I have not done this, so I do not know the peculiarities of cutting marble, but would it not be possible for you to buy 6x6 pieces of marble tile, rent a stone/tile cutter and slice them into 3 2x6 tiles yourself, at a much smaller cost than having it done? I believe you can rent one at a big box store or specialty tool rental company by the day or a small number of days. It's a messy, messy tool -- it uses a spray of water to keep the dust and friction heat down, so you'd need to use it outside. The rectified corners make it possible to use the pieces interchangeably, unlike a tile with rounded corners, where they would not match. As I recall the backsplash area in your house is not vast, so you would not be cutting forever. I think Circuspeanut cut 6x6 ceramic tiles in half to get subways for her beautiful, buttery kitchen. I don't know if it's any different cutting marble though -- it's a soft stone and the blades are very sharp. It would take some time, you might break/chip a few tiles, so there would be some losses (and some you could hide with grout or use in less noticeable places, like right up under the cabinets). But at least you wouldn't be paying for someone else's labor. I would let the tile setter know that this is what you were planning, and at least get his quote on the work. He or she might decide that they'd rather use tiles they cut themselves and give you a good price on that part of the project, just to make sure they have a good product in their hands. I would not just cut them and spring it on them. Or you might even find out that, once you rent the tools and start breaking tiles and give up your Saturday, that their rate is actually very reasonable. Good luck!

Did you ever find anything that fit? I'm looking for the same thing! Can only find one fancy brand thats $22sq/ft.

These are 2x4 honed carerra. It's from Eurotile. I don't know the price. Here is another 2x4 whiter marble. It does not say if it's honed. It's from Northeastern Tile and is under $10 for a 12x12 sheet:

I've got a couple of suggestions. One is to intersperse the Lowes subways with a narrow band of tiles, either small mosaic or a 1 x 6 strip. The 1 x 2's are usually considered mosaics, so they tend to be pricier than the standard white 3 x 6 subways. By going with a narrow strip in the field, you can spread out your cost. I hope I'm making sense. I noticed my Lowes and Home Depot are carrying more mosaic options in the store. I don't know if they're doing this nationwide yet. I'm in TX. Floor and Decor also have options that seem reasonably priced. If you happen to have one near you, check them out. Here's a link for some mosaics you can check out along w/pricing. HTH, Kathe Here is a link that might be useful: 1 x 2 mosaics