I would wait. Besides the damage potential, there is the possibility of the height of the countertop not being what you had planned due to shims needed, etc. Plus, I think it would make the countertop installation more difficult, as well.

I would wait. Granite installation could damage your backsplash. Also, I'm no expert, but it seems that you need to grout or caulk(?) where the granite and tile meet. I'm sure the experts on this forum will correct me if I'm wrong:)

Never install a backsplash before Granite or solid surface countertops because predicting EXACTLY where the counter will sit when properly installed. The only exception to the rule, is if there will be a wood or composite beadboard backsplash, which will have a trim rail and stile that can make up for any gaps between the countertop and the bottom of the backsplash.

Tile shouldn't take too much time after the counter is installed. Now is a good time to do a general layout and make marks to make the job easier when the granite is installed.

You should never grout the seam between backsplash and countertop. No matter how good it looks immediately after grouting, it will always develop a hairline crack at best, and is not waterproof. After grouting and sealing, the excess grout should be cleaned away and a high quality silicone caulk in a clear or complimentary color should be applied. This will keep any extra water from dripping behind cabinets and causing mold.

Ahhh, that's why I love this forum. Ask a question and get a quick and concise answer. I will just wait till the counters are installed. Thanks!

do you set backsplash piece directly on top of vanity or leave a slight space between the two .....backsplash will be glued to wall....

My contractor installed my backsplash before my granite countertop is to be installed. Although the fabricator said that the countertop should have been installed first, he said that he will make a template and meet the countertop to the backsplash and also compensate for wall curvature in the template. He said that he will silicone properly and it will be fine. He sounded confident and said that others have done the same. Should I be concerned? Thank you, Bob

Bob: I wouldn't worry about it. It's a backsplash, not a shower.

Thank you, Joseph. I needed to hear that.

I want to install a granite counter to replace my existing laminate. I have a stone and glass backsplash I really want to keep. My laminate in 3/4 inch so the granite will be thicker which creates a dilemma with tbe tiled backsplash. My choices are to remove a row of time or butt the granite up to the tile. My tile guy was less than thrilled with cutting tile out as the grout lines are so thin, about 1/16. The granite guy said ideally they don't want to measure off a tile wall or butt to tile but feels because my grout lines are so thin that it won't even be noticeable after grouting/caulking to anyone other than us because we know its like that. Any suggestions or thoughts? Spending $$ on granite I really want it to look beautiful, I don't want it in anyway to look half A$$. Anyone done the butting granite to tile backsplash and have pics to share.

Butt the top to the tile; it's not a big deal if it's properly templated.

You mean butt the top of the granite to right under the tile? I cant do that since the granite is thicker than my current material. If you mean butt it right up to the tile so the back edge of the granite sits right in front of the tile, that is one of the suggestions from the granite installer. He will have to laser measure off the tile to try and minimize gaps. This isnt ideal but wondering if it really is a viable option that in the end will still look beautiful or do I not change out the counters for now

The picture shows my backsplash...may help get an idea of what options there are. If we set the new counter on so the back edge is in front of the tile we will need to grout/caulk to fill in gaps in current grout lines or wherever there might be tile thickness differences. They would try and cut the granite to the contour of the backsplash as closely as they can but the edge will need to be sealed for water purposes but also so you dont see that back granite edge being it wouldn't sit under the tile but rather in front of it. Im havibg a difficult time envisioning how it will look or if its a decent option even.

I'm having a similar problem. I have a retro tile backsplash in pristine condition and I'm having my countertop replaced with granite that is thicker than current Formica counters. My tile is set in concrete so my installer consulted with a tile person to remove the bottom row of tiles. He quoted a price of $250. with no guarantee of not damaging the rows above. My granite installer says he can butt the granite up to the tile using a strong adhesive to avoid a disaster of damaging the tile. I'm really skeptical about the outcome.

Butting countertops to tile isn't that big a deal if the top template is accurate. Leave a 1/16"-1/8" gap to be filled with color matched silicone. You're lucky to get the old tops removed without damaging any tile; don't even think about removing and replacing any, please.

We are installing an epoxy over our existing formica countertop, does the new backsplash installed after the countertops or before

Should I wallpaper before the countertop installation?