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.

didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )

Hi! I have been searching non-stop on Houzz for inspirations for kitchens ever since we built our home two years ago, and have a pretty good idea of the look I want. (See two photos posted from Houzz that I especially adore!) However, it's not easy to make an educated decision on a backsplash when what you receive as a sample is a 3x6 tile! I was hoping maybe someone with similar finishes would be willing to share photos with me. I don't have photos to post right now (they all came out terrible) but our kitchen has a European flair. White cabinets, with a glaze (they are creamy, maybe even with a touch of yellow). Definitely not a true white. The granite is "Yellow River"....lots of movement, with primarily golden, rust, warm tones. Our kitchen island has a dark stain wood, and our floors are a cherry-stained oak. I'm looking to achieve a "tone on tone" kitchen, and since the granite is so dramatic, I'm set on crackle subway tile. Of the four local shops I've visited, the contenders are (and not in order of importance) 1.) Rixi in "Crema" (but maybe too light?) and also "Dore" (but maybe WAY too yellow?) 2.) Sonoma tile Star Tribeca in "Butter" 3.) Walker Zanger Gramercy Park "Hamptons Beige" (don't have a sample but the store said they could order one) 4.) Jeffrey Court "Sandbar" (I think this may be too dark) I really am set on a crackle subway, based on some gorgeous kitchens that look similar to my own on Houzz. Yet, I'm stuck on the "right" cream/beige color! I also LOVED Encore ceramics, but the store quoted $40/sq ft and that's just not going to happen. I have a list of contractors to call, so I'll see if they can do better on pricing. That way help sway the decision. Does, anyone have Yellow River granite and light cabs with a crackle subway backsplash? Does anyone have a photo of Sonoma's "Butter" that I could see? It's like trying to choose a paint color based on those tiny paint chips! SO difficult to get a feel for what the surface will look like entirely covered by the tile! Thank you!