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Modified vs Unmodified Thinset: Deciphering which you need for Schluter Kerdi & Ditra
Are you wondering about modified vs unmodified thinset mortars? Perhaps, you are thinking of installing a Ditra-Heat floor or a Schluter Kerdi Shower System? The […]
Recent Posts
What the Heck is Bullnose Tile Trim & Why do I Need Them?
You need to trim the edge of your tiles and bullnose trim is the most common way of doing it. In fact, not having tile edge trim is a great way to make your tile look like an amateur did it. This post will discuss: Without further … [Read More...]
How to Calculate Square Feet for Tile | Easy Way to Measure
You're trying to calculate the cost of your upcoming bathroom renovation. But how do you know how much tile to buy for the floor? What about the kitchen backsplash? How do you even go about measuring this? This post will decode how to calculate … [Read More...]
How to: Measuring Your Shower for Tile
Tile showers and bathtub surrounds are some of the most commonly tiled areas of a home. But how do you measure your shower for tile to calculate how much you need? This post is going to show you exactly how I measure: If you are looking for … [Read More...]
Yes, you can tile over drywall under these 3 conditions
With so many specialized tile backer boards and underlayment out there, it's not crazy to wonder if it's OK to tile directly over drywall. I'm here to tell you it is OK. As long as you follow these three rules: If you can meet these three … [Read More...]
4 Best Bonding Flange Drains for Looks and Performance
Drains have come a long way. It used to be that Ebbe was the only one that paid even a little attention to them. Nowadays, there's almost no excuse to have an ugly-looking drain cover. This post covers 4 options for the bonding flange shower … [Read More...]
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Thinset
Tile Thinset Mortar: How to Buy the Best Adhesive for YOU!
It's difficult enough just selecting your tile let alone a tile mortar. Now you walk into the thinset aisle at the home improvement store and there are eight different choices of thinset … [Read More...]
Modified vs Unmodified Thinset: Deciphering which you need for Schluter Kerdi & Ditra
Are you wondering about modified vs unmodified thinset mortars? Perhaps, you are thinking of installing a Ditra-Heat floor or a Schluter Kerdi Shower System? The internet is full of information … [Read More...]
How to Mix Thinset Mortar
Mixing thinset. It must be a big secret. Otherwise, why can't you get a straight answer? Perhaps you've heard these: Yes, I've heard every one of those before and it's frustrating. I know … [Read More...]
How to Mix Small Batches of Thinset Mortar
At last, mixing small batches of thinset doesn't have to be a secret! Finally, you too can know the exact amount of water and thinset powder to add together to get the perfect thinset consistency. … [Read More...]
Premixed Tile Mastic: Where TO use it and What NOT to use it on
You know how tempting it is to grab that bucket of premixed tile mastic off of the shelf for your tile project. It's premixed, already the proper consistency, and it's really easy to use. But … [Read More...]
Tips & Tricks
Silicone Caulk: How to Caulk a Bathtub or a Shower
Silicone Caulk: How to Caulk a Shower or Bathtub The problem: ‘Caulking’ with 100% silicone sealant can be quite frustrating. First of all, it can create a huge mess, be almost impossible to clean up, and make your shower look uglier than before you started. Latex, acrylic, and siliconized caulks aren’t the answer either as they […]
Don’t let your tile accent strip look like this
Getting your mosaic and glass tile accent strips to be flush and flat with the surrounding tile can be difficult unless you know a trick for it. Here’s a technique for building up the thinner decorative tile so that it’s even with the thicker tile without creating a huge mess of thinset oozing out of […]
How to Cut Glass Tile- 7 Tips Revealed- video
You want to install glass tile but you know that cutting it can be a challenge. Yes, more of a challenge than cutting regular old ceramic tile. Additionally, the average DIY’er may not have the right equipment and may not know the tricks for how to cut glass tile. But, alas, I’ve assembled some pointers […]
Waterproofing
Sealing the tub flange for tile: 3 methods
That pesky tub flange. You have the tile backer board installed and everything is waterproofed. Everything except that gap between the backer board and the tub flange. How do you waterproof that? How to waterproof the tub flange? To begin with, you can try reading the instructions for the backer board… which then will reveal… […]
Mesh Tape: Don’t skip this step
There are some aspects of tile installation that seem small or insignificant but they aren’t. They really have a big impact. The way you treat your backer board seams is one of them. Doing them improperly can lead to big problems down the road. But these problems can be avoided by this one simple […]
Is Hardibacker and Durock cement board waterproof?
Reader question: Hi there. I recently finished grouting my tile surround in my shower. I posted photos on Facebook and somebody questioned whether I had waterproofed the Hardiebacker 500 board. Much to my dismay, I had never even heard of this… Anyway, I went to the James Hardie website and see nothing about waterproofing being […]
Recessed Shampoo Niches
How to Build a Recessed Shampoo Shelf…
In this post we discuss: Don’t forget, it’s not too late to add that fancy shower corner shelf! The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche Before you start demolition and reconstructing, make sure to read my post on 10 things to consider with your shampoo shower niche (and 2 things not to […]
How to Design a Preformed Foam Recessed Shower Niche…
In this post we discuss: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche This is a string of 4 posts that talk about how to build different types of shower niches in a step-by-step fashion. However, you’ll want to read my post on 10 things to consider with your shampoo shower niche before […]
How to Modify your Recessed Foam Shower Niche…
In this post we cover: Keep in mind, you can always add some snazzy corner shelves instead of one of these niches. No? Well, read on! The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche Make sure to read my post on 10 things to consider before installing your recessed shampoo shower niche (and […]
Top Shared Posts
Building a Custom Shower Niche from Scratch
This post covers: Cement board, foam board, and Hardibacker Cutting into wall framing Waterproofing LOTS of photos! First, if you haven't read my post on 10 things to consider before
Subway Tile Installation: Three Basic Tips
Subway Tile Installation: Three Basic Tips Subway tile- what's not to like? It's classic and timeless. Even in 2023, subway tile is a staple in tile design trends. I usually
Installing a Recessed Shampoo Niche in an Exterior Wall of a Shower.
Here's the dilemma. The customer wants a recessed shampoo niche. But once the walls were opened up there is no good place to put one. There are either wires and
5 signs your new tile shower will leak
You've hired someone to build your tile shower in your bathroom, but how do you know he or she's doing it correctly? How do you know that you won't have