Ceramic subway tile on mesh sheets?
wow, this is unbelievable. common white subway tiles (now 3×6) are all built with self spacers. Classic tile on 86th st. $2 or $2.50 a square ft. I recently had about 800 sq ft installed. fast and simple. could do it yourself
pigthree
in Brownstoner Renovation 12 years and 7 months ago
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bklynist | 12 years and 7 months ago
Our contractor has informed us that installing 3×6 porcelain/ceramic subway tile in our bathrooms one tile at a time will greatly increase the time of the project, and thus the cost. He suggested finding 12×12 tile or tiles on 12×12 mesh sheets. We want to retain the classic 3×6 subway tile look, but have been unsuccessful in finding 3×6 ceramic/porcelain subway tile on easy-to-install mesh sheets. (We have found 3×6 glass and marble tiles on mesh, but that is not quite the look we are going for.) Do mesh sheets of 3×6 porcelain/ceramic subway tile exist? Are there other methods that make subway tile less time-consuming to install?
greenmountain | 12 years and 7 months ago
The way to make an installation go quickly and long-lasting is planning and prep. 3 x 6 tiles are sold loose. Most, but not all consumers choose to install them in the subway pattern, but it is actually one of several common geometric options. Even in subway stations, other colors, textures, shapes and materials, can also be included in a design. Smaller rectangles called mosaics are sold in “subway pattern” sheets. Often, I buy a few sheets of compatible thickness and shape, and dissemble the sheets to use as borders or accents. I recently installed a 1 x 6″ mosaic on paper sheets. Any bigger than that, I presume, 1/4 x 3/8″ thick porcelain would be too heavy, and tend to break off while handling. Seems like your tile setter is not experienced.
greenmountain | 12 years and 7 months ago
Oh, I get it. Your installer wants you to use a mosaic on 12 x 12” sheets or individual tiles much larger than 3 x 6.” You can use subway pattern with larger tiles. 8 x 20” is a nice shape, but it may not make the job quicker. Prep for larger tiles is exacting. They are generally not handmade or meant to look irregular. Aligning and spacing joints is unforgiving of irregularities in your substrate. As a home owner, you are not obligated to hire a licensed home improvement contractor. But as a licensed contractor, I work by the job, not by the hour. Of course, if this is your only bathroom, you want it done fast, but you also want it done well. And, it seems you want 3 x 6 subway tiles. You can find me under Shower Stalls in the ‘Stoner directory – Green Mountain.
cupolacoffee | 12 years and 7 months ago
Your contractor sounds like someone who’s more interested in shortcuts that favor his bottom line than he is concerned about the end result, which you’ll be living with for years to come. The kind of contractor I stay away from.
greenmountain | 12 years and 7 months ago
Take 2: I was thinking the contractor’s client sounds like somebody who hired a cheaper, not-so-super “handyman” to renovate a bathroom involving several skilled trades. On 11/5/12, Lunalovegood asked how much it would cost to renovate her bathroom, and the answer was “superhandymand did it a week for <$5000, but expect to double that if you have to hire a licensed contractor." (2 weeks, $10,000) That seemed a bit low, I guess it depends which way you look at things. Today, we have a hint about another homeowner’s experience, but we don't know what it will cost (yet). Maybe Superhandyman can fly out of a bathtub and take over. Luna, care to chime in on this?
pigthree | 12 years and 7 months ago
Subway tiles have built in self spacers. probably install quicker than larger tiles requiring spacers or “mesh sheets” that require a little more care. Find a new installer and go with what you want
bklynist | 12 years and 7 months ago
Hi everyone. Thanks for all of your responses. I’ll try to clear a few things up. I did not hire the contractor — the contractor came with the house. We are buying a brownstone in Bed-Stuy that comes “renovated.” Yes, you could call it a flip job, but it’s actually been an OK experience so far (much better than some of the other properties we almost went with). We found the house before renovations started and the seller and contractor have been pretty easy to deal with, and have shown an interest in maintaining as much original detail as possible. We’ve been able to have a say in most design choices, as well. But since the contractor is not directly working for us, there are obviously situations where we don’t have the amount of control we would like. And obviously the seller has his own bottom line and timeframe on his mind. But we really had no choice — it was either buy a brownstone this way, or don’t buy a brownstone at all — so we are trying to make the best of a strange (although increasingly common) situation. We are trying to figure out how to get something along the lines of what we are looking for, while still dealing with the cards we’ve been dealt. Hence my question about easier to install subway tiles. I’ve been able to find 3×6 marble and glass tiles on mesh, but not 3×6 ceramic on mesh. @pig-three, thanks for mentioning built-in spacers. I haven’t actually been able to find any self-spacing (or lugged, I think they are called) ceramic subway tiles. Where do you suggest looking? Any particular brand? Maybe I can convince them to go with those.
cate | 12 years and 7 months ago
Also if you want closely spaced subway tile for an authentic look, and are not finding what you need, contact American Restoration Tile in Arkansas and see how they deliver theirs.
greenmountain | 12 years and 7 months ago
Thanks for explaining. Some of the people who call me about shower stall failures, moldy tub surrounds, and loose or cracked tiles own homes like yours. A house was purchased, often divided in to several apartments, or flipped. A few weeks, months or a couple of years after a family moves in, a trip is made to the local hardware store, and a bottle of “grout sealer” or some acid “grout cleaner” is purchased. Next, somebody is hired to “regrout.” It is the prep and planning which makes a long-lasting tile installation. The goal of your seller is short-term. Waterproof membranes in particular are left out; rarely considered, to save money and time. I appreciate your interest in appearance and the decision you made to buy a house under these circumstances. Please let us know how it works out.
annep | 12 years and 7 months ago
Subway tile is the most authentic subway tile supplier — the tiles come loose & have to be laid individually, but if it’s authentic you’re going for, then this is your best bet.