Ceramic tile countertop/backsplash ??’s
I’m in the process of doing a countertop and backsplash in ceramic tile. The countertop substrate is 3/4″ plywood covered with 1/2″ HardieBacker. The wall is drywall. The tiles are 4 x 4 and will be set in thinset. The grout joints are 5/16″.
I’m debating if the joint where the wall meets the countertop should be grouted or caulked. I’m a little concerned that if I grout it, it will crack over time. On the other hand, a grouted joint will look a lot nicer than caulk, because it will look more consistent.
Any thoughts?
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I stumped Theodora at trivia. -Jan.2005
Caulk it with a colored caulk. I grouted my countertop/backsplash joint (1/4") eight yrs ago and it finally began cracking last year. We're doing a small facelift in the kitchen soon and I'll caulk it this time.
I have a similar problem in the guest bathroom but the 1/8" grout space keeps the crack from being too noticeable.
Tile supply houses have sanded caulks that match their grout colors. I normally grout first, if it doesn't crack you're fine, if it does caulk it. If you attach your cabinets solidly to the wall you can minimise movement.
what barn said, grout caulk. Its flexable so little movement will not leave a crack