Where to compromise?

[Batt284]

Hi All,

Another one from me I am afraid! I am planning to tile in a brick bond format and it looks like there is going to be a small cut in quite a prominant position. I felt it would be best to lay the border just below the window so that it would be unbroken all the way around. However, plotting where the border would be positioned all the way around the room (red lines in the picture) reveals that the tile below the border is going to slightly (38mm) overlap the raised box at the end of the bath that conceals the pipework.

If I was to maintain the same horizontal grout line all the way around I would be left with a 38mm cut at the top of this box (shaded in orange). Do you thing this would look acceptable? If not do you think a different layout (i.e. not brick bond) would be acceptable on the box? As ever any thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks, Ben
IMG_0433.jpg

[Mike]

why not raise the border so it runs directly on the sill. or possibly a border along the top of the boxing? make a feature out of it?

[garretridge]

i would lift the border up it actually looks better broken up around the window and will solve your problem no small cuts and you can still tile in your brick bond format!

[Bri]

I don't think it's unacceptable, if you want to keep the border in that position it's a compromise you'll have to accept. Changing the pattern isn't going to get rid of that, the only way if you don't like it is to move the border up (or down)

[Stewart]

If an unbroken border is what you want and that's the only place with the small cut, I wouldn't worry. Sometimes it's impossible to not have an awkward cut, and as long as the tiling is top draw, then no one will notice.

[Batt284]

The problem with lifting the border would be I would have to raise it 2 tiles off the boxing which would be pretty high. I would also be left with a slither (about 36mm) under the window - if I tiled a full tile off the boxing.

Do you guys think that tiling the boxing in a different pattern and not following the grout line around from the bath wall is a definite "no no".

[garretridge]

The problem with lifting the border would be I would have to raise it 2 tiles off the boxing which would be pretty high. I would also be left with a slither (about 36mm) under the window - if I tiled a full tile off the boxing.

Do you guys think that tiling the boxing in a different pattern and not following the grout line around from the bath wall is a definite "no no".

i would keep it all uniform tile it same pattern if you dont want to raise the border then stick with a small cut at the boxing it will look ok!

[andy8758]

Hi All,

If I was to maintain the same horizontal grout line all the way around I would be left with a 38mm cut at the top of this box (shaded in orange). Do you thing this would look acceptable? If not do you think a different layout (i.e. not brick bond) would be acceptable on the box? As ever any thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks, Ben
IMG_0433.jpg

Ben - What is acceptable is not our opinion, but yours (or if there is a "significant other" - theirs).

Whenever I am tiling and there needs to be a compromise - I show the customer and let them choose. If necessary, you could even stick a few tiles with some tubbed addy to see how it looks - they will easily pull off within 24 hrs. So decide what different options you have and what compromise you are prepeared to accept, then do that.

If it helps - remember that whilst you may have a particular feature in mind (i.e.border can only be below window) then you will almost certainly have to accept some compromises to achieve that; however if you are flexible and prepared to compromise on your initial idea then you may find a fixing method that avoids small cuts, and provides an even finish. It is also worth marking the centre points of your window, and setting your tiles out evenly from those centre points - incorporating your feature to fit that.

Either way, take your time before making a final decision - then go for it! Good luck.

Andy

[Batt284]

Thanks All, I think I am going to go with the thin strip on the boxing. I think it is a compromise I can live with as I will know it is the lesser of 2 evils.

Good tip on starting from the centre point of the window Andy. I worked out I could get it just right so that the extractor fan falls in the middle of 2 tiles and it will be symmetrical all around the window

Ben

[timeless john]

Why not reduce the height of the boxing to make it a full tile!

[Batt284]

Reducing the size of the boxing is certainly the ultimate solution, but I am not sure how difficult that would prove to be.

[trevortine]

Just what I was thinking! Should be pretty straightforward. Doing full refits most of the time I often move bulkheads and boxing to suit tile.

Why not reduce the height of the boxing to make it a full tile!

[Batt284]

How do you go about it guys?

[trevortine]

Nine times out of ten they are just made out of cls , 2x2 or similar with plasterboard on top. Just get your levels right and cut down to size, you may have to drill into wall and plug it to fix batten on for top but once you trim down you will see how its been put together. Usually i find they have been rattled up squint and out of plumb which is why i like to redo!

How do you go about it guys?

[Batt284]

When I removed the tiles from the top of the boxing I found a wooden board on top (perhaps 20mm thick), stuck down with a bit of adhesive. I guess this might well be because the construction is as described. Do you usually go in from the side and then cut along or through the top?

[Scott]

Rip the top off and cut the sides down. Add in the new timber frame and fit a piece of plaster board across the top. Let us know how you get on and having just read this im glad you decided to make it smaller, definitely the best solution IMO

Good luck

[Batt284]

Cheers All, I am going to have a bash at reducing the size of the boxing.

Now that I have considered doing it, if I didn't go through with it I would kick myself every time I looked at the narrow strip!!

[Scott]

You could always add a 2 course strip of the border in instead, it looks about the right size. That would be my second option