There are a lot of ways to screw up tile installation. You can have not enough mortar underneath the tile and it won’t stick. You can have too much and it comes up through the grout joints and makes a big mess! The tiles usually don’t tell you which trowel to use. So what’s the […]
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Thinset Decoded: Which Thinset to use | Infographic
Thinset Decoded Part 2: Which is the Best Thinset to use for… There are too many thinsets. How are you keep supposed to keep track of them all? Besides, all you really need to know is which is the best thinset to use for your project without screwing it up. A quick look at Lowes.com […]
What kind of grout do I need? Stain Proof edition
Stain Proof grouts like epoxy and urethane 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 so they don’t fade over time, they don’t need to be sealed, they are color […]
Tile Grout: What Kind do I Need for my Project?
Tile Grout- so many choices… 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? This post will cover what the different types of grout are and where they can be used. […]
Thinset Decoded: A buyers guide to purchasing the right tile adhesive
Thinset Decoded Part 1: Understanding the Differences The thinset aisle at your local big box store can be confusing and you may feel like you don’t know where to start. Do you ever wonder why one thinset costs $9 and another is priced at $35? What is the difference between modified and unmodified? Which one […]
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 […]
Noble EZ: The Un-uncoupling Membrane?
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 Ditra. Maybe you’ve heard of Stratamat or SpiderWeb. If […]
Ebbe Drains: The shower option that you never knew you had
Usually when one is designing a shower or remodeling their bathroom they put a lot of thought into the tile, paint, and faucet selections but the boring shower drain is selected based on whatever the plumber has in their truck. Why put an ugly drain in your brand new tile shower pan if you […]
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 wood planks that your tile contractor may not have told you… […]
Kerdi no longer acceptable for tile steam showers
TCNA tightens steam shower requirements 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 it. (edit: this is now […]