I probably receive one request per week for tips on installing Beveled Arabesque tile. As you may know, we have installed this fabulous tile from Mission Stone & Tile twice in two different kitchens. I’ve shared my tips with clients and also with those who have asked for them after seeing one or both kitchens online. I’ve decided to finally do a post on the process. This is not a detailed “How-to”, I’m assuming you already know how to tile, or these are just tips for you to give to your installer.
Again, these are very basic tips…
1. Install this tile on the angle. Usually you install by row when doing tile, but not this time.
(From the First Kitchen)
(From the 2nd Kitchen)
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2. The 2nd time we installed these we realized we had so many 1/2 tiles because of the amount of counter space. So the guys made a jig for the tile to use in the wet saw to ensure the tiles were cut exactly in half, each time.
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3. Lay the tiles as tightly as possible. The first time we installed these they were not as tight as the second time. The tiles seem to be more consistent now and they were easier to fit together better. The grout covers part of the tile not just the space between them like you see with regular tile. You still have to make sure to keep them in a straight line, vertically and horizontally, but the use of a level makes this easy to do. Using a laser level will really help with this.
(Second kitchen, notice how tight the tiles fit together)
(From the First Kitchen, see the grouted vs non-grouted tile. The space was larger than the 2nd kitchen, pictured above)
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4. As you put them up it is best to clean out the space between them at that time , sometimes the glue will squish up–you want that out of there asap.
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5. When I grouted, I did it by hand. Pushing the grout in, wiping with my gloved finger. You can’t really use any type of floats. This takes a long time, but it isn’t hard to do.
We did use unsanded grout the 2nd time (Tec) in bright white, but used an additive to prevent stains. The additive seemed expensive (about $40) and you use it instead of water when mixing the grout. I am very happy we did this, we have had absolutely no staining on this grout, even pasta sauce comes right off.
We bought the Tec from Lowe’s. You can click
here to get more information.
And for information about the Grout Boost additive, click
here******************************************************************
Before choosing the Bright White, I tested a sample board using a light gray grout with the white tiles.
While I felt it was beautiful, I really like the look of using the same color as the tile. I would suggest you make a sample board and test different colors, in case you find something you love!
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Here’s a picture from their website, using two colors of the tile
If you would like to see more pictures of either of these kitchens, click
here to visit the Kitchens section of my website.
I am thrilled to also pass along a special discount to YOU! If you use this discount code, you will receive a special price from
Mission Stone & Tile on your Beveled Arabesque purchase! So what are you waiting for? You now know how to install them, where to buy them, and a discountl code for a special price!
Code: FRIENDSOKV
Let me know if you have any questions, and please post a comment if you find these instructions helpful and end up using them on your project. Good Luck, and don’t forget to keep me posted on your project.
~Karen
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