Penny decorative border on backsplash

[Golfgirl]

Hi tile DIY'ers and experts.
This isn't my 1st tile job, but a first for using penny tiles.
Beside field tile on the kitchen backsplash, I'm using marble pencil as a top & bottom for my penny tile. The pencil will run the entire length (12'), resting on top and bottom of my 3 outlet covers. The penny will therefore go in the middle and butt up against the outlet cover sides.
Here's my question. Can I leave a 1/4" above/below full pennies for grout, or should I cut each penny (top & bottom) by 1/4" to lay flat against the pencil.
I've never cut penny before, but dread cutting just 1/4" off the top and bottom without chipping. I do have a diamond blade on my wet saw.

Thanks for your advice.

[Lazarus]

It certainly can be cut as you said, but the cuts might be a bit irregular depending on your saw and blade. You can put them in as pictured, but use a sanded grout such as Home Depot's "Prism" grout for this install.

[Tiger Mountain Tile Inc]

One thing to check on this is how level your outlets are to one another. They may seem like they are the same distance off the countertops until you try to run a liner exactly above and below each outlet.

For the penny's, I think 1/4 inch is too much. Here's an idea:

Why not move the liners wider to fit full penny tile in between. Then run the penny tiles behind the outlet cover. Then just install the outlet covers over the top of the pennys?

[Golfgirl]

Thanks...I'll try a test run. My OCD is kicking in. Lasered the crap out of my walls/outlets, etc. Will post a picture when I'm done. If you have a preference, would you put in similar color outlets/covers to correspond to the lighter color pennys?

[ss3964spd]

I would, GG, I usually want the receptacles/switches/covers to disappear as much as possible. Just my preference though.

In case you haven't found it yet, Lutron offers receptacles/switches/covers in a wide assortment of colors and finishes. www.lutron.com