Just wondering if someone out there can give me some ideas. My kitchen needs some help. I have white cupboards with black appliances, that I am happy with. I just moved around some cupboards to make the layout of my kitchen more pleasing. However, doing that I need to redo my countertops.and I would like to use ceramic. I am looking for some dos and don’ts! I want to do a backsplash as well. My question is: Do I keep the tiles all the same size for the countertop and backsplash or do I use small on the countertop and a little bigger on the wall? I am not putting in any designs or decals, I just want plan tile. I like the honed finish (not shiney) can I use this on the counters? Most I have seen have been glossey. Please help, I need to be armed with this Info before I beg my husband to help me.
Thanks,
Replies
I think you can do pretty much what you want to as far as size of tiles and finish. I don't see why you couldn't use the honed finish on the countertops. Nowadays there is epoxy modified grout that is more impervious to stains and so on, though some installers hate it (some say it's harder to use).
You might try going to the Breaktime forum and asking (at top of this page in green box, click on it--it's right after "Other Taunton Sites"). There is also a web site for tile--I think it's called Johnbridge.com)
Edited 11/26/2006 3:20 pm ET by Danno
Thank you Danno, I found your information to be very helpful. Thanks for the link to Johnbridge.com. I am still researching my options and finding lots of helpful info, most importantly I have the husband on board and willing to do this project.....
Thank you
Joanne
You are welcome. The succeeding poster mentioned grout lines being the sort of Achilles' heel of your plan, but if your husband is willing to try epoxy grout, it is more impervious to stains and mildew. (It can be sticky and is a little harder to remove from the tiles faces.)
The downside of tiled counter tops is the grout.It seems to me that using 12x12 inch tiles on a 24 inch deep counter would really reduce the amount of grout lines. I am planning on using 12x12 granite tiles which have very square edges. This will further reduce the amount of exposed grout.
You can do just about anything you want. Put down a layer of Hardeeboard are another good ceramic backer board.
My wife has done floors and walls and one breakfast bar, pretty much by herself, and she is an RN.
Thanks for your info. We actually started our project, we have 2 sections done and we did use the backerboard under the ceramics. We are using a dark tile and dark grout (pewter). Some of the grout however seems to be cracking already, only days after install, any suggestions as to why?
thanks
Joanne
It sounds like you are saying you put the tiles down with grout.
You should put the tiles down with a modified thinset, let that cure about 3 days and grout the joints. Depending on the size of your joint lines, you might need a sanded grout to cut down on the shrinkage.
If you put down with thinset and all else is as it good be, your grout just might be drying to quickly. Just sand out the bad spots and touch it up with more grout.
Wait a few days and then seal it. It is pretty forgiving stuff.
Thanks, we did follow all directions, using the right products...I think your right about the drying out to quickly allowing for shrinkage. I read somewhere, that for 2 to 3 days after applying grout you should spray it with water and I guess now I know why. I did not do that. Thankfully the 2 pieces that we have done are not the main project which will include a breakfast bar.
I have already used a grout and ceramic sealer, would I be wasting my time to try and re-grout over the sealer?
Thanks for all your help.
Joanne
I don't know, I have never tried that. I apologize for doubting your methods. I would call the grout company, or the sealer company. I have never gone back over grout with water, but then there are lots of things I have never done.
I don't think you have a big problem, just one of those irritations that have to be overcome.
Well, Kitchen is done and it looks great....we had to do 3 different sections, so we started with the smaller one first. That was a great decision on our part, by the time we got to the breakfast bar addition (which has the largest countertop area) we were pros. The ceramics look great, the grout looks great. We used a coloured grout against a dark black/brown ceramic. It looks much nicer than contrasting white.
I am so happy with the job, that I would like to remodel our bathroom.......My husband on the other hand ( he did all the work) will not even discuss that project yet......I will have to let some time pass and see what happens.
Thank you to everyone for your helpful tips and suggestions.....
J. McCarthy
I am glad that you got it to come out to suit you.
Keep up the praise, and your husband will come around. There is no defence against consitantly applied feminine wiles. Actually you too can help on your next time around. My wife is a nurse, but she will lay tile for me, and let me do the cutting, on occasion. She likes playing with the tools too, sometimes.