We didn't put in a tiled or granite backsplash b/c we postponed it due to budget (plus I didn't know what I wanted). We just painted w/a scrubbable paint (BM Cornsilk). However, be sure you tell the templater that you will not have a backsplash...and keep telling him/her! Otherwise, they'll assume they don't have do that good a job of templating along the wall b/c they'll think the tile will hide it. Oh, and put it in writing! Even though I was very explicit and they had our design with NO backsplash, they still gave me a gap that was big enough to push my fingers in up to my knuckles...I refused to sign off until they fixed it. I now have a fairly small gap that black silicone (or is it caulk?) hides very well and also keeps water (and crumbs) from falling behind the counters. I have a black counter, so the black is perfect. There is one run that has clear and we tried painting over, but the paint doesn't "stick"...so make sure they use something that either already matches your counter or wall or that can be painted.

Granite is not necessarily the greatest cost. Ceramic tiles can be extremely costly. Granite can also be used to frame ceramic focal points. You need to decide whether your granite is to be the "Star" or one of a few stars or not a star. Proceed from there. One place to look for photos of kitchens with granite backsplashes and counter tops is a book called Design Master Class. The designers have a definite viewpoint, so you can decide whether you agree or not. Their style is "quiet," meaning not too many stars. Their backsplashes are usually either the same stone as the counter tops or a simple tile. Not everyone subscribes to this view, though.

Dap Tub and Tile or Kitchen and Bath caulk. I believe it's silicone because it stays/dries soft and flexible. Dh says Dap is the brand he used but other brands are fine. It was simple to buy white to go with our white backsplash. It also comes in clear. The guy who installed the granite and the ss undermount sink used a similar type caulk (maybe what padola07 referenced above) that matched the stainless steel. So, the seam where the sink and the granite meet is sealed well and blends in.

Here's a link asking for help with a backsplash (BS) from October: Thread: Those with Black Granite Countertops? Also, have you checked the Backsplash slideshows in the Finished Kitchens Blog (FKB)? Look at the navigation bar on the right, in the top section. ["Finished Backsplashes Slideshow" & "Inspirational Backsplashes"]