 When searching for the perfect new tile for your home, you will come across a wide variety of shades, tones and styles. You may have noticed a rating called “variation” listed on some tile series. This is “shade variation” and that rating is determined by the manufacturer. In some tile series each tile looks more or less the same as the others, whereas other tile series have a wide difference of colour or pattern between each tile. Tile printing has become much more detailed and sophisticated compared to the porcelain tiles of the 1980’s; these variations are not an accident, but are intentionally designed.  To help the customer make sense of the shade variation rating, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA) created a rating system. The shade variation rating shows the degree to which a tile may vary in colour, tone and texture within a series. The rating system applies to porcelain and ceramic tiles and consists of four categories.  V1 - Uniform appearancE V1 tiles have an overall uniform appearance with little to no variation between tiles. If you are looking for a monochromatic or minimalist look, V1 is a good choice. Some tile series we carry that have a V1 rating are:  V2 - Slight VariatioNV2 tiles will have slight variation in colour, texture and pattern. These tiles are generally similar to give a cohesive look, but there are small differences that add depth and interest. Each tile is not a cookie cutter copy of the others, but will have some soft gradation and tonal difference to make the tiles look more natural, yet still without high contrast. Some tile series we carry that have a V2 rating are:  V3 - Moderate VariationV3 tiles have noticeable variation in shade and pattern between tiles. The colours, textures and patterns coordinate with each other, but the degree that the colours or textures vary between each piece may be significant. Each tile is distinct. Each tile may contain a larger or smaller amount of each colour, but they will still blend together, once installed, to create a balanced look. Many wood-look and stone-look tiles have more variation, because stone and wood have a wide range of colour and pattern naturally. Some tile series we carry that have a V3 rating are:  V4 - Substantial VariatioNV4 tiles have a high variation from tile to tile with random colour and texture differences. One tile may contain completely different colors from another in the same box. The differences between each tile are more random, and the final installation may result in a “patchwork quilt” effect. The final installation will be completely unique and highly varied. You can see this effect clearly in series mimicking slate; a stone which naturally has a high level of colour and contrast. Some tile series we carry that have a V4 rating are: So, are you looking for a cohesive and minimalist look for your space, or are you wanting to mix things up with pattern and colour? There is no right or wrong answer, but now that you understand the shade variation rating, you’ll be able to narrow your search to make the right choice for you. And don’t forget to look at installation pictures or in person displays that will more accurately show you what a tile looks like installed before you buy. That small tile sample might not be telling you the whole story! 
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 You’ve decided to tile your backsplash but, as you’re figuring out how to go about it, you realize you’ve got an electrical outlet right in the middle of the backsplash! How on earth do you tile around the outlet and keep the cover plate flush with the tile? Fortunately, with our step-by-step guide, the job just got a lot easier!  First, turn off the power breaker if possible. Draw a line onto the drywall around the cover, using the cover as a guideline.  Remove the covers with a screwdriver. Mark where the outlet was and where the cover plate screw goes back. Remove the outlet by pulling it forward. *Make sure to use electrical tape to tape the outlet if you were unable to shut off the breaker, so you won’t risk electrocution. Now you can begin tiling your backsplash. For tips on tile layout and how to DIY a professional looking backsplash, check out this post.  Once you have tiled up to an outlet, place the tile in its spot and mark your cuts the same width as the electrical box. Use a grinder with a small blade to notch and cut your tile where your markings are.  Now you can place your tile around the outlet. Let your thinset or mastic set and then grout your backsplash.  Once your grout has cured, it is time to put the electrical back in place. Push the electrical box flush with the tile, and use a spacer like this to keep it in the correct position. Replace the cover and put the screws back in to hold the outlet in place and you’re done!
Now it's time to step back and enjoy your new tiled backsplash!   Installing a kitchen backsplash is a simple and attainable DIY tiling project, especially for the first time tile installer. There is little prep, mess is minimal and cost is low; the result, however, is monumental! Since most DIY backsplash tiling is done as part of a renovation, there is some prep work required, but there are some tips and tricks to make it easier. If you have an existing, outdated tiled backsplash, you may even be able to tile directly over top of the old tiles, to save on tear-out and hassle! Keep reading for some handy tips to make sure your first tiling job turns out right.  The first step is to turn off electrical breakers before working on your backsplash, and then pull electrical receptacles out of the wall a few inches. Next, apply additional drywall screws (1 screw every 6” on each stud) to ensure the drywall is securely fastened to support the weight of the new backsplash tiles. Any flex in the drywall, can result in tile cracking over time, so make sure the surface is solid before you start.  If this is a renovation, scuff the existing paint with course sandpaper, to take the shine off the paint and give the mastic or thinset something to bond to. Wipe clean with a damp rag to remove any dust created from sanding. If this is new construction, apply a paint primer to the bare drywall surface, otherwise the liquid from the thinset will absorb into the bare drywall too quickly. If there are existing backsplash tiles, and they are solid and securely fastened to the wall, you don't need to remove them. Apply a thinset bonding primer, applied with a paint roller and tile over the tiled surface. This will save you a bunch of tear-out & mess, allowing you to tile directly over top of the existing tile! Check out this post for more information on tiling over top of existing tiles.  Design Tip: When tiling the kitchen backsplash, consider tiling above the kitchen cabinets, in addition to tiling between the countertop and cabinets. This will turn the wall into a feature wall rather than simply a kitchen backsplash. Tiling above your cabinets can add interest and detail, enhancing the look of your kitchen, for nominal cost.  Once you've settled on a design, begin tiling, using either a mastic or thinset intended for wall use. Wall use thinsets have a higher grip strength to prevent tiles from sliding or falling off the wall before the thinset has cured. Make sure measure twice and cut once, for any cuts you have to make. And don’t forget to use spacers! Nothing will make your tile look like an amateur job more than crooked grout lines. For more info on planning a tile layout, check out this post. Once you are finished tiling, wait until the thinset or mastic has set (usually 24 hours, but check manufacturer's guidelines) and then you can go ahead and grout your tile.  Once the tiling and grout are complete, you can reinstall the electrical outlets. You will probably require longer electrical outlet screws to accommodate the added thickness of the tiles.
Apply silicone to all the joints where the tile meets the countertop, and then you’re done! It’s time to enjoy your beautiful new backsplash and upgraded kitchen! |
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