How to prepare a curvy wall for tiling?

Question

Hello,

I’m looking to tile the kitchen backsplash, but unfortunately one of the studs behind the stovetop is not flush with the others - resulting in bending in the gyprock and a gap between the wall and benchtop. The biggest gap is at the cooktop and tapers off and becomes flush with the benchtop towards the window architrave.

Any ideas on how to best approach this? What materials do I need?

Thanks in advance!

Nailbag · Answer

Hi @bgab5236

In considering the options in squaring off the splashback wall, its important to factor in the regulatory distance from the splashback to your induction cooktop. This distance is typically 50mm but may vary between states. And I'm not 100% on if thats to the edge of the cooktop or to the nearest burner, but I'm leaning to the edge (re picture) as there is no actual exposed flame to be considered .

Nailbag

EricL · Answer

Hello @bgab5236

In the interest of health and safety, I suggest having your wall tested for asbestos before you make any cuts into the wall. If the test is positive, you'll need the services of an asbestos removal specialist. But if the results are negative, you can then continue with your renovation plans.

Here is some advice on where you might find asbestos in your home.

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency asbestossafety.gov.au has a range of resources to be asbestos safe, including how to find a licensed asbestos assessor and/or removalist in your state.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1 · Answer

Good Afternoon @bgab5236

- Depending on what your splashback is made up of you could step it off the wall at the deepest part with some timber trim spacers. You may need multiple pieces if its a flexible splashback.

- If you havnt fixed the unit/benchtop in place it may be worthwhile getting the wall more even.

- You could have an 8mm of mdf across the whole width with packing behind. Add a top ledge to it to cover the gap behind (you will have to make an bespoke piece is all to match the wave in the wall.

What was there before that hid the wave in the wall? Is it possible to match what they did?

Dave