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Another couple of tile layout questions.

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

After centering the 6inch subway on the back wall, I find I have a 5inch cut and 2 inch cut in the corner. Looking online, I find some "wrap" the tile corner and some just butt a full size next to a full size and a cut next to cut. I would prefer the wrap. However, the 1 inch cut next to the 5inch cut will not look right.(slivers are to be avoided from what I've read) . So can I do a 2inch cut next to the 5? That will give a visual continuity without warping the scale.

Or should I start with the bullnose edge and work towards the corner? And just settle for 2 small cuts against each other? Yikes, this is much harder than I thought . Or am I just overthinking it?

Also, my ceiling is not level. Should the tile cuts match the curve or just let the caulk fill in any unevenness?It goes from 1/8 to about 1/2inch.and back again.

Featured Answer

bjb817

8 years ago

Yes, you are overthinking it, but I say that as someone who's done I don't know how many subway tile showers over the years....

I always center the back wall and normally start with full and half tiles against the bullnose on the side walls. I lay it out so the corners look as close to a true wrap as possible, even if it's not really a true wrap, if that makes any sense. In other words, you definitely don't want a sliver against a sliver in the corner!

At the ceiling, make the cuts follow it. I try to keep them within no more than 1/8" so it makes for a neat caulk joint. It takes more time to do this than just making your cuts all the same, but the end result will be well worth it.

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Comments (8)

boops2012
Original Author
8 years ago
I wasn't sure how do that last row against the ceiling. So the staggering row is the better choice as opposed to a caulk line of white against a white ceiling?
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bjb817
8 years ago
I'm not sure I'm understanding the last question, but I'll take a shot... Just follow through your layout with that last row and make your cuts conform to the unevenness of the ceiling. I caulk that joint using caulk that matches my grout, whether that be white or whatever color you choose. Here's a pic of one I did awhile back for reference:
boops2012 thanked bjb817
boops2012
Original Author
8 years ago
To make it clearer- to match ceiling I need tile 1 (in the far left top row working to the right)to be 2and 1/4 high on left side and 2and 3/8on the right. You are saying cut the tile with angle, yes?
boops2012
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for your help. And patience.
bjb817
8 years ago
Yep, that's exactly what I'm saying. Just cut to the angle of the ceiling. You got this.
bjb817
8 years ago
I can't remember how bad it was anymore, but I promise you the top row of tile in the pic I attached aren't the same. It would be VERY rare to come across a ceiling that's perfectly level.
PRO
Creative Tile Eastern CT
8 years ago
@Bressler A big thumbs up for taking the time to build the niches in your photo to fit the horizontal grout joints. I hate the L cuts. Small details like that separate the pro's. My apologies to the OP for going of topic.

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