Update: Noble has since discontinued this product and another one designed specifically for walls. There is a new product called ValueSeal that has taken the place of both products. It's a crack-isolation membrane that can be used on walls for waterproofing also. You've probably heard of … [Read more...] about Noble EZ: The Un-uncoupling Membrane?
Ebbe Drains: Finally, someone thought about the drain cover
You've picked out your fixtures, your tile, and even the grout color. You probably didn't even think of the shower drain. Why put an ugly drain in your brand new tile shower pan if you don't have to? You have a better option. The option is called an Ebbe drain. Please note: This is not a … [Read more...] about Ebbe Drains: Finally, someone thought about the drain cover
How to hire a contractor for the neurotic perfectionist
Does "anal-retentive" have a hyphen? ~Alison Bechdel Recently, on the John Bridge tile forum, someone wrote a post titled "After enough time, do all pros become this sloppy?" in which they describe their (not-so-great) experience with a tile contractor that they had hired. Among their … [Read more...] about How to hire a contractor for the neurotic perfectionist
Wood plank tile floors: What you need to know
Wood-like planks and other large format tile Be sure to take a look at my newer post: More tips for installing wood look tile flooring that talks about patterns, grout joint size, and has additional installation tips. There are some frustrating things about porcelain … [Read more...] about Wood plank tile floors: What you need to know
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 … [Read more...] about Kerdi no longer acceptable for tile steam showers
Why Schluter Ditra is so cool: Uncoupling membranes explained
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?" In my quest to keep up on tile installation products I took one of Schluter's training courses some … [Read more...] about Why Schluter Ditra is so cool: Uncoupling membranes explained
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 … [Read more...] about Don’t let your tile accent strip look like this
6 Things NOT To Do When Building a Tile Shower
Drywall and other bad ways to build a shower Sometimes it's nice to know what not to do when remodeling a tile shower in your bathroom. Alternatively, it's nice to be able to monitor the progress on your own remodel and see if the tradespeople are doing things correctly. This post covers 6 … [Read more...] about 6 Things NOT To Do When Building a Tile Shower
Tile Layout and the Golden Ratio
The golden ratio is a mathematical equation found everywhere. From snail shells to hurricanes; from pyramids to stock market charts. We don't need to know every detail to use the golden ratio in tile applications, nor do we have to be a math wiz to know how it works. We just need to know the … [Read more...] about Tile Layout and the Golden Ratio
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 an upstairs shower leaking into your downstairs kitchen? Most homeowners don't know all the ins and outs of remodeling their bathrooms. Sadly, … [Read more...] about 5 signs your new tile shower will leak
