I'm one of the few that like the 4" backsplash just fine. I have one myself made of soapstone. However , if u are unable to bring it out to the end, it will look odd. So I would go with a different backsplash in this situation.

An uneven wall can't cause a 4-1/2" gap. Someone made a mistake. Find out who it is and have them correct it (i.e. order a backsplash the correct length).

I agree with Tonia that it will look odd if you can't bring it to the end. But, I also like the idea of tile (to the cabinet bottoms) better too. You don't have to spend a lot to get a nice looking tile. Something simple is just fine, in fact, preferable.

RappArchitecture, the gap between the walls isn't 4.5 inches. It's just uneven enough for them to have to put a bunch of caulk behind it for them to be able to extend the backsplash the full length. It's hard to describe because you can't see the rest of the wall in the photo. But basically the backsplash will stop at a certain point and the counter will extend 4.5 inches further. I'm still confused as to how they are able to put the counter there but not the backsplash...Anyway, those are my two options, unless I want to have the whole wall replaced, I guess.

Tonia and Ann, thanks for your feedback! I think my gut is telling me the same thing: go with tile! But I'm just so over everything and want my kitchen functional again! I don't want to have to agonize over picking the right tile. I hate making decisions. But I think it will be worth it in the long run.

Go with your gut. If you want to post pics of tile choices, we'll be happy to vote.

Just wait till u get the counter installed to pick your backsplash. That way you can bring home several samples and get a better idea what you like best.

Here's ones more observation I just thought of. You said your peninsula has 12" overhang. That means your overhang goes out further than your upper cabinet. I'm pretty sure standard would be to stop the tile where the upper cabinet stops. Or add a 12 shelf or something on end of upper cabinet to bring it out even with how far peninsula overhang stops then tile out to end. Does that make any sense or is it about as clear as mud???

Concur...stop where the upper cabinets stop. Tile probably won't help as it will accent the "waves" in the wall surface.

Agree with Rapparchitecture. And the "backsplash" protects the attached wall from counter splashes....therefore go to the end of the counter. Mine is more than 4 inches, but the concept is the same. My installer ordered 1 "L" shaped piece to finish the top, but you can finish more easily with stock piece.

Aha! No consensus. That means no basis for decorating police! Pick the solution that makes you most happy and least stressed. Or just paint the whole thing and don't worry about any backsplash until you've lived with it for a while! People have been surviving that way for millenia...

Looks awesome!