Let's begin hanging some tile on that backsplash, while we're still young enough to enjoy it.
For this example, we will use 6x6 inch porcelain tile with an 1/8" grout joint. Also, in the interest of simplicity, this will be a straight installation, with no fancy decorative tile, or borders. We will cover more intricate installations in future installments. Depending upon your tile selection, you may need to adjust to suit your needs. As always, if you have a specific question, or comment, feel free to post it.
For starters, lets come up with a layout size. Lay four tile on a flat surface, with the grout joint size you want. In this case, approximately 1/8". Now, hook the end of your tape measure on the first tile, and measure to the edge of the fourth tile, as shown. In this case the measurement is 17 3/4". Take that number and multiply it until you have enough multiples of your layout to equal the longest length of your backsplash.
For example, let's say your longest length of backsplash is 9'-0" .
Your layout list would look something like this:
17 3/4
35 1/2
53 1/4
71
88 3/4
106 1/2
Since 9' is 108", 106 1/2" is close enough.
With your layout list in hand, measure the lengths of backsplash to be tiled, and determine where you want your cuts to land. Keep in mind that where ever tile will end on open wall space, i.e. not between two cabinets, you will need some sort of trim tile, or bull nose tile to finish such areas. Also keep in mind the width of the bull nose when calculating your measurements. Ideally, all tile should be centered, with at least 1/2 tile cuts on each end. Unfortunately, real world situations don't always allow for that. Bear in mind that tile almost always looks best when centered over the cook top, or stove. In the end it boils down to your personal preferences, after all, you will be the one that has to live with the end result.
Well folks, it's way past my bed time, and I'm getting pretty sleepy eyed. So in the interest of accuracy, I'll sign off for now, and return with the rest of this project very soon.
Until then, good night, and God Bless.
2 comments:
I would appreciate your help. We have blue pearl granite, nutmeg colored cabinets. I saw a backsplash we like but am questioning how modern it is because I have surfed the internet and don't see many like it.
It is a beige tumbled marble 6 x 3 tiles on bottom 2 or 3 rows, ,above that a pewter 1 inch raised border above that several rows of mosic in small brick pattern same color as tumbled marble same 1 inch border above that and more brick How common are two rows of 1 inch borders? THat is what I am questioning. would I be better off with just one row?
Hello anonymous,
Having two rows of 1" borders is not all that common. Having said that, what it really boils down to is your own personal preference, and what appeals to you.
What you want to pay close attention to with any design element on a backsplash is height. A decorative row placed too high could become lost under the cabinets.
The best way to go about this is to get precise tile sizes from the supplier, and measure up on your backsplash in several spots to learn exactly where your decorative rows will fall. You could even sketch the design on a piece of paper and tape it up in several spots to get a better idea of how it will look.
When you decide on a design, and after the material is on site, you, or your installer, can lay a section of your design out dry, on a flat surface, and take exact measurements to double check your earlier findings.
If everything looks good, go for it and don't look back.
Hope that helps, happy tiling. :)
TILEARTIST
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