I would definitely do a backsplash. It add so much to a kitchen. I would not do the 4 inch granite. There is no need for it and you'll have more room for tile without it. Your granite is beautiful and I would pull out a taupe or grey shade for the backsplash. Ceramic or glass would be beautiful and I would keep it simple. Good luck--the cabinet is so nice with the granite.

Thank you! The counter is actually laminate, and the builder doesn't give the option of not having the 4 inch backsplash. Would it look terrible to do another backsplash over top, and if not what style would work best?

Sometimes builders don't offer too many options, which helps control costs. You an certainly put up a backsplash, but keep it simple, one color. You've got a lot of pattern in your countertops. Keep it simple and clean for the backsplash. You can add color with counter decor/appliances. Google kitchens with brown cabinets and see what strikes your fancy. One thing I would definitely add (you can do it yourself very easily) is strip LED lights under the cabinets. You'll love the added light!

Yes, it would look very odd to have a backsplash over the 4" piece. You don't need a backsplash if you have that. And it looks very nice as is.

Previous poster is correct that the trend is to not have the 4" piece. Been that way for almost ten years. (Hello Mr Builder!)

On the other hand, if you really want a backsplash, then insist, strongly, very strongly, that the builder not put that piece in. Fight for it. Have your attorney write a letter. I have no idea why these people can't leave out something as simple as that if you will sign an addendum.

It shouldn't be an issue for them to leave out the 4" backsplash. It's not like you're asking for them to "change" something! (heaven forbid!) Or show up the day they're installing, and don't let them put it in. ;)

Love your kitchen. Amazing how nice the hard surface counters are these days.....good luck. Florida Girl

No 4" splash if you tile. Tiles should come to the counter. If the builder does not budge then here is a thought. You can google pics of it. Look at Anaglypta paper. It comes in "ceiling-like" tile patterns. This can be put on and painted, no grout. Use a metallic paint (stainless, or bronze like) with a gel stain to darken the lines. Really easy to do, washable Also if budget allows do a plain counter top, not much pattern and put a busier granite on your island. It does work to combine the two nicely.

The builder is not budging on not doing the backsplash unfortunately, so I have to find a way to live with it for now. (I tried getting them to leave it out. But our counters are already ordered, so we are out of luck.) I even looked into just removing it ourselves after we moved in, but apparently it would leave a gap in the countertop :( I know it's not ideal, but it's going to have to work for now.

[https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-traditional-kitchen-phvw-vp~11142078[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-traditional-kitchen-phvw-vp~11142078)

It isn't the most common, and it isn't what I recommend if you have the choice...but you CAN tile above the backsplash. Like everyone else said, keep it simple. I would pick one color and do something like the link above.

it might be how the builder gets his laminate counters fabricated. and while i would say no 4" piece is necessary, since you have it i dont see a reason not to do a very plain tile above it. mostly because paint generally looks meh when between the 4" and the cabinet. buy a box of tile when you are ready to decide and stack them in and see what you think. but plain color only.

So annoying that the builder won't leave out that backsplash! If that piece is separate from the countertop, then I would try to stop them from installing it. Even if they do, take it off yourself. Worst case is that the wall surface gets a little messed up, but you can fix it when tiling. As far as a gap is concerned, the tile would probably be thick enough to bridge the gap and if not, you can put some clear caulk in the gap. When I did my kitchen 14 years ago, I didn't do the 4 inch part and with my wavy walls there were a couple of big gaps. Put the caulk in--no problems!!

Best of luck

Good news! The builder got back and said they would do the counters without the 4 inch backsplash. The only thing is that we have to sign a release saying they aren't responsible if there is damage because of water getting behind the sink. That makes me a little nervous :( Anyone who wants to spam me with more backsplash ideas or pics would be great!! Here's another pic of our cabinets (middle) with the counter

Now that you've gotten the builder to eliminate the 4" trim, I have a question for you. Since these are laminate counters, do you plan on keeping them for some time, or are there plans to replace with a solid surface (granite, marble, quartz, etc.) in the future? If you plan to replace in the future, I would leave the 4" trim and eliminate the backsplash for now until you decide on a permanent counter. Either way it's a beautiful kitchen - congrats!

i would encourage you to find out that the laminate will go to your wall and not have a x inch slot all the way along. has your counter been templated already?

Nice to know the builder is being reasonable. And it stands to reason they want you to sign something saying they aren't responsible for water getting behind - that's what the 4" piece is for. So you need to caulk the gap, no matter how tiny it is.

Next thing - so the laminate counter top (which is solid surface) you chose has a pretty rich pattern. Your tile backsplash shouldn't compete with that or the area will start to look a little busy.

Last thing, be prepared for when (or if) you decide to replace the laminate. It's likely that the new counter top may not fit up underneath the tile backsplash you install unless you are able to improvise. And even then, the line between them may not be perfect. Typically, the backsplash goes in after the counter. In other words, you may not be able to keep this tile with the next counter top.

Which I guess leads us back to this - if you think you're going to replace the laminate with something else, you might want to just go ahead with the 4' piece and do it all at the same time, because your tile job may have to be sacrificed.

We don't have any plans to replace the counters any time soon. As long as they look nice, I'm not too hung up on them not being granite or anything else. My husband is in the military, so the chances of us being in this house for more than 3-5 years is pretty slim. So, I don't plan on doing many expensive upgrades. The backsplash will probably be the only thing we add (besides blinds, etc.) With that said, since the counters are laminate, we won't be doing an expensive backsplash either. I just want something that looks nice, since I spend so much time in the kitchen. Nnigrt- I don't believe the counters have been templated, which is why they agreed to leave the backsplash out.

Try a beige natural stone backsplash like this one: http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2013/06/14/10835755/ledger-stone-kitchen-backsplash-beige.jpg

Good luck!

Are your counter tops a laminate, like Formica or a solid surface product? I would recommend going with an off-white subway tile that is inexpensive. If you decide to replace your counters at a later date, you won't lose a lot of money on the backsplash.

Well then Alison, I say go to a big box store, get some off white, matte finish subway tile (Dal Tile can be found at Home Depot) and some off white grout, and do it yourself. (YouTube is a great teacher) It's easy. I did my kitchen backsplash, on my own. 30 years later I'm on my tenth (and last!!) tile job.

My husband is retired military and we moved frequently. Doing a backslash in the subway tile will appeal to a wider base of potential buyers when you go to resell.

DreamMaker - that's beautiful, but a nightmare to clean, no? So many crevices for food splashes to get in to! And she wants inexpensive.

Thank you all, this is really so helpful!

Kitchen to Bath - the counters are laminate (Wilsonart Winter Carnival). I think the subway tile sounds like a great idea :)

Or you could add a splash of color with a mosaic blend border with plain tile...like this:

If you intend to move in 3 to 5 years - keep it simple.