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4 in. granite backsplash the tile the rest?? Anyone? Pics??

15 years ago

Although our new house is almost done, I am always tweaking the one where we currently reside. I have a bunch of left over subway tile & thought I might do subway in this kitchen.

Here's the deal, I already have a 4 inch granite backsplash. Has anyone done subway above granite? If so, were you happy with results? Do you have pics you could share?

This would be an easy, quick project to do if I was so inclined. Don't want to do it if it would just be overkill, but do like the idea of using up all that extra tile.

So, please if you have pics of such a look could you send them my way. TIA

Here is current kitchen & walls where I am considering subway.

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Comments (9)

oruboris
15 years ago
I wouldn't tile above the granite, I'd just leave the wall color. I like the way it flows down by the window to fill the space.

To me, tile to the counter looks as though you like tile. But a granite splash with tile above usually looks like you wanted to fill the space but couldn't afford all granite.

I think it would be wise to tile behind the range, though, or do a stainless backsplash running all the way to the vent hood.
acountryfarm
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks oruboris -I do have stainless steel back w/ wire shelf that is going up behind range. I appreciate the comments & don't feel compelled to do anything unless I felt new homeowners would think it was a plus.
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Bill has posted some pictures of this before. I found some in what I believe to be a portfolio of his. Personally I believe it can work, but I much prefer to tile the whole backsplash and did just that in our remodel. My contractor tried to get me to do the 4 inch only or tile above it, but I didn't like the look. There is one advantage to the 4" backsplash. Granite/quartz creates a very tight dirt and liquid (essentially) impervious corner where the wall and counter meet. If you use tile that corner won't be quite as straight, neat or "impervious", but I don't think it's much of an issue. - Jim Here is a link that might be useful: Some 4
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My preference is for the tile to meet the countertop, with no 4" strip of counter on the wall. For me, the only reason I would have a 4" strip of counter on the wall is if I were not going to have any other backsplash otherwise, and wanted to protect the wall from splatters, etc. The reason why it used to be standard to have a 3-4" strip of countertop dates back to the formica days. Now that we have modern counter fabrication where a counter is cut precisely to meet the wall, with no gap, there isn't a practical reason to have the strip. But if you like the look (i.e. people like the vintagey mid-century appearance of the 4" strip), go for it. In any case, I will list the reasons why I do not like a small strip of counter on the backsplash: - you will spend a lot of effort designing a beautiful tile backsplash; why cut it short by 4". - the additional horizontal line of the 4" strip will visually make the space between your counter and upper cabinets look smaller and more cramped - the 4" backsplash creates a small "ledge" which collects dust. Oy, yet one more thing to clean. - you will be charged for the material and installation for the 4" backsplash; money that you may have preferred to spend elsewhere. This is all MHO. If you simply like the look, get what YOU want.
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organic_nettie
15 years ago
I like your granite. Is it Tropic Brown? If not do you know the name of it? I have white cabinets and I am about ready to purchase granite counters.
acountryfarm
Original Author
15 years ago
organic nettie -- I do not for sure know. When we put this granite in we were told it was ST. Cecelia. I do not believe this is right. It is much more colorful than any samples of S.C. that I have seen since. Someone else said they thought it was New Venetian Gold ? I don't really know, but it is more like that.

I must say, I love the granite. I was ready to use it in new house but decided to go with my true love , blacked honed.

I took a up close pic of it for someone else and can post it if you want.
organic_nettie
15 years ago
yes, please do
Jim Peschke
15 years ago
It's hard to tell giallo ornamental apart from, new venetian gold, santa cecilia and a few others, but for the benefit of Organic Nettie, from what I can see, I really do not think that that granite is tropic brown. Tropic brown has a tight grain and no real movement.

- Jim
maryelizabeth78
15 years ago
It looks like Santa Cecilia to me. The New Venetian Gold that I've seen has a lot less black and less "flow" than what is shown here. And the Giallo Ornamental has an overall lighter tone.
fullpass
15 years ago
Hi there,

I have granite with a 4" backsplash of granite and tile above. I like the look but recently changed out my granite and will be going with matte white subway tiles above the 4" backsplash. I think it looks nice and its easier to clean than just the paint.

I guess its a matter of taste but I disagree that tiling above makes it look like you couldn't afford the granite to do it all. My counters are a honed jet mist and I simply didn't want that much dark gray/black on the walls. Just a little to even it out and then white above. Again, matter of taste :)
acountryfarm
Original Author
15 years ago
fullpass -- any pics? I would sure love to see them. I definitely agree on the "easier to clean" issue.
My only goal is to make somewhat universally appealing as I want to be in the "sold it quick" camp after we are done.

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