Taj Mahal Quartzite - Rust spots on backsplash, should I tile instead?

last year

It’s been a couple of weeks into our remodel, and I was really hoping the rust spots in our Taj Mahal quartzite would grow on me (you know, adds character and all that)… but they haven’t. I’m thinking about tiling the area above the stove instead. Unfortunately, there are no slabs left from our original batch, but our fabricator may have something similar in remnants.

We did end up replacing the island with a different Taj because of the rust, and since it’s separate, it actually worked out fine.

I’d love some opinions - should I tile the stove area? And if so, should I try to pull in some of the brown tones from the quartzite, or stick with the lighter shades? Or maybe find a slightly different Taj slab that blends better?

I know the rust is from oxidation in the stone and runs all the way through. I should’ve asked to see each slab and been more involved in the layout, but I left it up to the fabricator so this is totally my fault. I assumed with three slabs they’d avoid the larger rusty areas I did see during selections. I just wish they’d given me a heads-up before installing it.

(on photos we're still missing some molding, etc.. still in the middle of a few things)

Featured Answer

porkchop_z5b_MI

last year

No. It looks nice. Leave it alone.

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Comments (7)

Kendrah
last year
Get another slab similar to your island or just one that doesn't have so much rust on it. The Taj is a very nice look in here, understated against your wood. I don't think I'd open the door to tile unless there is a really specific look you are already drawn to.

Can we see the rest of your kitchen?
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akrogirl32
last year
last modified: last year
I agree. I love the way the rust in the Taj ties in with your cabinetry.
AnnKH
last year
It's a lovely kitchen. I like the "character" of the rust spots, but I understand how you could feel differently.

I hate to say it, but this is what happens when you don't communicate your wishes to the fabricator. Never assume that their idea of beauty (or imperfection) is the same as yours.

I think tiling behind the stove would look odd, with Taj everywhere else.
eam44
last year
It’s so much easier and less expensive to change your mind than it is to change your slab. What if you waited 6 months? By then you might have forgotten all about the rust spots.

You could make tile work, but the last place I would want it is behind the range where you’ll have to clean grout as well, and seal it every so often. As it is, you’ll still have to clean your slab, but you are groutless. It’s a good thing.

Consider maybe taking a longer beat to think about it - or not think about it. See how it goes.
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Original Author
last year
Kendrah here are two from both angles to get a perspective. We're about to strip the island and restain back to match cabinets as well as refinish the range hood (a designer faux painted both about 10 yrs ago and the first attempt to bring the wood back was poorly done), and will be replacing wood floors with a medium tone. I truly appreciate your input, thank you!
racmpc
last year
last modified: last year
It's beautiful with the cabinetry, I'd leave it alone. Also, with your objection to this very aspect of the material I'm wondering if you picked your own slabs? Or had discussions about how it would all layout?