My granite supplier advised using tile from the granite up (no granite back splash). She could have advised the other way and made a little more money, so I think she advised based on her honest opinion. I also like the "no granite back splash" look better. Just guessing, I'd say the only reason to use the 4" granite back splash would be if you weren't going to use any other back splash at all (a more low-budget option, in my opinion).

With a granite backsplash, you'll still have a seam so it defeats the purpose stated by that granite guy. Only time I see tile over a 3" granite backsplash is when they are done at different times (change in homeowners or you decide to add tile in the future). Most people getting new counters will just tile from the counter up.

I have a similar question five years later: Is the 4" matching back splash now out of style? And how long will it stay out of style? Doubt that it would be possible to get a full matching back splash 14 years after the home was built. I am considering removing the 4" back splash and going with a complementary tile or, perhaps, a colorful wallpaper. Thoughts as to how long the short back spash will stay out of style? (I'm old enough to remember bell bottoms - the first time they were in style.)

Here is a link to google, how that backsplash should have been installed. There are some u tube videos too. I watched one video, where they used grout, between the countertop and the backsplash, and grout should not be used there. Caulking shud be done between backsplash and countertop. My backsplash is also caulked in all the corners, rather than grouted. Once you watch these videos and read these articles, you will see that your thinset was put on improperly, and thats why your tiles are falling off. Please read carefully. https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=uI4VW7HdLszKjwTtrqSoAw&q=how+to+install+glass+subway+tile+backsplash&oq=How+to+install+glass+subway+tile+&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.0l3j0i22i30k1l3.3755.12143.0.14244.41.29.3.9.9.0.173.3348.9j20.29.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..0.41.3556...0i131k1j33i22i29i30k1.0.70wb9L5GlO8