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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
Anti-Fracture vs Crack Isolation vs Uncoupling Membrane: What’s the difference?
You don't want your tile to crack so you're going to put some sort of crack suppressant under your tile. Yet, as you research, you realize all of these products seem to do the same thing. What gives? Why three different names for the same … [Read More...]
7 Compelling Reasons the Noble Freestyle Linear Drain is the Best Drain for Your Shower And 3 Reasons it Isn’t
When it comes to shopping for linear drains, the Noble Freestyle Linear Drain is a stellar choice. I've been installing tile full-time for nearly 30 years and this is my go-to linear drain. It's not perfect but it's very well-engineered. This post … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [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...]
Tips & Tricks
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 […]
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 […]
Waterproofing
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Recessed Shampoo Niches
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 […]
Shampoo Shower Niches: 10 Do’s and 2 Don’ts to Consider…
For most people, a recessed shampoo shower niche is an afterthought. And it shows. This list of Do’s and Don’ts covers the most common sins that I see. Hopefully, you’ll read this before you begin constructing your shower. DO: Show Off your Shampoo Shelves Recessed shower niches can be the one thing that draws your […]
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
