Granite Backsplash | How to Choose Between 4″ & Full Height

Just like your cabinets, the granite backsplash of your kitchen is one of the major elements that can truly change the look of the entire kitchen. This is one reason why it’s so hard to choose the height! Although this may seem like a small decision, it can impact how your kitchen looks for years to come.

You’re not alone in your love of granite. According to Vox, the granite boom is closely aligned with the housing boom in the 2000s. Builders have long chosen granite as their standard material for new homes, and this helped boost its popularity with homeowners. In 2014, the United States imported 2 million metric tonnes of granite.  

We’re here to make your decisions far easier when it comes to anything granite. Read our simple guide on the difference between a standard 4-inch granite backsplash and a full-height granite backsplash! 

Benefits of Granite

You’ll be happy to learn that the hardest decision of choosing your backsplash material was made well. This is because a granite backsplash will make cleaning easier over the years, as water and oil that splashes from cooking and cleaning dishes can just be wiped off with soapy water.

If the granite you’re choosing looks the same as your countertops, you’ll also be able to enjoy a clean, uniform look that adds symmetry and cohesion to your kitchen. Last but not least, granite is a material that can withstand the test of time. Many design trends such as white subway tile were hot at one point, but they’re quickly going out of style.

Of course, this is fine if you’re a fan of subway tile. But if you want to invest in a time-proof material that will look attractive to buyers in the future, granite is a great material to choose from. Many people have the belief that granite is always dark. However, there are a number of color options that you can choose from, such as:

• Araras Gold Granite
• Santa Cecilia Granite 
• White Spring Granite
• Viscon White Granite
• Blue Dunes Granite
• And more

People are often surprised by the sheer number of options available after they’ve had one idea of what granite looks like! 

Pros and Cons of Full Height Granite Backsplash

Full backsplashes are your best choice if you want to make a dramatic statement in your kitchen. These backsplashes have the option of being raised all the way to your ceilings, lead to an impactful look that’s similar to an accent wall.

Homeowners may choose a different color than their countertops in order to make the kitchen pop, as a lighter color may draw less attention but can help lighten up the space and make it appear larger. They’re easy to clean and maintain, and best of all they’ll be a seamless part of your wall–they won’t have any grout lines like tiled backsplashes. 

The main disadvantage of full backsplashes is that you’ll be paying a higher price. Because of the increased cost and labor, you can assume that the cost will grow higher the larger your backsplash is.

A full-height granite backsplash needs to be installed after the counter because the area will need to be re-measured to ensure the perfect fit. This needs that homeowners need to expect an extra few days for installation compared to standard height backsplash.  

Pros and Cons of Standard 4-Inch Granite Backsplash 

If you don’t want to wait the extra time for a full-height granite backsplash or pay the premium, then a standard granite backsplash may be the best choice for you. If you install new counters at the same time, a granite backsplash can typically be installed on the same day. 

The relatively affordable price is great if you aren’t looking for the dramatic effect that a full-height backsplash can bring. If you have ample cabinet space in your kitchen that you don’t want to remove or replace with open shelving, the effect of a full-height backsplash can be lost. 

One of the best parts about a 4-inch backsplash is you’ll have far more flexibility when it comes to decorating. This makes it a far more forgiving option if you’re not fully committed to a full backsplash because you’ll be able to instead choose and change your paint color throughout the years. 

The main con of a standard 4-inch granite backsplash is that it’s not as easy to keep the back wall clean. You’ll have to deal with cleaning the wall itself or trying to be more careful while cooking and cleaning. Many homeowners combat this issue by opting to install a full-height backsplash behind their range and a 4-inch backsplash everywhere else.

This cuts down on the cost as well as the amount of cleaning!  

How to Choose a Granite Backsplash Height

Now that you know the differences between a full and standard height backsplash, how do you make a decision if you still feel unsure? You’ll first want to consider your kitchen and your plans for it. Here are a few helpful methods to get you started: 

Consider Your Budget

If you know you have a tight budget, we recommend sticking with a 4-inch granite backsplash. The look of your kitchen can still be customized in more affordable ways through cabinet colors, wall paint colors, and your own decor. You also have the option of installing a 4-inch backsplash now and upgrading to a full one when you’re in a better financial position. 

Consider Your Habits

Are you in the kitchen frequently and entertain with friends and family? Then you may benefit immensely with a full kitchen backsplash. This is because you’ll always have a protective barrier between kitchen messes and your wall. Cleanup only requires a cloth and some warm, soapy water. If you don’t find this has been a problem in the past, then you can move on to the next rule of thumb. 

Consider Your Kitchen

Lastly, you’ll want to consider the look of your kitchen and your goals for it. If you’ve been dreaming of a dramatic, impactful kitchen, then a full granite backsplash may be just what you need. A dark splash of stone across the main wall of your kitchen and even up to the ceiling leaves a statement that’s hard to replicate. 

Full height is also a great option if you want a luxurious-looking kitchen. The detailed and unique stonework can be a conversation starter when you’re entertaining.

What to Expect

Once you’ve chosen your backsplash type and height, you may be wondering what to expect when you begin the buying process. It all begins with finding a reliable stone fabricator and installation service provider. Once you choose your stone type and color, you’ll want to contact the fabricator and installer of your choice. 

You’ll want to give the company as much information as possible, as they’ll need to know answers to questions such as: 

• Desired material
• Project area 
• How soon do you want your backsplash installed
• If you’re working with a contractor or designer
• Whether you’ve selected or reserved material

They’ll proceed with scheduling a time with you in order to take measurements and give you an accurate and detailed quote. If the quote is reasonable, the fabrication process will begin and then the installation. It’s important to remember that you may need to expect a few days for a full granite backsplash. On the other hand, a 4-inch standard backsplash can be installed in as little time as a day depending on the company’s schedule. 

Choosing Your Granite Backsplash Height: Don’t Follow Trends

You can see how choosing your granite backsplash height is all about what’s important to you when it comes to your kitchen. Instead of blindly following trends, pay attention to the kitchens you love and your own goals for your kitchen.

For instance, if you use social media sites like Instagram or Pinterest, save the kitchens you like and then go back and see if they have anything in common when it comes to backsplashes. 

Another way to determine the right height for you is to pay close attention to your budget. If you find that your budget is tight, your best choice is to invest in a standard 4-inch backsplash. If you have a little more cushion in your budget and want some protection from cooking spills, then you can choose a full backsplash behind your range and opt for a standard one everywhere else. 

Ready to begin the installation process? Contact us today to get started–our specialists will reach out to you as soon as possible.