How best to connect counter to tile wall without a trim backsplash or without using grout.

Submitted by hippopotamus82 t3_10op4b8 in DIY

I'm looking for some advice for the end stages of a bathroom repair/renovation, and in particular how best to deal with where the counter of two separate vanities meet the wall. In the picture, we are reusing the old green counter, which is stone or perhaps concrete, but the blue wall is new.

The issue is that the vanities that the counter sits on and that we are re-using are not super stable, and while there's no noticeable movement during normal usage, there is some minor movement when vigorously scrubbing the counters.

Previously, the counter was grouted directly to the tile wall, which probably acted like a cement to stabilize everything. I'm not sure if we're going to keep the vanities and counters long term -- decision fatigue is really bad right now for all of the other things that had to be repaired. I'd like to caulk between the counter and wall to prevent water getting back there, but I feel like regular caulk would just split with the subtle movements. I'd prefer something that isn't permanent like grout, nor do I have matching counter to create a trim backsplash. So I have a few questions.

  1. Would something like this work to be a temporary/semi-permanent solution? The linked product seems to have more holding power than standard grout, and my hope is that if we want to switch out the counter and/or vanity at a later date, then we can remove it without damaging the tile wall, which I feel like grout has that risk.

  2. If we do indeed want to make this counter/vanity permanent, is grout the correct way to connect the counter to the tile wall in the absence of a trim backsplash?

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Comments

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dizzysn t1_j6g2dw8 wrote

Sounds like your cabinet is rocking. Secure the cabinet and then put a bead of caulk down.

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RunTheBull13 t1_j6g2owi wrote

Anchor cabinet to wall(i did one or 2 screws underneath sink), even out legs, and caulk up top and it won't split

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hippopotamus82 OP t1_j6g67h6 wrote

Any tips on how to anchor? It’s all tile behind the cabinet.

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RunTheBull13 t1_j6g9ysx wrote

Find the stud from above the tile and try to trace it down. Is there part of the tile that's not visible underneath the cabinet you can use a diamond tipped drill bit to put a hole through? Then just use a wood screw.

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Tvo8969 t1_j6gdzqn wrote

After everything. Countertop to tile. Clear or translucent depending on the look you are going for silicone

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bobadobbin t1_j6hu0ba wrote

Secure the vanity to the wall, then caulk the joint with Mapesil-T silicone that is as closely matched to the color you want. For a super neat and clean caulk joint, tape off both the wall and the counter, masking off just the area that you want the caulk to go. Caulk the joint and wipe off all excess caulk leaving the edge of the tape near the joint with little or no caulk covering it. Then pull the tape off, revealing a nice cut line. Lastly, use super-soapy water and a finger to smooth out the joint. You have to do this quickly with no time to waste once caulk is applied, or it will be a disaster.

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ezbake_fpv t1_j6iw30m wrote

>"You have to do this quickly with no time to waste once caulk is applied, or it will be a disaster." I feel should have been in big, capital, red letters... lol
>
>You are absolutely correct. Use tape, and quickly remove excess with a soapy wet finger. keep paper towels close by to wipe your fingers on.You can't let the silicone skin-up, maybe 5 minutes, before you remove the excess. These can be very hard learned, and sometimes re-learned lessons. Another tip with silicone, if it's cold, pre-warm your tubes in warm water for 15 minutes.

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openminded74 t1_j6igi17 wrote

If your cabinet is secure and the top is what is moving some when cleaning I would suggest using silicone under the countertop ontop of the cabinet. There are generally corner braces on the cabinet where you can put the silicone thick enough and then let it dry well. After that you can caulk the joint with whatever caulk you like for the look. This is the method I used as a plumber installing bathroom cabinets with non wood tops. Good luck

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ezbake_fpv t1_j6itm7a wrote

I am surprised this hasn't been said yet, but you need to stabilize and secure your cabinets first. Do it however you like, screws, nails, construction adhesive, whatever, but that has to be secure before anything else. you should be able to stand on it without it moving at all! And the tops of the cabinets must all be absolutely level in both directions on the horizontal. Use shims to solidify the base anywhere that there is a mismatch with the floor. If you use adhesive to secure it to the wall, give it a few days to set properly before moving forward. Once you have a solid base, getting the top to stay in place should be a piece of cake. 100% silicone on top the cabinets, wherever you can, stick it down and leave it alone for 24 hours.

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