When choosing a tile for a kitchen backsplash, many homeowners pick the wrong thing. I don't think they do it on purpose (most of them, anyway). Rather, they select what they think looks good rather than consider what it will look like 3-5 years down the road. This post covers four … [Read more...] about 4 of the WORST Tiles for Kitchen Backsplashes (plus what TO choose)
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Quartering: A Little-Known Tile Layout Trick to Avoid Small Cuts
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
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
Electrically Heated Floors: 10 Violations You Don’t Want to Commit
Installing electrically heated floors is not overly difficult. However, there are some definite do's and don'ts that you want to comply with. That's what this post is about. Ten sins that you don't want to commit when installing electric floor heat. 1. Not checking the resistance You … [Read more...] about Electrically Heated Floors: 10 Violations You Don’t Want to Commit
A Look at 3 Types of Electric Floor Heat Systems
You've decided to add an electric floor heat system to your renovation. Only now, you need to know which of the following types is the best for you: This post will cover the advantages and disadvantages of each heat system so you can make an educated decision. Once you figure out which system … [Read more...] about A Look at 3 Types of Electric Floor Heat Systems
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
Use These 7 Schluter Ditra Installation Tips and Avoid Problems
This post contains 7 real-world tips for installing Ditra. I'm a 25+ year tile installer and I use all of these tips when I install uncoupling membranes. First, let's clear up a couple of things: Here are the 7 installation tips: Ditra Installation Tip 1: Mix Your Thinset … [Read more...] about Use These 7 Schluter Ditra Installation Tips and Avoid Problems
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)
Is the Schluter Kerdi Shower System Failure-prone?
Do Kerdi Showers fail? If you listen to some Youtubers you very well may come to that conclusion 'The Kerdi System wicks water and can't pass a flood test' is what they are claiming. However, I can prove the Schluter Kerdi Shower System works. Why can I be so confident? I, … [Read more...] about Is the Schluter Kerdi Shower System Failure-prone?
How to Build a Shower Pan- 2 Methods
This post is going to cover how to build a shower pan for tile using two different methods. The first method is an "old-school" method that has been used for decades and the second is a newer system that is simpler, and some feel a better design. Whichever method is preferred the important … [Read more...] about How to Build a Shower Pan- 2 Methods
