Do you mix grout and stick the tiles on with it? What about caulk? Where does that go? DIYers can't be expected to know specific tile industry terms and use them appropriately. The point of this post is to help you understand what the different terms mean and what goes where. Let's start … [Read more...] about What is Grout? | Grout vs Caulk | Caulk vs Silicone | Which goes where?
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4 of the WORST Tiles for Kitchen Backsplashes (plus what TO choose)
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)
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
Ditra-Heat-Duo: The Good, the Bad, and the Warm
Ditra-Heat-Duo is a great product as long as you use it properly. However, it's not unusual for people to expect this product to do more than what it's capable of. Consequently, that's where the disappointment comes in. Let's talk about Ditra-Heat-Duo and determine what it does well and … [Read more...] about Ditra-Heat-Duo: The Good, the Bad, and the Warm
Do I Need Concrete Floor Insulation under Tile Floor Heat?
Yes. You will need to insulate your concrete floor before installing tile floor heat. Please don't go to the time and expense of installing electrically heated floors only to have it heat the entire concrete slab. The questions are: Let's dive in! Why Radiant Heat Insulation is … [Read more...] about Do I Need Concrete Floor Insulation under Tile Floor Heat?
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 (in 2023)
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 (in 2023)
