Kitchen backsplash drywall transition options

11 years ago

We're near the end of a kitchen bump out project and our contractor started the kitchen backsplash yesterday. They used a plastic transition edge on the one end where backsplash dies into the drywall. We probably went over this in the design phase but I may not have understood what it would look like.

Is this a typical type of installation for this type of transition? My gut reaction is that I'm not sold on the look of the plastic border. However, I don't know what is typical so I may be the only one questioning it. Our kitchen will be a Modern Craftsman style.

I may go to the ceramics store this morning to get their thoughts. The tile is Pratt and Larson's RC Crackle. Would something like a 1/2" cut surface bullnose piece on the end be a valid option? Any other idea?

Thanks in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

User
11 years ago
I'm not knowledgeable enough to answer your questions, but I'm looking at that uneven vertical space and wondering why they didn't use spacers on the verticals. I thought you were supposed to space horizontally and vertically.
badgergal
11 years ago
That edging wouldn't look so bad if it was the same color as the tile. It looks too white. Hopefully the tile store will have some type of matching trim or edge pieces. If they dont couldn't you just have a grout line instead of the plastic. That would probably look better.
Related Discussions
Wall Transition for Mosaic Tile Backsplash
Q
Comments (9)
Not sure what your question entails. Are you looking for a way of getting a finished edge on the tile, because it doesn't butt up to a molding, and there are no trim pieces for that tile? Then I think you can get metal transition strips to finish the tile edge. Schluter makes some. I know there's a woman on the bathrooms forum who did a contemporary bath recently using these metal strips, you can search that forum. If you're asking where the tile should land with relation to the cabinets/counter etc. that's a different question.
...See More
Backsplash to window transition help
Q
Comments (1)
Here's another picture. Sorry it's upside down!
...See More
Thoughts on backsplashes for 1905 Transitional Home's kitchen?
Q
Comments (18)
I have a 1928 registered historical house and I am so, so torn on the kitchen. It's a good thing that it's not happening for several years! My initial thought was something like this one. Maybe using those varigated green tiles (usually found on fireplaces) instead of white. I love this kitchen. http://www.houzz.com/projects/4299/ravenswood-manor Right now we have it in the unfitted style (budget!) and just paint for the backsplash. The sink is original from 1928, but the metal cab is from the 50's, and our stove is a Chambers from the 50s I have to say, we DID save and splurge on square-edge tiles for the bathroom and I am SO, SO happy that we did. We did the work ourselves and saved in other areas.
...See More
Backsplash help for White Transitional Kitchen
Q
Comments (41)
one of my favorites with white counters is a light grey glass 3x12 tile. The one in the pictures is from Surface Art, it's called Translucent Urban Glass color: light mist. Very clean looking but still pretty to look at. I added a couple pictures from some jobs our store has done with it. First picture is a new construction home, second photo is a remodel. I don't have finished pictures of the remodel yet but it has a Carrara look quartz slab. The glass tile really pulls the grays from the counter nicely. I think it would look amazing with white cabinets too. *grout color is Custom brand Prism Color Consistent Grout #545 Bleached Wood
...See More
Elraes Miller
11 years ago
Rather than use a bull nose tile, he used what a product by Schutler. The product has it's place, but not for your finish. It also comes in a dozen colors. Plastic doesn't work for me with your wonderful tile. Plus if you look at it in the store (HD carries it), there are a lot of damaged ones. Easy to crack or break a piece out of.

I would have the installer get rid of that and use correct edging tiles. The trim used goes under the tile from 1-3 ". It is a cheap option. Removing this will mean he has to cut tile again, you should get a tile trim wanted while the current tile needs cutting. If it stays as is, a sealant is needed both on top of the tiles' edge as well as the existing trim which will add to the plastic look.
willtv
11 years ago
Those edges, both horizontal and vertical, are best done with bullnose edge tiles.
Check with your tile supplier to see if they're available.
Circus Peanut
11 years ago
I'd use tile quarter-rounds for the nicest finish on that edge, or replace the end field pieces with bullnosed pieces. I'm guessing bullnoses aren't made for your decorative tiles, so that may not work - in which case, stick with the quarter-rounds. I'm not fond of the way the long rigid plastic edge just accentuates any issues with the (natural and normal) slightly-off-kilter edge of the cut tile.

Alternately, don't use any edging at all and end with a cleanly wiped grout edge; works as well as anything and looks just fine.
dryslick
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for all the advice. I think I like the bullnose or quarter round options best. We weren't trying to call attention to the end. We just wanted it to look natural.

I just got back from the ceramics store. They are going to call the manufacturer on Monday to see if they have a bullnose option. The other option they are looking into what the catalog calls a box liner. It would run vertical and be a little taller than the other tile. The ceramics store thought that could be applied after the rest is complete. I'll email to ask about a quarter round option too to see if that could be done the same way.

Fortunately, the installer has only glued the tiles to the back at this point. It's not ideal but at least the grout / sealer isn't on yet.

Thanks again for all the advice. Since time is short, I appreciate that I'll have some options to discuss with our remodeler on Monday.
1929Spanish
11 years ago
Our tile was Home Depot no-name, but we loved it. There was no trim tile that matched and we had two walls where it would end mid-wall.
Fortunately it was white all the way through.

We painted the walls a very similar color to the backsplash and purchased caulk that was the same color as the grout. The contractor made sure to do a really straight cut and applied the caulk to the sides. It was just one of those details I wasn't going to freak out about.

My photo has a shadow so you can't see the grout, but it looks fine.