How to end it or where to end it? It looks like you already have a 4" backsplash. What's the deal?

Where to end it is the problem. That's not a back splash but an extension of the counter. Why the builders did it that way, I have no idea.

No, it is considered a backsplash. That's why they do it that way. It's so they don't have to put anything else in. It's easy. It does not look good to add a tile backsplash above it, at all.

You end backsplash where the flat part of your countertop ends, before the edge rolls or in your case, where your current backsplash ends if you insist on keeping it on there.

My dilemma really is, do I end end at the level of the counters or the upper cabinets.

take down the 4" backsplash that's currently installed and add your choice of backsplash across the back wall, there's no need to bring it up onto those short walls.

Remove the 4 inch splash, add yours. STOP at the edge of the counter top. NOT the edge of upper cabinetry. Your new decorative splash is the grown up, version of what you have. ........and that ends at the counter edge (top photo). Failure to do this will leave an odd and unattractive end at the most noticeable spot which is where the counter meets the new splash. There's nothing wrong with tiling side walls, and nothing wrong with confining it within the niche to back side only ( 2nd photo( as long as the four inch is removed.

If you want to add tile above the countertops you should remove the part that's on the wall (commonly called a backsplash) before tiling. As to where to end the tile, we need photos that show the whole wall (walls) to give advice.

Agree to remove the 4 inch backsplash. The granite people do it to sell more granite which means they can charge more.

To answer your question...you end the tile backsplash on the back wall. You don't need to turn the corner and put tile on the side walls or out to the front of the counter. That usually looks awkward.

HI -- Solid surface companies always put on the 4 1/2 inch. back splash to match unless told not to . It's standard . In your kitchen if you would rather have a full tile back splash then you should have the short one removed . Then the new tile can just end at the under corners . Then the walls at the ends and the end of the counter top can just be caulked with a clear or white caulking made for kitchens and bathrooms . You do not need tile on the sides .

Be sure to use a pencil tile to cap the end of the tile if it ends before it gets to a wall (like in your first picture) Or as mentioned you can tile that whole wall.

how do you remove that 4 inch splash that is an extension of the counter top? We are trying to DIY this project. I was not expecting that there was a need to remove this part. Here I thought my only problem was where to end the back splash.

Do not end the tile even with the bottom of the cabinets. You can go up just an inch or two or a tile or two so there isn't a straight line with the tile and the cabinets. See above how just a slight bump up above then underside of the cabinets looks.

I assume it's granite, so I doubt it is integrated splash. Photos look typical glue and apply install of typical new build granite with separately cut splash

You must rip it out because it's glued to the wall. It's also glued to the counter but it must go. There will be a bit of drywall repair but the counter shouldn't be damaged. Most of the area will be covered by new tile except the part that juts out to the end of the counter. That's the part that will need drywall repair (next to the coffee maker)

Here's why you need to get rid of the 4" backsplash. Hopefully, this isn't a look you're going for:

@Joanramos

In your photo, you can see the VERY fine line where the current splash meets the counter top. It is simply glued and silicone caulked to match. You remove like this ( link).......your new tile will cover and minor drywall .........skim and repair wherever you are not replacing, and paint. You can google that too. : )

http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/01/take-it-away/

I don't think the 4" b/s is an extension of your granite. It is glued on separately.

We just checked and the counter top is not pushed all the way to the wall. If we remove the 4 inch extension of the granite counter there will be a 1-inch space between the counter top and the wall.

Well, that's unfortunate. I had the same problem in my house, in fact the gap was very uneven. So I left the granite and gave up my plan to tile. It was a resale, no idea who installed. Wish I did, I'd love to be able to avoid them!

That means it was a poor template and install. Sorry.

An inch??? Unbelievable. Just incredible.