Yes it is common to extend the tile beyond the tub some if the wall extends.
The install looks good from this angle.

Extending the tile is a good idea to protect the wall sheeting from water that collects on the tub deck and splashes around the shower curtain. As has been said, it looks like a good install job.

This is not the actual picture! It's the closest example I could find of what it should look like. My question is--does it matter how far the tile extends from the tub? Many pictures on houzz show 1-2", like the picture I attached. The contractor is insisting on 3-4" which is throwing off the entire design by adding 2" pieces of cut tile to the edge, instead of what you see in the attached picture

Generally speaking, there isn't a specific dimension which is required. It would be good to speak with the contractor and ask them if they have had a specific issue with tile surrounds, or if you have communicated to them the design parameters you want to have, ask them why they are reluctant to install it the way you are asking them to.

Can't you just post a picture of your tile job?

I think the issue is that it is already installed and grouted! He said he is willing to remove the 2" column of tile, but that I will be compromising the integrity of the drywall. It's being presented as either I prioritize the dryness of the wall or the design.

I want to emphasize that the quality of the work is not in question, the issue is the extra row of small rectangles on the edge as it really impacts the overall aesthetic of the tile pattern

Are you doing a rub door, or a shower curtain? A tub door will contain the water into the tub area. A shower curtain won't be nearly as water tight. If you're doing a tub door, you can likely remove the cut tile. If a curtain, I'd actually extend it a complete tile width to avoid a cut line.

I'll be using a curtain. I thought of putting another column of full-size tiles to replace the cut pieces, but as you can see the vanity plumbing is quite close to the tub. And more to the point, I'm not sure it is necessary as Graham mentioned above!

Exactly what sophie said. replace the cut ones w/a full tile if using the curtain.

I'm pretty sure it would throw off the centering of the vanity. Space is at a premium in this small bathroom! Even half a foot is asking a lot.

Ouch. You really only have 2 choices- remove the cut tile completely or remove cut tile and install a full width tile. I agree that the cut tile is really not aesthetically pleasing. Good luck!

Or install a line vertically oriented.

I would substitute the small cut tiles for a vertical (soldier?) placement

Does your tile have a bullnose trim piece. Or can you get one to match your white? If so, I would consider removing the cut tiles and put in bullnose. The bull nose would help contain water. A wipe up after showers may be in your future.

The bullnose trim is only 1/2" thick, so it wouldn't solve the concern about protecting the drywall, unfortunately!

Bummer thought I had a winner there. Then, I think you are stuck with the little pieces. However, I would plan to eventually put a glass enclosure and then take out those little buggers! lol

If this was my home, I would remove those pieces and repair the drywall. The worst that can happen is a bit of water may get on the drywall. Just use a really high quality paint. If you are overly concerned about water damage then after painting apply a clear coat of polyurethane as a final finish.

Graham

A soldier course would interrupt your horizontal line. I'd pull it back to the end of The last full tile, and call it done.

Or extend the tile to the entire wall.

If they had told you this would be the result, you could have selected a longer tile. It looks strange have the little cut pieces to me. Someone, like a designer, should have measured this out. Are you expecting the contractor to make design decisions for you?

Thank you all for your comments. I'm glad to know that others see the problem too and it's not just me! I definitely did not give anyone else authority to make design decisions, so this caught me completely by surprise. I no longer feel guilty or unreasonable for asking for the tile to be changed.

Trying to make decisions like these for a complete home renovation. Houzz and conversations like these are a great help and a great information source. Just wanted to say not all of us can afford to use designers (suzyq53) after all of the other large expenses like insulation, electrical, plumbing and permits.

It’s standard to extend past the tub 2-3” to protect the walls from any water that may splash on it. I’m surprise the contractor didn’t cut the tile lengthwise in half and use that along the edge instead of the small pieces.