Tile up to the worktop?

[Laurel]

Hi

I'm about to start tiling my kitchen walls with a rough stone 'tile'. I've seen a sample with a gap between tiles of about 10mm, and I am doing the same.

I'm not sure about tiling up to the worktop. I asume that I don't tile right up to the worktop, but rather leave room for a line of grout (for the sake of waterproofing).

Am I right about this?

Thanks.

 

[Jasonb]

I usually butt the bottom row of tiles right onto the WT, then seal with clear silicon after grouting.

Make sure you use a "wide joint" grout to avoid cracks as the grout dries out.

Jason

 

[nstreet]

I normally leave a 2-3mmm gap and use a bead if white silicon, only works with white grout of course.

 

[Laurel]

Thanks for both suggestions.

Jasonb - I have the correct grout for the job.

I'm using a limestone coloured grout, and would rather not have any visible silicon - The tiles are cut stone and I'm not sure I would be able to run a nice clean, even bead.

I was thinking - the tiles are about 3 times the thickness of a usual tile. Would it be possible to leave a 2-3mm gap between worktop and tile, run a bead of silicon at the back of the gap, then grout over it? Is this even necessary? Will the grout by itself be sufficient?

 

[Jasonb]

You will get some movement in the units/worktop so the grout joint may crack over time, also any spills of wine, tea etc may stain the grout.

Jason

 

[Laurel]

OK, point taken - Silicone it is