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how to finish top end of backsplash tile with 1/4' filled gap

17 years ago

My backsplash tile needs to be installed about 1/4" from the wall, and this gap will be filled either with thinset or backer board. The top of the backsplash abutts a long window at about 8" from the countertop. My question is how to finish the top end of the backsplash under the window (i.e., the end that you would see looking down) (I hope this makes sense to someone!). If nothing is put on top, you will see the top side end of the tile and of the backerboard, or the end of the tile and a 1/4" gap filled with thinset. I don't see why you couldn't put thinset on top of the end of the tile and backerboard, but two installers have said no. One wants me to put bullnose tiles at this intersection and the other wants me to get a "service cap". Alternatively, one of the installers suggested using a trim piece such as a 1/4 round.

Any other suggestions? or do people agree with the installers?

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Comments (5)

jakabedy
17 years ago
I guess I have a question first -- why the need for the 1/4" gap? Can you not just tile directly on the sheetrock or backer board you have on the studs?. OK, two questions. Does the window have a sill (reeally a stool, I think) and/or an apron? The sill/stool is the horizontal piece that would be home to a flower pot. The apron is the vertical piece underneath it if you have interior window trim. If you don't have those pieces, consider adding them. Your tile can snug up under the sill and it won't matter what the top of the tile looks like, because the sill/apron will cover it.
mally
Original Author
17 years ago
jakabedy, I'd like to avoid explaining why there is a 1/4" gap, it's just too complicated. But no, I can't put the tile directly on the drywall.
The window is framed with drywall, not wood. there is a small sill ( a few inches). One possibility, as you suggest, would be to add a wood sill that juts out a bit from the wall. Thank you, I'll consider this.
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annzgw
17 years ago
I'm assuming the top edge of the tile on the rest of the backsplash is ok........and that the gap appears only under the window?
My previous home had a similar window and the installer covered the 'sill' (which was drywall) and the sides of the window opening with the same material as the backsplash. IOW, the granite wrapped around the lower section of the window so that the backspash was the same height across the whole length of cabinets.

I can see why the installer wants to use bullnose since this will give a more professional finish. Would he use bullnose across the full width of the backsplash?
mally
Original Author
17 years ago
One of the installers is now suggesting capping the upper edge with grout. I'm afraid that it will crack, but he insists that it will not. I'll probably go with this, unless I hear otherwise from someone out there.

Annz, thanks for the comment. I'm using ceramic tile for the backsplash. Wrapping it around the window will not work because the tile is thicker than the wood around the window frame, so these two surfaces would not join properly.
mally
Original Author
17 years ago
I finally found an excellent solution: "pencil" trim pieces. I found some that were relatively inexpensive and go well with the tile. The result looks great.

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