General > General info Somewhat hot tub related

calling all tile experts

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anne:
Just a general question for you- I know that there is lots of expertise out there! I will be starting a kitchen remodel soon. Waiting now to get the cabinets done.......waiting....waiting.....waiting....

Anyway, one of the fun details to me of this project will be tile backsplashing. The counters will be solid granite, but I'm designing an 18" backsplash. I'm contracting out the things that I just cannot do (electrical/plumbing/+/-floors, etc) and my father is helping me with cabinets (building and installing). I'd like to do the tiling myself, not only to save money, but also because I'm the type of person who is a lot more satisfied with my hands dirty and knowing I did something myself. I have family members who have tiled enough to teach me the basics and loan me a wet saw, and I'm fairly handy person.

I have not completely finished the design or chosen tiles, but I'll likely be using tumbled marble with small accent tiles on point, plus or minus a strip of granite from the countertop as accent as well.

So.......are you cringing in horror at the thought of an ameture tiler making a mess of things?  It'll be hard to talk me out of this, I admit.

Assuming that I go forward with this, is there anything about handling/cutting marble that should dissuade me from my choice of tiles compared to porcelain or ceramic? I just REALLY prefer the texture and look of the natural stone.

thanks!!!!!

anne:
oh, and to make this hot tub related, I have found that sitting in the tub staring at the trees has been very therapeutic as I contemplate this project!

Vinny:
Not an expert but did do 3 tile jobs as a homeowner. Tile is not too bad to work with.

My only advice is to have your own diamond tipped blade and use a wet saw. If you rent a wet saw - the blade will be dull. I bought mine at Lowes for something like $35

A fresh diamond tipped blade will cut through tile like a hot knife through butter.

anne:
Thanks, Vinny. I'll probably get to borrow my aunt's saw, so I'll definitely buy a new blade if only to not over-use theirs.

Aside form getting instruction from her, are there any good teaching guides out there? I'm sure that some books are better than others.

ajdouglas:
Everything you need to know about tile and then some can be found at

http://johnbridge.com/vbulletin/index.php

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