If your window ledge was flush with the area behind the sink (i.e. it didn't overhang and have the "wings" cat_mom and I mentioned in previous posts), you could continue all around with your window casing on all 4 sides. But something to consider is the width of the casing and having wood right by your sink & faucet. Unless it is very narrow, you will likely have a very narrow band of tile for backsplash by your sink--it will be mostly casing. Personally, for durability (and I'm not especially messy at the sink), I'd rather have tile or some other more durable material for the area by the sink than a wooden window casing right where the tap is. But YMMV! Just a thought. I think having the same black granite on the ledge (as on your counters), with a bit of an overhang then having all tile backsplash between the counter and the ledge will look great.

First I am not a fabricator but have over 30 years experience as a home builder. A couple of comments on Granite. First in this forum like many granite is talked discussed as if it is a commodity - all granite tops are created equal. Granite is not like salt or soy beans. There are many grades of granite and the prices vary widely many with similar or even the same names. There are also many levels of fabricator from the sophisticated fabricator using computer operated cutting and polishing machines to the guy who will literally cut granite in your back yard. I was at a "shop" the other day where they were cutting granite with a hand saw on 2x4's in the parking lot. Many new fabricators were working for someone else and when the economy slowed they were laid off. These employees then went into business for themselves often without proper financing or even proper tools. The prices fell as these fabricators using lawn signs to advertise and working for wages and cutting corners: waxing edges instead of polishing, using mismatched remnants, dyeing granite to make it look more expensive, cheap uncertified give away sinks, and other tricks that do not show up until the check clears. Radon is pretty much a non issue but check it if you like. Do not buy from a fabricator unless you have seen the shop and the equipment they are using. If they have their own slab inventory it is a good sign that they are better off financially. Reverse look up the phone number. If it comes up a cell phone and they fabricator does not have an office look out. Many of these guys change numbers often to avoid warranty. Yes all granite should be sealed. Darker granite will hide the absorbed water but still needs to be sealed. Quartz, solid surface materials and even the composite sold by Granite Transformation have advantages and disadvantages. First they are more uniform because they are manufactured product. The is no such thing as a B or C grade quartz. These product do not have the veining and character as granite. Here is a link that might be useful: ANO Sales

A ledger is a board that is secured just below the counter into the studs. It should be 2" deep by 1" high at a minimum. I have a dishwasher that has granite over it with cabinets on either side and my contractor installed a ledger. You will need to have the panels on either side because that is how the dishwasher gets secured. I learned this the hard way. We reused our dishwasher and it was not designed for securing below granite. They put screws into the sides of the cabinets but the dishwasher went out of square and leaked water all over my wood floor. Fortunately most of the water ran into the basement below and my 90 year old floors weren't ruined. We ended up purchasing a new dishwasher designed to be side mounted. But you definitely need something to attach it to.

Thanks! I was actually going to ask you specifically about this -- so thank you for responding! I sort of modeled my counter height window after yours (and some others), although mine isn't as wide so I just went with the center pane. I was going to ask you how you like your layout of your faucets / soap dispenser / air switch -- I also plan to use your picture to lay mine out on Tuesday when the holes are cut. Are you happy with the layout? Thanks!