DIY Network

Custom Tile Headboard with Columns: Creating the Columns From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-307

	Before the Weekend Remodeling project, this bedroom needed a focal point.
	After: the bedroom boasts more than just a bed. It now has a work of art that was created in only two days!

With the drywall built-out and initial prep work done, host Fuad Reveiz demonstrates the creation of the tile column -- from base to capital.

On a difficulty scale of 1-5, this project ranks 4.
Estimated time of completion: 16 hours over 2 days (if materials bought in advance).

Materials:

Several types of tile (smaller pieces for base and capitals; porcelain stone chair rail pieces; metal tiles for accents)
Mastic
Tile spacers
Caulk
Tile grout (both non-sanded latex-modified grout and sanded grout)
Drop cloth
2 x 4
1/2" drywall
Screws
Notched trowel
Wet saw
Circular saw
Sponge and bucket
Soft rubber float
Tape measure and pencil
Level
Reciprocating saw
Utility knife
Speed square
Rubber gloves
A drill and bits

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	Figure A
	A closer look at the completed column base.
	Figure B
	Figure C
	The finished column capital.

1. Remove scrap drywall used to position face tiles and the side bullnose tiles.

2. Build out the base with an additional layer of drywall. Attach a large piece of drywall to the front of the base, then use a utility knife to notch smaller pieces for the baseboard and attach pieces to the sides.

3. After measuring the width of the base and determining the center (here, 4-3/4"), cut tiles to fit evenly across the front (here, 6" x 6" tiles are used). Next, double-check the measurement across the top of the drywall block. This will give the measurement for the miter cuts on metal accent tile and chair rail that will be stacked atop the two 6" tiles.

4. Use a wet saw to cut all of the pieces, then begin setting the tiles from the bottom up. Add mastic to the backs of the 6" x 6" tiles and set into position (figure A). Add the metal accent piece, then the chair rail. Measure for each side piece and cut on wet saw. Butter the backs with mastic, then position -- making sure that the mitered corners are aligned.

5. Since the capitals are the focal points of the columns, the areas should be more pronounced than the bases. Build up all three sides with 1/2" drywall, then add some additional 1-1/2" strips along the top.

6. Take all three measurements along the face of the capital and cut pieces using the wet saw. Make miter cuts on the quarter round and check angles for proper fit.

7. Cut 2 metal liners for the face. (In this example, the medallion is cut away and the plain section is used. This will keep the medallions from being centered over one another when the tile is set.) Straight cut one end, the cut the other ends at a 45-degree miter. For the next layer, center the medallion and cut miters on both ends of a single piece.

8. Cut the chair rail pieces, then, for the very top, cut the bull nose tile and miter the ends.

9. Add mastic to the pieces and begin setting, working from bottom to top. The top piece will rest atop the strip of drywall.

10. Set the chair rail on the built-up section of drywall (figure B), then set the face of the capital.

11. Measure for side pieces that will return toward the wall. Cut and set tile on both sides of the capital. Finally, install cap created from bull nose tile (figure C).

Next: Setting the column arches and building the custom headboard!