I think your best option is to wrap the full height tile backsplash around the inside corners and bring it out to the countertop edge. Is there a reason you do not think this will look nice?

Vineyard Chic Kitchens, Thank you for your comments.

I just think it looks cleaner without the wrap. The upper cabinets do not come out as far as the countertop and there is that awkward "shield" of backsplash just hanging out there on the on the cabinet box. But first I will remove the formica splash and see what I am dealing really dealing with.

Debbi Washburn, Thank for you comments. I hadn't thought about the wood shrinking and swelling etc. Of course it will. I called the cabinet guy today and will have someone come out and try to remove those 2 splashes and see what demons I am dealing with!

this is the clean look I wantThis is 4" formica backsplash along the Refrigerator Cabinet box. My granite guy say to have this splash put in because the odds are that there will be damage to the white wood skin when they remove the formica.

Here is the opposite wall with the same issue. The back walls will have glass tile backsplash from granite countertop to upper cabinets.

I have my cabinet guy coming on Thurs to remove the 4" splash on these 2 returns. I figured that I'd rather pay him and hope it is done without damage. and then on Friday when I go to lay out my templates on my slabs at least I will know if I have damage to cover.

If I do have damage, then I have decisions to make on the least offensive way to cover that damage.

1. 4" granite splash just on the return

2. wood baseboard, painted and mitered

3. 4" granite everywhere. (Then I will probably just leave it and not do the tile backsplash at all. 8-(

Here's my kitchen from the DR.

I'm having White Fantasy Granite installed. These are my slabs, white with grays and browns. Hard to tell from the shadows on these photos.

Because my granite has lots of movement, I would like to keep the backsplash very simple and clean, that's why I am concerned about the returns on the cabinet boxes. I don't want to have those at all. But if I do have damage, I need to made concessions.

Of the wood is damaged, you may be able to apply an epoxy coating, and a lot of sanding.

The cabinets actually look like they are thermofoil doors - that means it is possible that the outside of the boxes is a laminate or melamine. Quite often those backsplashes were put on with silicone and not glued - you've got a chance!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Yes, Debbi, they are thermofoil, which I was not familiar with, but I love them. She have been very care free. I am hoping that the cabinet guy will be able to tell me how to repair any possible damage. My husband and I have built several homes as he was a builder for 30yrs. But we bought this home as a new build. I have done all of our painting and we built a pantry in the kitchen where that rain glass door is. We can do the repairs, but i need the repair guy to explain what the thermofoil needs. Although the skins of the box cabinets are just painted mdf or thin ply.

Here's a couple more photos of the kitchen. I do love my kitchen and can't wait until the granite is in!

I hope the splashes end up being a non issue!

* correction, the skins of the cabinet boxes MAY BE just MDF or thin ply. Not sure, until I can quiz the cabinet guy.

dotti105:

Fabricators think about what will make problems go away the easiest, not what looks the best. It's a heck of a lot easier to put up splash than to accurately scribe a top. Tell your fabricator the look/fit you want and to make it happen.

If the cabinet sides are damaged, get two side splashes made from the counter material but 6” tall, looks more intentional. The back wall will just be tile. Your tile guy can cut them to final size after he has installed the tile.