Granite or Tile Backsplash

Customers are often concerned about whether to use a granite or a tile backsplash. Both look great, but it is often a difficult decision. I like to have customers consider a few items when deciding this;
1. What is their budget
2. What is the color scheme they are imagining
3. Will the area receive a lot of overspray?

First, budget. Doing a full high backsplash is absolutely beautiful. Each outlet can be cutout and then the cover plate painted to match the color of the stone (look at the picture included). This is beautiful, but expensive. Often the backsplash will cost as much as the countertop. Realize that the wall is generally 18" to the upper cabinet, and the countertop is 24", not a large difference in square footage. Plus you have to pay for each outlet cutout. Using a 4" or a 6" backsplash can still put the granite on the wall, but be much more affordable.

Mountain scape backsplash with painted outlets

Second, color scheme. Do you want the granite everywhere, or do you want to accent with a tile backsplash. Often when we do a quartz countertop in a solid color the customer does an extravagent tile backsplash that brings a new fun twist to the kitchen. These backsplashes often use glass and copper tiles in the splash.

4" backsplash and paint

Last, think of cleanliness. Granite is going to be easier to clean then a lot of grout lines in a tile splash. If the overspray is going to be a problem consider full high granite, or at minimum a 6" backsplash with an easy to clean paint above it.