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12×24 Tile Installation Guide (and other large format tiles)
12×24 tiles are an extremely popular large format tile size. However, working with them may be a little different than what you are used to. […]
Recent Posts
The 7 Pillars of Successful Glass Tile Installation
"What's so special about glass tile?" you may think to yourself. But glass tile has a whole set of tools and techniques that are specific to itself. So, what are these special techniques? And what tips and tricks for installing glass tile do you … [Read More...]
The Little-Known Solution to Your Curbless Shower Problem
Years ago, a customer voiced a concern about the curbless shower I built for them and the issue was perplexing. However, the solution ended up being something that I had never heard of and is still mostly secret today. First, let me tell you … [Read More...]
Curbless Showers: 6 Pitfalls you want to Avoid!
Curbless showers are extremely popular these days and it's not just for accessibility reasons. But a shower with no curb has some unique design considerations that a normal walk-in shower does not. This post covers six different pitfalls that you … [Read More...]
How to Build a Curbless Shower: The Only Proper Method
Curbless Showers have exploded in popularity. But did you know that there is only one industry-accepted method for constructing a shower with no curb? This post will explain how to build a curbless shower using the only industry-accepted method … [Read More...]
Kerdi Drain vs Clamping Ring Drain: What’s the Difference?
Are you confused about why you need to spend $100 on a Kerdi drain when a clamping ring drain is $8? Perhaps your plumber installed the wrong drain and now you want to use the Schluter Kerdi Shower System? This post is going to tell … [Read More...]
Popular Posts
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: "Mix it until it's like peanut butter""thinset consistency should be … [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: If you’ve ever tried caulking with 100% silicone caulk you are well aware of how frustrating it can be. First of all, it can create a huge mess, be almost impossible to clean up, and can make your shower look uglier than before you started. […]
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 […]
The Little-Known Solution to Your Curbless Shower Problem
Years ago, a customer voiced a concern about the curbless shower I built for them and the issue was perplexing. However, the solution ended up being something that I had never heard of and is still mostly secret today. First, let me tell you what the problem was. The Curbless Shower Problem I went out […]
Waterproofing
Flood testing a shower pan: Why it’s done and how to do it
Flood testing a shower pan. I get several calls per year about showers that are leaking. Some of these showers are leaking after just a few years. Some, just a few weeks after they’ve been built. I estimate that those calls could probably be cut in half if this one simple step were done. Doing […]
Shower Waterproofing Crash Course
4 Shower Waterproofing systems for tile showers Waterproofing a shower. This seems like common sense, doesn’t it? Well, a lot of showers that are built these days still have no shower waterproofing whatsoever. Or they have poor or improper waterproofing. What! No Waterproofing!? How can this be? Well, I think there are multiple parties to […]
Kerdi no longer acceptable for tile steam showers
In 2013, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), the organization that sets the guidelines for tile installations, is rumored to have made a modification to their specifications for constructing tile steam showers. It’s all about perm ratings- and Schluter Kerdi fabric no longer cuts it. (edit: this is now in place and no longer […]
Recessed Shampoo Niches
How to Design a Preformed Foam Recessed Shower Niche…
In this post we discuss: What types of prefab recessed shower niches are out there Which preformed shampoo niches are best Shower niche design ideas Why you should plan for a shower insert before you install any tile How to lay out a shower niche Adding shelves to your recessed niches The Ultimate Guide to […]
How to Modify your Recessed Foam Shower Niche…
In this post we cover: Situations where you would consider modifications A technique to check if your foam niche is still waterproof Method and tools to customize a foam shower niche Staying out of trouble The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche Part 3: How to Modify your Recessed Foam Shower Niche […]
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’s no good place to put one. There are either wires and pipes in the way or the stud bay is too narrow. The only good place to install one would be on an exterior wall which would […]
Top Shared Posts
Building a Custom Shower Niche from Scratch
This post covers: Cement board, foam board, and HardibackerCutting into wall framing WaterproofingLOTS of photos! The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Custom Recessed Shower Niche Other niche building posts: Planning
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 2022, 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's no good place to put one. There are either wires and pipes
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
