You want to know which notched trowel to use for your tile project. The boxes of tile that you buy usually don’t tell you which trowel to use with them. Consequently, I get asked about trowel sizes quite a bit. Finding the instructions on the trowels or the bags of thinset is a hopeless … [Read more...] about Trowel Size Matters: Which trowel size do I use for …?
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4 New Tile Installation Products Released at Coverings
Coverings Atlanta Recap Coverings is the biggest trade show in the tile industry. This is where I look forward to seeing new and innovative products released. Well, this year, there were 4 new tile installation products that I thought deserved mention. I'll list them in the order that I think … [Read more...] about 4 New Tile Installation Products Released at Coverings
Avoid These 3 DIY Tile Installation Products
There are only so many places to shop for DIY tile installation products. Big box hardware stores are among the best options. But no matter where you go there's going to be good products and not-so-good products. Big-Box stores help and hurt The trap of the box stores is that they want … [Read more...] about Avoid These 3 DIY Tile Installation Products
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
Mesh Tape: Don’t skip this step
There are some aspects of tile installation that seem small or insignificant but they aren't. They really have a big impact. The way you treat your backer board seams is one of them. Doing them improperly can lead to big problems down the road. But these problems can be avoided by this … [Read more...] about Mesh Tape: Don’t skip this step
Scary Contractor Stories
A few months ago it seemed like there were more than the usual amount of "contractor screw-up" sightings around the web so I bookmarked a few of them and figured I'd do a post on them at some point. Well, this is as good a time as any for a Scary Contractor Stories post. Scary Contractor … [Read more...] about Scary Contractor Stories
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 … [Read more...] about Thinset Decoded: Which Thinset to use | Infographic
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 … [Read more...] about Thinset Decoded: A buyers guide to purchasing the right tile adhesive
Don’t let your tile accent strip look like this
Getting your mosaic and glass tile accent strips to be flush and flat with the surrounding tile can be difficult unless you know a trick for it. Here's a technique for building up the thinner decorative tile so that it's even with the thicker tile without creating a huge mess of thinset oozing … [Read more...] about Don’t let your tile accent strip look like this
