Tile Back Spash and switch plate line up DISASTER Please HELP

9 years ago

I know... I don't know how to post on a forum and this is probably the wrong place, but I too am have problems with tile back splash and plate line up.

I know.... I'm sure this photo and my frustrating DIY kitchen backslash switch plate disaster is going to get some laughs. I will never tile with small odd shape tiles, the cuts have been a disaster as well. I have tried the little green click extenders, as seen on the right, and they don't line up without the little metal hoops on the outlet poking out and the outlet wiggles and does not line up. I've tried the blue plastic plate as you see on the right and the plate doesn't line up either.

Please HELP !!!!

Featured Answer

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

9 years ago

Yes you need to remove the tile covering the outlet box the tabs with screw holes are supposed to be in the outlet box and screw into the holes in the box that's what secures it and keeps it from moving . Maybe you should look at some you tube videos on how to do this .

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Comments (9)

User
9 years ago
Your problem is that you have tiled OVER the places the switchboxes and outlets should have fit into.

It should look more like this, with the outlet box edges completely visible and the outlet in the box. Then the extenders will let the outlet and the cover plate fit flush with the tile.

Can you remove part of the tile and redo that part?
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
9 years ago

Installing extenders
baboosh4469 thanked ravencajun Zone 8b TX
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
9 years ago

Tiling around outlets

Go to you tube and search tiling around outlets
baboosh4469 thanked ravencajun Zone 8b TX
BT
9 years ago
Rule No 1: Never grout unless you are fully satisfied with cuts.

The situation is easily fixable. Remove the grout with the grouting tool (electric is faster) and discard the miss-cuts.

I do not think you will be satisfied with the way it looks today. Take another sheet of tile and remove the patterns you need. Cutting these things are very easy, you need a vise and some appropriate tools. Again electric is faster, if you can lock it in the vise may be able to use hacksaw diamond blade or rotary straight dremel bit [or rotozip bit]. Dremel EZ545 1-1/2-Inch EZ Lock Diamond Wheel works really well at cutting as well.

Again this is not a disaster and easy to fix.
baboosh4469 thanked BT
baboosh4469
Original Author
9 years ago
I have a Dremel tool I didn't realize that I could use that to cut through tile. the small squares and octqgonal pattern are not very forgiving, cutting with hand tools, and the smallest powerful water saw that I purchased doesn't cut either. Unfortunately I messed up my sheet rock pulling tiles out and replacing already, maybe just some product made for sheet rock repair (net and putty) will work in those small places but won't be fun or even having to sand, hmmm? I will watch you tube as suggested as well, the first time I searched I must have typed in a title that didn't bring up the right results. Thanks to you all for your great suggestions.
jhmarie
9 years ago
I have cut those same tiles on my little wet saw without problem, but don't remove them from the backing before cutting - it is too difficult to hold on to those little pieces if they are not on the backing and you could cut yourself too. You will not be happy if you don't remove all the messy, crooked tiles. Never work on a DIY job when your frustrated and tired:(
BT
9 years ago
>Unfortunately I messed up my sheet rock pulling tiles out and replacing already,

Mesh tape
User
9 years ago
To cut those mosaic sheets with a wet saw, hold the tiles on either side of the cut with duct tape or masking tape.

I use tile nippers - the thing that looks like pliers - for small cuts because it's easier.