Conquering Corners: The Not-So-Shady Art of Subway Tile Triumph
Ah, subway tiles. The timeless rectangle gracing kitchens, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms across the land. But when it comes to corners, these little brick buddies can turn into trickier rectangles. Fear not, intrepid tiler! With a little know-how and a dash of fun, you can navigate those 90 degrees like a pro.
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| How To Put Subway Tile In A Corner |
The Two-Tile Tango: Embrace the Chop
There are two main approaches to tackling subway tile corners, each with its own quirky charm. Let's break it down, shall we?
1. The Classic Cut: This method involves, you guessed it, cutting tiles! Measure meticulously the distance from the last full tile to the corner. Subtract a smidge (about 1/8th of an inch) to account for grout and wiggle room. Mark your tile with a trusty marker, then unleash your inner Michelangelo with a tile cutter. Remember: A clean cut is a happy cut (and a smoother grout job).
2. The Shift and Stack: Feeling a bit scissor-shy? This method involves some strategic tile placement. Start by laying down a full tile on one wall. On the adjoining wall, instead of a full tile meeting its corner counterpart, slide a tile fragment over. This fragment should be roughly half a tile width, but hey, it's your artistic expression!
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
The All-Important But: Whichever method you choose, don't forget to account for grout! Leave a small gap between your tiles (usually 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch) for that beautiful grout to fill in the blanks.
Silicone Savior: Sealing the Deal
Corners are prime territory for water infiltration, so here's where our friend silicone caulk comes in. After grouting, apply a thin bead of caulk along the corner joint, smoothing it out with a wet finger. This creates a water-resistant barrier, keeping your subway tile masterpiece looking fresh for years to come.
Bonus Tip: For a truly seamless look, use color-matched caulk that complements your grout.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
Remember: Patience is key! Don't rush the process. Take your time, measure twice, cut once (or not at all, depending on your method) and you'll be a corner-conquering champion in no time.
Frequently Asked Corner Concerns:
How to cut subway tile?
Invest in a good tile cutter and score your tile before snapping it.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
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How to choose the right grout color?
For a classic look, choose a grout color that matches your tile. For a bolder statement, go for a contrasting color.
How to apply grout?
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
Mix your grout according to the manufacturer's instructions and use a grout float to spread it evenly between the tiles.
How to clean grout haze?
After grouting, use a damp sponge to remove any excess grout haze from your tiles.
How to avoid grout cracking?
Use a flexible grout and allow it to cure completely before applying caulk.
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