Kitchen tile dilemma - I need opinions please.
by
Kelly
+48
I am stuck! I can't decide if we should lay our back splash tile off set or straight set. Every day I seem to change my mind. What do you think? For the full post and more pictures please visit http://www.aswellplacetodwell.com/2012/06/tile-dilemma.html
51 answers
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I would go with the running bond pattern ( offset) these tiles are a bigger longer than the normal "subway" pattern. Take a look at the 4th pic in this article I wrote http://www.networx.com/article/backsplash-designs-by-a-colorado-carpent
KMS Woodworks
on Jun 08, 2012
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off set for sure!!!
Danielle G
on Jun 08, 2012
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I would definitely offset because any adjustments you might have to do at corners or just out of accident will not be as noticeable. With longer tiles, any small out of line would scream at you!
Jeanette S
on Jun 08, 2012
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My vote is off set also!!!
Carroll A
on Jun 08, 2012
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Off set
Cindy P
on Jun 08, 2012
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never straight, always stagger your seams
Frances S
on Jun 08, 2012
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thanks all for your opinions!
Kelly
on Jun 08, 2012
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Off-Set! (This from a woman who has been planning her backsplash for going on 4 weeks now) I agree with everyone above.
Teresa D
on Jun 08, 2012
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I vote off set!
Pat S
on Jun 08, 2012
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I think it depends on your preferred asesthetic. Straight set tends to be more contemporary, off-set more traditional.
Leslie D
on Jun 08, 2012
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Straight set just looks wrong to me, but that's just my opinion. :)
Traci W
on Jun 08, 2012
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Kelly, absolutely offset! I think that you would regret & grow tired of the straight set. It is very contemporary.
Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.
on Jun 08, 2012
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It's so interesting to see everyone's opinions! Clearly offset is winning. I was very much leaning towards straight, but now I am thinking twice. Since we are planning on selling in a few years, I want to ensure that the choice we make will be appealing to a potential buyer.
Kelly
on Jun 08, 2012
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I should say straight just to be different.....but I just can't...
Hewitt Remodeling Services LLC
on Jun 08, 2012
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off set,it's art all by itself..
Marcia S
on Jun 08, 2012
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offset a must
Sandra A
on Jun 08, 2012
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Kelly, go with public opinion for resale.
Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.
on Jun 08, 2012
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I say off set!
CONNIE W
on Jun 08, 2012
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I don't know what happened to my comment, but you might try a little of both - a row along the bottom, a ribbon of glass tile (perhaps a mercury-glass look) then the offset above. I will post what I did in my kitchen to give you an idea.
Vivian S
on Jun 08, 2012
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This is what we did in our kitchen - although it only shows a small bit of the look
Vivian S
on Jun 08, 2012
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I think the offset looks much better. If you could maybe add another color like the pic above it would look nice too! Putting the tiles straight across like that does not give it any character.
Terri D
on Jun 08, 2012
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offset, by all means
Deb L
on Jun 08, 2012
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absolutely offset! but....I also like the idea of a straight row to change it up a bit....also a different color (or style) in that straight row.
Marg C
on Jun 08, 2012
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Staggered like a brick wall. It'll be less noticable if you make any mistakes.
Betty W
on Jun 08, 2012
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Thanks again, I so appreciate the comments and suggestions. I think we will go offset, just for the salability alone. If this was going to be our forever house I'd go straight because I love it, but in a transition home it's important to go with the popular opinion.
Kelly
on Jun 08, 2012
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offset
Melissa A
on Jun 08, 2012
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offset
Chelsey K
on Jun 08, 2012
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I vote offset
Suzie S
on Jun 09, 2012
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You won't regret it.
Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.
on Jun 09, 2012
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offset
Nicole L
on Jun 09, 2012
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offset
Robin M
on Jun 09, 2012
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offset so if anything is not 100% straight on the countertop you won't see it....then it is called more like subway tile setting, very modern right now.
Michele M
on Jun 09, 2012
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Offset
Stacy F
on Jun 09, 2012
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Off setting adds a lot of warmth and character to the kitchen. For some reason straight set looks to institutional? I'd say the off set pattern...post pics when done please?
Therese C
on Jun 09, 2012
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From what I have seen, while both patterns are right at home in a contemporary design, the straight set seems to be a little more modern, almost too much so if your house isn't that modern elsewhere. The off set subway pattern seems to have a more wide appeal and more easily matches more design styles.
Steve D
on Jun 09, 2012
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Lots of great ideas coming through. But remember one thing. The top is not attached to the tile wall. This top will move with weather and moisture levels changing all the time. Be sure to leave a light gap where the tile touches the top and fill with a silicon based caulk that comes in the same colors as the grout. This will allow movement without cracking. If you simply grout the tile to the counter, water will seep behind causing mold damage to the wall behind the cabinet.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jun 11, 2012
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Thanks for the tip!
Kelly
on Jun 13, 2012
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I vote the off set look ... if you're still taking opinions! :)
Julie
on Jul 14, 2012
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i'd go with the offset option too if you haven't already started that project.
Leslie F
on Jul 15, 2012
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I did go with offset, here's a link to the finished product....glad I listened to everyone! http://www.aswellplacetodwell.com/2012/06/kitchen-tile-backsplash.html
Kelly
on Jul 15, 2012
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Kelly, the difference is dramatic. Very nice job. Bravo.
Vivian S
on Jul 15, 2012
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Hi Kelly,your kitchen looks amazing.
Leslie F
on Jul 19, 2012
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Thank you! We are so happy with how the tile turned out.
Kelly
on Jul 23, 2012
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staggered!
Patricia Brooks
on Jul 24, 2012
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I love the black behind the stove....hate the grey. But I hate subway tile. My personal opinion they look old and cheap. But that's just me.
Renata
on Jan 17, 2015
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Offset
Judy
on Mar 21, 2015
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Offset for sure
Jason
on Jul 07, 2015
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I love the staggered look.
Linette Templeman
on Sep 08, 2016
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Its all a matter of your wants. The staggered brick pattern is easier to lay and gives a classy casual look. The straight pattern more of a modern vibe to me. And the black looks fantastic with your counters. Curious, what color grout are you planning?
Marjo
on Oct 05, 2016
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Off set is the way to go! Not fond of grey either but since that's what you like..... but more importantly offset!!
Shawnda
on Oct 06, 2016
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I love to see the grey. The offset looks realy nice fancy and classic.
Bel5759659
on Nov 08, 2016
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