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4 of the WORST Tiles for Kitchen Backsplashes (plus what TO choose)
When choosing a tile for a kitchen backsplash, many homeowners pick the wrong thing. I don’t think they do it on purpose (most of them, […]
Recent Posts
Herringbone Tile Pattern Basics: How to Get Started
Yes, tile herringbone patterns look great. But how do you get started with them? This post will cover these three things: First, I'm going to assume you are using modular tile. More on this towards the end of the post. A simple way to … [Read More...]
What the Heck is Bullnose Tile Trim & Why do I Need Them?
You need to trim the edge of your tiles and bullnose trim is the most common way of doing it. In fact, not having tile edge trim is a great way to make your tile look like an amateur did it. This post will discuss: Without further … [Read More...]
How to Calculate Square Feet for Tile | Easy Way to Measure
You're trying to calculate the cost of your upcoming bathroom renovation. But how do you know how much tile to buy for the floor? What about the kitchen backsplash? How do you even go about measuring this? This post will decode how to calculate … [Read More...]
How to: Measuring Your Shower for Tile
Tile showers and bathtub surrounds are some of the most commonly tiled areas of a home. But how do you measure your shower for tile to calculate how much you need? This post is going to show you exactly how I measure: If you are looking for … [Read More...]
Yes, you can tile over drywall under these 3 conditions
With so many specialized tile backer boards and underlayment out there, it's not crazy to wonder if it's OK to tile directly over drywall. I'm here to tell you it is OK. As long as you follow these three rules: If you can meet these three … [Read More...]
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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
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 […]
Silicone Caulk: How to Caulk a Bathtub or a Shower
Silicone Caulk: How to Caulk a Shower or Bathtub The problem: ‘Caulking’ with 100% silicone sealant can be quite frustrating. First of all, it can create a huge mess, be almost impossible to clean up, and make your shower look uglier than before you started. Latex, acrylic, and siliconized caulks aren’t the answer either as they […]
Waterproofing
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 […]
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 for doing so. What is a Curbless Shower? A curbless shower has no physical barrier to […]
Tile Backer Board Breakdown
Which Shower Tile Backer board is best? When it comes to installing a tile backer board you typically have the following choice: So which tile backer board should you use in your bathroom? I’m going to break them down by category and cover the finer points of each. We’ll start with Sheetrock/Greenboard Sheetrock in a […]
Recessed Shampoo Niches
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 […]
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 […]
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