Conquering the Corner: How NOT to Cry While Tiling Your Subway Dream
So, you've embarked on the noble quest of installing a subway tile backsplash, and let's be honest, it's looking pretty swanky. Neat rows of rectangular perfection marching up your wall - you're practically Joanna Gaines by now. But then you reach the corner, and suddenly those once friendly tiles turn into tiny judges, smirking at your DIY inexperience. Fear not, brave tiler! We've all been there, blinking back tears while muttering threats at inanimate ceramic. But fret no more, for I, your friendly neighborhood internet guru, am here to equip you with the knowledge to conquer that corner like a champion.
The Dreaded Decision: Chop or Wrap?
There are two main approaches to tackling this tricky corner, each with its own set of pros and cons, and flamboyant metaphors.
The Chipping Champion: The Art of the Mitre Cut
Imagine yourself a fearless tile knight, wielding a wet saw (your trusty steed) and battling the villainous corner with a perfectly angled, 45-degree mitre cut. This, my friend, is the holy grail of outside corner techniques. When done flawlessly, it creates a seamless, invisible joint that would make Michelangelo weep with joy (or possibly ask for pointers on his Sistine Chapel ceiling).
Important Note: Flawlessly is the operative word here. Like attempting brain surgery with a butter knife, a less-than-perfect mitre cut will leave you with jagged edges and a grout line wider than the Grand Canyon. This is a technique best left to the tiling daredevils (or those with a lot of spare tiles and a tolerance for frustration).
The Wrapping Wonder: Befriending Bullnose
For us mere mortals, there's a beautiful solution called bullnose tile. These little lifesavers are basically subway tiles with a finished, rounded edge specifically designed for gracing outside corners. Using bullnose is akin to wrapping the corner in a warm hug - it's easy, forgiving, and the end result is still quite spiffy.
Side Hustle Alert: Some crafty individuals attempt to fashion their own bullnose by meticulously chipping away at the edge of a regular subway tile. Let me just say, this is a recipe for chipped fingers and uneven results. Save yourself the drama and invest in the real deal.
The Great Grout Reveal: Don't Let the Corner Clown You
So you've conquered the corner, your tiles are in place, and you're ready for the grouting grand finale. But wait! The corner can throw you a curveball here too. Because of the way the tiles meet, it's easy to end up with a thicker layer of grout in the corner than on the flat sections.
Pro Tip: To avoid this comical (and frankly, messy) situation, use a grout bag with a small tip. This allows for more precise application, keeping your grout lines nice and even throughout the entire project.
And there you have it! With these handy tips and a healthy dose of humor, you'll be a corner-conquering tile titan in no time. Remember, the key is to embrace the occasional mishap (because let's be real, there will be mishaps) and enjoy the process of creating your own little tiled masterpiece. Now go forth and conquer those corners!
