Major issue mid construction! HELP!

Ok, so apparently I bought a border tile that we CANT use because it doesn't sit flush on the wall.

It is the brown one in the pic below. I'm really really MAD at the tile place that they didn't tell me that the border tile wasn't flat backed because now I'm out the $250 that I spent on it. Don't worry--they'll be feeling my wrath soon. The tile has like a lip on it and you can see in the mosaic pic below, you can't tell that.



Basically I need to find a border tile IMMEDIATELY. Anyone have any suggestions? Here is the picture of the mosaic tile thats going on top.
The other pics have the ones the contractor left me but I don't really like them...I don't think they bring out the color in the mosaic, thats why I liked the brown. I also feel like its a little thin.

Help! (more pics)

Re: Major issue mid construction! HELP!

I don't understand why you can't use the brown? It is a border tile after all...

Call the tile place, tell them what your tile guy said and see what solutions they offer - maybe it's just a solution of cutting a lip into the border tile so it will sit flush on TOP of the wall tile, kwim? More labor intensive but maybe that would work?

Re: Major issue mid construction! HELP!

The picture of the mosaic you have there shows the same border tile.

I don't understand why you can't you use that?

someone who knows what they are doing wouldn't make it an issue. I would press them to use it.

Message edited 8/19/2010 10:19:46 AM.

Re: Major issue mid construction! HELP!

Basically the tile that goes under it--the biegeish limestone thats on the wall already, doesn't provide a thick enough lip for the tile to sit on...Do you think I should ask them to cut the lip off the tile all together so that it sits flush? WOn't that leave me with an unfinished edge on the border?

I'm so stressed about this!

Message edited 8/19/2010 12:24:38 PM.

Re: Major issue mid construction! HELP!

I see what you mean - can't they just use extra grout/thinset or something?

Message edited 8/19/2010 12:25:35 PM.

Re: Major issue mid construction! HELP!

I had a problem with my tile order as well.... but the installerer didnt care and just put it up :( its looks good but not how I wanted... where did you get your tile FM me

Re: Major issue mid construction! HELP!

OMG seriously?!?!?!? I have no suggestions but wanted to give you first and then offer my help to go with you to the tile store and raise some h3lll!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Major issue mid construction! HELP!

your tile guy COULD make that work. I think the problem is him at this point

Yes- it might not be exactly what you should have gotten, but it clearly is used in the pic you posted I believe in the store
if he needs tile behind it, he should cut tile inot thin strips and put it behind it

if its going to pertrude further out then the wall tile- that's ok, many times border tile does that

it might not be the piece of cake job he thought it was, but as an installer, he should already know this happens. many jobs don't go as planned and they have to make the best with what they have. even if that means more work and possibly having to charge a client more at the end for the extra labor
ETA- I just re-read what he told you. that is nuts! look at the picture you posted of it in the store. the tile is resting on a smaller tile then what you have. a boarder tile isn't always supported 100% by the tile below it. most times its not

Message edited 8/19/2010 8:33:59 PM.

Re: Major issue mid construction! HELP!

if the lip is the problem, use the lip pieces above the brown one

Re: Major issue mid construction! HELP!

Well the tile place took the border tiles back (which I realized today were $18 PER TILE ) and gave us back the money even though "they typically don't because it was special order"

We went to RAI in NHP and got a pencil marble piece to go in between and we also got the saddle and the base piece we need for the shower.

I can't wait for this to be over, but thank you all for your help!!!!!!!!!!!