I literally spent 12 hours tiling yesterday and I’m done with the backsplash! I’m sore all over but am so glad to be finished. I took the hood down twice last week thinking I was ready to tile — I was overly excited to get it done. I sketched out several layout options and had you all cast your vote. I had made a decision on which pattern I wanted to do and I was raring to go! But then I remembered my plan to have some floating shelves on the wall and realized that I needed to put the hood back on the wall so I could get the shelf placement just right. I installed the cleats that the shelves will hang on and pulled the electrical through and THEN — I really was ready to tile.
But the thing is…with the hood AND the shelves on the wall, the wall is really broken up and I decided that I didn’t want to do any of the patterns I had drawn and went with a completely different option.
I taped off my cooktop in an effort to keep it somewhat clean and covered everything with towels to protect both the countertops and the tile in case I dropped one.
I had contemplated using a tile setting adhesive tape kind of product I saw at the home improvement center but didn’t feel confident about going that route so I stuck with the tried and true method. It’s messy but it works
And then I started installing my tile…
Surprised? Me too! I had every intention of doing the …basket weave pattern! But I changed my mind. I’ve changed my mind A LOT throughout this kitchen remodel and I don’t mind. It’s really fun to have complete control and the ability to change directions on a whim. Of course I put a lot of thought into it before I follow my whims before I follow them.
The tile I selected is a LARGE subway tile. It’s 4″x10″! So it’s BIG. I loved the idea of using a non standard size tile because I always want an element of “different” but I also always consider longevity. I don’t want my hard work looking dated before I even finish remodeling the house.
When all is said and done, there will be a lot going on (visually) in the kitchen so I don’t need any one element to be really complicated busy. So I ended up with a classic layout after all that planning and I’m really happy with it.
I have to wait a day to grout and thank heaven for that because I AM SORE! But there’s no rest for the weary because I have 10000000099 other things on my to-do list and I need to press on.
Forward and upward my peeps! Forward and upward!
Becky says
Looks great. Do you have a tutorial showing the details/how to for filing the backsplash?
Becky says
Tiling. Lol. Shoulda spell checked that.
Sandra says
LOL I think I knew what you meant! I don’t think I do have a tutorial. I have even taught classes…Next time I tile a backsplash I’ll create a tute.
stargzrblog says
Looks absolutely stunning, Sandra!! I knew it would 😉 Great job laying all those tiles!
Sheila says
Sandra, you are soooo AMAZING !!! What a project … and an absolutely wonderful job I might add 🙂 I love the big tiles you picked. Makes the wall work with all the shelves and stove fan thingy going in later. It is calm. Good choice. I can hardly wait to see what else you do with it girl. Onward and upward !!!
Sheila
Kim Lewis says
That is so awesome! I love subway tiles and those big ones are way cool! I’m both amazed and inspired by what you are doing! Love it!
jd says
Hi Sandra, It looks wonderful. I really admire your talent. Take care of your back! I’ve had that surgery. Remember the turtle won the race! jd
Feral Turtle says
Gorgeous! Cheers to a fantastic job Sandra!
Mary R says
I love it! I have marble subway tile in same pattern in my kitchen very classic and timeless. Looks awesome. Can’t wait to see shelves installed.
kim massa says
That is A LOT of work, well done, looks great. What next?
bryan patterson says
nice job it looks like all the hard work was worth it!!! 🙂
Deb-IL says
HA!!! My previous vote was K.I.S.S. and I feel vindicated! That’s one of the things I love about what you do – everything has detail and interest but is never over the top and so your elements always work together. Can’t wait to see what you do with the shelves.
kristin says
I like the idea of the BIG tile for your kitchen. Really smart move. You have a HUGE kitchen, HUGE island, and to have the standard sized tiles would look dwarfed with all your other HUGE stuff–like that mammoth fridge. Looks great!
Andrea says
I love it! I’m glad you went with a traditional pattern – that way it will be more timeless and harder to get sick of.
Guerrina says
Classic and beautiful!
Jake's a Girl says
My favorite. The running bond. That’s why I didn’t vote on one of the three. For a small space a pattern is good but for large spaces I’d always choose the running bond. I love that backsplash! Classic. 🙂
I’m so excited for you.
Ronda Batchelor says
love it! I hear keeping it simple!
Sarah says
It’s gorgeous! I’m a huge sucker for the traditional layout, so I am delighted with it. Hopefully you can find some tasks today that are lower key? Between this and the hall closet you are on a roll!
Jantre says
What color grout are you using? I really like the simple pattern choice….when you put up your 4 options before, I was like “Why not offset?” I know you had a vision, but I love your choice!
Heather says
Look great, I think you mad a great decision with what you chose!!! Love following your blog, but never comment! I had to relate today though, because I spent 6 hours tiling a floor in a small bathroom yesterday and I am sore too! My husband had to make fun of me of course! It was my first time using a wet saw and it was phenomenal to use! Hope to grout later today!
Courtney says
Looks WONDERFUL!