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Help with laying large backsplash tiles (26" by 17").

8 years ago

Originally, I wanted to have large tiles with fewer grout lines for the backsplash. I ordered this tile and the size is 26" by 17". The tiles do have waves and none of them seem to match when I put them next to each other. I am really struggling with how to arrange them and there seems to be not too many pictures of backsplashes with tiles that large...

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redkev

8 years ago

I have large format tile in my bathroom. The tiles are 12"x24". The tile is from Emser and called Surfaces, Ripple. I have nearly finished the bathroom remodel, still a few details to complete. One word of advice, when installing large format tiles on any surface, it needs to be FLAT!. Please look at the attached photo and if you have any additional questions, I will respond.

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Comments (9)

sjhockeyfan325
8 years ago
Gorgeous, redkev!
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PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
8 years ago
dont fret! it can be done. Youll want to look close at the prep work, and yes youll need very flat "In plane walls" and possibly ask your tile installer about using a lippage system ....

what brand /type tile? and substrate?
miraspasov
Original Author
8 years ago
The tile is STYLKER DARK. I am talking to the gc tomorrow to better understand how they will do it...
Fori
8 years ago
Are you concerned that the pattern doesn't match up? No tile setter can make that happen if it's not meant to match up. Be sure you're okay with it not matching before installation. It's a different look and still totally nice. Just different. Redkev's is meant to be a continuous pattern, but some just aren't. This one probably isn't.
mama goose_gw zn6OH
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
If I'm understanding correctly, your tile is not a raised, molded pattern, which should be matched as redkev's is. It's more like the pattern of strata in natural stone--which really follows no pattern.

Do you have enough tiles to run the pattern vertically, rather than horizontally? Is that even an option? It would mean cutting each tile, with a lot of waste--about 8"/tile. Can you use the 8" pieces elsewhere? Butler's pantry, bathroom, powder room?
miraspasov
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes, the tile is NOT a raised pattern, its just a natural stone pattern. Yes, I was concerned about the tiles not having matching pattern, but the more I look at pictures online, it looks like this shouldn't matter. Also, I was not sure how to arrange the tiles and I came up with this:

I never thought about running the pattern vertically and I don't think I am bold enough to do it:)
redkev
8 years ago
I always try and lay the tile out on the floor or tape it to a wall (a sheet of OSB and some brads will support large format tile) and try different configurations. I usually take pictures and do some composites in Photoshop until I am satisfied. For my bathroom above, I probably went through 10 different tiles before I found the look I wanted. I tried everything from a natural gray lime stone with fossil inclusions, driftwood colored wood look tile, several porcelain "stone" patterns and what I finally settled on. I also tried vertical, running bond and the simple stacked pattern that was really the only option for the tile I selected.
mama goose_gw zn6OH
8 years ago
I used 12" marble tile on a counter top and experimented as redkev did, but laid them on the floor and rearranged until I was satisfied with the pattern. I labeled them F or B for front or back and then numbered them in sequence.

From across the room the counter reads as a solid slab of stone, but a backsplash would be much more noticeable. Your tile is beautiful--I hope you can find a way to make it work.

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