You are planning to be out of town so obvously the delay will not interrupt service to you. If I were your plumber I would suggest that if there is even the slightest doubt it is always best to error on the good side and allow the countertop the additional cure time.

Just got back from talking to the contractor. What I am leaning to is the matte 3"x12" tiles in a staggered pattern with one double row of the pewter glass tiles. Since the opinions seem to be mixed, I think that is just comes down to preference, and what can I say, I think I am a bling type of gal! Plus if I DON'T do it, I'll wonder how it would have looked since I just love the tiles so much. That is what I am thinking right now but ask me again in 5 minutes. I can't believe that this may be my final decision, whatever will I do with myself after this? red_lover - the rest of the house is more on the traditional side, but I really love contemporary. So the look I was going for was transitional so the kitchen didn't look totally out of place (I struggled with this early in the remodel process and got some great advice along the way here). The backsplash is the one place that I am letting myself lean towards more modern, and I am OK with that. jalsy - I was considering the sonoma creamy crackle subways, that was what originally took me into this tile showroom was to check those out. However, they only had them in a 3 x 8, although they are quite beautiful. When they heard what I wanted they brought out the 3 x 12 and I really loved the shape of them. Plus I really loved the price! If you look at the pics, the creamy crackles are on the left side (although in square) and the color looks too "bright" to me, but that may just be lighting. Christine - I just love your kitchen and how you used those tiles too, they are just so beautiful. I also was considering the Typhoon Bordeaux granite, so obviously I just love all of your choices!

My DS had the same problem in a home she purchased. She was very unhappy with the kitchen cabinets because they were a glossy, orange/yellow oak. New cabinets weren't in the budget, and neither was granite, so she saved money on the counter top by using black granite tiles (with minimal grout) and then installed ceramic and glass tiles in brown tones on the backsplash. She also chose appliances in black and SS. With her selection of materials the cabinets appeared to blend into the background and are no longer the focal point of the room. She now loves her kitchen! I think if you choose materials and colors wisely you can achieve the same thing. If you don't feel you can do this on your own, then take the money you would spend on new cabinets and have an interior designer help you. It'll save you money in the long run and you'll be happier with your kitchen. I'm assuming this is not a newly built home? For ideas, check out the link below. The column on the right lists all the finished kitchens. Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchens

Thank you all. I don't know the dishwasher has adjustable legs. I will ask DH tomorrow. I remembered seeing the top of dishwasher ( some kind of form, not hard cover) when the granite guy removed the old countertop. Thank you again!