I think a tile backsplash looks better but for your budget and functionality reasons I would stick to the granite.

It depends on what the builder will agree to do. I would ask to have the granite installed without the little backsplash at all. That way you can add the tile after move in.

In the past people have reported that builders have refused this request.

If the sink is centered and not near the side wall I would skip the sidesplash.

Thanks everyone for input. builder will not leave off backsplash unless tile is going up. So for now we will skip it.

@ilovewhitekitchens

Request a TALLER granite splash please. Check where electrical duplexes are located, if they are in place. If not in place, fine! If in place move them up!! . Do a splash in granite match at a height of SIX OR SEVEN inches, versus the lowly and standard four inch. It looks far more updated, and it will solve the problem of selecting tile that is always difficult to marry with granite, unless it is quite PLAIN. You will have a richer look by far with the match, just HIGHER. The height will change the look to far more luxurious, guaranteed....protect the wall, and be beautiful with mirrors ( also protection) above.

Jan, I didn't know that was even an option! I will have to see how much that would cost as I am assuming it is an upgrade

@ilovewhitekitchens

It will cost very little extra!!! A LOT less than tiling and a better look by far ! All tops basically are price to include a splash in the bath on at least the back side! Just ask !! and I am sure you will be very happy! The point is it's a better LOOK. For even a marginal up charge. Check your GFI'S as well in the bath. ........with your builder. Moving those up slightly is rarely an issue....sideways? That's different: )

You want nice straight edges.....on all tops too . Inclusive of splashes. Don't get fancy schmancy......and yes, if your vanity is in a niche, all three splashes are same taller height.

Here's the problem, if you want tile it would be so much better not to have the 4 inch backsplash out of counter granite. Just do tile. Why both? Here's how it should look

How much more can it be to do it right?

leelee, I agree. if I asked them to do a tile backsplash how far up would it go?? In inches. There wouldn't be any tile on the bathroom wall except for the section of the wall where the mirror will hang (directly above the vanity)... so I am afraid it will look odd having backsplash tiles for such a small area...

It would look like this, which I feel is dated and/or out of place... what do you think?

tile backsplash

I would just get the granite backsplash and when you have the budget (and time) down the road, pop it off and install tile. :) Our builder also required us to have a backsplash of some sort so we just did the "included" one which was 6x6 single row tiles...we just chose white so it would look plain (the other option was travertine) but we'll have to remove it down the road to install a prettier, full backsplash.

It's not the best but not terrible either, actually pretty good alternative. It's what you think you can live with. You could just use oil based enamel paint and the splashes would wipe off easily. Then when finances are in order go for the tile. Something to consider.

I like Jan's suggestion.