Need quick backsplash tile advice - too much lip(page)?

5 years ago

So after a loooong delay on tile delivery and my contractor being out of the country for a month, the final piece of my kitchen is coming in - the backsplash! yay!

I came home after the first day of tile work and have noticed some irregularities on a few of the white field tiles on the backsplash. This is most evident with the range hood light on. Can you tell me if this is just a function of the overhead light, the fact its not grouted yet, the grout line size, or something else? I am choosing a off-white grout to match the tile which may forgiving. Should I have my guy redo the irregular pieces or will it look fine when finished? I chose him because he did a magnificent job on my patio (terracotta tile - very irregular but I was impressed how even he made it considering) and he also installed my encaustic handmade kitchen floor tile (my father-in-law when visiting commented it was "uneven" but I literally couldn't tell what he was talking about. But he's from Germany and a contractor himself so he's MEGA picky). These tiles are factory made and should be more or less uniform. I think he is laying them by hand as I don't see spacers. He generally does good work but sometimes I feel he rushes when at the end of a job.

Thanks! I hope to let him know tomorrow before he gets too much further.

Featured Answer

Sammy

5 years ago

Is it supposed to be centered on the cooktop? If so, it’s not, so there’s your grounds for a re-do.

Comments (16)

wysmama
5 years ago
Looks like he didn’t use spacers. Not a pro, but I would want a redo.
Astrid C thanked wysmama
K R
5 years ago
This does not look right at all, I’d ask for a redo.
Astrid C thanked K R
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Susie .
5 years ago
Many issues with that. Not centered, lippage that is beyond standard. The tiles may have lugs and not need spacers (can’t tell from this photo), but it is very unprofessional. Redo.
Astrid C thanked Susie .
Astrid C
Original Author
5 years ago
Does it not look centered? Here it is from further back:

And without the light:
eveuchan
5 years ago
What is the tilers plan to connect the wide green border and the thinner border? Also it looks like once you put an outlet cover on it may exceed the tile on the top.
Astrid C thanked eveuchan
Susie .
5 years ago
When I say it’s not centered I mean that he didn’t place tiles so that the cuts on the edges were symmetrical. You have a full tile on one end, but a cut tile on the other end (of the same row). It’s fairly easy to measure and adjust the layout so it’s symmetrical.
Astrid C thanked Susie .
Astrid C
Original Author
5 years ago
eveuchan - there will be tiles above the thin border and the thick one will run under the range hood. Similar to this:
Astrid C
Original Author
5 years ago
Susie . - thanks for the clarification I see what you mean! Since there will be tiles above and to the side of the thin border (see above inspiration picture) I think it will be okay. But you're right, that would drive me crazy if that was the full design.
mindshift
5 years ago
Lippage is a difference in height between one tile and the next. Lippage is more of a problem on extra large tiles >12x12". Your tiles should not have such extreme lippage. The bottom three rows are acceptable, but the next two have some horrible lippage and irregular spacing. Going for grout joints less than 1/8" wide exacerbates lippage and spacing irregularity. But I agree that at least two rows should be redone.
millworkman
5 years ago
"some irregularities on a few of the white field tiles"

I would ask your contractor if he would accept this install in house. There are definitely more than a few irrularities, that's a do over in my opinion.
Astrid C
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I sent detailed texts about my concern with pictures and it appears he is unwilling to fix it (says he doesn't have time??). This isn't the first disagreement I've had with this guy but it's the most blatant one (I was willing to concede the benefit of the doubt before - nobody is perfect). So I think I'll just look for someone else to finish the job. Guess this means more delays but I'd rather it be done right and wait a little longer.
PRO
Creative Tile Eastern CT
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Lights needed to be on while setting tile. Wall wash lighting is always a concern. Grout will not eliminate the shadows.

https://www.louisville-tile.com/tile-lighting/
Astrid C thanked Creative Tile Eastern CT
A V
5 years ago
I thought the first few rows were light green in the one light.
Astrid C thanked A V
pambowman
5 years ago
I would have someone redo it. That would drive me crazy looking at that everyday. Good luck.
Astrid C thanked pambowman
Astrid C
Original Author
5 years ago
Creative Tile Eastern CT - thank you for that link! The lighting definitely exacerbates the issue.

Need quick backsplash tile advice - too much lip(page)?

Sammy

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wysmama

K R

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Need quick backsplash tile advice - too much lip(page)?

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