Hi, I'm not sure what part of the country your in but I've never heard that you have to have a minimum of a 4 inch Backsplash. I've seen and done backsplashes both ways but personally prefer a full height splash. If I were you I'd remove the stone and install whatever stone, glass or tile you select. While removing the existing splash may cause you to damage / repair a small amount of Sheetrock, the long term fix will be worth the time and effort spent..good luck

I don't know what you mean when you say the subway tiles look 'pretty sick', and when you say there is no guarantee that the tile will cover space between countertop and wall - they make silicone for this.

You can go with what you are showing - the 4 inch backsplash, and then the subway tile or have the contractor take off the 4 inch backsplash and add the subway tile that you are showing. The subway tile would match either way.

I don't mind the mixed materials for this application. I say go for it! The colors are similar and the tile is gorgeous so I'd definitely recommend using that as a backsplash contender.

Remove the existing backsplash or the tile looks like an afterthought.

I would just keep the 4" backsplash and add the tile.

No. You don't need the 4" backsplash in addition to the tile. The area is only about 18" so why chop in into two different materials? The counter people push the 4" bs -- I guess they make more money? In so many cases it ruins the look of the kitchen and you've just spent $$$$ to make it look good. Which would you want?

if the contractor is going to undo his 4" backsplash on his money, i'd have it removed now and be done with it. (realize, you will have to buy more tile for this decision).

if its you that will have to pay, skip it. it will cost the same now or later and the tile you have chosen looks very nice with it. that won't always be the case; a not-marbled tile wouldnt look ok with the low backsplash. but if you arent going to change the tile before you move some day you'll never have to worry about it.

i can't see anyone not buying your house because of this tile on this backsplash.

Remove the 4” and run the backsplash from the counter and I have never heard of this code.If you have not alreadt got the tile I would not use that one but osmething in a gray.

Leave the blacksplash but change up your tile. A glass tile would look nice with a marble. The texture you have up now does not look right.

It is not a lot of work to remove that 4" piece. That piece is also sitting on top of your counter so there should be no issue with a gap once tiled. I can't see the point in leaving it there, given the small effort involved in removing it. Given that all of the work is new, I wouldn't want my backsplash to look like an afterthought. I would however question the builder about the code requirement for a 4" backsplash. That sounds unlikely to be true, but at the very least he should have consulted you to ask if you planned a different backsplash. Get him to remove the 4" strip, and ensure the wall is ready for tiling.

Those look like some nice yummy tomatoes!

"no guarantee that the tile will cover the space between counters and walls"

If you think this may be the case, leave it as is and use that tile, it looks great!

I would remove the 4" backsplash. The job will look more custom rather then an afterthought. We have done this in another house ie added backsplash after counters installed and removed the 4" that was in place. There were some gaps, but none so great that they weren't covered by the thickness of the tile we installed. If you're installing marble it is usually a little thicker than most tiles. When you do your final caulk where the backsplash meets the counter it will look great.

Is the 4" back splash a separate piece or molded from the counter top?
What you have looks perfectly fine and it will be easier to keep clean (less grout lines directly behind the stove - that's a good thing from a purely practical point!) It's not like you were switching from marble to a separate tile. It's marble to marble, if I'm seeing this correctly. If anything, I'd suggest moving to a slightly large marble tile for the continuation. a 4" x 6". subway.

Thank you ALL for the feedback. Sorry, I meant to say "pretty thick' tile (10mm). Also it is beveled tile which adds an extra dimension and interest, and ... recessed grout lines. As few comments suggest it is more practical for cleaning purposes to leave an existing splash and I do agree with that. The counters are Callacata quartzite (not marble), and the tile is marble. Color matching is fine, I think, but I am not a designer. :) I guess I have to ask why is that so bad to keep it from a design stand point? Because it suggests a builder grade? Why it necessarily suggests an afterthought? We do not plan to sell the house sometime soon or to replace the counters and the back splash in at least 10-15 years, either we definitely do not want to make a wrong choice after we spent a fortune already. I will take a look into 4" x 6" subway - good idea.

Oh, we are from DC area so to speak about the code.

That's funny, sick vs. thick. In the "youth" culture something being "sick" just means it is very very nice!

Our second choice for the tile was marble in a herringbone pattern, but that option certainly would require a full height to be tiled, IMO.

I am not sure if we can fight with the builder about the splash and make them pay for it at this moment. House is complete and we did sign the approval papers. We accepted their claim about the code. Ironically, they even gave us discount for not installing it, but once the counters were done - there was the back splash. And now we have to deal with it....

It looks like you didn't know what you wanted and got talked into the 4" backsplash. The look is so much more professional to have no backsplash out of counter material. And I totally agree about the afterthought comment.

As you all know I'm into color and making a SPLASH! I also love glazed ceramic a s a backsplash for it's easy care and up keep. That being said, a soft color glaze like this white gives a POP without being over the top. You could go bright blue/ grey or many other ways. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

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2x4 Subway Hand made tile backsplash · More Info

Remove the existing backsplash.

72lenhart09, I see both sides of this and it sounds like one of those situations where design concepts don't always coincide perfectly and easily with real life. I think you should select a tile you like and start enjoying good times in your new kitchen.

I found this on a HGTV website. They installed subway tile above 4" backsplash. Hmm...

It's definitely not a sin, especially when you have matched the colors and feel as well as you have. Agree that you'd prefer not to have it, but if the contractor won't fix it on his dime (and quick), then tile that puppy up and move on. Beautiful kitchen!

You can always get a bid to remove and then decide if it is worth it to you to fix on your own dime. I would pay for it myself in my kitchen if I had to because it would always bother me. But you don't seem to feel strongly about it, so make your decision on cost vs benefit.

@rocketjcat My thoughts exactly! It always looks like an afterthought to me. My vote is to get rid of the quartz backsplash first. And bring the tile down to the deck top. It's much more cleaner looking.

Remove the 4" backsplash and install the tile.

Have you considered using the same countertop material as the backsplash? You can remove, and reinstall the same material all the way up. It will look thought out and custom. Good luck!