Silicone Caulk: How to Caulk a Shower or Bathtub The problem: If you've ever tried caulking with 100% silicone caulk you are well aware of how frustrating it can be. First of all, it can create a huge mess, be almost impossible to clean up, and can make your shower look uglier than before … [Read more...] about Silicone Caulk: How to Caulk a Bathtub or a Shower
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Building a Custom Shower Niche from Scratch
This post covers: Cement board, foam board, and HardibackerCutting into wall framing WaterproofingLOTS of photos! The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Custom Recessed Shower Niche Other niche building posts: Planning and Design Installing a prefab niche Modifying a prefab … [Read more...] about Building a Custom Shower Niche from Scratch
How to Modify your Recessed Foam Shower Niche
In this post we cover: Situations where you would consider modifications A technique to check if your foam niche is still waterproofMethod and tools to customize a foam shower nicheStaying out of trouble The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche Part 3: How to … [Read more...] about How to Modify your Recessed Foam Shower Niche
How to Build a Recessed Shampoo Shelf
In this post we discuss: How to cut an inset niche into the wallWhat tools to use to build the recessed shampoo shelfBlocking (framing) for a recessed nicheHow to make sure your niche is waterproofTile inside and around your shower insert The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed … [Read more...] about How to Build a Recessed Shampoo Shelf
How to Design a Preformed Foam Recessed Shower Niche
In this post we discuss: What types of prefab recessed shower niches are out thereWhich preformed shampoo niches are bestShower niche design ideasWhy you should plan for a shower insert before you install any tileHow to lay out a shower nicheAdding shelves to your recessed niches The … [Read more...] about How to Design a Preformed Foam Recessed Shower Niche
The trick for getting better thinset coverage under your tiles
I've worked with some fussy tile setters in the past. Everything has to be a particular way with them. The boxes of tile have to be opened a certain way, their spacers have to be positioned just so, and their tools have to be organized in a certain manner. Good thinset mortar coverage … [Read more...] about The trick for getting better thinset coverage under your tiles
The One Thing Every Tile Installation Needs: Movement Joints
If I were to ask “what is one thing that every tile installation needs?” I would get answers like TileMortarTrowelPatience Nobody would answer with “Movement Joints”. Nobody. Most people wouldn’t understand what they are. And installing them sounds like it would be technical and … [Read more...] about The One Thing Every Tile Installation Needs: Movement Joints
The Little Known Cause of your Loose Floor Tiles
Loose floor tiles can be very frustrating. Why is it happening? What's the cause? What went wrong? I have a textbook for contractors called the NTCA Reference manual. One of the features of this book is that it has tables and charts that list different tile problems. Then it gives a cause. … [Read more...] about The Little Known Cause of your Loose Floor Tiles
Miserable Pebble Tile Flooring
How can installing pebble tile flooring be a miserable endeavor? After all, when you use words like organic, zen, natural, and feng shui to describe the bathroom that you want aren't pebble tiles always in the scheme somewhere? Well, I have a huge pet peeve when it comes to pebble tiles. A … [Read more...] about Miserable Pebble Tile Flooring
Ceramic Subway Tile: 3 Pro Installation Secrets
Ceramic Subway Tile: 3 Pro Installation Secrets I have 3 tips to share for ceramic subway tile. The first is a lesser-known layout technique for subway tiles. The second is an installation detail and the third is a cutting method done tutorial style. Let's get right into it. Also, don't … [Read more...] about Ceramic Subway Tile: 3 Pro Installation Secrets
