Tile around outlets
#1
12-12-19, 04:59 PM
Tile around outlets
We had ceramic tile installed on our backsplash today. When I came home I see this is how they cut around the outlets and switches. Is this right? The outlets will not sit flush against the tile. Maybe they shouldn't and this is standard? Or did cut corners (or not literally)
Last edited by PJmax; 12-12-19 at 05:37 PM. Reason: imported/resized pictures
#2
12-12-19, 08:39 PM
Group Moderator
Boxes should have been moved out by you or an electrician to account for the tile thickness... not really the tile layers job. Legally he shouldn't even touch it unless he's licensed. And drywall screws are not the preferred screw... and they have bent the tabs out by tightening the screw too much, with no box behind to stop the screw. The solution is either a box extension or spacers behind the screws. (Round wall anchors cut to the right length work well) The outlets lay on the tile like that, but not with the tabs bent outward. Fix that and the cover will go on just fine.
I would think you would want to get new outlets, switches and covers anyway.
I would think you would want to get new outlets, switches and covers anyway.
#3
12-13-19, 02:34 AM
Member
That being said, what you have is very common when tile is installed and not really wrong.
You may find that the metal flanges of the switches may need to be bent some to lay flat but once you install the plates everything will line up.
Occasionally you will find a tile is proud causing a small gap on adjacent tiles, I've used caulk to fill those minor gaps to seal them up and make then look better!
You may find that the metal flanges of the switches may need to be bent some to lay flat but once you install the plates everything will line up.
Occasionally you will find a tile is proud causing a small gap on adjacent tiles, I've used caulk to fill those minor gaps to seal them up and make then look better!
#5
12-13-19, 11:46 AM
Member
Use new outlets, switches and wall plates as has been already suggested. Don't overtighten the screws when installing the outlets and switches. Those drywall screws most likely have already ruined the threads in the boxes.
mossman
voted this post useful.
#6
12-13-19, 11:48 AM
I would not worry about it as long as the switches and receptacle are secure.
Pretty well the norm when adding tile.
It is not like anything combustible in exposed.
The box with the switch does not look like it was installed correctly from day one so this may even be an improvement.
L
Pretty well the norm when adding tile.
It is not like anything combustible in exposed.
The box with the switch does not look like it was installed correctly from day one so this may even be an improvement.
L
