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

Whew! Busy weekend and not much computer time left over so I could reply back to all the replies. Wow, thank you all!! I am afraid that I don't have the greatest outlook right now. I talked to the fabricator this morning. He is still pretty certain the granite bench piece is not going to come out in a manner that will allow it to be reused. UGH! Hopefully after a job they are on now they will have time to stop by tonight and take a look and do some measurements. I don't want to think about the alternative. :*( Angie_DIY- Wow, you have been through the ringer as well with trying to decide the best option for you and your kitchen. I agree with the thought to get what YOU like. I wish I had spent more time making a decision the first time around. I saw a backsplash in Bedrosian's when I first chose my granite about 4 months before it was put in. It was in a mock kitchen with the same granite as mine and a similar backsplash. I thought I scored when I saw that and all my choice was made. Didn't even dawn on me that the cabinets were cream vs. my dark stain, etc., and that things might not look the same. ;-/ drbeanie2000- and if they did mention it they shouldn't be offended by your obvious eye roll because they deserved it! LOL breezygirl- are you going to do a backsplash in the rest of your kitchen? For some reason I thought I read here that you intended not to. I think it looks gorgeous without. Very clean and streamlined. I have pondered over your kitchen many times in the last six months. I love the drawings on the wall...so precious. ;) And yes, I will certainly consider a 4" backsplash vs. a 6". I love the look of a 2" however with two messy male teenagers in the kitchen at all hours of the day I think that 2" wouldn't be enough of a shield to their messes. Another reason that white cabinets weren't an option. I spend enough time wiping fingerprints off the wall, doors and light switches. Who knew basketballs could be so dirty? O_o ellendi - thanks for thinking of me. :) What would you do instead if you had a chance to do it over? I know you feel that your granite is a bit dark but what your hubby preferred, is this correct? Would you even entertain using the Rixi again yet with a different granite...? Would you go with a lighter GO granite or something different? Just curious. kailuamom- what a lovely and spacious kitchen! Your granite looks similar to mine - what is it called? IowaCommute- welllllll we're not so sure it will be able to come up. My fingers are crossed...and my toes. Where are you in the process of your kitchen and counters? hags00 - the spot factor on a more solid color of granite or quartz was an absolute concern for me as well. Prior to the island we had a table with a glass top. For five years I windexed that thing several times a day. It's such a blessing when the waterspots, etc., can remain hidden somewhat and only need to be cleaned once a day! iroll- spills going down the back of the cabinets is a very valid concern! So interesting that they tiled the walls but not the backsplash. Trends sure do change. What we have right now along the bottom 3 inches is a non-grouted round faced onyx mosaic. I am constantly wiping crumbs that get caught in 'valley' areas where the curve of each tile meets. Not to mention one wine glass spill and down the back of the cabinets it will go. I need to figure this whole thing out sooner than later....

Hi Jade BR. We are in Mountain View, CA. Somehow our marble slabs were much cheaper at this store (MSI International) than marble slabs at other stores. I think calacatta costs more in general. Also, the price I mentioned above did not include fabrication, so that's something to keep in mind. Total cost including three slabs, fabrication, honing, and sealing was $10,068. Thanks everyone! Yes, there was so much drama. :) Now we are happily just living in our kitchen and so happy to not be remodeling!

it gets down to budget. QUARTZ GRANITE OR CORIAN ARE ALL different pricepoints Quartz counters are fabulous but expensive. Based on your info provided I would create a palette [ inspiration board] and start with the most that could be done here....first .look at wood look vinyl planks for a new floor.....what do you most desire for counters ? will there be an overhang ? likely a subway tile backsplash .........look for a directional sconce above the sink for some detail .....re: those vinyl floor planks...they have many textures and shades to mimic wood looks...so if you start w something that interests you for a new floor [bring home samples] then the counter options fall in line much more easily. But again.....only you know the budget you have at hand. It looks like the floor will go beyond to the dining area w four chairs......so measure ....but I think the planks would really fit in w a bit more modern feel as you state.