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Tiling the bathroom backsplash

May 07, 2010, 12:22:13 pm

Getting started on tiling the bathroom.  First, scuff the wall and coat with flexible membrane to prevent cracking

Have I figured out how to include photos yet?  Let's see...




Finally!

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #1 – May 08, 2010, 08:55:20 pm

Here's what it looks like today, after 5 hours of cutting and setting tile (if you click on the images, they'll expand)



And another view



The pink membrane coating is one measure to minimize/prevent cracking.  The mastic we used also has a component which allows for movement without cracking.  The bag said it could absorb as much as 1/16th inch of movement.

We can grout 24 hours after the last tile is set (time for the mastic to cure), so we'll wait until Monday for that part of the process.

Michelle

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #2 – May 08, 2010, 09:12:02 pm

Looks great!  I guess this is a good excuse to go out to dinner?

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #3 – May 08, 2010, 09:43:59 pm

Steve and Michelle,

Looks great.

Be sure to verify that the grout you use is equally flex "forgiving". 

Would hate to see the grout lines crack because of (normal) brittle grout.

Brett

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #4 – May 08, 2010, 11:42:33 pm

Absolutely, Brett!  There are grouts with polymer additives already in them and also components you can buy to add to grout. 

We went with the former, just like when we did the kitchen backsplash last summer.  Same field tile, different accents and listel.



Michelle

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #5 – May 09, 2010, 01:46:48 am

Very impressive.

I hope my wife doesn't find this topic or something new will be added to my "Honey Do" list.
I look forward to seeing finished photos.

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #6 – May 10, 2010, 10:20:26 pm

Grout is done.  What a mess grouting walls is!  It all worked out despite my mild (ha!) panic attack that I would never be able to get it all cleaned up.





The best part is I got to hand the project off to Steve for caulk (sanded grout caulk in the same color as the grout - top, bottom edges and the corner) and drilling the holes for the towel bar, towel ring, and thermostat mounting screws. 

Michelle

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #7 – May 10, 2010, 10:42:43 pm

BEAUTIFUL JOB!

Was the closeness of the faucet a problem in doing this project?  And I know that I am "preaching to the choir" here, but is really is helpful to be able to enlarge the photos to nearly full size.

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #8 – May 10, 2010, 10:54:56 pm

Thanks, George!

The faucet (and actually the soap dispenser and an inset line detail in the countertop) drove some design considerations.

I had to be sure not to choose too thick a tile behind the faucet.  That ruled out using the stone and glass listel I used in the kitchen.

The detail in the countertop, which I don't think is visible in the photos I've taken thus far, made me reconsider tiling the right side wall next to the faucet.  So the tile only goes to the corner as you face the mirror, not wrapped around the right side.  If I'd put tile on that wall, it would have sat partly into the inset line in the counter, looking like an "oops".  I'll take a photo of this after the project is done.

I left space on the bottom and top edges, plus the captive corners which will be filled with sanded grout caulk to match the grout.  These are about the width or slightly wider than a grout line.  The grout caulk is much more flexible than grout, plus it's a moisture seal.

And don't forget, to see a larger view just click on the photo.

Michelle

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #9 – May 11, 2010, 12:07:10 am

Thanks, Michelle --

As a former homeowner, I appreciate what you and Steve accomplished and I understand the decisions that have to me made before you start the process.

I will enjoy the final photos.

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Reply #10 – May 13, 2010, 11:49:05 am

Here's what it looks like all caulked (and with the grout cured).  All that's left is the hardware reinstallation




A closeup of the detail




Look at that caulk line!




Michelle

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Reply #11 – May 13, 2010, 12:34:49 pm

The finished results are worthy of a tile show room.

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Reply #12 – May 15, 2010, 07:58:00 pm

Completely complete - towel bar and ring are reinstalled (thanks to a diamond bit needed to drill through the porcelain tile). 






Michelle

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #13 – May 15, 2010, 08:21:21 pm

Can we see a photo showing how the tile looks on the short wall and including the edge treatment?

You guys are quite handy:  tiling, creating on-line forums.  What should we look for next?

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Reply #14 – May 16, 2010, 05:50:35 pm

Steve & Michele,

Great looking work and as George said showroom worthy!!!

Tony
'
99 U295 36'

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Re: Tiling the bathroom backsplash

Reply #15 – May 27, 2010, 10:01:05 am

Wow, that's nice looking! 


...Sure hope Kim doesn't see it... 

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