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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
You Want a Curbless Shower? Here are 3 Ways to Recess a Wood Subfloor
Curbless showers look great, but how much work is required to have one? Does one just cut the floor joists to make that happen? How do you recess a subfloor for a curbless shower? This post answers these questions and more. The Floor in … [Read More...]
3 Types of Wedi Shower Systems: Fundo Primo, Ligno, Riolito
Are you interested in learning about the Wedi Shower System but find their funny names confusing? Wedi has multiple options available, so this post explains which one is which and the differences between them. Read on to learn how this system … [Read More...]
This is the Reason your Marble Floor Will Be Higher than Adjacent Flooring
Perhaps you have a newly built or recently remodeled home with a beautiful natural stone floor. Suddenly, you start seeing some cracks in the marble flooring. How can this happen? What could be the cause? The installers may not have added the … [Read More...]
5 Ways to Handle Uneven Floor Transitions
This post will cover 5 different tile transition strips for uneven floors. Technically, one of them isn't a strip, but we'll get to that. The reason you are here is that you have: But first, have you considered... Making Your Uneven … [Read More...]
Tile Edges Chipping When You Cut? Here are 5 Reasons Why.
Are you struggling with chipped tile edges when you're cutting tiles? It's not uncommon. What's the cause? Are you doing something wrong? Perhaps it's the equipment? Here are 5 possible reasons for chipped tile cuts and what you can do to … [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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Showers & Bathtubs
Mesh Tape: Don’t Skip This Step!
I know, thin mesh tape banding doesn’t seem like it’s going to do anything at all. However, this is a step that may seem trivial but has a significant impact. Let’s get into the details. Alkali-Resistant Mesh Tape For tile backer boards such as Durock, Hardiebacker, and Permabase, the seams between the board need to […]
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 […]
Tile Backer Board Breakdown
It’s time to redo your old, musty shower. So, you head down to the local box store only to find several different tile backer board options for covering the walls. The following thoughts are going through your head: I’m going to break down each choice by category and cover the finer points of each. Navigation […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
