I meant to say the backsplash is everywhere except behind the stove where there is tile going up the wall.

4" backsplashes are not a thing anymore.

Have been considering the same thing with a Blue Pearl granite counter.

Mine has the 4 inch backsplash piece. But I live in a log cabin and did not want to cover up the logs with tile.

I think a higher stone splash looks a bit more modern, but it would help to know more. If there are windows nearby, you could consider going up to whatever height the sill is. Just don't tile above it - not necessary. I did a high stone splash in a small powder room, just going up to the height of the bottom of the window sill.

4 inch is still a very viable backsplash option.

I like the look - simple and not over wrought — fwiw We did a shorter splash in a recent cottage build - took the counter up to the window sill as @chicagoans mentioned (prob about 6 in) and then ran the sill at that height on the range wall as well

I would say they are more 'builder grade' than designer. Reading the comments I feel as if people are forgetting the 4" back splash was always of the same material as the counter. That's not new. A more up to date look is running the counter up the wall to the cupboards. This works best when the counter is light. I prefer the look w/o the 4". It's cleaner and less cluttered to my eye. To each their own. As you can surmise from the differing of opinions there is no ONE way anymore. People do what works for them, what they find most cost effective or what they LOVE.

We have not used a 4" backsplash in any of our homes. Haven't really encountered any clients who have requested it.

Usually simple is more timeless and quartz behind the range usually not a good idea. If real help is what you want post pics of your space and the material you are using for the counter. IMO quartz in the last choice always , a nice real stone is just a btter choice and used for the backsplash too. I think overdone tile backsplash is a dated look.

I don't think any of Gil Shafer's kitchens can be described as "builder grade."

The look you finally achieve depends on many factors--cabinet style and color, layout, flooring, good craftsmanship, architectural and other details, counter tops, windows, trim work, etc. etc. Just that one little item by itself doesn't make or break a look.

I have seen them more in the last 5-10 years in design magazines, and it's commonly done in Europe.

I think sometimes a full tile backsplash is out-of-sync with certain styles of midcentury houses.

You can't address the question of a 4" backsplash in a vaccum; rather, you must consider the whole kitchen. Thoughts:

- What you're really asking is, should you have two different materials on your kitchen walls: a 4" backsplash to match the countertops AND either tile, wallpaper, or whatever.

- These days most people choose to bring their tile backsplash alllll the way up to the cabinets.

- If you're short like me and you mount your cabinets on the low side, your backsplash area is already smaller, and you might want to avoid splitting it into multiple materials.

- What color are your countertops? If they're dark, you might not want to bring in more-more dark color.

- What's "the star" in your kitchen? If it's the backsplash, you probably want to skip the 4" shorty backsplash and allow more space for it. If it's the countertop, you might want a little more of it in the form of the shorty backsplash.

You don't necessarily need one "star" in a kitchen. To continue with the theater imagery, an ensemble can work just as well.

Backsplash as part of new build is one thing, renovation is something else.

Since there is tile behind the stove, I suggest leaving it alone. You have your heat resistant surface in place.

If you replace counter, a short backsplash, or no backsplash, appear to be easy options.

Tall backsplash, either tile or counter material, will likely mean electrical work. If outlet/switch boxes are not level, the grout lines will emphasize. Boxes will probably need to be reset in order to account for thicker backsplash material. Then there's measuring/cutting all those holes in the backsplash material.

Whew! Talk about scope creep!

I’m a big “no backsplash” fan. In fact, I think I am notorious for advocating it here. Eggshell finish painted wall and ”maybe” something behind the cooktop if needed- a piece of metal could suffice.

Where I live now, there is granite and, yes, the 4 inch splash. It was here when i arrived. It is definitely not ”builder grade”. I think it might require a crane to extricate the 4 inch splash, alone. I‘m a granite lover and I also have no problem with a four inch splash. So what’s here is A-OK with me.👌🏼

Don’t get me wrong- there are times when a tile backsplash, etc., can be a nice touch. I was just recommending a Carrara marble subway tile for someone on another thread. It really depends on the particular situation. But overall- imo, much of the backsplash stuff is unnecessary and/or overdone; and often seems to detract from, versus adding to, the space.

I love a tile backsplash because it can add a small bit of interest to a space. I also like the short backsplash over beadboard. I think paint is just boring. But there's no right or wrong, you do what you like.

I want to thank everyone for these comments and advice! It is very helpful. I have been a fan for many years of having a tiled or slab backsplash that goes up to the cabinets, which I have in my house. But for the smaller guesthouse space, the original architect put in a four inch backsplash that matched the countertop material. Because there were custom cabinets, moldings and and beautiful tile floor in there, I felt it was quite charming. I was just questioning the wisdom of continuing that look with a new quartz material. I see now I can make it work either way. But I am leaning toward using the four inch splash again for practical considerations. It definitely makes for an easy to clean kitchen for my guests. I'll circle back to Houzz with a picture (maybe before and after) as soon as we complete the project. Thanks, again, to this helpful community!

There are spaces that can potentially benefit from the interest of a backsplash tile, etc. For example: Cases of White cabinets, white counter, stainless appliances, maybe even plus a white floor- so basically operating room look. Bringing in some type of visual interest on the backsplash in spaces like that could be a plus. Tile, etc. is one option. But they could also create interest using paint. They could paint the backsplash area a color versus using white and/or the wall color. They could also create a patterned painted backsplash look using a stencil. They could even create the illusion of there being subway tiles there. Lots of things can be done with paint. And paint is a lot easier to change.

I just saw your comment, Sheri. We were posting at the same time.

Sounds like you have a lovely guest house. Definitely feel free to go with the 4 inch. Classic.

thanks, again! I think it will work.

I would love to see the finished design!

Had one in my previous home, liked it, I really don’t care ”if it’s not a thing anymore”. I get what I like.

I have a 4-1/2" backsplash in this kitchen. It had a tile backsplash before I remodeled it, and I found that too be too busy, especially since I have a different color for the upper cabinets than what I have for the lower cabinets. I've thought about putting tile between the microwave and the cooktop, but it doesn't need it, and I prefer minimalist design, which is why I used slab door and drawer fronts - much easier to clean. I have undercounter lighting all around, but I forgot to turn it on for this photo. The black quartz countertops have silver sparkles, which I like, and they reflect rainbows on the ceiling during certain times of the day.

Nice to hear from you Lars!