The space doesn't look to be that noticeable, less noticeable once grouted. I'm assuming he can growth that area? If it is larger, consider putting some stainless trim along the length of the hood. (not my first choice)

What color grout will you be using? It looks lovely. I think if he adds grout above there it should be fine, but have him try a small section first to see if it works to your satisfaction. There is a narrow metal trim piece that can be used for that as Barbara noted.

A good Tiler will certainly finish that for you with some caulking

There are metal tile trims made by Schluter or Futura that your installer could try to fit into that space. I think using a trim piece would make it easier to clean and maintain.

http://www.schluter.com/2_1_rondec_3939.aspx

Isn't caulking a better option to finish where the tiles end and the stainless steel begins ? I think that its much more caulking is elastic and wont crack in time with the heat .

Caulking is a viable option, but will wear and need to be replaced later down the line.

Buy one the same or near the same color as the grout. It should be a flexible caulking not one which dries solid. Check with the tile installer.

lovely tile by the way - so nice to see something other than subway -

I assume that white will be used for the grout as well

If you choose to use caulking, you should at least use a flexible type. Otherwise the heat will cause it to expand and contract until you get a separation line between the tile and the vent, which will result in another space,and you will just have to repair it again later.

This will happen with the grout as well, but you can get that in a caulking tube and just touch it up in a few years as needed. The caulk (standard), on the other hand, will require pulling the old off before repairing. And based on the type of tile that you have, I would imagine it would cause some damage.

The metal trim that NFI Enterprises mentioned would eliminate the need to do touch ups.

It's really just a matter of preference though. I used grouting caulk between mine, and it has been 3 years. I am just now beginning to notice the faintest of hair line separation. (travertine subway tiles)

www.queenbeeofhoneydos.com

Grout it. The installation is well done. Use one of the new one step, no sealing required grouts. The cleaning for them is amazing.

I didn't mean to use caulking all the way ! Just at the top where tiles meets steel :)

Worldmap7,

I think Laurie is referring to something like an epoxy grout. These are fabulous for preventing anything to penetrate. The downside is that they are way more expensive than a regular bag of grout.

I have done several backslashes using this from Lowes. All I can say is that it was fabulous! Nothing ever stained or penetrated my grout. They are also incredibly easy to clean. The oil and grease comes right off.

Given that you have some serious texture going on with your tiles, if you can afford something like this, you would be extremely happy that you did. One thing to note, because it has epoxy in it, it has a bit of a smell until it dries. Also, it requires a water vinegar mix to get this off skin and to clean away the excess grout. (Tile needs to be wiped down as you go, unlike traditional grout which allows a haze to be removed after drying).

Laticrete SpectraLOCK Pro Grout · More Info

Mapei is my go to brand. http://www.mapei.com/US-EN/Tile-&-Stone-Installation-Systems/Epoxy-Grouts/Kerapoxy-CQ

For those readers who would like black grout: this is it!

This is a one step process so it actually works out less cost because you are not sealing. To me that is a cost savings because the return trip is eliminated when hiring. For the DIY, go enjoy life!

If he pulls a piece of tape using the lowest part as reference from one end to another you will then have a uniform gap across the entire edge. This makes it look as if the gap was left say a perfect 3/8 rather then rough cut at different gaps.

Most grouts have matching caulk some even in sanded vs non sanded look. Careful with dark colors on light color unsealed natural stone.