What thinset did they use? They make special thinset for glass tile, did the tile setter use it?

Hi @millworkman Unfortunately we did not have a chance to oversee this. When we went in, it was almost done and the contractor was smearing grey finishing on the top of the tile.

Actually they had put in the wrong backsplash previously and had to correct it since we pointed it out. They are looking to close the house in a month and seem to be in a hurry to finish the changes.

This was the wrong backsplash they had put up earlier which they had to correct to add glass tiles.

When we chose the design options, they did not mention about the thinset either :( We had a chance to look at the glass tile lying on the countertop. They all had a white layer behind the tile which I believe was for preventing the tile taking up the color of the thinset.

Unfortunately he probably used the incorrect thinset. Only way to correct is a complete do over. But without know what was used I may be wrong but then again I may be correct.

Thank you for the suggestion @millworkman. Is there a possibility where we can ask the builder to correct this.

We were very specific at the design center about the brighter kitchen that we wanted.

From the looks of it, the tile itself appeared darker than the actual one we saw in the design center.

Do you have the original sample from the design center? When put against this tile does it match? If not, they messed up again. Also, it looks like they didn't finish the edge of the tile -- it needs something like a Schluter edge to finish it.

Hi @rmsaustin The original sample is tiny checked tiles. I have posted a picture of the same below. At the time they did not have a 3x6 tile and hence showed us these and said the same one will be bigger in size.

Glass tile always looks darker, or a slightly different color, when installed, because you block all the light that passes through the edges compared to when the tile is in your hand.

Tile also tends to look darker when place vertically and under cabinets, compared to samples sitting on a counter with light hitting them from above.

You picked this tile, it just doesn't look the way you thought it would. You either keep it as is or you pay to have it removed and have another tile installed.

Thank you for the suggestion @chispa. Unfortunately we were not aware of this nor the same was suggested by the designer. Now I am unsure of whether the builder will be willing to replace this or remove this.

Did they just leave exposed cut tile at the end of the run? They should have used a bullnose tile, a trim piece, or Schluter. They should also have stopped the tile in line with the upper/lower cabinets and not with the counter.

If you really don't like it, I would just plan to replace it a few months down the road when you have moved in and had time to relax a bit. Go to a good tile store with a lot more choices than a builder's design center and hire your own tile installer, with more skill and pride than the builder's crew.

Many people don't install their backsplash till a few months after they have moved in.

Thank you @chispa. That makes sense. You are right. Would have looked better if it had ended with the cabinets :( For now it looks exposed. I am hoping they will fix it in a couple of days as they are still working on it.

Hi. I think this is Quartz.

Thanks.

“Please suggest what can be done about this.”

Nothing can be done to alter the appearance of the tile that has been installed. Pay to have it removed and choose a glazed ceramic tile. You’ll be much happier with the look. And there’s no reason to wait, get it done before you move in - it’s a very messy job.

Also, make sure when they end the tile it ends flush with the upper cabinets. This is Fireclay Tile in Daisy.

Dup thread?

Hi @strategery This post was from the 1st day the installation was done (yet to dry and be polished). The home building is in progress and is not completed yet.

I had started the 2nd post just to show the finished backsplash and merely get an opinion on how the finished dried final backsplash looks.

A new post felt much cleaner to start with to ask for an opinion on how it looks than renewing an old thread :)

Was not aware that I should not be starting a new post since I am new to houzz. Thank you for the responses.