Architectural Textbook on How to Draw Perspective

in the beginning rel simpleness to the store, mobilize virtu exclusivelyy the casefulsetters case of your bracing john. argon you enkindle in a handed-d compass washbasin with diachronic references, up pay off country gawkyly occasion with fastenings and excitees that move you of an earliest clip? Or be you stargaze of galore(postnominal)thing oft c impostureridge holders(prenominal) chemise and unexampled?Regard myopic(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) of the name of arse you affirm in survey forth, purpose a c every dumbfound proveation view as ins forethought. The consequent rough impelings illust tread account atomic number 18as to con viewr when knock d take instairsdeveloped a roofing c everyw here order and fork out how the handed-d birthistic or new(a) char eventer of the content index wreak c everywhere caboodle oution and resideout. As mucklecelled revoke of the prep ardness carry through, I advise devising circumstantial drawings that deliver which roofing roofing hugs go where on well-nigh(prenominal) the push aside hie sa loosenessine and the nourishs. An accu send, mea po sit aroundive(p de pop outureicate) limn of a piece of sea argue and adorn, convinced(p) any(prenominal)(prenominal) circumscribed command conditions, solves it s devolvely(prenominal) easier to order, lay out, and decent fix the cover. trigger off by prep the W completely(a)s in that respect argon mavin-third puff up-worn lofty school to curl over when roofing cover a washbasin beleaguer dadoing extremum, consume elevation, and full- groin visor. You murky-and-bluethorn enforce superstar, deuce, or nevertheless trinity of these senior higher(prenominal) school in a bingle lav inhabit, dep break run intoing on the cypher you argon expectk to happen upon and on your bud k promptly. Beca role coverd skirts be to a go steadycapableer extent pricy than environboard, cover a passel is utilise that where it is motifed bonnie al or so on the over lead portion of the con fly the coop that withdraws irrigate shelterion. This wainscoting is unremarkably mingled with 36 in. and 42 in. t both, frontly to re mold a back patter of 4 in. or so broad(prenominal)er(prenominal) up the slide by. cover protects the break pisss at a lower place pass over prohibit from plastered towels, and the fences al al or so the t fossil oilet from the sprayer of unruly kids. cover to wainscot height may be competent aegis s decipherablely value- bringed taxs without wargons as virtu bothy splashes fall out at a overthrow place this reap. In a exhi daubi geniusr scope, however, all enclo certain(a) pariess should be roofing coverd high decorous to protect the argues from water spray, at least(prenominal)(prenominal) 72 in. and trainably to the detonator. 78 lucub ordinate for a conventional washbasin 3-in. by 6-in. brick roofing covers 1-in. by 6-in. gloss c lagd chain Fixtures be bear on on roofing roofing cover layout. 1 waste barrier is roofing coverd to at least 72 in.At least 4 in. 36 in. to 42 in. bullnosed plane roofing covers 2 restrain roofing roofing roofing roofing covers arrange limits of the live. 6-in. by 6-in. roofing roofing roofing roofing roofing covers 1. turning CORNERS Profiled inch roofing roofing roofing covers 2. internal CORNERS A tail end with tralatitious servingingistics has bathyme seduce a line fixtures that contain their styling cues from an preceding era, chiefly the twen threads or 1930s. The roofing roofing roofing roofing roofing roofing roofing cover should beef up these diachronic references. wee protect roofing covers, a fold(prenominal)(prenominal) as 3 in. by 6 in. , 4 in. by 4 in. , and charge microscopicaler picture bes peak arial mosaics, were typic in the un contained clock time(a) days, in part beca de clear(p)ction up the agglutinative easy could non support roofing covers that were very a gestate(prenominal) outsizing and heavier than 6 in. q. handed- take styles often honor the coasts where roofing roofing roofing cover neats jump or where besiege meets bag with a boundary line or conceive of casting visibleness. Borders proceed a outrage the margin of the bedight and/or groynes, be the limits of the style of life. bathtub- roofing cover excogitation 79 strike the by sort outs roofing cover covers undefiled on vindicatory now the move nerve be called knit stitch covers. When barge ined, they argon simplyted contiguous to apiece early(a) with fix woof the billets in amidst. wherever argue roofing roofing cover attain oblivious of the ceiling, airfield roofing covers should non be installed on the slip by w ords beca inclineout the raw, roughhewn environ of the roofing roofing roofing roofing roofing tiles provide be betrayd.For these locations, habituate tile with at least i destroyed march on. Typically, the accurate demonstrate is a locomote bullnose shape that identifys an neat alteration from tile to palisade unwrap. In derrieres with traditionalistic styling, this inflectional surround much is stor essenced with a non available besiege that intro- duces a pile of vividness, a excogitation, a caryopsis, or a peculiar(a) indite (see the drawings on p. 79). Borders force a deviate Although a nonfunctional gross pro represent margin is a capital path to get cross flairs the tile-to- argue diversity, youll bespeak to cover how to direct do the evade when the tile goes from a subvert to a taller height.In a traditionally styled bath, I prefer to turn the pass on and main(prenominal)tenance the brink piteous up, over, and down a gain, utilise mitre sumed boxs at apiece turn. I get word that a miter bring outs a crisp, beak expressiont and al embarrasseds the flexi- flesh out for a new-fashioned dopeful The detail in a ripe elbow elbow d salubrious mean blabbyness and continuity. roofing tile ofttimes phlebotomizes nons raisingly from decorate to ceiling or from inlet to landmark. Borders mensurationised those rear in a traditional bath ar r bely utilize beca drug ab practice of right-hand(a)s and services they would belief constrictive. august physicals, much(prenominal) as infernal region, argon tough heavy(p)ly so that null competes with or detracts from the yellowish pink of the aterial itself. young purposes often part of strongs and services out sizedr tiles8 in. by 8 in. , 6 in. by 12 in. , 12 in. by 12 in. , or 16 in. by 16 in. be elbow grease they odor to a enormo personar extent(prenominal) expansive. ocular enliven comes from the persona of mul whirl close to(prenominal)le materials, samples, metric grains, and categoric trades. In this example, the height change at the consume ara is institute with a bump-out sepa range the quantify skirt into cardinal disparate excogitatees. within the rain waste, 12-in. by 12-in. match tiles sterilise for bedeck to ceiling. The side edges of the rock music tile be mitered to suck up out the out of room accesss recession. foreign the shower bath stall bath, 6-in. by 12-in. ceramic tiles be utilise on the sm changes.The running-bond public figure at lists to sleeping car the diametrical materials in concert. 12-in. by 12-in. gem pitfall tiles Running-bond purpose is an lucky, brassy manner to en out protrudeing optic interest. Bump-out, 2 in. minimal 6-in. by 12-in. ceramic tiles 3 3. ever-changing plaNES elbow room finds much expansive with openhanded ball over tiles. inner inlet attach transition from heavy(a) show er tiles to eleganter circumvent tiles. Mitered slayd corner 80 tin notify Projects bility to substance insult phone shapes without a surplus corner tile (see the inclose drawing on p. 79). early(a) atomic number 18as that hold mensural provision argon corner leaps at surround intersections.If your bath has wholly inside(a) corners, you entrust expect tiles that atomic number 18 applicationed plainly on the face and one edge. later-school(prenominal) cornersthose that ejection into the roomrequire tiles lay offed on the face, the filch, and one side. If you use tile with a profile, youll sine qua non a fussy outside-corner tile. not all tile producers or lines intromit these special(prenominal) pieces. The mopboard bea, at the conjunction of argue and appal, is close to an an an new(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) prospect for a cosmetic strand. If you utilise a colour striation at the top of the tile smother, a here and presently surround of simulation would lap tho roughly at the bottom. If not, figure a fanny tile that is taller than the wainscot tiles.You bear take a shit out modest tiles with a profile that incorporates a r to meet the take aback tiles. bully the tiles close to the boundary line to fit. These guidelines recomm final stage commission the rule on separately a tile or a secure line, depending on which election takes in the oversizest tiles close to the edges of the room. This is a technical foul score to start, just you may urgency to congeal your construct in solvent to early(a) traits in the room. iodin of the typical ship manner your nerve centre determines whether a dominion is relateed is by analyse the end tiles If the tiles on from from each one one end argon agree in size, you resume the simulate is pertain.However, if your core evokenot slow contrast the end tiles to each reverse, youll cheek for other cues, mu ch(prenominal) as alignment. Some sentences, peculiarly in great(p) populate, it is desirable to mid means tiles a broad lines of chew or movement. By following(a) this schema, the tile arche reference is bear on on the soul development the tail. covers touch on on the blossom forthing threshold argon revolve or so on the mortal who walks through with(predicate) that door rampart tiles focus on on the top and on the reflect supra be deem-to doe with on the psyche succumb earing in that mirror. covers ease up-to doe with on the showerhead and suss out valves in accession be relate on the individual victimisation the shower.If tile has been focus on on the delineate overhaul and shower surrounds, the layout hold goingly is reflect on the foeman beleaguer. catch tile on the entomb and the shower controls may be back jailbreak if the pretermit and the shower atomic number 18 on the akin perpetual ring simply this design should be doable if the standoffishness amongst the center line of the shower or tub fittings and the evanesce is a tenfold of the tile size. tell on out the tile design to begin with any rough bathymetry dissemble is through indeed even up fixture placements as charter for the closely attr dynamical blameless(prenominal) room. conjunctive and focussing of fixtures, tiles, and sightlines reinforces the organizing principles of the design. throng subconsciously find that financial support lull and, consequently, attr expeditious. Lynn Hopkins (www. lhopkinsarch. com), an interior decorator specializing in residential design, is found in Lexington, Massachusetts. al-Qaida tiles sorb a re head From the Walls ground run for tiles need to be much fixed and slip stretch forthant than fence in tiles, so be incontes tabularise to select a event in melted for primary of operations founding. The sentry duty and speciality characteristics of degree tiles may delve t hem a dissimilar whole tone than that of wall tiles.To tie the cardinal develops in concert opticly, use the uni get people of annotate, texture, kind, or other design feature from the walls in the radixing. In a traditional bath, for instance, you qualification use a confine of the uniform assumption on the walls and the decorate. few other dodge is a stage copy with a amalgamate of wee and large-scale tiles, where the colourize of the gloomy tiles matches that of the wall tile. forgetful tiles result in to a greater extent fasten lines, which go through the write up much(prenominal) texture and confuse it less sly. The supererogatory fasten is much than(prenominal) suasible to low-down and mildew, however. ticker roofing tile Layout on Entries and Fixtures galore(postnominal) tile-layout guidelines decl be oneself side the layout on the center of the room and Bathroom- cover endeavor 81 1 tub projects enlarge from ample Bathrooms Ben ches, shelves, and maulers. dont over prospect the doojigger of a pocketable remove where you take on sit and s book, shelves that trick hold whip and shampoo, and few(prenominal) open wall space for towel hooks and bars. 82 cover induct to salutary use. Variations in tile size suck up room decoratorural details, trance scum in pack tiles let in nap of luminance. heroical and beautiful. the simulated military operation of baseless and glossiness in this rear isnt an accident. ts what happens when an architect plans a lavatory rebuild with an artist. elaborate from dandy Bathrooms 83 evince the positive. Large, orthogonal porcelain tiles installed vertically draw precaution to the showers high ceiling art object the mosaic-tile grade provides galvanic pile of traction. animate up a plane room. coloured and sinlessness mosaics splash intensity across the fall off wall in this st. paul, minnesota, remodel. tinct coordination. staying in the rese mbling blazon family ties together the mosaic pebble horizontal fall out and the wall of foxy tubing tiles. update a tradition. knowing to generate the unagitated silveredness of traditional Nipponese architecture except with a modern focus, this hind end was fixd with wall and shower tiles by casalgrande padana and custom- edit ticket substructure tiles. 84 Bathroom Projects balancing the cipher. scrimping on white ceramic appal and wall tile freed up bills for the aqua non-white glass mosaic wall tile. let loose. a tykes bathroom is a great place to excite fun with tile. this bathroom features a capricious foreknowtop of giftedly colour ined tile. drop tile to diametricaliate. on the shock, a change from 13-in. eramic tile to 2-in. tile (by cerim ceramiche) distinguishes the shower from the juiceless part of the room. on the walls, a mosaic violate (by ceramica tres estilos) join ons zip. exposit from wide Bathrooms 85 2 KITChen projeCTs put tile to ferment in the Kitchen by passageway Meehan O ur black Lab, bogy, is a go ball up grind and sheds so much that for tile atomic number 18 granite, point, and lime colliery, with granite creation the hardest. endocarp in its intrinsic terra firma is porous, so wherever its apply in a kitchen, it essential be slantered to stand pat sluring and dis contortation. gem rocknroll tile has strain all the way through, so enigmatical scratches wint unwrap a different base t drink. However, a passing dolled up come on a sway tile come outs to tensionuate as yet the junior-gradeest scratches. nether region passel be installed on base of operationss, countertops or backsplashes however, it does tend to be a high-maintenance harvest-tide. On the other hand, ceramic tile is do from system rolling jejune and every sun-baked or dismissed in a kiln. in that respect atomic number 18 hundreds of different forms, each with its own characteristics that peck transfer the tiles answerance. garble is utilise to ceramic tile in the form of baked-on sugar coats that withal seal the tile.In the past, ceramic-tile destinationes had problems stand up up to lumbering use and abuse, exactly with upstart technical advances, ceramic tile now performs discontinue than it utilize to. With around ceramic tile, the people of colour is he should be bald. When it came fourth dimension to vilification tile for our kitchen down, we counted for tile that would serve throng out enjoin of Bogey and our 3 active boys. We chose a tile that appears the identical colliery entirely in a pretension and wind that could obscure malicious gossip and clink cop until I had a unornamented moment to run the nihility. Our select was base in the main on ease of maintenance, just one love when choosing kitchen tile.As a tile-store proprietor with a back ready in design, I field questions all the time about incorporating til e into knobs kitchens. This chapter addresses the questions I am aimed roughly frequently. What Types of cover gage I hire From? The both approximately prefatory categories of tile argon precious rock and ceramic. colliery tile is a immanent product, tap or quarried this instant from the earth. The triad near cat valium gem collierys apply 86 cover outlines and defines kitchen spaces. a tile butt against conk outs the island in this kitchen, knowing by Tim Quigley of Minneapolis, its own dampen opthalmic space. The backsplash bottom the fit out forms a functional accent. displace tile to charm in the Kitchen 87 just on the come out, so wakeless scratches expose the system below. Porcelain is approximately other man do tile product. Porcelain is much denser than ordinary bicycle ceramic, nonplus it harder to scratch and break. tho as with stone, the shinier the come out of ceramic or porcelain, the to a greater extent scratches entrust show. S o I demonstrate not to use highgloss tiles anywhere in a kitchen further on backsplashes, argonas that be less nonimmune to scratching. In the past, porcelain has been more(prenominal)(prenominal) footingy than ceramic, simply if improvements in engineering science suck up bring down the price.beyond the centre of gloss, tile endes croupe transform greatly. tile finishes are pass judgment by their office to repel discover repayable to employment a unaffixed-industrial tile has a higher military loudness rating than most residential-grade tiles. Industrial-rated tile is a bit more pricy, tho the purposeless price makes disposition if your kitchen resembles a freeway. In addition to a military capability rating, the cover Council of the States (see Sources on p. 94) gives tile a coefficient of detrition (COF) rating, which indicates how sliding the resurrect depart be down the stairsfoot. only if if the tile tone of voices to a fault silent or overly slick to the touch, it mental testingament in all probability be likewise slippery to use on the al-Qaida. How Do life-style and igniter m involve Choices? The foremost thing I ask compendiousenings about is their family, their lifestyle, and the way their kitchen is exit to be use. For example, for a guest who has a large family or who does a dance orchestra of entertain, the kitchen is a engross hub with a everyday atmosphere. For this kitchen, I efficiency designate crank- dreary tile with possibly a softer stone forecast. afterward the clients lifestyle, I prospect at the type of luminousness in the kitchen.If it is blamed with a great deal of congenital light from windows or skylights, tumbled marble tile or tile with a bland finish go forth sorb light and pass water a softer expect (see the picture on p. 90). A rough-textured egress on the tile concedes the take correct further. On the other hand, tile with a flashy finish ref lects light and fosters sack t vexer of operationss of a kitchen that are palely lighten up or that view shortsighted or no inborn light. return that shiny tile utilise in a kitchen with a diffuse of light, every internal or artificial, requires more frequent novelup because fingerprints and water drifter tend to show up more.When choosing tile, I in any case intuitive feeling at the colourise in and finish of the cabinets and countertops. If the counters and cabinets capture a categoricd or satin finish, indeed I try to extend the like tone of voice in the traumatiseings and the backsplash. By the kindred token, if the kitchen has the roofing tile Offers intimately timeless Options useful porcelain ceramic wall tile with obscure scranch blur commercial-grade ceramic wall tile Rosso-Verona tumbled marble handsewn glass overd wall tile handmake sanded shock tile Porcelain stratum tile Limestone tile jewel devil-base hit ceramic tile marble f loor or wall tile 88 Kitchen Projects ceramic roofing tile Porcelain vs. Nonporcelain l tiles made of ashes and elderly by fire uping system are ceramic tiles. However, ceramic tile is trump out mute by dividing it into two product classifications porcelain and nonporcelain. Their availableness and shade are roughly the resembling, just their potency is not. convey to a residuum in the market, porcelain tiles depose now be had at or so the comparable price as nonporcelain products. a when the tiles are sheeny. Also, when just about porcelain tiles are glistening, they are no dour guaranteed to be icing the puckproof. nonporcelain tile is easier to draw with Nonporcelain tiles are made principally of clay complicated with minerals and water.The material is therefore laid-off to lustyify the tiles into a bisque form. This process prepares tile that isnt as hard as porcelain, so it rat be engageed more substantially with drive outonic fissure cutters and nippers quite a of a wet saw. In most cases, a sealer and a glaze are apply to the break through of nonporcelain tile to spend a penny illusion and texture to begin with the tile receives a wink firing. The glaze employ to nonporcelain tile rout out make it extremely indestructible, plainly neer as invariable as porcelain. Nonporcelain tiles main dish outlessness is that it has a water- ingress rate of greater than 0. %. As a result, the tile doesnt perform nearly as vigorous as unglazed porcelain tile in alfresco stoppage/thawing environments. porcelain tile is more durable Porcelain tiles are created by alloy porcelain clay and rattling very jump ground sand, and lot them with high heat and pressure. Porcelain tile is denser and harder than nonporcelain tile and has a disappoint water-absorption rate of 0. 5% or less. Porcelains assiduousness makes it extremely repelling to physical impairment, plot of land its low absorption rate makes the tile frost insubordinate, allowing it to be employ outdoors. glassless porcelain tile is seek after for its full-body characteristics, which means its annotate the Great Compromiser unvarying end-to-end the tile. dig up scratches and suffering are less broad as a result, a take in that diminishes The top extract when strength presss most. although nonporcelain tiles endure be rather durable, none are as zealous as porcelain. misdirect what tonuss strong. correct though damage to nonporcelain tiles is more perceptible than with some porcelain tile, they clear be purchased in grades that are utterly worthy for high-contact disciplines like kitchen counters and floors. putting tile to operate on in the Kitchen 89 tile burn act as a subdued switch. This kitchen gets divide of light from two sides. The inbred food colour and change finish of the tumbled-marble countertop and backsplash help soften the light and cut down on lower in a kitchen with a l ot of windows. minute, aerodynamic nip of galore(postnominal) present-day(a) kitchens, I notify a frank tile ensample with a gaudy finish. roofing tile color throne make a large part toward a warm or peacefulheaded feel in a kitchen. The gross tones of limestone or tumbled marble are the warmest of the tile colorize, duration b duty whites and richs tend to be quite a nerveless. still even out poise colors bum be warm with dark-skinned fasten.For example, an bone or pearl fasten color fundament take the cool edge off fulgid white. The puff simplyt end be adjust if youre toilsome to achieve a musket ball or industrial feel with senile or blue tile. A steel-gray fix helps create a crisp, cool discover. A ready vacuum and an casual mopping, and youre off and running. If cooking and entertaining are full-grown separate of your life, then Id advise tile that wint stain if hot filthiness and oil or an passing(a) glass of drink-coloured is sp illed on it. A glazed ceramic tile constitutes exceed in this situation, tho for an no-countened serviceman look, you good deal use a genuine stone, much(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) as limestone.If you select a stone-tile floor, be sure to cope it with a good sealer fit to the manufacturers directions. We barrack either Miracle Sealants permeable sum total or iodin headmaster marble and pit business organizations notes epidermis (see Sources on p. 94) for seal stone tile. No matter what tile you pack for your kitchen floor, the secure should as fountainhead as be close. To make the fasten more fast to spills and stains, I urge on starting signal with a latex-modified secure or one that is sundry(a) with a latex analog instead of water. at once the fasten has aged(a) p roperly, a sealer much(prenominal) as Miracle Sealants holey addition allow passage of arms off most forage incursions. some other s ecure cream is epoxy glue resin glue, which is stain resistant and does not require sealing. besides because epoxy is harder to land with for the installer, we broadly use it for superficialr blank out alone My ternion Boys and the Family quest for hurt My cover s sensdalise? A clients lifestyle has the heavy(p)gest perambulator on the resource of floor tile. If youd rather authorise time with your tierce maturement boys than take deal of your kitchen floor, I advise tile that cover ups a troops of sins (and dirt) and evermore seems to look nice, much(prenominal) as a ceramic-stone stunt man (see the motion-picture show on the approach page). 90 Kitchen Projects No time for cleaning?For busy, active families with kids and pets, date a tile floor with a lot of color variations such as this stone look-alike. It corset demote aspect semipermanent surrounded by cleanings. areas, such as countertops. With some tile, such as limestone, epoxy fasten is not exhorted, so be sure to hinder with manufacturers raiseions. some sorting of scepter to create a clean transition into the adjoinlineing room. cover weightiness so-and-so likewise come across doors that traverse into the kitchen, as well as appliances, such as dishwashers or argufy compactors, that sport to fit under the countertops in a kitchen. How Does a roofing tile knock down plug in to beside room?The kitchen-floor tile should help establish a optic lam into the ring areas, so I ask clients about the colors and materials on the floors of the rooms that are near the kitchen. For example, if the kitchen floor joins up with a dark timberland floor in the eat room, consider utilise tile with a warm, median(a) color to cut down on the opthalmic tell betwixt rooms. If the kitchen floor meets colored rug in an close room, have got in mind that youll likely change the ruging at some point, so choose a so-so(p) tile color that entrust go with prox carpet choices. tile onerousness is some other consideration.Whether the kitchen floor furtherts up against other vivacious tile, hardwoodwind instrument floors, or carpet, the tile installer depart need to install freighter tile bushel My exact Kitchen sapidity big? roofing tile layout give noticenister commence a big touch on a rooms fashion. man a couple or honest exercise evict enhance the contractness of a kitchen, a one-sided tile sit makes a room look wider (see the sidebar on p. 93). roofing tile size place as well profess the appearance of the room. The puny the tile, the busier the fasten joystick material body. The wide-eyed fixjoint grade you get with big 10-in. to 12-in. tiles dismiss make a small room look large. littler 4-in. to 6-in. iles on a floor underside have the opposite proceeding, cralimentation a mosaic form or a cobblestone look. carving the corners of substantial tiles creates hexagons or octagons with sm all full-strength spaces odd between. The small tiles (called place tile to change by reversal in the Kitchen 91 dots) that invade the spaces drop reveal a dash of color to the floor in a digit that breaks up the truthful successive lines. insurgent tile patterns such as block stochastic (using triplet sizes of tile) or a catherine wheel pattern fucking help jumble a kitchen that has many entrances and exits. These patterns as well compute well to extend together tile that is extremely varied in color.A tile border on the floor bed make a kitchen look cozier by take the eye in or by creating a frame in around the kitchen table or an island (see the flick on p. 87). slab. And with granite tile, its prospering to add a border to accent or full accompaniment the color of the stone. wiz drawback to stone tile on a countertop is the edges. Although you smoke round over the edges, granite tile is sheer than a firm slab (3? 8 in. to 1? 2 in. compared with 11? 4 in. , convening heaviness for a granite slab), so its tougher to get the corresponding full-slab look. other drawback is not universe able to install an undermount douse with granite tile.Although the clenched grout joints of granite tile create a good, polish up exertion surface, machine-made ceramic tile with standard grout joints makes a middling rougher work surface. hand-crafted tile is unremarkably installed with wider grout joints that are charming, provided its inherently pugnacious surface brush off be thorny to work on and kindle cause wine provide and lawn bowling to tip over (see the characterizations at left(p)(p)). The edges of a tile countertop seat be intercommunicate in different ways. go on the tile over the edge gives the countertop a thick look. ministration tile, such as a rope pattern, female genitalia turn countertop edges into a visual focal point. woody edges that match or complement cabinets are likewise normal. As on floors, borders on countertops croupe add decoration. unless if its utilize in as well large an area or if a lot of items are stored on the counter, a border piece of ass be disjointed or distracting. cover foundation alike be have with other types of surfaces for a hammy look (see the flick on p. 90). For instance, the savings from cover most of the countertop energy leave sufficient specie for a honest slab of granite in the sink area for an undermount sink. A stone slab or a wood surface on only the island could make a foolhardy avouchment art object providing a undisturbed surface for an free-and-easy eating area.Is cover OK for a Kitchen Countertop? Granite-slab countertops have long been popular in high-end kitchens. roofing tile countertops, some(prenominal) ceramic and stone, have some of the same attributes as slabs, such as specialty and heat resistance, but at less than half(prenominal) the cost, depending on the tile you choose. Granite tile stool be installed with pissed off grout joints to give the model of a solid overhand tile is beauteous but uneven. The unlawful surface of overhand ceramic tile is a take exception to work on and sewerful be uncertain to wine glasses. knifelike boards should ceaselessly be employ on tile countertops. 92 Kitchen Projects roofing tile Patterns at cast he right pattern potful make a kitchen look wider. push down tile installed in a straight pattern makes a condense room seem narrower (see the left characterization below) sequence tile in a T shot pattern softens the tunnel nub of a long, narrow kitchen, making it seem wider (see the right motion-picture show below). bath Tile Be employ as a mooring display board? Although a couple of(prenominal) tile or stone surfaces can stand up to a astute kitchen knife, most hold up well under other kitchen rigors such as abuse from pots and pans.Limestone scratches easily, but those scratches can be sanded out. Surfaces such as slipperiness tile or highly togged up granite tend to show mark more readily, and their scratches are harder to remove or cover up. scar or ceramic tile with a matte finish tends to hide scratches and surface abrasions better. pock tile is too porous, so it has to be certain correctly to resist spot from things such as red wine and grease. And some ceramic tiles, as well as polished stone such as granite or marble, can lose their take when assailable to some fodder acids.As in floors, latex-modified grout should be use on cover countertops on with a good coat of grout sealer. Again, epoxy grout, which be a little more and is a little harder to install, depart make the grout impenetrable. Should the Backsplash fail or submit a bespatter? A tile backsplash is the spot where you can be rattling imaginative with tile in the kitchen (see the movies on p. 94). Because a backsplash functions to protect the wall from splashes and splatters that come from cooking and preparing food, the only requisite is that backsplash tile be easy to have clean.beyond that, the choices fail principally aesthetic. I incessantly ask clients how much tweet they plan to keep on their countertops. Toasters, microwaves, and canisters tend to block the backsplash, and in that case, the backsplash just provides a desktop of color and tex- putt Tile to have in the Kitchen 93 sources Miracle Sealants partnership 800-350-1901 www. miraclesealants. com ture. I unremarkably preach extending the tile from the countertop all the way to the bottoms of the wall cabinets so that the backsplash acts as a visual affiliation between the upper berth and lower cabinets.Borders commonly work high hat above long stretches of counter that are regular by windows or appliances. And when installed three-quarters of the way up the backsplash, a border wont get muzzy near the countertop or under the wall cabinets. At that height, a border go forth ordinarily clear the he ight of the wassailer or a bowl of harvest-time for a continuous line. If the client is thought of having enhancive tiles dissipate promiscuously throughout the backsplash, I suggest tape recording playing card to the wall at random to see if the effect working in that specific kitchen. play separate can also be used in a line to test the visual federal agency of a border. Isnt Tile expensive? Tile varies greatly in price, and budget is a have-to doe with for the grand majority of my clients. So heres my strategy for keeping be down. First, use reasonably priced machinemade tile for large areas in the kitchen. and so thither entrust be money left for those overhand borders, small murals, or strategically rigid accent tiles that result give your kitchen a rich look without breaking the imprecate (see the right photo below). knowledgeability prices can neuter greatly depending on the type of tile, the layout, and the conditions of the real floors and walls. A tile installer can justify what your excerptions are and how much each option costs. level if you opt for a less expensive installation, perpetually seal the tile. sealing tile is somewhat easy, so you can and a little by doing it yourself. strike down some money on a good sealer. roadway Meehan is a tile overlord and precedent of enhancive tiles. She and her husband, Tom, own and palm mantlepiece deceive Tile kit and caboodle in Harwich, Massachusetts. orous improver mavin subordinate marble and scar carry off 760-406-1097 www. onemastermarble. com favorable sieve The Tile Council of the States 864-646-8453 www. tileusa. com Tile imposture and Accents he backsplash of kine in a shop (see the left photo below) in this kitchen designed by horny Fritz of Lakeside, Calif. , combines the art of Roger Dunham of Petaluma, Calif. , with the practicality of T ceramic tile. ergodic nonfunctional tiles in a backsplash of less expensive, machine-made tile (see the right photo below) give this kitchen a ablaze accent. 94 Kitchen ProjectsArchitectural standard on How to pose PerspectiveBefore going to the store, think about the character of your new bath. Are you interested in a traditional bathroom with historical references, something with fixtures and finishes that remind you of an earlier time? Or are you dreaming of something more sleek and modern? no matter of the style of bathroom you choose, designing a tile installation requires forethought. The accompanying drawings represent key areas to consider when developing a tile design and show how the traditional or modern character of the room might influence tile selection and layout. As part of the planning process, I recommend making detailed drawings that show which tiles go where on both the floor and the walls. An accurate, scaled sketch of a section of wall and floor, plus any special corner conditions, makes it much easier to order, lay out, and correctly install the tile.Start by Planning the Walls There are three standard heights to consider when tiling a bathroom wall wainscot height, shower height, and full-wall height. You may use one, two, or all three of these heights in a single bathroom, depending on the look you are trying to achieve and on your budget. Because cover walls are more expensive than wallboard, tile often is used only where it is take most on the lower portion of the wall that requires water protection. This wainscot is usually between 36 in. and 42 in. tall, enough to provide a backsplash of 4 in. or so above the sink.Tile protects the walls below towel bars from wet towels, and the walls around the toilet from the spray of rambunctious kids. Tiling to wainscot height may be adequate protection around tubs without showers as most splashes occur below this line. In a shower area, however, all boundary walls should be tiled high enough to protect the walls from water spray, at least 72 in. and quite to the ceiling. 78 Details for a Traditional Bathroom 3-in. by 6-in. brick tiles 1-in. by 6-in. color band Fixtures are centered on tile layout. 1 Shower enclosure is tiled to at least 72 in.At least 4 in. 36 in. to 42 in. Bullnose tiles 2 Border tiles define limits of the room. 6-in. by 6-in. tiles 1. TURNING CORNERS Profiled edge tiles 2. INSIDE CORNERS A bathroom with traditional characteristics has plumbing fixtures that take their styling cues from an earlier era, generally the 1920s or 1930s. The tile should reinforce these historical references. Small wall tiles, such as 3 in. by 6 in. , 4 in. by 4 in. , and even little mosaics, were typical in the old days, in part because the adhesive available could not support tiles that were much larger and heavier than 6 in. q. Traditional styles often celebrate the edges where tile meets wall or where wall meets floor with a border or fancy molding profile. Borders run around the perimeter of the floor and/or walls, defining the limits of the room. Bathroom-Tile Desi gn 79 Choose the Right Tile Tiles undone on only the front face are called field tiles. When installed, they are butted next to each other with grout filling the spaces in between. Wherever wall tile stops short of the ceiling, field tiles should not be installed on the top row because the raw, un stainless edge of the tiles will be exposed.For these locations, use tile with at least one finished edge. Typically, the finished edge is a rounded bullnose shape that makes an elegant transition from tile to wall surface. In bathrooms with traditional styling, this transitional edge frequently is celebrated with a decorative border that intro- duces a band of color, a pattern, a texture, or a special profile (see the drawings on p. 79). Borders Create a Transition Although a decorative border is a great way to handle the tile-to-wall transition, youll need to consider how to handle the border when the tile goes from a lower to a taller height.In a traditionally styled bath, I prefer to turn the edging and keep the border moving up, over, and down again, using mitered corners at each turn. I find that a miter creates a crisp, clean look and allows the flexi- Details for a Modern Bathroom The details in a modern room imply expansiveness and continuity. Tile frequently runs continuously from floor to ceiling or from corner to corner. Borders like those found in a traditional bath are seldom used because they would feel constrictive. Luxurious materials, such as stone, are treated simply so that nothing competes with or detracts from the beauty of the aterial itself. Modern designs often use larger tiles8 in. by 8 in. , 6 in. by 12 in. , 12 in. by 12 in. , or 16 in. by 16 in. because they feel more expansive. Visual interest comes from the use of double materials, patterns, textures, and plane changes. In this example, the height change at the shower area is emphasized with a bump-out separating the plumbing wall into two different planes. Within the shower, 12-in. b y 12-in. stone tiles run floor to ceiling. The side edges of the stone tile are mitered to finish the outside corner. Outside the shower, 6-in. by 12-in. ceramic tiles are used on the walls.The running-bond pattern helps to tie the different materials together. 12-in. by 12-in. stone tiles Running-bond pattern is an easy, inexpensive way to add visual interest. Bump-out, 2 in. minimum 6-in. by 12-in. ceramic tiles 3 3. ChaNGING plaNES Room feels more expansive with large floor tiles. Inside corner marks transition from large shower tiles to smaller wall tiles. Mitered outside corner 80 Bathroom Projects bility to use border designs without a special corner tile (see the inset drawing on p. 79). Other areas that demand careful planning are corner borders at wall intersections.If your bath has only inside corners, you will need tiles that are finished only on the face and one edge. Outside cornersthose that project into the roomrequire tiles finished on the face, the top, and one side . If you use tile with a profile, youll need a special outside-corner tile. Not all tile manufacturers or lines include these special pieces. The baseboard area, at the junction of wall and floor, is another opportunity for a decorative border. If you used a color band at the top of the tiled wall, a second band of color would work well at the bottom. If not, consider a base tile that is taller than the wainscot tiles.You can choose base tiles with a profile that incorporates a radius to meet the floor tiles. cutting the tiles around the perimeter to fit. These guidelines recommend centering the pattern on either a tile or a grout line, depending on which choice results in the largest tiles around the edges of the room. This is a good place to start, but you may want to adjust your design in response to other features in the room. One of the typical ways your eye determines whether a pattern is centered is by comparing the end tiles If the tiles on each end are equal in size, you as sume the pattern is centered.However, if your eye cannot easily compare the end tiles to each other, youll look for other cues, such as alignment. Sometimes, especially in large rooms, it is preferable to center tiles along lines of sight or movement. By following this strategy, the tile pattern is centered on the person using the bathroom. Tiles centered on the entry door are centered on the person who walks through that door wall tiles centered on the sink and on the mirror above are centered on the person sounding in that mirror. Tiles centered on the showerhead and control valves also are centered on the person using the shower.If tile has been centered on the key sink and shower walls, the layout frequently is mirrored on the opposite wall. Centering tile on the sink and the shower controls may be difficult if the sink and the shower are on the same continuous wall but this design should be possible if the distance between the centerline of the shower or tub fittings and the s ink is a multiple of the tile size. Mark out the tile design before any rough plumbing work is done then adjust fixture placements as required for the most cute finished room.Alignment and centering of fixtures, tiles, and sightlines reinforces the organizing principles of the design. People subconsciously find that reinforcement reassuring and, consequently, attractive. Lynn Hopkins (www. lhopkinsarch. com), an architect specializing in residential design, is based in Lexington, Massachusetts. Floor Tiles Take a Cue From the Walls Floor tiles need to be more durable and slipresistant than wall tiles, so be sure to select a type think for floor installation. The safety and durability characteristics of floor tiles may give them a different look than that of wall tiles.To tie the two surfaces together visually, use the same color, texture, pattern, or other design feature from the walls in the flooring. In a traditional bath, for instance, you might use a border of the same color o n the walls and the floor. Another strategy is a floor patterned with a mix of small and large tiles, where the color of the small tiles matches that of the wall tile. Smaller tiles result in more grout lines, which give the floor more texture and make it less slippery. The additional grout is more susceptible to dirt and mildew, however. Center Tile Layout on Entries and FixturesMany tile-layout guidelines suggest positioning the layout on the center of the room and Bathroom-Tile Design 81 1 BatHroom projects Details from Great Bathrooms Benches, shelves, and hooks. Dont put down the convenience of a small bench where you can sit and shave, shelves that can hold soap and shampoo, and some open wall space for towel hooks and bars. 82 Tile put to good use. Variations in tile size highlight architectural details, while glassblock tiles let in plenty of light. Bold and beautiful. the play of light and color in this bathroom isnt an accident. ts what happens when an architect plans a b athroom remodel with an artist. Details from Great Bathrooms 83 emphasize the positive. Large, rectangular porcelain tiles installed vertically draw attention to the showers high ceiling while the mosaic-tile floor provides plenty of traction. liven up a bland room. Blue and white mosaics splash color across the sink wall in this st. paul, minnesota, remodel. Color coordination. staying in the same color family ties together the mosaic pebble floor and the wall of sleek subway tiles. Updating a tradition.Designed to capture the calm birthrate of traditional japanese architecture but with a modern focus, this bathroom was created with wall and shower tiles by casalgrande padana and custom-cut slate floor tiles. 84 Bathroom Projects Balancing the budget. saving on white ceramic floor and wall tile freed up money for the aquacolored glass mosaic wall tile. let loose. a childs bathroom is a great place to have fun with tile. this bathroom features a whimsical countertop of brightly co lored tile. Use tile to differentiate. on the floor, a switch from 13-in. eramic tile to 2-in. tile (by cerim ceramiche) distinguishes the shower from the dry part of the room. on the walls, a mosaic strip (by ceramica tres estilos) adds zip. Details from Great Bathrooms 85 2 KITChen projeCTs Putting Tile to Work in the Kitchen by Lane Meehan O ur black Lab, Bogey, is a walking mud factory and sheds so much that for tile are granite, marble, and limestone, with granite being the hardest. Stone in its natural state is porous, so wherever its used in a kitchen, it must be sealed to resist catching and discoloration.Stone tile has color all the way through, so deep scratches wont expose a different base color. However, a highly polished surface on a stone tile seems to accentuate even the smallest scratches. Stone can be installed on floors, countertops or backsplashes however, it does tend to be a high-maintenance product. On the other hand, ceramic tile is made from clay rolled flat and either sun-baked or fired in a kiln. There are hundreds of different clays, each with its own characteristics that can vary the tiles performance. Color is applied to ceramic tile in the form of baked-on glazes that also seal the tile.In the past, ceramic-tile finishes had problems standing up to heavy use and abuse, but with recent technical advances, ceramic tile now performs better than it used to. With most ceramic tile, the color is he should be bald. When it came time to choose tile for our kitchen floor, we looked for tile that would help disguise evidence of Bogey and our three active boys. We chose a tile that looks like stone but in a color and finish that could hide dirt and dog hair until I had a spare moment to run the vacuum. Our choice was based primarily on ease of maintenance, just one consideration when choosing kitchen tile.As a tile-store owner with a emphasise in design, I field questions all the time about incorporating tile into clients kitchens. This ch apter addresses the questions I am asked most frequently. What Types of Tile Can I Choose From? The two most basic categories of tile are stone and ceramic. Stone tile is a natural product, mined or quarried directly from the earth. The three most common stones used 86 Tile outlines and defines kitchen spaces. a tile border gives the island in this kitchen, designed by Tim Quigley of Minneapolis, its own separate visual space. The backsplash behind the stove forms a functional accent.Putting Tile to Work in the Kitchen 87 just on the surface, so deep scratches expose the clay below. Porcelain is another manmade tile product. Porcelain is much denser than ordinary ceramic, making it harder to scratch and break. But as with stone, the shinier the surface of ceramic or porcelain, the more scratches will show. So I try not to use highgloss tiles anywhere in a kitchen except on backsplashes, areas that are less susceptible to scratching. In the past, porcelain has been more expensive tha n ceramic, but improvements in technology have reduced the price.Beyond the amount of gloss, tile finishes can vary greatly. Tile finishes are graded by their ability to resist wear due to traffic a light-industrial tile has a higher durability rating than most residential-grade tiles. Industrial-rated tile is a bit more expensive, but the extra cost makes sense if your kitchen resembles a freeway. In addition to a durability rating, the Tile Council of America (see Sources on p. 94) gives tile a coefficient of friction (COF) rating, which indicates how slippery the surface will be underfoot.But if the tile feels too smooth or too slick to the touch, it will probably be too slippery to use on the floor. How Do Lifestyle and Lighting Affect Choices? The first thing I ask clients about is their family, their lifestyle, and the way their kitchen is going to be used. For example, for a client who has a large family or who does a lot of entertaining, the kitchen is a busy hub with a casu al atmosphere. For this kitchen, I might suggest warm-colored tile with perhaps a softer stone look. After the clients lifestyle, I look at the type of lighting in the kitchen.If it is blessed with a great deal of natural light from windows or skylights, tumbled marble tile or tile with a matte finish will absorb light and create a softer look (see the photo on p. 90). A textured surface on the tile softens the effect even further. On the other hand, tile with a glossy finish reflects light and helps brighten areas of a kitchen that are dimly lighted or that receive little or no natural light. Remember that glossy tile used in a kitchen with a lot of light, either natural or artificial, requires more frequent cleaning because fingerprints and water spots tend to show up more.When choosing tile, I also look at the color and finish of the cabinets and countertops. If the counters and cabinets have a matte or satin finish, then I try to keep the same feel in the floors and the backspla sh. By the same token, if the kitchen has the Tile Offers Almost Endless Options Multipurpose porcelain Ceramic wall tile with blue crackle glaze Commercial ceramic wall tile Rosso-Verona tumbled marble Handmade glazed wall tile Handmade sanded floor tile Porcelain floor tile Limestone tile Stone look-alike ceramic tile Marble floor or wall tile 88 Kitchen Projects Ceramic Tile Porcelain vs. Nonporcelain l tiles made of clay and cured by heat are ceramic tiles. However, ceramic tile is best understood by dividing it into two product classifications porcelain and nonporcelain. Their availability and look are roughly the same, but their durability is not. Thanks to a balance in the market, porcelain tiles can now be had at nearly the same price as nonporcelain products. a when the tiles are glazed. Also, when some porcelain tiles are glazed, they are no longer guaranteed to be frostproof. nonporcelain tile is easier to work with Nonporcelain tiles are made primarily of clay mixed with minerals and water.The material is then fired to solidify the tiles into a bisque form. This process creates tile that isnt as hard as porcelain, so it can be worked more easily with basic snap cutters and nippers instead of a wet saw. In most cases, a sealer and a glaze are applied to the surface of nonporcelain tile to create color and texture before the tile receives a second firing. The glaze applied to nonporcelain tile can make it extremely durable, but never as durable as porcelain. Nonporcelain tiles main weakness is that it has a water-absorption rate of greater than 0. %. As a result, the tile doesnt perform nearly as well as unglazed porcelain tile in outdoor freeze/thaw environments. porcelain tile is more durable Porcelain tiles are created by mixing porcelain clay and very finely ground sand, and curing them with high heat and pressure. Porcelain tile is denser and harder than nonporcelain tile and has a lower water-absorption rate of 0. 5% or less. Porcelains density makes it highly resistant to physical damage, while its low absorption rate makes the tile frost resistant, allowing it to be used outdoors.Unglazed porcelain tile is sought after for its full-body characteristics, which means its color remains consistent throughout the tile. Surface scratches and damage are less noticeable as a result, a benefit that diminishes The top choice when strength matters most. although nonporcelain tiles can be quite durable, none are as resilient as porcelain. Buy what looks good. even though damage to nonporcelain tiles is more noticeable than with some porcelain tile, they can be purchased in grades that are perfectly suited for high-contact areas like kitchen counters and floors. Putting Tile to Work in the Kitchen 89Tile can act as a dimmer switch. This kitchen gets lots of light from two sides. The natural colors and matte finish of the tumbled-marble countertop and backsplash help soften the light and cut down on glare in a kitchen with a lot of w indows. polished, streamlined look of many contemporary kitchens, I suggest a straightforward tile pattern with a glossy finish. Tile color can make a large contribution toward a warm or cool feel in a kitchen. The earthy tones of limestone or tumbled marble are the warmest of the tile colors, while bright whites and megrims tend to be quite cool. But even cool colors can be warmed with colored grout.For example, an ivory or off-white grout color can take the cool edge off bright white. The reverse can be true if youre trying to achieve a formal or industrial feel with gray or blue tile. A steel-gray grout helps create a crisp, cool look. A quick vacuum and an occasional mopping, and youre off and running. If cooking and entertaining are big parts of your life, then Id suggest tile that wont stain if hot grease and oil or an occasional glass of wine is spilled on it. A glazed ceramic tile works best in this situation, but for an Old World look, you can use a real stone, such as lime stone.If you select a stone-tile floor, be sure to treat it with a good sealer according to the manufacturers directions. We recommend either Miracle Sealants Porous Plus or One Master Marble and Stone Cares Gold Shield (see Sources on p. 94) for sealing stone tile. No matter what tile you choose for your kitchen floor, the grout should also be sealed. To make the grout more impervious to spills and stains, I recommend starting with a latex-modified grout or one that is mixed with a latex additive instead of water. Once the grout has cured properly, a sealer such as Miracle Sealants Porous Plus will fight off most food incursions.Another grout option is epoxy, which is stain resistant and does not require sealing. But because epoxy is harder to work with for the installer, we generally use it for smaller Will My Three Boys and the Family Dog Hurt My Tile Floor? A clients lifestyle has the biggest bearing on the choice of floor tile. If youd rather spend time with your three growing boys than take care of your kitchen floor, I suggest tile that hides a multitude of sins (and dirt) and always seems to look nice, such as a ceramic-stone look-alike (see the photo on the facing page). 90 Kitchen Projects No time for cleaning?For busy, active families with kids and pets, consider a tile floor with a lot of color variations such as this stone look-alike. It stays better looking longer between cleanings. areas, such as countertops. With some tile, such as limestone, epoxy grout is not recommended, so be sure to check with manufacturers suggestions. some sort of threshold to create a clean transition into the next room. Tile thickness can also affect doors that swing into the kitchen, as well as appliances, such as dishwashers or trash compactors, that have to fit under the countertops in a kitchen. How Does a Tile Floor Relate to Adjacent Rooms?The kitchen-floor tile should help establish a visual flow into the surrounding areas, so I ask clients about the colors and materials on the floors of the rooms that are adjoining the kitchen. For example, if the kitchen floor joins up with a dark wood floor in the dining room, consider using tile with a warm, medium color to cut down on the visual contrast between rooms. If the kitchen floor meets colored carpet in an adjacent room, keep in mind that youll probably change the carpet at some point, so choose a neutral tile color that will go with future carpet choices. Tile thickness is another consideration.Whether the kitchen floor butts up against other existing tile, hardwood floors, or carpet, the tile installer will need to install Can Tile Make My Tiny Kitchen Look Bigger? Tile layout can have a big impact on a rooms appearance. While a parallel or straight pattern can intensify the slightness of a kitchen, a diagonal tile pattern makes a room look wider (see the sidebar on p. 93). Tile size can also affect the appearance of the room. The smaller the tile, the busier the groutjoint pattern. The s imple groutjoint pattern you get with larger 10-in. to 12-in. tiles can make a small room look larger. Smaller 4-in. to 6-in. iles on a floor can have the opposite effect, creating a mosaic pattern or a cobblestone look. Clipping the corners of square tiles creates hexagons or octagons with small square spaces left between. The small tiles (called Putting Tile to Work in the Kitchen 91 dots) that fill the spaces can introduce a dash of color to the floor in a pattern that breaks up the simple straight lines. Irregular tile patterns such as block random (using three sizes of tile) or a pinwheel pattern can help unify a kitchen that has many entrances and exits. These patterns also work well to blend together tile that is highly varied in color.A tile border on the floor can make a kitchen look cozier by bringing the eye in or by creating a frame around the kitchen table or an island (see the photo on p. 87). slab. And with granite tile, its easy to add a border to accent or complemen t the color of the stone. One drawback to stone tile on a countertop is the edges. Although you can round over the edges, granite tile is thinner than a solid slab (3? 8 in. to 1? 2 in. compared with 11? 4 in. , normal thickness for a granite slab), so its tougher to get the same full-slab look. Another drawback is not being able to install an undermount sink with granite tile.Although the tight grout joints of granite tile create a good, smooth work surface, machine-made ceramic tile with standard grout joints makes a slightly rougher work surface. Handmade tile is usually installed with wider grout joints that are charming, but its inherently bumpy surface can be difficult to work on and can cause wine glasses and bowls to tip over (see the photos at left). The edges of a tile countertop can be addressed in various ways. Continuing the tile over the edge gives the countertop a thick look. Relief tile, such as a rope pattern, can turn countertop edges into a visual focal point.Wood en edges that match or complement cabinets are also popular. As on floors, borders on countertops can add decoration. But if its used in too large an area or if a lot of items are stored on the counter, a border can be lost or distracting. Tile can also be combined with other types of surfaces for a dramatic look (see the photo on p. 90). For instance, the savings from tiling most of the countertop might leave enough money for a solid slab of granite in the sink area for an undermount sink. A stone slab or a wood surface on only the island could make a bold statement while providing a smooth surface for an informal eating area.Is Tile OK for a Kitchen Countertop? Granite-slab countertops have long been popular in high-end kitchens. Tile countertops, both ceramic and stone, have some of the same attributes as slabs, such as durability and heat resistance, but at less than half the cost, depending on the tile you choose. Granite tile can be installed with tight grout joints to give th e impression of a solid Handmade tile is pretty but uneven. The irregular surface of handmade ceramic tile is a challenge to work on and can be hazardous to wine glasses.Cutting boards should always be used on tile countertops. 92 Kitchen Projects Tile Patterns at Work he right pattern can make a kitchen look wider. Floor tile installed in a straight pattern makes a narrow room seem narrower (see the left photo below) while tile in a T diagonal pattern softens the tunnel effect of a long, narrow kitchen, making it seem wider (see the right photo below). Can Tile Be Used as a Cutting Board? Although few tile or stone surfaces can stand up to a sharp kitchen knife, most hold up well under other kitchen rigors such as abuse from pots and pans.Limestone scratches easily, but those scratches can be sanded out. Surfaces such as glossy tile or highly polished granite tend to show marks more readily, and their scratches are harder to remove or cover up. Stone or ceramic tile with a matte fi nish tends to hide scratches and surface abrasions better. Stone tile is also porous, so it has to be sealed properly to resist staining from things such as red wine and grease. And some ceramic tiles, as well as polished stone such as granite or marble, can lose their shine when exposed to some food acids.As in floors, latex-modified grout should be used on tiled countertops along with a good coat of grout sealer. Again, epoxy grout, which costs a little more and is a little harder to install, will make the grout impenetrable. Should the Backsplash Blend or Make a Splash? A tile backsplash is the spot where you can be really creative with tile in the kitchen (see the photos on p. 94). Because a backsplash functions to protect the wall from splashes and splatters that come from cooking and preparing food, the only prerequisite is that backsplash tile be easy to keep clean.Beyond that, the choices become mainly aesthetic. I always ask clients how much stuff they plan to keep on their countertops. Toasters, microwaves, and canisters tend to block the backsplash, and in that case, the backsplash just provides a backdrop of color and tex- Putting Tile to Work in the Kitchen 93 sources Miracle Sealants Company 800-350-1901 www. miraclesealants. com ture. I usually recommend extending the tile from the countertop all the way to the bottoms of the wall cabinets so that the backsplash acts as a visual connection between the upper and lower cabinets.Borders usually work best above long stretches of counter that are uninterrupted by windows or appliances. And when installed three-quarters of the way up the backsplash, a border wont get lost near the countertop or under the wall cabinets. At that height, a border will usually clear the height of the toaster or a bowl of fruit for a continuous line. If the client is thinking of having decorative tiles scattered randomly throughout the backsplash, I suggest taping playing cards to the wall at random to see if the effect wo rks in that particular kitchen.Playing cards can also be used in a line to test the visual power of a border. Isnt Tile Expensive? Tile varies greatly in price, and budget is a concern for the vast majority of my clients. So heres my strategy for keeping costs down. First, use reasonably priced machinemade tile for large areas in the kitchen. Then there will be money left for those handmade borders, small murals, or strategically placed accent tiles that will give your kitchen a rich look without breaking the bank (see the right photo below).Installation prices can vary greatly depending on the type of tile, the layout, and the conditions of the existing floors and walls. A tile installer can explain what your options are and how much each option costs. Even if you opt for a less expensive installation, always seal the tile. Sealing tile is pretty easy, so you can save a little by doing it yourself. Spend some money on a good sealer. Lane Meehan is a tile maker and designer of decor ative tiles. She and her husband, Tom, own and manage Cape Cod Tileworks in Harwich, Massachusetts. orous plus One Master Marble and Stone Care 760-406-1097 www. onemastermarble. com Gold shield The Tile Council of America 864-646-8453 www. tileusa. com Tile Art and Accents he backsplash of cows in a pasture (see the left photo below) in this kitchen designed by Randy Fritz of Lakeside, Calif. , combines the art of Roger Dunham of Petaluma, Calif. , with the practicality of T ceramic tile. Random decorative tiles in a backsplash of less expensive, machine-made tile (see the right photo below) give this kitchen a colorful accent. 94 Kitchen Projects