I am installing a backsplash in my kitchen with 1/2 inch tiles. How do I merge the tile and wood trim around the window over the sink? I will be happy to include photo of window and tile if needed. I wish to retain the wood trim around the window but can do without if the two are absolutely incompatible. The trim is 2 1/4 inches wide and there is a small sill that extends about 1/2 inch on either side of the trim.

i would remove the wood trim and replace with normal tile trims

I think David is right, there are endless kinds of trim on the market to suit any need, your best bet would prob be to remove it and use a new trim. However without seeing it its hard to say, pics would help.

Is this a victorian property with original sliding sash windows

if so think hard before removing architrave as it will look odd without it

Trims don't get used in tennessee lads..


Can you post us a pic please..

Here ya go! I can get closer but the trim is pretty standard (for Tennessee). There is just so little of the trim that will meet the tile.

I think it would be wise to just tile around it..

I think I would just tile around it too, treat it as a unit rather than removing part of it

Originally Posted by mikethetile

Is this a victorian property with original sliding sash windows

if so think hard before removing architrave as it will look odd without it

Mike, In Victorian times they were still in log cabins in Tennessee!

Shetektn, on a serious note, what we typically do for backsplashes is remove the apron molding (the piece of casing that is installed under the stool) and then tile right up to the side of the casing and underside of the stool. The returns on the left and right side of the stool are notched so a piece of tile can slide in between the stool and the wall. This is usually easier and more precise than trying to scribe and cut a "U" shape in the tile (rather than notching the trim).

This is a splash we did last summer, and you can see how we removed the apron and ran the tile right under the stool.

cheers Rob.. i knew your terminology would be useful...

Dave, when we worked for our British customers last year my employees (not native English speakers) had to keep asking me what the clients were saying. The client was refering to the "architrave" one day and my guys gave me the "what is that" look. I said "it's the Brits term for door or window trim". They asked me if we were in fact all speaking English. I said "only sometimes".

How about a rebated finishing trim/ moulding to enhance the window?

Rebated finishing trim..... WHAT! Okay, the term Amatuer is grossly over-rated here. lol I see trim and a sill. Please label a. b. and c. so I will know what the heck ya'll pros are talking about. Should I shame myself and admit that I am attempting to place all the tile in such a way as to not have to make a single tile cut?! Oh, and included the tile sample in this pic.

Hi Shetekth, you should always try to avoid cut tiles it's a professional approach.But then so is being polite!However the sample looks like mosaic on a sheet, maybe glass? I now see the issue & would just loose A. Depending on your skill level & if you have the inclination remove C, place tiles, rebate C over tiles if possible & where needed, hey presto, no cut edges to be seen. A, could be then replaced or maybe a quadrant would suit if desired.

My skill level is non-existent to date. This will be my first skill-building project. All of the suggestions are awesome! Yes, the tile is mosaic with glass and comes on 12"x12" sheets. Should I be concerned with sagging once I place the sheets on the thin-set? The sheets are very heavy. Should I mix it a little dryer? Any "every tiler should know" thoughts coming to mind would be greatly appreciated.

Then I can fully understand your reluctance to cut as this is very tricky at best.Definitely use a firmer mix as the tiles will not absorb quickly & keep it tight to avoid joint seepage, essential to have the correct adhesive too though I'm sure your supplier would have seen to that. a little trick I've used in the past is to cut the back sheet to spread the mosaics a bit if you look like there will be a gap in the corner for instance, very tricky to do though as you will need to eye them in not a job to be rushed. Don't forget once grouted the difference between 2mm & 2.1/2mm will not notice... Good luck

Ah! The slight spreading to minimize a gap is a great idea! Will post some pics when I start making headway! Many thanks.

Originally Posted by Rob Z

Dave, when we worked for our British customers last year my employees (not native English speakers) had to keep asking me what the clients were saying. The client was refering to the "architrave" one day and my guys gave me the "what is that" look. I said "it's the Brits term for door or window trim". They asked me if we were in fact all speaking English. I said "only sometimes".

Do you know what a "stool" is over here Rob?

<---------- A stool.

Originally Posted by diamondtiling

Do you know what a "stool" is over here Rob?

<---------- A stool.

Originally Posted by Rob Z

Mike, In Victorian times they were still in log cabins in Tennessee!

Shetektn, on a serious note, what we typically do for backsplashes is remove the apron molding (the piece of casing that is installed under the stool) and then tile right up to the side of the casing and underside of the stool. The returns on the left and right side of the stool are notched so a piece of tile can slide in between the stool and the wall. This is usually easier and more precise than trying to scribe and cut a "U" shape in the tile (rather than notching the trim).

This is a splash we did last summer, and you can see how we removed the apron and ran the tile right under the stool.

Hi Rob

I didnt check where the post was from before jumping in

I take it the tenessee bit is a local joke as there were some fine buildings built in the us in the victorian era
I enjoy watching this old house with norm so I can see the difference in building styles

Originally Posted by diamondtiling

Do you know what a "stool" is over here Rob?

<---------- A stool.

Hahaha Beavis, it's the same thing here, and when you are in the doctor's office we know what "stool" means.

But on the jobsite "stool" is the molding on the bottom of the window.

Originally Posted by mikethetile

Hi Rob

I didnt check where the post was from before jumping in

I take it the tenessee bit is a local joke as there were some fine buildings built in the us in the victorian era
I enjoy watching this old house with norm so I can see the difference in building styles

Hi Mike,

Tennessee is a great state, but yes, we all have our jokes about the other states and it's mostly in good fun. (except for West Virginia, and then it's all true )

This Old House has been an interesting show for many years. Norm and his work has probably been the single largest factor in my entrance into the trades, which intitially I worked as a carpenter and only by a random chance did I switch to tile about 20 years ago.

Hey Dom, check this out...a good diagram so you can see the terminology used here. Gary Katz is a well-known carpenter who is very similar to Norm Abram in that he has a wide audience, is very approachable, and presents himself and the trade well.


http://www.windsorone.com/moldings/h...tool+and+Apron

Used to get 'this old house' on sky, great programme.




We have a Welsh singer pretending to be Elvis that sings about an old house.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3hkNZyMA80&feature=related[/ame]


It looks like it needs a few aprons and stools Rob, plus windows, doors floors roof........

Dom

You guys crack me up! The link identifying the trim parts was the bomb! I have been educated. Many thanks.... again and again.

Originally Posted by Rob Z

Hey Dom, check this out...a good diagram so you can see the terminology used here. Gary Katz is a well-known carpenter who is very similar to Norm Abram in that he has a wide audience, is very approachable, and presents himself and the trade well.


Windsor One: Builders

Gary Katz did a series of books on finishing trim, I used them as resource at college

I sold my books to a young lad starting college and now regret not hanging onto them as they were a good read

I may well replace them

if you like books check out pierre finklestein he will give an insight into my first trade as decorative painter

Hi Mike, the two guys that work for me are painters and finishers. I'll locate the author you recommend and see if there is anything useful for them.

Gary is a real class act. In one of his books, he included me (!) in his section of acknowledgements. He referenced a phone conversation and email that I had had with him several years before, included what I said in his book, and then thanked me for the tip. It was nothing, really, but it shows what a decent guy he is.

wow!!!!!!!!!!!! on the phone to gary Katz

Mike, that's the thing with Gary-he is very accessible and generous with time and advice. He does these things called "Gary Katz Roadshow", where he goes all over the US doing tool and trade demonstrations. The guys all say is just a normal and down to earth carpenter that happens to have written a lot of books and magazine articles. I've heard Norm is the same way.

Did you know that Gary has a website?