21
votes
Accepted
Should I ask my tile contractor to reduce the thickness of this corner grout line?
A professional with a good tile saw can miter cut the tiles to match at the corner just as the top trim piece was done.
Another alternative would be to add a piece of aluminium end cap to the tile for ...
- 25k
17
votes
Switch plates for uneven wall
Get a 2-gang box extender to bring the front surface of the box out to the level of the tiles.
Then add some trim around the right-hand half to bring the level up to the same as the tiles:
This trim ...
- 6,263
10
votes
How should I screw in an outlet if the backsplash hole is misaligned?
There are multiple problems here. But basically the solution is either:
Cut a bigger hole. Add a box extender to get to the front of the backsplash. Install the receptacle.
Cut a bigger hole. Mount ...
7
votes
Switch plates for uneven wall
You have a dual gang wall box with two switches in it. You need a dual gang wall plate to cover the whole box. While a web-search shows that split wall plates do exist, they appear to be still for ...
- 6,374
6
votes
How to put telephone plate back to the wall
I would just drill two holes into the tile and use plastic anchors to face mount it to the tiles. Raise it up slightly so the wires are in the recessed portion.
I wouldn't think super glue would ...
- 1,226
6
votes
Switch plates for uneven wall
Cut the tiles back still further so you can get both flush to the original wall, or finish the tiling to the architrave.
Or, at a push, see if both switches will fit the gap between the two - it looks ...
- 10.5k
5
votes
Should I ask my tile contractor to reduce the thickness of this corner grout line?
You should be happy!
There is no "correct" way to do this. If you don't like the way this looks, you need to specify, and buy, something you do like. You could have chosen a different ...
- 34.3k
4
votes
Install backsplash before upgrading countertops
Sure, but it leaves you open to a less perfect fit. Backsplashes have much more flexibility of position than a granite top, so the latter should really be installed first. You don't want anyone trying ...
- 129k
4
votes
Accepted
How to attach a wood moulding trim around a backsplash
Construction adhesive would certainly do the job, but it would destroy the drywall when you remove it.
I'd use silicone caulk as both the adhesive and the caulk to the countertop. It'll be rock ...
- 129k
4
votes
Will Kitchen Backsplash Update Trigger 2ft/4ft Rules of Receptacles above Countertop?
Even though you are replacing a backsplash you are not really remodeling or upgrading your electrical. I can't speak for every inspector but most would say it is alright to leave your receptacles as ...
4
votes
kitchen backsplash tile grout or caulking
You might push soap or grime into the gap at the bottom of the cabinets when cleaning the tiles, so it's probably a good idea to seal the gap. I didn't do this in my kitchen and I think intelligent ...
- 14.2k
4
votes
Should a rough wall be smoothed with mortar before installing tile?
Royal Pain the ars to make that wall smooth and workable.
I would remove the drywall and install 1/2"
Denshield. No need to remove the cabinets. the Denshield will give you a nice solid surface ...
- 13.5k
4
votes
How should I screw in an outlet if the backsplash hole is misaligned?
I guess you had a "professional" do it this way, and you're thinking since a professional did it, it must be right. Afraid not.
As others have said, Code requires outlets be mounted INSIDE ...
4
votes
New Kitchen: Best Backer for Backsplash?
The best backer for tile (anywhere) is tile backer (cementboard, DuRock®, HardiBacker® etc.) It's literally made for the job. It costs a bit more than drywall, but in the whole cost of a tile job (...
- 201k
3
votes
Unhappy with my tile job
The photos clearly show a terrible tile job. Tiles that are set crooked, tiles that are missing on the edge near the wall, grout lines of all different widths.
If the tiles were that uneven on the ...
- 13.5k
3
votes
Backsplash moulding with an outlet
In my opinion, the splash needs to be removed and point up the wall were the old splash used to reside and repaint. Then install a splash using the same specie of wood the countertop is made of, but ...
- 34.2k
3
votes
Accepted
How to handle a corner when using an L schluter edge?
A clean miter cut does indeed leave a very sharp corner. Since these are mill-finish, you can very lightly file or sand the resulting edge, just so it's not going to cut skin. You don't want to take ...
- 129k
3
votes
How to remove "metal" tile adhesive from backsplash area?
The amount of time and labor involved in removing adhesive would be extensive. Even if you get the adhesive off, you will likely damage the surface of the underlying drywall.
It may be much more ...
- 33.6k
3
votes
Accepted
Walls out of square, how to align base cabinet?
Assuming you're installing cabinetry along the entire wall, I'd do this:
Find the point on the back wall that sticks out the most.
Measure out one cabinet depth and mark a line over the entire length ...
- 14.1k
3
votes
Can you glue backerboard to concrete then tile over?
Yes you can glue the backer to the wall. No matter what you do if the wall shifts there will be issues. Most the time if there is concrete I do not use backer unless there will be a large difference ...
- 102k
3
votes
What should I wash my walls with prior to using "peel and stick" tiles except TSP?
Borax is a great substitute for TSP. Mixed with water, it is a very good degreaser. Just scrub your walls with it and let it dry completely. Any ammonia-based cleanser will also do the job. With peel ...
- 78.7k
3
votes
What's best to stick granite backsplash to granite countertop?
Clear, slow (ie, not 5 minute set time) epoxy is what I'd use. Apply masking tape on the countertop exactly at the seam line. Same for the backsplash. Glue and set the backsplash (clamp gently in ...
- 20.2k
3
votes
What's best to stick granite backsplash to granite countertop?
YOU DON'T.
If it isn't against a wall then it serves no function. The point of the backsplash is so the wall isn't hit with water. You want water on the sink (in a normal vanity situation) to go ...
- 47.8k
3
votes
New Kitchen: Best Backer for Backsplash?
It depends upon how straight your wall is. If the wall is relatively new, is plumb, and has no major bumps or cracks, you might be able to get away with putting the tile over the drywall. But if it ...
2
votes
Accepted
Recipe for Limewash or Whitewash
Common recipe
2 c salt
6-8 c slaked lime
1 gallon water
Mix salt in water.
In part of the water mix the lime until it's a stiff paste. Add water slowly. Think gravy. Making it thick initially ...
- 3,644
2
votes
Feed-through vs. non-feed-through GFCI for kitchen backsplash?
Second thought: End-run around the whole problem
You don't need to keep that exact configuration. You need 2 switches, and they make double switches on a single yoke (fits like a duplex receptacle). ...
2
votes
How to remove and replace kitchen tile backsplash?
The folks that removed my backsplash just used an oscillating tool to cut around the perimeter down to the studs and carefully pried off large whole pieces (3"by 18"). They followed the ...
- 21
2
votes
Is this normal? Cabinet/Backsplash install
So many issues it’s hard to know where to start: 1) cabinets installed on concrete prior to wall finish, 2) cabinets installed on floor finish, 3) wall tiled without removing electrical wall plate, 4) ...
- 23.1k
2
votes
is it recomended to install 3/8" travertine stone tile directly onto drywall for a kitchen back splash
The kitchen splash hardly ever gets wet enough to do anything to the drywall behind it. Travertine, since it is very porous, should be sealed to keep cooking grease, food splatters etc, from staining ...
- 34.2k
2
votes
Accepted
How can I remove a vanity backsplash without damaging ceramic tile?
Acetone is great for dissolving glue and adhesive. Try pouring some along the top of the backsplash and let it soak in between the wall and backsplash. After about 15 minutes try to pry it gently with ...
- 78.7k
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible