Aligned tiles vs. Offset

[kathykoontz]

My husband is re-tiling our guest bath. We can't figure out where to place the bullnose and how far down to take the bullnose. There is a window with a marble ledge that prevents us from taking the bullnose to the floor next to the edge of the tub in a straight line. Should we stop the bullnose at the top edge of the tub or should we "jog" it around so we can take it to the floor? There is no way to do a straight line to the floor with the window ledge where it is. I just don't want it to look cheesy and amateurish when we're done.

Thanks!

[Davestone]

You could use regular tile to die into window, then continue with bullnose,and cut around window,or notch window ledge with grinder, but you need to take bullnose to the floor cause of water splash around.

[kathykoontz]

Thanks, Dave. I wish I was on the west coast of Florida--I'd just hire you. I'm over in southeast Florida. I keep asking my husband if he's realllly sure we shouldn't hire someone to install the tile but he assures me he can do it.


So, here's a picture of the situation and other complicating factors. We wanted to take the tile to the ceiling--always figured they stopped where they did to cut costs. Now it appears they stopped where they did because it was at the top of the window.

If we take tile and die in the window, what do we do about the edge of the tile above the window? Or maybe I'm misunderstanding what you're recommending. I should have paid more attention when my grandfather took me on tiling jobs when I was a kid.

I've attached a picture to see if it changes your approach.

[Bill Vincent]

Kathy-- I'm not sure exactly where in SE Florida you are, but I know a top notch contractor out of Homestead, if you're anywhere close. He's not the cheapest guy on the block, but definitely worth every penny he's paid.

[kathykoontz]

This place is the GREATEST!!!

Thanks.

[kathykoontz]

OK, so my husband is not willing to hire someone to install the tile. Pride thing, you know. So, what we're planning on doing is bringing the bullnose down on the wall next to the tub, bullnose along the same line above the window and take the regular tile to the edge of the window. Dave, is that sort of what you were recommending?

Thoughts anyone?

[kathykoontz]

One more question, any reason other than preferences in how it looks to set wall tiles in the bathroom in an aligned pattern vs. an offset pattern? I like the clean look of the aligned tiles. My husband said offset looks more professional.

Maybe its harder for the DIYer to get the grout lines straight in the aligned configuration. When they're offset, if your tiles are straight, I figure your grout lines will be straight.

[muskymike]

Hi Kathy, if you are talking about "brick work" pattern, it's not that much harder. It's all in the layout.

[doitright]

Hi Kathy

I merged your threads to help us stay on track.

[kathykoontz]

Originally Posted by muskymike

Hi Kathy, if you are talking about "brick work" pattern, it's not that much harder. It's all in the layout.

Any reason to do brick work other than preferences in the look?

[MHI]

Kathy,

It's just for looks.

[kathykoontz]

You guys are so nice and helpful I almost want my husband to take on another tile project just so I have an excuse to hang out here!

Thanks again everyone.

[opiethetileman]

Kathy where are you located??? SE Florida where?? I am in Jax.

[kathykoontz]

I'm in Broward county, northwest of Ft. Lauderdale. I grew up in Jax Beach and my grandfather and great uncles were all tile guys in Jax and Tallahassee.

North Florida Tile Guys Rock!!

[Davestone]

Oh, you two knock it off! You'll need to have a bullnose somewhere at the window edge i would think, Kathy.