Asked on Nov 19, 2013

How do I cut travertine back splash that is already adhered to wall?

Brittany C.
by Brittany C.
Hi everyone! I just had my back splash installed and the contractor left an opening for our window sill to fit into. Small problem, it's not high enough for the granite sill to slide under. The granite is cut and I can't get a hold of the contractor. Is there a way I could saw/dremel away the little piece that is in the way? If so, what tool would I need to use? The back splash is travertine. I've attached a photo with the area that needs to be removed shown in the red. Thank you so very much for any insight!
  7 answers
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 19, 2013
    AS MUCH AS IT COSTS I WOULD ASK HIM TO REPLACE IT. For some reason using a IPad it comes out as a scream. But anyway he should replace that piece. Or I would chip it out and recut it to fix it. IT Should look professional if he does this for a living he should know better thanks leave sloppy work. I installed my back slash in the kitchen and it's not that hard to do it right. Why mess it up if you paid someone to do a finish product?
    • Brittany C. Brittany C. on Nov 20, 2013
      @Sherrie Thanks for your input. I don't think it was a matter of intentionally leaving it sloppy. The contractor was trying to guesstimate the space to leave for the granite sill. Unfortunately, we didn't know the thickness of the sill until the granite arrived - which was after the contractor was finished with the back splash. 2 different companies, bad timing. I've tried reaching the contractor again, with no luck. I don't WANT to mess it up, that's why I came here for input first. Thanks again.
  • You cannot cut granite without a diamond bit blade and a lot of strength and time. You cannot cut that without taking it down too. Like Sherrie said you need the contractor to do it. Good luck
    • Brittany C. Brittany C. on Nov 20, 2013
      @The Garden Frog with C Renee I wouldn't be cutting the granite. I know that wouldn't be possible! :) Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.
  • Spheramid Enterprises Spheramid Enterprises on Nov 20, 2013
    Sure you can, it's travertine and not the granite you are cutting, so use one of the many "multi-tools" and the diamond blade. Rockwell, Fein, Dremel, Makita, Bosch, even harbor freight ...30 seconds tops.
    • See 1 previous
    • @Spheramid Enterprises As Duane said, plenty of tools. HD has a small dremel saw that has a 3" diamond blade for about $100. Travertine is very soft, you don't need water to cut it, although hooking up a shop vac will minimize dust. . Are you sure that the granite sill will side under the window if you cut the travertine though? From the photo, it looks like the travertine might be up against the window framing. If that is the case, you might want to cut the sill narrower and butt it up against the window frame. Hope that makes sense.
  • Brittany C. Brittany C. on Nov 20, 2013
    I can't believe this. As soon as I post this...after waiting 2 weeks, I heard back from the contractor about 10 minutes ago. Weird. Anyway, he's coming back on Wednesday! Woohoo!
  • Sherrie Sherrie on Nov 20, 2013
    We use a tile saw to make our cuts. It has a special blade and water. These are cheap to rent I don't know who you purchased your granite from but I would call the company and ask for a recommendation. It shouldn't cost a whole lot but unless you are certain how to tile I would use a professional. Or rent a saw if you have any left overs you will need to break it out and remake it.
  • Bj.1682658 Bj.1682658 on Feb 20, 2016
    I say HUNT HIM DOWN!!!
  • Pam Lewandowski Pam Lewandowski on Oct 13, 2016
    Really!!! ^^^^