Do not have a 4" splash and tiles. Also, are you sure quartz is the way to go? I find that material very expensive for the value it provides. Glacier White Corian is cheaper and just as modern and sleek looking. Plus you can't chip or stain Corian, unlike quartz. And if somehow you do harm Corian, it can be fixed easily, unlike quartz. (No, I don't sell Corian ;-)

A 4" backsplash is just money in the contractor's pocket and then you have to tear it out to put in a real one. Your friend will be wise to replace the hardware, but I assume he has plans for all the cabinetry before the counters go on.

Just Say No to a 4” backsplash—especially with Quartz. The fabricator wants to do it, not only for more money in his pocket, but also because he is worried about scribing the new counter against the older wall with old cabinets. A 4” backsplash provides a fudge factor that won’t be available when a tile backsplash meets the counter.

I also don’t think it wise to top those cabinets with the modern look of Quartz (you don’t mention cabinet replacement, so I assume they are staying). It will make the cabinets look glaringly older.

Regarding your question about Quartz behind the range - Quartz is considered a combustible material. The various Quartz brands’ websites describe that it must not be installed against a heat source, and also the Quartz warranties have a carve-out if Quartz is installed against a heat source.

Skip any 4” splash. Skip any quartz. It won’t look any different than you have now and you’ll have spent 6K to get the same look on old cabinets.

Do the 4" splash ALL the way across OR do tile with no 4" splash.

I see no reason not to do quartz. If your friend wants quartz, then quartz he should have.

Thanks for all of the great info!

I wish I would have seen this great site before my friend started this project.

His wife wanted new floors and quartz countertops. I mentioned to him that putting the quartz on the old cabinets might not be the best move but here we are.

The facts are:

He's keeping the cabinets and replacing the hardware. Now have to find some 3" hardware that will help. Any thoughts on type would be appreciated.

He already ordered the quartz with 4" splash.

I'm removing the drywall above the countertop so I can clean up the wiring and add more receptacles. Never enough.

I'll install new drywall and will finish it so if he wants to paint it for now it'll be ready.

Installer will run 4" splash behind the range.

Thanks again for the help.

"Installer will run 4" splash behind the range."

Quartz is made with resin. It will show scorch marks if installed behind a range. Please post back a month after the install with photos.

If the quartz has already been ordered and the decision about the 4" backsplash has been made, why are you even posting on here for advice? The horse has left the barn. Or, is it to tell your good friend "I told you so".

If the range is installed per the manufacturer's instructions, there will be no scorched quartz. You could hang wall paper there and not burn it.

Don't do the 4 inch quartz thing. That's kind of a dated look. Also reminds me of a cheap laminate countertop. Have the subway tile go all the way down to the quartz countertop. Those cabinets look like they need a fresh coat of paint and definitely new cabinet hardware.

To offer a fabricator perspective. For us, it does not matter if our client chooses to go with a backsplash or not. The extra money made on it is inconsequential to the overall price of the job. We always leave it up to our client on what to go with. Many times this choice is dictated by a kitchen and bath designer or the contractor. If you go without a backsplash make sure your template measurements are scribed to the wall as there is no such thing as a pure, straight wall. The template scribe, done correctly, will ensure little to no gap between countertop and wall.

Regarding quartz being combustible. It is not. It will react to heat, but it does not combust. We have installed thousands of quartz countertop and have had no issues with scorching or combustion.

Good luck with your project!