I forgot to mention that we plan to use tile as the remaining backsplash above the 4 inches of granite. Will this look ok.

ok thanks. Will it be difficult to find tile to fit under my window sill which is 4 inches?

above my sink

The installer will just cut your tile to fit under the window

No to the 4” piece and yes you can find tile that will work in that space.

No 4 inch backsplash. Tile only.

Your other option is to have granite that extends to under the cabinets and no tile.

That 4" backsplash is dated, and the only time we see it used is if the homeowner wants an old-timey look to their kitchen, particularly with soapstone counters. It also creates a tiny "shelf" that collects dust that you will have to wipe down, and who needs that. It also constricts your backsplash tile beauty, because you have that much less wall to show off the pretty tile.

I tend to avoid having the GC install the kitchen backsplash tile. And his suggestion to you of the dated 4" backsplash may be a heads up that you should carve out the backsplash installation from his Scope of Work. Then what you do is later after the GC's work on the kitchen is finished, hire a tile contractor to do it - someone who all they do is tile every day all day. We have seen the issue a number of times on this forum of the GC - otherwise very good - doing a poor job on the backsplash tile.

The reason I say the 4" backsplash may be a heads up warning for you is because the installation of a 4" backsplash makes the contractor's job easier because the counter scribing does not have to be precise. The 4" backsplash will cover up any gaps. However, a good fabricator can install a counter without that 4" backsplash even on the most wavy of walls without there being any gaps. This is not necessarily the case with yours; it could be that he asks about the 4" backsplash to all his clients, regardless. I just wanted you to know about all the possibilities.

If your doing tile then no to 4 inch splash. We have a 4 inch splash but no tile. We have log walls.

I prefer a smooth look by having granite used for both top and back splash, but it is more costly. For difference if choose tile, I would avoid subway, only because everyone is doing the same thing. I like difference.

If you go with the granite BS, go higher than 4", (designers here don't know you can do that).

Thank you all so much! Luckily, I called the fabricator just before they cut my counter today and told them no to the 4 in bs. Then we drove 2 hours to Floor & Decor and selected Crema Antigua 2 x 4 travertine for all of the bs. I did read old posts regarding the 4 in, but so glad I know what everyone is doing in 2019.

I love Floor and Decor! Thankful it's near me.

"selected Crema Antigua 2 x 4 travertine for all of the bs"

I am sorry, but two different stones most often do not look good together as counter and backsplash. Also travertine has a pattern and granite has a pattern, and they tend to clash with each other. I know you said you drove 2 hours, but I am trying to save you from a permanent installation that is unlikely to go together.

Please show us photos of your granite; I could very well be wrong, and would be happy if I am. Just usually with granite, glazed ceramic tile would have been better, in a color that picked up a color in the granite, or in a neutral like cream (depending on your granite and cabinet colors).

Yes 2019, nothing but tile problems....

Agree about not mixing the two different stone types. Sorry. Did you bring home multiple choices to look at in your kitchen with the granite before ordering? I hope so

Agree with what was said above, 4" backsplash is so 90's it was done when the actual wall was painted and 4" strip was a leftover material used to cover the gap between the countertop and wall, which was in most cases not a nice looking gap.

Just do tiles, or a full height granite/quartz to match countertops if the budget is there, it will give you a clean and finished look.

The granite is black pearl. keeping my ceramic tile floor and medium oak cabinets. I took an old cabinet door and a piece of floor tile to the store with me. I looked for ceramic tile bs that would work with my floor and I didn't find anything.

I would go find an independent tile store, and forget about those big box stores. There is a whole WORLD of gorgeous, interesting shapes and colors and styles and awesome choices. For not much more $$. Plus, you may get excellent service, advice, and someone who knows what they're doing.

There are no ind tile stores in my town just a Lowes.I will try to find something close. If anyone knows of a good tile store in MD, please let me know. I have to order everything by the case to even see one tile.

Visit Rock Tops showroom in Owings Mills, they are outstanding and have a large variety of stone for all your counter top needs. If you are looking for tile, we use Chesapeake Tile and Marble. Excellent prices and quality tile.