Backsplash tiling - diagonals or straight?

15 years ago

I'm using 4x4 glass tiles and wondering how the tiles should be laid out. I've only seen diagonals for ceramics, and I like it. If you like diagonals, can you share why?

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Comments (6)

rhome410
15 years ago
My theory is that like there are green vs blue people and rounded vs squared people, there are diagonal vs 90-degree people ('straight' didn't sound quite right here)...I have a hunch that those who like rounded edges and more delicate details like diagonal...Because I almost always prefer beefy squared edges and straight tile. I like simple lines and all things square...tables, sinks, wall corners, etc. I also think diagonals are a little dressier and more formal. This is, I repeat, my own, possibly fantastical, theory, based on nothing but my own preferences, so I'll be interested to see the answers you get and see if it bears out with others. ;-)
bill_vincent
15 years ago
This isn't glass tile, but here are two different backsplashes with the same material (tumbled bottocino marble)-- one diagonal and one "not so diagonal": :-)
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I agree with GD that this doesn't sound like the guy you want for tile work. If this contractor is doing the other portions of your remodel himself then I'd tell him I prefer the tile work be subbed out. Red flags start going up for me whenever a contractor tells someone what he's willing to do vs finding a way to build what you want. Charges per square foot can vary depending on where you live, and I find an upcharge of $400 to be high for 20 sq ft. I think he's quoting that because he doesn't want to deal with the design. I've installed my share of tile and don't find a brick pattern to be 6x more difficult than a straight. I'm not a professional but anyone who understands tile can figure out the design without much difficulty. I suggest you visit some tile stores (not big box) and ask for referrals for installers. Then have them come out and bid the job.
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Ok, we're talking about you finding a solution for 2 years. You already have the tile, you like it on the wall with your fireplace, and the same color paint is next to it there. Your main goal is function and sellability. I think that tile will do the job for you, even if there are other ideas that might be good options. This is the one you've already paid for, and that's a big consideration in a two year forecast. I would say use the tile and enjoy the ease of wiping down your backsplash. It sounds like in your house, a tile backsplash will be an upgrade in selling, and it obviously matches everything. I agree that the amount of space you have between your counter and upper cabinets should determine if a running bond works in the situation or not. I prefer the running bond, but if there's not room for it, do the diagonal. It will visually raise the height between the two cabinets. Don't worry! The tile will be functional and sellable. Like you said, when you live in a more permanent home, you can make a more permanent choice rather than one based on resale.
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I can't answer your question, but I found this picture on Houzz. The tiles are laid out differently on the floor compared to the walls. Running bond on the walls and herringbone on the floor. Looks fine to me. But I love variety. Your walls will need to be extremely flat to do the large format tile with tight grout lines. 12x18 tiles laid on the diagonal seem awkward to me with the dimension of the backsplash space available. Draw it out on graph paper, to scale, to see if you'd like it. Herringbone in that size might work, but you might not have enough space to really pick up the pattern effectively. Again a drawing would be very helpful to you to decide. [Contemporary Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by San Francisco Media & Bloggers Lucy McLintic This one might have tiles in your size, but its really hard to tell: [Contemporary Kitchen[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2103) by Kailua Architects & Building Designers Archipelago Hawaii Luxury Home Designs This post was edited by enduring on Sat, Jul 5, 14 at 1:23
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I don't think we'll ever fully redo this kitchen. We'll probably only be in this house for another 2-5 years, and we're really just looking to make the space more enjoyable for us and up the resale value a bit. Our kitchen is very small, especially for a 4 bedroom house. So without knocking down walls and changing the whole layout of the 1st floor, we're not going to have a gourmet kitchen. And we're just not prepared to put that kind of money in the house given the state of the market, and I don't think our neighboorhood can support the kind of increase in price that we'd want to see to make it worth it. Sorry for all that rambling! Long story short, I think we're going to try to keep it simple for now, and save all these beautiful kitchen ideas for our next house.
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patti823
15 years ago
Mine isn't ceramic, it's slate 4x4's, but I have the bottom row straight, and everything above it on the diagonal. I like the combo, but I think it's a matter of personal preferance.
rhome410
15 years ago
Hmmm...Combos! Now I'm going to have to add another dimension to my theory...

(Sorry...I am gluing 1/2" tiles into a special mosaic design and I'm getting rummy! BTW, the tiles are straight, but in a diagonal pattern...)
bluekitobsessed
15 years ago
When used on a floor, it allegedly makes the room look bigger. I say allegedly because I only notice hardwood on floors :)

Kitchen cabs tend to be all straight vertical and horizontal lines, so diagonally laid tiles add a different set of lines (if that is the right term) and, hence, visual interest.

Patti, I like yours a lot -- the slate adds a very nice texture to your kitchen.
patti823
15 years ago
Thanks, bluekit!

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Backsplash tiling - diagonals or straight?

Comments (6)

rhome410

bill_vincent

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patti823

rhome410

bluekitobsessed

patti823

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