Multiple questions about backsplash

[pitterpat]

Hey folks...No, I'm not back in the business. I'm finishing up my kitchen remodel and have numerous questions about how to work on this wall and how to handle a couple of things with this wall. And pics too.
The blue tiles shown in the picture will initially be the first 3 rows from the countertop up. Then there are 2 other type s of tile being used in combination with eventually the row at the ceiling being the blue tile. Then a stainless steel range hood is being install on the tile. A cabinet is being added in the corner (left side of one of these pictures). And I'm putting in a pot filler too (yes, I'll put the pipe nipple in before I start tiling). Blue tiles: 6 1/8" x 6 1/8" at the corners and some are 6 3/16" in the middle.

Looking for a sticky, less sag thinset to use. Does Custom have a decent one I can get at Homer's place. It would take a lot of organic to cover that wall (what you see 60" x 76") and a backsplash behind the sink countertop. Any thinset ideas?

One other thing: I'd like to get a compact saw to complete this job. I still have my other saw but it's bigger than I want setup. I borrowed one of those cheap box saws from a neighbor for another small project (blade down in the water) but I think it sprays too much water. Is there a decent powered regular, blade on top that is smallish?

1. The area where the gypsum is showing, should I skim coat that with drywall mud or thinset?
2. There are many areas without the top layer of the drywall paper is missing, should that be skim coated (not the areas where the gypsum is showing)?
3. The tiles are like 6 1/8 at the corners and many (I think) are about 6 3/16th in the middle. I'd like to space these blue tiles 1/8th in.apart or should I just try to keep them straight like? The spacing at the left corner of the 1st 3 rows will be 1/4" because the other wall is getting tiled down there. Above the cabinet going back in there will be no tile on the perpendicular wall to the big wall. (real clear right...)
4. What should the spacing be between the countertop and the first layer of tile. Spacing between tiles will be like 1/8th inch.

[Kman]

Welcome back, Pat.

1. How big are those areas? How deep is the gypsum? I think I see what you're referring to in the picture, but I don't want to assume.

2. If it's just more paper underneath, then a skim coat should work fine.

3. Tough question. Maybe a dry layout would tell you what you need to know. Or if you have enough tile, a true mock-up with some grout. I'm guessing that you'd run them as tightly as possible to avoid a wide gap at the corners.

Post a picture when you're finished and I'll tell you if you made the correct decision.

4. 1/8". Hope your counters are good and level. It makes starting out so much easier.

[Tool Guy - Kg]

Hi Pat,

As for the mortar, you can get Custom’s “ProLite” at Home Burrito. It’s a good non-sag mortar.

And don’t forget that you could draw out a grid on your walls to help center each individual tile if you find them to be just too darn irregular to eyeball them or use spacers. A grid keeps your groutlines at least straight, even when funky tiles will alter the width of the groutlines.

[pitterpat]

Kman

Thanks.

4. 1/8". Hope your counters are good and level. It makes starting out so much easier.

I could start at 3/16 or 1/4"...1/8" isn't set in stone.... Yeah, there is some unlevelness in the countertop. And that corner will not be exposed much, I'm planning to put my Air Fryer there, it's the Emril Lagasse type (but not that expensive brand) 2 french doors.

. How big are those areas? How deep is the gypsum? I think I see what you're referring to in the picture, but I don't want to assume.

The area with no paper at all/gypsum showing, is about 26" long and 4" tall at its tallest point. The 2 or 3 deep gouges are about 1/8" deep and the drywall is 1/2" drywall. The area with top layer of paper missing is like 19" x 6'

[pitterpat]

Hey Tool Guy,
Thanks for the mortar advice. I think Mapei Super might be better but don't feel like going to the distributor get it....like 15 miles from my house.

Yes, could grid.....or I could take the easy way out and brick lay it. . But I don't think Brick lay would look very good and I'd have a butt load of cuts. Straight laid very few cuts with this blue stuff. That door fame in one pic is relatively plumb and where the cabinet is going I may not tile the middle part until the end.

[pdeluca]

You could go to Lowes and get MAPEI's Large Tile & Stone Mortar which is comparable to our Ultraflex LFT Non Sag /Non Slump Mortar. Don't forget to prime that drywall first.

[pitterpat]

Thanks for the info. Will look into that....even though I don't like going to Lowes's. Thanks again

[pitterpat]

Another question about this backsplash.

There has been a stop in work because the countertop guy did a terrible job...TERRIBLE!! I have had to take him to court. And I've contracted with a different company (was referred to me by a friend and they are one of the largest customers of MSI) to install new countertops. So, I'm wondering if I leave a 1/4" gap from the countertop to start tiling that wall? Or should I leave 5/16" and start tiling?

My new countertops won't be installed until Dec 6th and I want to keep this project moving. Thanks

[pitterpat]

Another question about this backsplash.

There has been a stop in work because the countertop guy did a terrible job...TERRIBLE!! I have had to take him to court. And I've contracted with a different company (was referred to me by a friend and they are one of the largest customers of MSI) to install new countertops. So, I'm wondering if I leave a 1/4" gap from the countertop to start tiling that wall? Or should I leave 5/16" and start tiling?

My new countertops won't be installed until Dec 6th and I want to keep this project moving. Thanks

[Tool Guy - Kg]

Pat, I’d only leave 1/8” gap if it was for myself. Even if all the grout joints are 1/4”, I think 1/4” between the countertop and tile looks too big.

[pitterpat]

Thanks Tonto

[Lazarus]

I fully concur. 1/8" is what I always use, regardless of tile grout spacing...and don't forget to silicone caulk that area under the first tile row. Grout will crack.

[pitterpat]

Yeah or Nay
Tiling behind the range hood, I'm more in favor of it because then you don't have to make a lot of cuts and make they straight around the shape of the range hood. Or at least tile enough so the range hood and pipe covering are covered.
It is a Zline KB42, the one with the triangle top.

[ss3964spd]

An emphatic "yeah" for me, Pat.

[Tool Guy - Kg]

All other things being equal, I'd rather tile behind.