties! Having that 4" to play with as part of your backsplash will give you more room for design options.

I agree too-- we had a 4" backsplash for practical reasons-- I spill a lot of coffee and have little kids helping me, so we ended up putting the silestone 4" backsplash in and then we tiled up later-- the colors were similar, so it didn't stand out too much. I think it looks better to have the tile go down to the counter. In our new kitchen (different house, new kitchen project), we will get a 4" backsplash and forgo the tile.

{{!gwi}}