Another Tile Question for Bill V or other Experts

17 years ago

Seems like tile is on a lot of peoples minds these days :) My kitchen backsplash should be ready to install in a couple weeks but I am already having discussions with my neighbor about how to handle the areas underneath my kitchen windows. My neighbor is doing the bulk of my remodel job but is an electrician by trade, not a tiler, so we are open to suggestions.

I plan on using 6x6 travertine tiles. Once the granite is installed, the area underneath my windows which used to perfectly fit a 4x4 tile will now have a 4 3/8 space to fill since my granite is slightly lower than the old formica countertop.

I was thinking I would have the first course of tile along the granite with 6x6 tiles in the normal horizontal positioning. Then I wanted to make all subsequent rows with the 6x6 tile turned in diamond position.

Is the easiest way to deal with the 4 3/8 space under the windows to just cut the 6x6 tile to fit that space and save the remnants if needed at the top? I should have just about 18 inches total space top to bottom under the cabinets. Will know for sure once the actual granite is installed.

Here is a pic of one of the window counters. Will have 2 windows to have to work with.

Thanks for any advice. I know this is probably a "stupid simple" question but we are novices and know we can learn the right way to do it here from the experts! :)

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Comments (5)

lmalm53
Original Author
17 years ago
Oh.. and the windows are 38.5" wide so how do we handle the space at either side of the window on the first course? Cut the side piece of tile in a "L" shape so that the area not under the window can start using the full 6x6 tile size?

Thanks again for any help.
bill_vincent
17 years ago
I know this is probably a "stupid simple" question

I'll bet if I were to try and do some gardening, I'd be asking YOU some stupid simple questions, too. We all have our strengths. :-)

This IS an easy one, though. You're going to have a backsplash that's 17-18" finished, which means 3 full tiles, or just under that. This means you can start full tile off the counter, which would mean cutting into the sill of the window, and "L" cutting around each side. No prollem!!
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lmalm53
Original Author
17 years ago
Great! Thanks for the speedy reply :) Ok one more quick question. Where do we start the first course? At the far side of the counter and working our way across, adjusting for the window area when we get to it? Or start with the first tile in the middle of the window area and work out to both sides from there so that the "L" cutting around each side is symmetrical? The window is not in the exact middle of the entire counter so the runs on either side will be different total lengths. Thanks again Bill :)
bill_vincent
17 years ago
Lets wait until the countertops are in, and then take a picture standing back a little bit so I can see the whole thing (if possible). Then I could give you a little more educated recommendation.
lmalm53
Original Author
17 years ago
Will do. Thanks so much Bill!