For Anchor List
Starting
Q: What do I need to accurately measure and tile a space?
A:
- Measuring tape or laser measurer
- Notepad or iPad to take down your measurements
- A few minutes to make sure you have the proper measurements
- Overage! Always order a minimum of 20% more than what the project requires. The natural variation in materials may lead you to remove some pieces from the mix, and a percentage of the delivery should be expected to arrive damaged, and you will want to have some overage on-hand for post-installation issues that may require the replacement of some tiles.
NOTE: We recommend 30% overage for large scale porcelains (24 x 48 or greater). Large sizes are more prone to breakage in shipment and a percentage of breakage is to be expected. The cost of replacement for one or two tiles is much greater than the cost of adding the recommended overage to your initial delivery.
Kitchens
Q: I want to re-design my kitchen. Where should I start?
A:
As the center of your home, your kitchen should be inviting, useful and pleasant for chefs and diners alike. Good kitchen design emphasizes elements that present themselves first as you enter the space. Usually, that means your cabinetry and backsplash, but may also include any other items on the vertical plane. Many prefer to select cabinetry as the first element in their kitchens, but if you’re attracted to bold patterns or striking designs, it makes sense to select your tile first, then select coordinating cabinets to finish your space.
Backsplashes
Q: How are most customers creating backsplashes?
A:
More and more customers are tiling their backsplashes from their cabinets to the ceiling, behind stovetop hoods, giving their spaces a clean finish and a larger, more graceful sweep. We feel this method works well for most products and lends a modern, sleek feel. A more traditional look utilizes the area above the range as a framing feature, highlighting a decorative element that contrasts with a subtler field composing the rest of the backsplash.
Shipping
Q: What material options are there for backsplashes?
A:
Some of our clients prefer to use stone or porcelain slabs for a large, contiguous surface, often using the same material they’ve selected for their countertops. If using slabs, be sure that the slabs are large enough to continue veining from the countertops on to the backsplash, for a truly contiguous finish. Slab backsplashes, particularly of striking natural materials or their porcelain counterparts, impart a particularly modern, sleek appearance. You'll find lots of slabs on our website, but they're only sold offline, so please ask for help if you’re interested in finding the perfect slab for your project.
Q: How do I measure a space for a backsplash?
A:
Measure the full height of the area that you’d like to tile, from the countertop to the ceiling or the bottom of your cabinets, depending on your preference. Measure the length you’d like the backsplash to run. Multiply the number of inches and divide by 144 for the required square footage. Add 20% overage, or 30%, if you're setting your tiles on the diamond. If selecting a design with a panel over the range, make sure to measure for that detail separately than the surrounding field. Consider adding a finishing detail (such as a molding or border) to surround the panel. This will create a clean division between the panel design and the surrounding field.
Repair
Q: How do I calculate how many units I'll need for a mosaic backsplash?
A:
Make sure to measure the linear feet around the panel to determine the number of pieces needed for the finishing detail. Add one extra piece per corner. Please note that some tile installation scenarios involve the tile ending before the wall does – so that the tile adheres to painted or papered drywall. If that is the case in your plan, you will need a finishing piece to cleanly edge the splash. To determine the linear feet needed for the edge tile, measure from the countertop to the space where that finishing piece will end. Opus and Chelsea moldings, bullnose tile, Jazz Glass liners, and Charleston mirror liners are perfect options. If using a linear decorative element in a horizontal design, measure the length of the backsplash in inches and divide by 12 for linear foot count. Note that items used for linear decoration are not always 12" long and care should be taken when ordering the proper quantity. Consult with your tile installer or contractor to confirm the quantity needed. If using a linear decorative element in a vertical design, measure the height of the backsplash in inches and multiply by the number of times you will repeat the vertical element.