Soapstone "Frame" for backsplash

10 years ago

I would like to install a 3x6 marble subway backsplash in running bond with an accent over the range of herringboned marble mosaic with a soapstone frame around it- similar to this picture. My fabricator says he is able to make this for me, but I am unsure about the specs for width and thickness. If my tile is 1/2" deep how much bigger should the frame be made and what thickness would look right? The range is only 30" wide with a chimney style hood over it.

Thanks,

Helene

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mihelene
Original Author

10 years ago

Very pleased with how the backsplash turned out- the soapstone border is 1" wide. The counter top fabricator made these for me and the tile installer had to rip them down a bit since they were standing too proud from the tile. Just waiting on the final completion of my punch list from the GC- which seems to take almost as long to complete as the actual construction. Thanks for your comments regarding the proper width of the border.

Helene

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Comments (11)

eam44
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
It's a beautiful inspiration image. If your tile is 1/2" thick you would want your surround - it has a rounded profile in the image, I think - to be no more than 3/4" thick at its highest point and ideally round down to about 5/8" thick where it meets your tile. For. Width of the trim piece, I'd say 3/4" to 1" would be fine. There is no hard and fast rule, and as its being fabricated for you, you can have any profile you like, really. As to the overall size of the framed detail, pull out a piece of cardboard and see what you like - then discuss it with your tile installer.

The detail tile is in a herringbone layout and you want to end that in a geometrically appealing way on all four sides, and you'll have to account for grout lines...it's a little more complicated than you might guess.
mama goose_gw zn6OH
10 years ago
How thick are your soapstone counters? 2cm? 3cm? (I'm assuming you're using SS.) I would make the width of the frame the same thickness as the counter tops--it would just be a little repeat of a pattern that probably no one will notice.
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User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I've been playing with 1" mosaic tile under my 30" chimney hood and I agree with eam and mama goose. I wouldn't go wider than 1".

Love your idea of incorporating soapstone. It's so refreshing to see something different.
mihelene
Original Author
10 years ago
thanks for the responses- tile installer is coming next week for a consultation. 1" looks the best to my eye. The counters, which are soapstone, are 2cm- so just under an inch. After mocking the design with cardboard it looks best with a 2" border of field tile around the top, sides and bottom, then the 1" soapstone frame and then the mosaic filling the interior. We can adjust that up or down slightly in order to get the cuts to the herringbone mosaic in the right place. The soapstone frame can be cut by the tile installer so I can order it a bit longer than necessary for the design. I will post pics when it is finished.

Helene
brdrl
10 years ago
That is gorgeous- what a great idea!
User
10 years ago
I love it!!!
algeasea
10 years ago
That looks fabulous. Good luck with the (hopefully) speedy completion of your punch list.
mom2sulu
10 years ago
Helene, beautiful! May I ask the details on the rest of your backsplash? Size and make of your marble? Thank you!
mama goose_gw zn6OH
10 years ago
It looks great! Thanks for showing us the finished project.
mihelene
Original Author
10 years ago
Mom2sulu,

the tile came from Tile Outlets of America- they have 3 locations in FL. They have an online store but I don't know what shipping will be as I was able to pick up locally.

I used the 3x6 Statuary Carrara Polished for the field- very reasonable at $6.99 SF

http://www.tileoutlets.com/statuary-carrara-white-marble-polished-3x6-305775-cs

and the Carrara White Herringbone Mosaic @ $12.99 a sheet

http://www.tileoutlets.com/statuary-carrara-white-marble-polished-3x6-305775-cs

The quality of the tiles was good- no damage, and they take returns up to 90 days from purchase, even on partial boxes.

Good luck with your project.