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
thinset
Avoid These 3 DIY Tile Installation Products
Avoid These 3 DIY Tile Installation Products There's 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. The trap of the box stores is that they … [Read more...] about Avoid These 3 DIY Tile Installation Products
The trick for getting better thinset coverage under your tiles
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 … [Read more...] about The trick for getting better thinset coverage under your tiles
Mesh Tape: Don’t skip this step
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 … [Read more...] about Mesh Tape: Don’t skip this step
Trowel Size Matters
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 secret? Can you just … [Read more...] about Trowel Size Matters
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 currently … [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
How to install tile of different thicknesses flush, flat, and even with each other 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 … [Read more...] about Don’t let your tile accent strip look like this