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Tile Notched Trowel Buyer’s Guide
Notch trowels for tile are one of the tools that generate the most questions. I’m a professional tile installer that started setting tile in 1996. […]
Recent Posts
Buying vs. Renting Tile Tools: Which Makes Sense for Your Project?
Tile projects can range from a small bathroom backsplash to an entire house of flooring — and the tools required can get expensive fast. Homeowners and pros often face a key decision before cutting the first tile: Should I buy tile tools or rent … [Read More...]
How to Cut Holes and Other Openings in Tile: A Complete DIY Guide
Why You’ll Need to Cut Holes Whether you’re installing new bathroom tile or updating a backsplash, you’ll almost always need to cut holes for plumbing fixtures, such as: - Large holes for toilet flanges or drain pipes - Medium holes for faucet … [Read More...]
Tile Cutting Tools Explained: Wet Saws, Score-and-Snap Cutters, Nippers, and Angle Grinders
Cutting tile is one of the most intimidating parts of a tile project for many DIYers. The good news is that there are several tools available, each designed for specific types of cuts, tile materials, and skill levels. The key to clean, … [Read More...]
The Complete Guide to Tile Types and Where to Use Them
Choosing the right type of tile can make or break a renovation project. Each tile has its own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications. Whether you’re redoing a backsplash, tiling a bathroom floor, or updating an entryway, understanding how each … [Read More...]
Top Mistakes DIYers Make When Installing Tile (and How to Avoid Them)
Installing tile can transform a space, adding durability, texture, and visual appeal. But even small missteps during installation can lead to big, expensive problems down the road. Whether you’re working on a backsplash, bathroom floor, or shower … [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: 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...]
Trowels
1/2 x 1/2 inch Square Notch Trowel: The Worst Trowel for Large Format Tile?
The 1/2 x 1/2 inch square notch trowel is one of the most popular notch trowel sizes for large format tiles. The notches are big and deep with this trowel. That’s a good thing as you need more mortar for bigger tiles. So, what’s the problem with it? The 1/2-inch square notch trowel has a […]
Trowel Size Matters: Which trowel size do I use for …?
You want to know which notched tile trowel size to use for your tile project. The boxes of tile that you buy usually don’t tell you which size trowel to use with them. Consequently, I get asked about tile trowel sizes quite a bit. It seems as though it’s a big secret. This post will […]
Tile Notched Trowel Buyer’s Guide
Notch trowels for tile are one of the tools that generate the most questions. I’m a professional tile installer that started setting tile in 1996. These are the trowels that I and other tile installers use. We use different-sized trowels for different purposes. Down below, you’ll see what the trowels are used for and most […]
Mortar Coverage Basics: “What size Trowel…?” is the Wrong Question
You’re asking a very simple question: “What size trowel do I need for my tile project?” The reply should be very simple. However, the correct answer is “It depends.” The problem is that it’s not the right question to ask. Here’s what you should be asking: First, a refresher on why notch trowels for tile […]
Showers & Bathtubs
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 leak after just a few years, and 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 taken: performing […]
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 […]
How to Build a Shower Pan- 2 Methods
This post is going to cover how to build a shower pan for tile using two different methods. The first method is an “old-school” method that has been used for decades and the second is a newer system that is simpler, and some feel a better design. Whichever method is preferred the important thing is […]
Recessed Shampoo Niches
Building a Custom Shower Niche from Scratch…
This post covers: First, if you haven’t read my post on 10 things to consider before building this shampoo shower niche, please do so before moving forward. The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Custom Recessed Shower Niche Other niche building posts: Part 4: Building a Custom Shower Niche from Scratch Sometimes there’s no good […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 2024, 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
