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 would leave a big … [Read more...] about Installing a Recessed Shampoo Niche in an Exterior Wall of a Shower.
What kind of grout do I need? Stain Proof edition
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 grouts so they don't fade over time, they don't need to be sealed, they are color … [Read more...] about What kind of grout do I need? Stain Proof edition
Tile Grout: What Kind do I Need for my Project?
Why do things have to be complicated? You pick out a grout color and now you're faced with another decision: sanded or nonsanded? Which kind of tile grout is right for your project? First, we're going to break down the tile grouts into two categories cement and non-cement. This post will … [Read more...] about Tile Grout: What Kind do I Need for my Project?
Bathroom Floor Tile Layout in 5 Easy Steps
It seems like a simple project- a small bathroom floor. You've picked out your tile at the local box store along with a few supplies and you're ready to go. The problem is: Where do you start? This post assumes that your existing floor is removed and your tile underlayment is installed. … [Read more...] about Bathroom Floor Tile Layout in 5 Easy Steps
Why a centered tile layout is a bad idea
Typical tile layout advice is: You'll find this type of information on many DIY sites that also have tips for cleaning out your gutters, staining your outside deck, and painting your ceiling. But let's put this advice into practice in the example below: This post deals with tile layout as a … [Read more...] about Why a centered tile layout is a bad idea
MK-EZ Profiler- Tool Review
I was anxious when I first was trying out my new MK-EZ Profiler machine. Nobody had one yet (mine is number 38) and it's a lot of money to throw away if it doesn't work very well. After the first day of bullnosing my 3/8 inch through-body porcelain tile, I was ready to throw the machine in the … [Read more...] about MK-EZ Profiler- Tool Review
Don’t buy tile from a big box store until you read this
I know it seems like a pretty simple thing. You want to tile a bathroom floor so you go down to your local big-box store and pick up what you need. What could go wrong? Well, sometimes more than you think. Below are 5 tips for purchasing tile from Home Depot, Lowes, Costco, Floor & … [Read more...] about Don’t buy tile from a big box store until you read this
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
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
Update: Schluter has launched Ditra 2.0. More details are below. You're curious about installing Schluter Ditra underlayment. Why not? It's quite a popular product on DIY television. Further, you can identify it instantly with its bright orange, waffled appearance. You may have even wondered … [Read more...] about Why Schluter Ditra is so cool: Uncoupling membranes explained
