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Simplify tile installation in doorways with this easy solution
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In the top photograph, a previous project in another home we remodeled, we worked only with 12” tiles, so we used a tile saw cut the larger tiles into smaller squares matching the depth of the threshold. We used a tile sander to soften any sharp edges resulting from the cut. What I liked about this method, is that very little tile was wasted, saving us money on the project and saving our landfills. A light-colored grout really makes the tiles pop and brighens the floor. The photograph was taken before the final cleanup was done.
Easy threshold fix. All photos Dallas Alice
When my home was built in 1996, I chose a nearly white 12” tile for the kitchen, but because of the cost, decided to go with the builder’s standard for carpet in the master bathroom, with sheet vinyl in the separate toilet area. While the carpet felt comfy underfoot, it was impractical to have carpet where it would be subjected to frequent moisture, soap and even toothpaste near the tub, the shower, and the sink.
Seeing the error of our ways after 10 years of splashes, the wear and tear became visibly annoying. It was time to put something new under foot, and this time we would be practical. We used 16” tile for the large master bath suite area which butted up to carpeting in the master bedroom and master closet doorways. We used a light, creamy beige colored tile for the largest area of the floor. We retiled the shower at the same time and used a contrasting shade of tan in the private toilet area as well as the shower. In the shower we added 2” tumbled marble tiles (pic 3) which contained both colors.
Shower bench w/tumbled marble tile
We had only one threshold to deal with, the one into the throne room. We had already dealt with a couple of complex cuts around the bathroom cabinets. We weren’t looking forward to doing more to fit around the door frames. Instead we used 4” tiles from the same manufacturer that carried the same style in 4”, 12” and 16” tiles. We placed the 4” tiles across the threshold from one side of the door frame to the other, allowing space for the grout line. To give the threshold a sense of balance, we placed one tile in the center, and cut one tile in half to place at each end by the door frame as shown in the photograph (pic 2). A light-colored grout (mushroom) blended well with all the tile used and gave the tilework a seamless appearance.
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