Tile Trends for 2022 and 2023 are continuing to evolve. Personally, I find it fascinating that something- a consciousness?- can invisibly move through society and influence people's thinking. As it turns out, the pandemic of 2020-21 had a big effect on many of us. This led to us staying … [Read more...] about 2022 Tile Trends and Design Ideas
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. This means: Rather, this post explains how to mix the right amounts of the proper … [Read more...] about How to Mix Small Batches of Thinset Mortar
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: "Mix it until it's like peanut butter""thinset consistency should be yogurt-y""Thinset should stay on your trowel when you turn it""Add powder until you make a volcano" Yes, … [Read more...] about How to Mix Thinset Mortar
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 and even misinformation on this very subject. In fact, this debate has stoked many of the … [Read more...] about Modified vs Unmodified Thinset: Deciphering which you need for Schluter Kerdi & Ditra
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 mortar. Suddenly, questions start furiously bouncing into your head: Finally, your answers are here! … [Read more...] about Tile Thinset Mortar: How to Buy the Best Adhesive for YOU!
How bad of an idea is a marble shower?
The appeal of a marble shower is quite understandable. Marble is beautiful and timeless. So, why would anyone frown on putting natural stone in your home? As a contractor, I get asked about putting marble and other natural stones in bathrooms quite often. In fact, it's quite common for a … [Read more...] about How bad of an idea is a marble shower?
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. Finding the instructions on the notched trowels or the bags of … [Read more...] about Trowel Size Matters: Which trowel size do I use for …?
Self-Leveling Underlayment: The Ultimate Guide
Self-leveling underlayment. It sounds soooooo easy, doesn't it? You simply pour the leveling cement over the floor and the product then just levels itself all on its own. Sort of like...magic, right? Self-leveling underlayment is not what it seems Self-leveling underlayment is, quite … [Read more...] about Self-Leveling Underlayment: The Ultimate Guide
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 are leaking after just a few years. 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 done. … [Read more...] about Flood testing a shower pan: Why it’s done and how to do it
Delta Cruzer 7-inch Tile Saw vs Dewalt D24000 | Tool Review
Recently, I purchased the Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw (96-107). Having been a Dewalt D24000 owner for the last several years, I find it natural to compare the new Delta with the Dewalt. "But, is that really fair? A 7-inch saw vs a 10-inch? Why not compare apples-to-apples?" On the surface, … [Read more...] about Delta Cruzer 7-inch Tile Saw vs Dewalt D24000 | Tool Review