Mixing thinset. It must be a big secret. Otherwise, why can't you get a straight answer? Perhaps you've heard these: Yes, I've heard every one of those before and it's frustrating. I know premixed tile mastic is easy but there are very few places that you want to use that stuff. My goal … [Read more...] about How to Mix Thinset Mortar
Modified vs Unmodified Thinset: Deciphering which you need for Schluter Kerdi & Ditra
Are you wondering about modified vs unmodified thinset mortars? Perhaps, you are thinking of installing a Ditra-Heat floor or a Schluter Kerdi Shower System? The internet is full of information and even misinformation on this very subject. In fact, this debate has stoked many of the … [Read more...] about Modified vs Unmodified Thinset: Deciphering which you need for Schluter Kerdi & Ditra
Tile Thinset Mortar: How to Buy the Best Adhesive for YOU!
It's difficult enough just selecting your tile let alone a tile mortar. Now you walk into the thinset aisle at the home improvement store and there are eight different choices of thinset mortar. Suddenly, questions start furiously bouncing into your head: Finally, your answers are here! … [Read more...] about Tile Thinset Mortar: How to Buy the Best Adhesive for YOU!
How bad of an idea is a marble shower?
The appeal of a marble shower is quite understandable. Marble is beautiful and timeless. So, why would anyone frown on putting natural stone in your home? As a contractor, I get asked about putting marble and other natural stones in bathrooms quite often. In fact, it's quite common for a … [Read more...] about How bad of an idea is a marble shower?
Trowel Size Matters: Which trowel size do I use for …?
You want to know which notched tile trowel size to use for your tile project. The boxes of tile that you buy usually don’t tell you which size trowel to use with them. Consequently, I get asked about tile trowel sizes quite a bit. It seems as though it’s a big secret. This post will … [Read more...] about Trowel Size Matters: Which trowel size do I use for …?
Self-Leveling Underlayment: The Ultimate Guide
Self-leveling underlayment. It sounds soooooo easy, doesn't it? You simply pour the leveling cement over the floor and the product then just levels itself all on its own. Sort of like...magic, right? Self-leveling underlayment is not what it seems Self-leveling underlayment is, quite … [Read more...] about Self-Leveling Underlayment: The Ultimate Guide
Flood testing a shower pan: Why it’s done and how to do it
Flood testing a shower pan. I get several calls per year about showers that are leaking. Some of these showers are leaking after just a few years. Some, just a few weeks after they've been built. I estimate that those calls could probably be cut in half if this one simple step were done. … [Read more...] about Flood testing a shower pan: Why it’s done and how to do it
Delta Cruzer 7-inch Tile Saw vs Dewalt D24000 | Tool Review
Recently, I purchased the Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw (96-107). Having been a Dewalt D24000 owner for the last several years, I find it natural to compare the new Delta with the Dewalt. "But, is that really fair? A 7-inch saw vs a 10-inch? Why not compare apples-to-apples?" On the surface, … [Read more...] about Delta Cruzer 7-inch Tile Saw vs Dewalt D24000 | Tool Review
Why You Should NOT Buy a Newly Remodeled Home
I get it. Nobody gets excited about moving into an old, outdated house. Additionally, why would you want to go through the trouble of moving and then having to live through a renovation or even multiple renovations?! But, hear me out on this. There's a dark side to purchasing newly … [Read more...] about Why You Should NOT Buy a Newly Remodeled Home
5 Ways to Screw Up your Cement Board Installation on Floors
Cement board installation is not something that is incredibly difficult. I think most people worry about how to cut it and once they have a plan for that then they think it'll be a breeze. But I've seen these screw-ups for several years now. It's the same ones over and over. Which … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Screw Up your Cement Board Installation on Floors