4' backsplash with granite - and 2 or 3 cm?

14 years ago

As many of you know, we've chosen our granite, Sienna Bordeaux. After getting the first quote for the 3cm, it will cost around $4K after all charges, including tax, and the contractors charge for overseeing the install. I didn't want to spend too much over $3K . This is for 3cm, but I could get them in 2cm and save some.

Question 1: Will I be disappointed if I don't get the thicker slab?

Question 2: DH wants to do a 4" backsplash using the same granite. We like it so much we think this might give us a little horizontal bling, and then paint above it.

It would save money and we wouldn't have to worry about another choice.

I am however worried that this will be an outdated look? How many of you have done this and are pleased?

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Comments (8)

karena_2009
14 years ago
I'm wondering the same thing, too, about the granite backsplash. In terms of 3 cm versus 2 cm, I think I would go with the slab that spoke to you. Unless you can find a 2 cm one that has similar coloration to the one that you already like and with all the variations in natural stone that might be difficult to match.

I was told that it's easier to fabricate with 3 cm slabs because you don't have to use plywood on top of the cabinets or do any special edge banding to hide the plywood. It appears that it's normal on the east coast to use 3 cm slabs whereas in California we seem to have more 2 cm slabs readily available. I think the trend will most likely be for 3 cm in the future due to fabrication costs.
dannie
14 years ago
I usually lurk on here to get ideas as I am updating our 1992 kitchen. I have tiles on my present back-splash that I want to keep. So to do that, I am going to have a 3 inch back-splash made out of the granite to go between the existing tiles and the counter. I have seen pictures of 3 and 4 inches back-splash made from granite and to me, it looks more finished than having the granite end at the wall and then the back-splash running right down to it. Each to his or her own I guess.

Oh, I will be using 3 cm granite.
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User
14 years ago
I think a small granite backsplash is timeless and less likely to be dated than full tile.

I'm very sorry I didn't do a 3" granite backsplash when I did my kitchen more than 4 years ago. I have the backsplash painted which I really like and never got around to selecting tile. My backsplash is not a focal point and I like the simplicity/lack of texture without tile. Cost was not a factor. I will probably do one course of simple tile at some point.
erikanh
14 years ago
There's no right or wrong answer, it's definitely a personal preference. I looked at hundreds of photos of kitchens and decided I greatly preferred tile all the way down to the countertop. I think it looks less busy, and I don't like the little ledge made by the granite due to it being thicker than the tile.
southernstitcher
Original Author
14 years ago
Yes, I was thinking that with the 3cm, I'm losing just a bit of precious counter space too. I think DH is just wanting to take the easy way out. He knows picking tile for a backsplash will be another month of "what do you think of this".
karena_2009
14 years ago
I have decided to do a full 6 inch granite backsplash on my peninsula/bar where the sink and dishwasher live. But, on the rest of the U-shape, refrig elevation and behind the range, I'm going to do a full tile backsplash. I don't want to clean a ledge where the granite backsplash meets the tile assuming that the granite is thicker than the tile. I also don't want the main backsplash to be too busy and complete with the tile. I just replaced a laminate with a four inch backsplash all the way around and I'm ready for a change.
margareta_mi
14 years ago
Everybody's different. I'd rather clean a painted wall and a granite ledge than a full tile backsplash.
msgreatdeals
14 years ago
My crema bordeaux is 2 cm and I have a 4" backspash in my desk area. The rest of the kitchen where there are cabinets, I have a full granite backspash. I also have it on the bottom of my garden window behind the sink. All of my edges are ogee. I think the 3 cm would have been too thick.