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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Painting, Decorating & Tiling Questions >> Kitchen Splashback https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1162421093 Message started by jimbocam on Nov 1^st, 2006, 10:44pm

Title: Kitchen Splashback
Post by jimbocam on Nov 1^st, 2006, 10:44pm

When tiling a kitchen splashback, should you tile straight up from the work surface or use spacers between the bottom course of tiles and the work surface?

Title: Re: Kitchen Splashback
Post by jasonB on Nov 3^rd, 2006, 7:38am

I tile straight off the worktop.

Jason

Title: Re: Kitchen Splashback
Post by woodsmith on Nov 3^rd, 2006, 8:31am

I usually use the same spacers as I use for the rest of the tiles, just break a leg off. I keep the gap clean and when the grout has set I mask up and fill the small gap with silicon.

It's not as neat as Jason's method but accomodates a bit of movement, usefull if you have an old building (damp) or solid timber worktops.

Title: Re: Kitchen Splashback
Post by WOLF on Nov 3^rd, 2006, 11:15pm

i always leave a small gap, 1-2mm for any movement, same as W/S, but also for easier future removal , early this year had to do a replacement of a worktop, due to client putting a (cooling down ) chip pan straight on to the worktop, ooops, and not the heat strips!!!! (said she was flustered and busy!!!) , the gap id left made it soo much easier....

i also find that if a gap is left, then when a sealant is used, it will penetrate into the gap and hold much better (if you theoretically spliced through the sealant, it would be almost "bone shaped!". hence the better hold, there fore a better seal!!!!!

it also allows for a damage free grout area, when some one slams door/drawers, the is no likelyhood of the bottom grout line breaking up through vibration transfer!

well they are my reasons for not tiling straight off the counter tops!

Title: Re: Kitchen Splashback
Post by CWatters on Nov 5^th, 2006, 2:09pm

In my last house I sliconed the worktop to the wall with a tiny bead first, then tiled leaving a small gap then a second bead of silicon.

Title: Re: Kitchen Splashback
Post by jimbocam on Nov 7^th, 2006, 9:11pm

Thanks fellas. :)