I am so happy to read this vigorous debate about back splash height because I am in the midst of trying to figure out what to do in my new kitchen. I have selected a 1"x1" glass mosaic tile (in 12"x12" sheets) -- first decision made (phew!). The tile is pretty snazzy -- different shades of blue glass with a few stainless steel tiles scattered throughout. The walls are painted white (not green like in the drawing). So now I have to figure out: 1) how high to go on the west wall with no cabinets? 2) how high to go on the north wall with the cabinets? 3) do I tile to the underside of the hood or to the top of the wall cabs (I have already ruled out going up to the ceiling) The hood is 30" wide in a 36" opening (intentional for more open space and future expansion possibilities). The outlets and switches are at about 5" from the counters and the counters don't have an integrated back splash. Doing a 4" strip would be the easiest, but would it look strange adjacent to the big swath of tile under/behind the hood. Thanks in advance for weighing in and helping me think this through!

Xand83, that had been my original plan! I had started a thread about cutting down the 4" backsplash. I did not end up having huge gaps and did not need to cut my old splash. I did have to have a side splash I would not have wanted otherwise, but I have gotten used to it and it looks fine. I actually miss having the security of the granite trim with water spills, etc. I know the tile is sealed well, but I felt more secure with the granite. Your kitchen looks great! Amck, I laughed when I read your last post. My DH was the last to know. I did all my homework first. Actually, he would not help since he was convinced I would break the counter and wanted no part of it. He would only carry out the heavy pieces, but would not do the scoring and tapping with the hammer. Be very careful. Score, score, and score some more. Then take a very sharp putty knife and tap gently with a hammer. I went ever so carefully and slowly. Thankfully, nothing broke.

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.)

Just had this done for the same reason wanted a taller look to our backsplash. Our tiler had no problem removing ours which is black granite and it looks great!