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Kitchen Subway Tile Backsplash

3 years ago

Getting toward the end of a new construction home in a new neighborhood. The developer/builder gave us some design options and choices but this is certainly not a high end custom built home.

The tile backsplash is a standard feature and was recently installed. I am not happy with the workmanship, but my husband thinks I’m being too picky, except for the light switch shown in the third picture. That must definitely be redone.

Here are 3 pictures, starting in the corner and then each end. What are your opinions? Am I being too picky? Thanks!

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Comments (6)

K R
3 years ago
It’s a builder, so typical. Not the worst I’ve ever seen. It hasn’t been grouted yet, correct? The light switch really bugs me though.
saminnie
Original Author
3 years ago
We were not able to have input with the installer. We could only choose white subway with grey or white grout. And yes, it has been grouted.
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I'm back again! I think I am close to finally picking out a tile. I should have a asked this in the very beginning - About "Side Splashes" ...when I had the old laminate countertops, there was a 4" laminate strip of "backsplash" running behind the countertop and it extended all the way to the side walls. Now there is an ugly mess on the wall where I removed the strip, and am wondering if the new tile backsplash should extend to the side walls again. I have read a lot that the "side splashes" are not always necessary and sometimes not appealing to the eye. Should I do a "side splash", meaning should I extend the tile where the wall changes direction and make it the same height as the rest of it? Or should I sand and paint those areas? This post was edited by dms11 on Sat, Mar 8, 14 at 9:30
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eld6161
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
A lighter gray or white grout probably would have been better. But.....this happens.

Ten years ago we installed a backsplash and the color of the tile clashed with the counter. The installation was perfect and so I had no reason to doubt that the replacement wouldn’t be stellar.

Wrong. Different tile and it played out a bit differently. Installer should have known better. It’s a small L- shaped kitchen. I put the coffee machine on an angle and moved in from my disappointment.

Fast forward to other renovations. I know to discuss tile placement options and that I don’t want slivers.

I am also wondering why your counter couldn’t be lined up with the cabinets?

Can you post pictures further back so we can the whole kitchen?

I am nit home and don’t seem to have a close up. Here’s an un staged look.

There are other things you can put there so that it is less noticeable.
saminnie
Original Author
3 years ago
I chose the grey grout over white as the home we just sold had white on white. Wanted something different. Unfortunately the grey makes every little flaw pop. Hopefully once everything is cleaned well and paint touched up it will look better to my eye.

I will probably park my kitchen aid mixer in the corner to hide the small pieces of tile.

Not sure why the counter and cabinets don’t line up except that must be how it was laid out. Originally our builder/developer had another cabinet supplier but had to switch due to availability issues from the virus.
eld6161
3 years ago
That’s the answer. For whatever reason that detail was over looked.

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