Conquering Corners: How NOT to Look Like a Grout Grope When Tiling with Subway Tiles
Ah, subway tiles. The timeless rectangle gracing kitchens and bathrooms everywhere. But when it comes to corners, these little brick buddies can turn even the most enthusiastic DIYer into a quivering puddle of thinset. Fear not, fellow fixer-upper! This guide will transform you from grout grope to grout guru, with a healthy dose of humor along the way.
Step 1: Embrace the Inevitable Cut
Subway tiles, bless their rectangular hearts, weren't designed for 90-degree turns. So, get ready to make some cuts. Now, you can go all Michaelangelo with a fancy tile saw, or you can be like me and pretend you're on a budget (read: cheap). A manual tile cutter will do the trick, just be prepared for the occasional soundtrack of your tile screaming in protest. Pro tip: If your cuts aren't exactly perfect, don't fret! Subway tiles are small, and a little creative grout placement can hide a multitude of sins (just don't tell the tile police).
The Great Grout Debate: Soldier vs. Stacked
Here's where things get interesting. You have two main choices for how your cut tiles meet in the corner: soldier or stacked.
- Soldier: Imagine your tiles marching in a neat little line, one on top of the other, following the corner like a valiant squad. This creates a clean, continuous look.
- Stacked: Picture your tiles, well, stacked. Like little brick buddies holding hands at the corner. This gives a more relaxed, rustic vibe.
The choice is yours, but choose wisely! Soldier can be unforgiving with imperfect cuts, while stacked offers a bit more wiggle room.
Laying Down the Law (of Tile, That Is)
Now comes the messiest, yet oddly satisfying, part: applying the thinset (the magical glue that holds your tile dreams together). Here's where the fun part kicks in. You're basically a miniature sculptor, wielding a trowel like a wizard's staff. Just be careful not to overdo it – a little thinset goes a long way, and nobody wants a wall that looks like it has a bad case of the mumps.
Now, for the corner: Here's where your soldier vs. stacked decision comes into play.
- Soldier: Apply thinset to both the wall and the backs of your cut tiles. Carefully nudge them into place, ensuring a clean line and even grout lines.
- Stacked: Butter up (with thinset, not actual butter) the wall and one side of each cut tile. Slide them into position, making sure they meet neatly in the corner.
Remember: Keep checking your level! A wonky corner is the enemy of a sleek subway tile backsplash.
The Grout Reveal: The Grand Finale (Maybe?)
After the thinset has cured (consult your specific thinset's instructions for drying time), comes the moment of truth: grouting! This can be messy, so grab some gloves and old clothes (because, let's be honest, some grout will end up on you).
Using a grout float (it looks like a fancy sponge on a stick), apply the grout diagonally across the tiles, pressing it firmly into the gaps. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge, rinsing frequently. Warning: This is where OCD tendencies can creep in. Don't spend hours trying to achieve grout nirvana. A little imperfection adds character, right?
Pat yourself on the back! You've conquered the corner and emerged victorious. Now, sit back, admire your handiwork, and maybe pour yourself a celebratory beverage (just be careful not to spill it on your new masterpiece).
Bonus Tip: If you're feeling fancy, you can seal your grout for extra protection. But hey, even if you don't, you've still created a space that looks way better than that boring old corner ever did. So go forth and conquer, fellow tile tamers!
