You're installing subway tile, or perhaps 12x24 tiles, and you've put them on a center line and now have small cuts on each side. Further, because it's an offset pattern, there's nothing you can really do, right? Every other row is going to have the sliver cut and that's the way that it … [Read more...] about Quartering: A Little-Known Tile Layout Trick to Avoid Small Cuts
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Kitchen Backsplash Tile Layout
A kitchen splash is a great DIY tile project. But backsplash tile layouts can be a challenge. For example: What you are going to find out is that there aren't a lot of rigid, hard-and-fast rules. Instead, there are a lot of principles and guidelines but ultimately you will use your … [Read more...] about Kitchen Backsplash Tile Layout
Three Tips for Installing Hexagon Tile with Ease
Hexagon tiles are as popular as ever and they look great! But you should know a few things before undertaking a tile installation project that features these unique shapes. This post covers three aspects of installing hex tiles. These are: These three tips will get you started and applies to … [Read more...] about Three Tips for Installing Hexagon Tile with Ease
How Big Should Your Grout Lines Be? (A Comprehensive Guide)
How do you know what size a grout line should be? Are grout lines even necessary? When should you use 1/16-inch or 1/8-inch grout joints? Well, sometimes there is a reason or a 'rule' that you should adhere to. Whereas other times, it's up to your personal judgment. This post will explore … [Read more...] about How Big Should Your Grout Lines Be? (A Comprehensive Guide)
5 Must-Have Tools & Products for Glass Tile
To install glass tiles, you need to have special tools and use specific products that are designed especially for glass. This post covers 5 categories of tools and products that are specifically for cutting and installing glass tiles. Keep in mind that some categories have more than one option … [Read more...] about 5 Must-Have Tools & Products for Glass Tile
The 7 Pillars of Successful Glass Tile Installation
"What's so special about glass tile?" you may think to yourself. But there is a whole set of glass tile tools and techniques that are specific to itself. So, what are these special techniques? And what tips and tricks for installing glass tile do you need to know to be successful? This post … [Read more...] about The 7 Pillars of Successful Glass Tile Installation
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 … [Read more...] about The Little-Known Solution to Your Curbless Shower Problem
12×24 Tile Installation Guide (and other large format tiles)
12x24 tiles are an extremely popular large format tile size. However, working with them may be a little different than what you are used to. This post is going to cover some basics on: They aren't actually 12x24 inches For starters, we need to clear up a common misunderstanding. … [Read more...] about 12×24 Tile Installation Guide (and other large format tiles)
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 you've heard the horror stories on the internet from people that used tile glue. The tear-outs. The … [Read more...] about Premixed Tile Mastic: Where TO use it and What NOT to use it on
Do You Know the 5 Rules of Random Tile Patterns?
When someone tells you they want a wood-look random tile pattern they are telling you what they want the floor to "look" like. They want a "random look". What they don't want is a truly random manner of installation. To sum up: Random is a look; not a definition Wood-look tile vs real … [Read more...] about Do You Know the 5 Rules of Random Tile Patterns?
