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)
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)
The Shower Corner Shelf: 5 Elegant Built-in Storage Ideas
The shower corner shelf is a practical way to tackle your storage needs. Shower shelving has come a long way. A custom recessed shower niche isn't the right solution for everyone and neither is hanging everything from suction cups or the shower head. Finally, if you are interested in built-in … [Read more...] about The Shower Corner Shelf: 5 Elegant Built-in Storage Ideas
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?
