Tiled kitchen countertops and backsplash
March 20th, 2007
I just finished grouting the tile on my kitchen countertop and backsplash. The whole tile thing had me intimidated for a long time, and I kept avoiding it. I finally did little parts of it at a time. Layout the tile. Cut the tile. Thinset down the countertop. Thinset the backsplash in place. Grout, with epoxy grout. I spread it all out over several days.
The epoxy grout (Laticrete’s Spectra Lock) wasn’t hard to use. Actually it was easier to clean up than the good old grout-grout I used on the floor. Probably because this is porcelain tile and the floor is slate. But still … epoxy grout gets a bad rep.
The countertop and backsplash field tile has a subtle marble pattern, although you can’t see it in the photos. Looks classy in person. Trust me.
One thing about the tile edging baffled me. Those edge pieces hang down 2″. With the standard 3/4″ plywood and 1/2″ cement board underlayment, the bottom of the edging is within 1/8″ of the cabinet drawers. Too close! Sure to chip or scrape knuckles. So I added another 1/4″ cement board with thinset to give it some more room. You’d think that the tile companies would offer edging that doesn’t hang down so far. But no. Grumble. Grumble.
Dig that kitchen sink spout. Swan-like, ain’t it? A Moen Monticello (perfect for me since I live on Jefferson Street).
Entry Filed under: construction
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