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hi,

I'm doing a splashback in the kitchen, got a few issues:

I've got 0.8" gap between the extractor fan and previous tile. I was thinking, cut a slightly bigger side to go behind the extractor fan?

Also i've got external mitre cuts to do, but when using my tile cutting saw (from wickes), the edges are getting chipped? is it better to trims?

The tile are black, ceramic, 10x10.

Also should i tile behind the pipes? see picture for more info

Not sure about the extractor without seeing a picture.

I'd not tile behind the pipes though, it will be a major pain in the arse to do so and then the pipes will still be seen.

You could make a removable box though-

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/boxing_in/index.htm

Agree with UHM, will look very ugly still for all your effort of tiling behind the pipes. On boilers we usually box in the pipework & build an access door with a magnet closer, silicone the hidden hinges side & closing side, wait to cure then slice with a scalpel, hard to see the cut once closed again. You can get silicone to match grout colours now.

External mitres are difficult unless you have a very good thin diamond blade, we use a 0.8mm diamond kerf blade.

Extractor fan - Do you mean from your last full row of tiles upto the bottom of the extractor? If so then diamond blade again, will cut thin slithers if needed.

thanks for your replies, will look to box it in.

The extractor fan, please see pic for more information, i think paul's suggestion maybe ok, alternatively i could leave it as it is?

Let me know

Also i decided to go for the trims for the corners.

I'd cut some & add, will give it a nice finished look once grouted up. You should be ok with the size, may get a couple of breaks but only 6 or 7 to do & will look much better

Thanks.

The opposite side i have done the attached. How should i finish? trims or thin breaks? There about 0.5" on each side and about 2.5" on the final row.

please advise.

What colour grout you using mrmuscle? If black then I would grout either edge if only half an inch. Gap maybe too big for a lighter coloured grout & would stand out. The top row should be easy enough to cut.

that was my next question, which grout? all work tops are black, cream walls - recommend - black/grey?

Personal tastes mrmuscle

Myself, I'd go with BAL flexi in Charcoal, any lighter will give you a checkboard/mesh type effect which I think always looks a little ugly, charcoal/black grout with black tiles looks classy

cheers paul.

classy was an understatment, it look amazing!!

Pics attached, havent quite finished, but have a look. (sorry about the pic quality)

Yep I agree it does look good, always satisfying after the grout has gone in, the finishing touch.

Just 1 thing to look out for, clean with only clean water first few times until the grout has completely cured, you may get some effervescence appearing in the form of a white surface coating on the grout, usually do with black grouts. Just keep cleaning with clean water & rinsing, then clean again.

Don't use any cleaning agents as they always have some kind of salt in the ingredients somewhere, whether its sodium this or that & it adds to the problem.

Good work though muscles

cheers, couldn't done without your help and advice.

No worries, your more than welcome, thats what we're here for.

Anything else just give us a shout