Good Question Revisited: Roxana's Backsplash Project

In November, Roxana wrote to AT:Chicago with a good question about installing unpolished marble tiles as a kitchen backsplash. Well, the deed is done and the backsplash looks great. Go below the jump for photos and Roxana's recap...

"Waaaaaay back in November, I told you I was going to put up a backsplash in my kitchen. Well, I sort of chickened out when I absorbed all of the experiences everyone had and learned how much work was involved, so didn't get it completed until last week. My aunt and uncle brought over their wet saw and experience, both of which were a huge help."

"As David mentioned, "toothing" made the wall look seamless. I ended up not using any grout at all, since the tiles were very porous and uneven, and I didn't want the tiles to absorb the grout color or get grout stuck in there. I did, however, put grout on the outlet covers to match the texture of the tiles and then painted them to match the color. I'm real happy with the results."

Nice job, Roxana! Thanks for sharing the results with AT...

Comments (3)

If the tiles are so porous you don't want ot put grout on them...how are they going to work in a KITHCEN? DO you think they might get discolored from grease and sauce spatter? I mean it is called a back SPLASH.

It looks great, but please tell me you have some massive eco-friendly sealant plan or that you just never, ever cook.

posted by Hazel Stone on 2007-03-21 12:28:13

Was just considering taking on a similar project this summer. Something tells me your Aunt & Uncle's experience came in very handy though, and that I might be better of hiring a professional.

Considering that the tiles are porous, you should definitely invest in a sealant, if you haven't already (just reiterating).

posted by Derek on 2007-03-21 13:10:48

No worries, everyone. Though I cook every day (and am quite messy) the sealant I am using is excellent and hardly changed the color of the tiles. I do, however, have to put it on every four months. The grout avoidance was mostly because the tiles are so textured, I'd never get it out of there. I'm not so sure how eco-friendly my sealant is, so thanks for making me think of that! I'll look into it.

Derek, if you're not as terrified of a wet saw as I am, you might be able to pull it off, but knowledgeable people make all the difference in a project like this.

posted by Roxana on 2007-03-22 12:35:03