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Self-Leveling Underlayment: The most comprehensive guide on the internet
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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 […]
Tips & Tricks
The trick for getting better thinset coverage under your tiles
The trick for getting better thinset coverage under your tiles I’ve worked with some fussy tile setters in the past. Everything has to be a particular way with them. The boxes of tile have to be opened a certain way, their spacers have to be positioned just so, and their tools have to be organized […]
How to Modify your Recessed Foam Shower Niche
The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche Part 3: 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 […]
Building a Custom Shower Niche from Scratch
The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Custom Recessed Shower Niche Part 4: Building a Custom Shower Niche from Scratch This post covers: Cement board, foam board, and Hardibacker Cutting into wall framing Waterproofing LOTS of photos! Sometimes there’s no good way around it. Building your own custom recessed shower niche from scratch can be […]
Waterproofing
No Waterproofing: Will this cause shower leaks?
Shower leaks. The last thing anyone wants when they build a new shower. And yet I hear the following questions quite often: Is cement board waterproof? The tile and grout will keep the most of the water out, right? My contractor didn’t put any waterproofing in our shower. Will this cause shower leaks? We didn’t […]
Why Schluter Ditra is so cool: Uncoupling membranes explained
How tile uncoupling membranes work You’ve probably seen uncoupling membranes before. It’s not unusual to see these orange waffle-y products on some DIY television shows. You may have even wondered “Do those things really work?” This post contains affiliate links. The site owner may earn a commission should you click on an affiliate link and […]
6 Things NOT To Do When Building a Tile Shower
6 Bad Remodeling Ideas for Tile Shower Construction Sheetrock in a shower and other bad ideas Sometimes it’s nice to know what-not-to-do when remodeling a tile shower in your bathroom. Here’s a list of just a few of those things: This post contains affiliate links. The site owner may earn a commission should you click […]
Tutorial
How to Modify your Recessed Foam Shower Niche
The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche Part 3: 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 […]
DIY Wet Saw Tent
DIY Wet Saw Tent A wet saw is a nice thing to have when you are installing tile. But one of the problems is the water getting all over. Especially if you have it set up in a house or a sensitive area. Also, if you are installing tile in the winter and you live […]
Installing Electric Floor Heat: How to Not Void Your Warranty
Installing Electric Floor Heat: The First Step “How do you know it works?” I’ve been asked this by more than one homeowner when installing their electric floor heat system. It’s a good question. This post contains affiliate links. The site owner may earn a commission should you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase. Read […]
Tile Installation Products
Thinset Decoded: A buyers guide to purchasing the right tile adhesive
Thinset Decoded Part 1: Understanding the Differences The thinset aisle at your local big box store can be confusing and you may feel like you don’t know where to start. Do you ever wonder why one thinset costs $9 and another is priced at $35? What is the difference between modified and unmodified? Which one […]
How to Install GoBoard Tile Backer Board | Video
Video Intro What is GoBoard Tile Backer Board? Why use GoBoard? How to Install GoBoard Tile Backer Board Tools needed Installation Cutting GoBoard Backer Board Fastening Applying the Sealant Cleanup GoBoard Alternate Sealant List How to Install GoBoard Tile Backer Board It’s time to work on DIY’ing your tile shower and you’re not looking forward […]
What kind of grout do I need? Stain Proof edition
Stain Proof grouts like epoxy and urethane I know what you are thinking: Stain proof grout has over-promise and under-deliver written all over it. But these grouts are the best performing grouts when it comes to absorbency. They’re not cementitious so they don’t fade over time, they don’t need to be sealed, they are color […]
