skip to main content

Back splash - Subway Tile Spacing Issue / Question

7 years ago

I'm planning to tile my kitchen back splash using standard 3x6 white subway tile. Normally I see that whole/uncut tiles would be laid directly along the counter line (provided that it is level). This looks nice, and allows you to place the cut tile underneath the cabinets as you work your way up.
In my kitchen, I'm not sure that will be the best approach. There is a window above the sink which measures about 6 1/2 inches from the top of my counter. If I start with a whole tile laid at the counter, I would need to cut a half inch sliver to place directly under the window sill. This is definitely an option, but somewhat undesirable.
My other thought would be to cut a 1 3/4 inch tile to run along the bottom edge, against the counter top. This would leave a matching 1 1 3/4 inch tile to place below the window. With this spacing, I'd also have a 1 1/2 inch tile hitting under my cabinets--which is inevitable anyway with the space I have.
Which approach makes more sense? Lay a full line of cut tile (1 3/4 inches) at the counter line? Or just use whole tiles and be left with a 1/2 inch sliver under the window sill?
Any help would be much appreciated!

Featured Answer

bbtrix

7 years ago

I would use a full tile at the counter. I am finishing a subway wall and have a small gap under the window. I am adding an apron wood trim piece under the stool to hide the gap.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

townlakecakes
7 years ago
how wide of a grout line are you planning? 1/8 or 1/16? That will make a difference. A 1/8 grout line will leave a 1/4" strip of tile. What is the trim under your window like? Is there any way you could add a narrow strip of decorative trim to fill the gap?
madman0428
Original Author
7 years ago
I am planning to use the normal spacing which is 1/16, I believe. I hadn't thought of a decorative trim to fill the gap. Are you suggesting a tile trim piece to put direction under the ledge? Or wood to extend the window frame?

I really like the idea of a tile trim--I definitely hadn't thought about sticking a different piece of tile in there.
Related Discussions
Border or no border with a ceramic subway tile back splash?
Q
Comments (33)
If you are selling I think a border has a lot more chance of feedback than no border. Meaning, if the bs was just subway, then there probably won't be comments like "I wish there was a border" because they don't know what they are missing, but if there is a border and potential buyers might say " I don't like the border". Buyers are quite picky and insane these days. Been there, done that. If you think you aren't selling, then by all means do what you like. Life is too short to just be designing your home for a potential possibility you might sell it. No matter what, it will look clean, current, and fresh. And those are always good.
...See More
Back splash question
Q
Comments (7)
I'm laughing only because in our last home, I couldn't decide on a tile and ended up going 8 years without. Then we sold and bought our current home and it's been 3 years waiting for this kitchen reno. I will say, I never had any trouble getting sauce or stains off my painted wall behind the cooktop. I also worry that grout will be harder to keep clean, but don't think I'd care for a different solid piece of stone as a backsplash. I'd either just do it the 4" up around the majority of the kitchen and then go all the way up behind the cooktop or I'd choose a more traditional tile backsplash. We are still debating on color, size of tile and whether to do an arabesque, or 3x6 or 2x4 subway or a combination of both. The tile lady suggested we wait until the granite goes in next week before firming up our order. Good Luck!
...See More
Glass Tile Back splash
Q
Comments (1)
Sunray, you got lost somewhere along the way. This is one of the gardening forums....you want the Home Forums.
...See More
Subway tile issues
Q
Comments (10)
Paint the cabinets? I'm not a pro, but from what I read on these forums, painting cabinets is very difficult for DIY-ers and can even be a problem for pros. As long as everything is working pretty well now, and there are no emergencies, I would recommend that you start making a master list of things that you would like to do. Prioritize the list in a way that makes sense for you, such as 1) fix broken things; 2) fix things to make more functional; 3) fix things for cosmetic reasons. Or use another prioritizing system, whatever makes sense for you. Paint the walls if you want a lighter color. Save up money for all the things you might want to do in the future. Enjoy your new house. To me, it doesn't look that bad. I'm not trying to scold you into loving your kitchen, you are probably going to find a bunch of things that need to be addressed, so I'm just encouraging you to settle in and think about the whole picture, and take some time before you decide which projects you want to tackle first.
...See More
annac54
7 years ago
What are you using for your countertop? Are they in yet? Could you have a piece of countertop material fabricated to go in the space under the window?
madman0428 thanked annac54
townlakecakes
7 years ago
I was thinking wood, because our windows all have different trim underneath that would make an added piece not look out of place. It wouldn't affect spacing for the rest of your tile. A narrow piece of tile or glass trim underneath could be carried all the way across the kitchen if it helps with spacing or if you just like the look.
madman0428 thanked townlakecakes
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
7 years ago
You can get pencil tile that would probably work well right under the window. I got glass pencil tile to use as the edge of the shower tile and it looks good. I could have used the traditional metal trim edge but this is a nice different option.
madman0428
Original Author
7 years ago
I'm trying to visualize this--Would you have to run the pencil tile the entire length of the wall? Or would you leave it just under the window?
madman0428
Original Author
7 years ago
The counter tops are already installed--we're adding this to an existing kitchen. I doubt we'd be able to easily find the correct matching quartz.
townlakecakes
7 years ago
madman0428 thanked townlakecakes
jhmarie
7 years ago
This is the only pic I have, but I did need to cut the tiles under the window, but it was more than a sliver - more like 3/4 of a tile so not a hard cut. I never notice it.

My pics -work in progress: · More Info
madman0428 thanked jhmarie
madman0428
Original Author
7 years ago
Random other question. There is one small ridge on my wall that is uneven by about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. I did toss on a little join compound to try and lessen the degree of change. I'm also assuming i can back butter a bunch of these tiles to create an easy transition. Any other tips there?

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Hard Questions to Ask When Shopping for Stone

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn all about stone sizes, cracks, color issues and more so problems don't chip away at your design happiness later

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Gorgeous Backsplash Alternatives to Subway Tile

By Vanessa Brunner

Artistic installations, back-painted glass and pivoting windows prove there are backsplash possibilities beyond the platform

MOST POPULAR 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting With Your Designer

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

Thinking in advance about how you use your space will get your first design consultation off to its best start

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

LIGHTING 5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Get your overhead, task and accent lighting right for decorative beauty, less eyestrain and a focus exactly where you want

REMODELING GUIDES Survive Your Home Remodel: 11 Must-Ask Questions

By Mitchell Parker

Plan ahead to keep minor hassles from turning into major headaches during an extensive renovation

WORKING WITH PROS 12 Questions Your Interior Designer Should Ask You

By Mike Dietrich

The best decorators aren’t dictators — and they’re not mind readers either. To understand your tastes, they need this essential info

5 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Share Your Suggestions for These Exteriors, Patios and Baths!

DOORS 5 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Barn Door

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Find out whether that barn door you love is the right solution for your space

BATHROOM DESIGN Subway Tile Wainscoting Puts Bathrooms on the Right Track

By Rachel Grace

It repels water. It looks clean. It works with many architectural styles. Looks like bathrooms have a ticket to a no-brainer

Sponsored

More Discussions

Thoughts on making galley kitchen more open?

31

Kith cabinets? They look great and well made?

4

Silver colored drawer pulls and faucet

0

cabinet overlay question

0

contractor chooses kitchen

13