agree with bsgibbs

Thanks to all, saves me a couple of hours and a mess

The mess has not begun if this is your backsplash in a kitchen wait until a pot of spahetti sauce boils over and splashes on there this is a very poor choice for backspalsh and definately needs to sealed

I agree with Patricia, it needs to be sealed for sure. Grouting would be a mess, but beneficial.

Use the fact that there is no grout to re-evaluate your choice. The 4" splash plus the dizzying tile and busy granite is overwhelming.

I think we're past the point of picking finishes, guys -- be nice.

Agree no grout and yes sealer. Whoever sold you the tile should have given you some guidance on what they recommend, in case you want added reassurance.

I have had plenty of pots boil over, but never has a one of them sent more than a fleck toward my back wall. I sort of envy you volcanic types. ;)

The point of this forum is feedback - so when a Houzzer responds with their advice it may not be what the homeowner prefers to hear - so deal with it. Get "nice" from Mom. This is a design forum not Sunday school. Nothing in these responses was personal but purely honest, to-the-point feedback - and is well intentioned.

The question to which the poster requested advice on referred to grout. I believe the purpose of this forum is to provide feedback to a poster who requests advice regarding something specific. Comments outside of the advice solicited, especially when they are so negative, have no place here. My opinion. With regard to the grout, agree with others - not intended for grout. We have a split face backsplash and love it. Never had a cleaning issue. Enjoy!

Nice splashback - if you installed it yourself (which you seem to have done) you should be very proud of yourself as it looks very nice. Don't grout, just seal it well. I'm sure you will love it.

While I don't have the same backsplash, I do have a stonelike subway tile. It is easy to clean. Just spray with a cleaner and use a terry towel and wipe in one direction. My sister has that same type of backsplash and has not problems with it. She installed it herself so the no grout part was great for her.

I'm going to play the devil's advocate and say, "Grout it"! Haha

One advantage in grouting would be to fill the joints thereby preventing dust and debris from finding their way in.

Another advantage would be in choosing a light gray grout, you would add a bit more color. The light and dark contrast could match your granite countertops.

Finally, grouting doesn't have to be hard. Just mix your grout a bit thicker than chowder, like say a paste, and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it up. You will have to be diligent in wiping it up to ensure you don't leave chunks behind, but it can look nice!

Regards,

Tile Plus