I'm almost finished with a kitchen remodel due to a water leak. I got new cabinets and appliances, the granite was reused. I didn't care whether or not I kept the same backsplash but the insurance said it wasn't necessary to have it replaced. So when they installed my new cabinets, to make them level, they were running higher (above the bottom of the lowest tile) so they took off the lowest row of tile. They explained that once the granite was reinstalled, it wouldn't look right to put something back in that area because you'd see how it runs uphill (or downhill) so we tore off the entire backsplash. I just had the cheap white 3"x6" subway tile from lowes, and I like it so that's what I'm having done again. But I'm soooooo glad that we tore it all out and re-tiling the backsplash. It will look so much better. It's getting done tomorrow. I personally would rather have the backsplash redone than to go with the 3" piece. JMHO BTW the insurance paid for a new backsplash since the granite couldn't be installed exactly where it was before and I got $1100.00 for a $300 backsplash :)

jejvtr, I have a Belle Foret sink at the cabinetmakers. But I would like ss counters and sinks in the kitchen and will use the fireclay AF sink in the laundry room. If all ss sinks are created equal, I can order them now and get the ss counters later. Trailrunner has wood counters with ss sinks. It looks quite nice and the counters have held up well. If I can not afford ss initially, I will use wood for the time being.

I would recommend if you are shelling out for soapstone, which is at the upper middle range of natural stone countertops that paying someone for a few hours would be relatively inexpensive in comparison. I had a client who had to trade out a a brand new refrigerator in her old house for the old one in her new house and found some guy with a Sanford and Son truck to do it for 50 bucks. A new door for the refrigerator cost $400. Don't try to save money by hurting yourself or breaking the soapstone.

In general...The 6 & 10 Rule [from AZStoneConsulting, IIRC] If your stone is 2cm thick, you will need support for any overhang > 6" If your stone is 3cm thick, you will need support for any overhang > 10" With a 15" overhang: 2cm stone would need 9" of support (15" - 6" = 9") 3cm stone would need 5" of support (15" - 10" = 5")