"How do non-pros know what Home Depot thinset they should buy?", I wondered to myself as I walked the tile aisle's at my local Home Depot. My local store had 9 different bagged varieties of thinset mortar that cost anywhere from $6/bag to $60! This is in addition to the premixed tile adhesives … [Read more...] about One Thinset from Home Depot will do 80% of your Tile Installations
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Why liquid waterproofing is a bad idea for a shower pan
There's more than one way to waterproof a shower. But liquid waterproofing is an especially enticing method for building a watertight shower pan, particularly with DIYers. So, here's the thing: Why shouldn't you build a shower pan with liquid waterproofing? What is the issue? Liquid … [Read more...] about Why liquid waterproofing is a bad idea for a shower pan
Anti-Fracture vs Crack Isolation vs Uncoupling Membrane: What’s the difference?
You don't want your tile to crack so you're going to put some sort of crack suppressant under your tile. Yet, as you research, you realize all of these products seem to do the same thing. What gives? Why three different names for the same function? As the old saying goes, "the devil is in the … [Read more...] about Anti-Fracture vs Crack Isolation vs Uncoupling Membrane: What’s the difference?
7 Compelling Reasons the Noble Freestyle Linear Drain is the Best Drain for Your Shower And 3 Reasons it Isn’t
When it comes to shopping for linear drains, the Noble Freestyle Linear Drain is a stellar choice. I've been installing tile full-time for nearly 30 years and this is my go-to linear drain. It's not perfect but it's very well-engineered. This post explains why I feel that way. Noble … [Read more...] about 7 Compelling Reasons the Noble Freestyle Linear Drain is the Best Drain for Your Shower And 3 Reasons it Isn’t
1/2 x 1/2 inch Square Notch Trowel: The Worst Trowel for Large Format Tile?
The 1/2 x 1/2 inch square notch trowel is one of the most popular notch trowel sizes for large format tiles. The notches are big and deep with this trowel. That's a good thing as you need more mortar for bigger tiles. So, what's the problem with it? The 1/2-inch square notch trowel has a … [Read more...] about 1/2 x 1/2 inch Square Notch Trowel: The Worst Trowel for Large Format Tile?
Notched Trowel Buyer’s Guide
Notch trowels for tile are one of the tools that generate the most questions. I'm a professional tile installer that started setting tile in 1996. These are the trowels that I and other tile installers use. We use different-sized trowels for different purposes. Down below, you'll see … [Read more...] about Notched Trowel Buyer’s Guide
Mortar Coverage Basics: “What size Trowel…?” is the Wrong Question
You're asking a very simple question: "What size trowel do I need for my tile project?" The reply should be very simple. However, the correct answer is "It depends." The problem is that it's not the right question to ask. Here's what you should be asking: First, a refresher on why notch … [Read more...] about Mortar Coverage Basics: “What size Trowel…?” is the Wrong Question
Here is how you can lay tile over an old wood plank subfloor
You're renovating your home and found weird planks over the floor joists instead of plywood. What do you do now? Are your hopes of installing tile floors now shattered? Are you going to have to settle for *gasp!* LVP flooring? Take a deep breath. Here are some ways you can prepare your floor … [Read more...] about Here is how you can lay tile over an old wood plank subfloor
Does your floor meet minimum structural requirements for tile?
You want to install new tile on your floor but you're not sure if your floor is rated for it. Maybe you had tile previously and they were cracked and coming loose? Perhaps, you had a vinyl or carpet floor and wonder if the floor is engineered for tile? This post will help you understand the … [Read more...] about Does your floor meet minimum structural requirements for tile?
Herringbone Tile Pattern Basics: How to Get Started
Yes, tile herringbone patterns look great. But how do you get started with them? This post will cover these three things: First, I'm going to assume you are using modular tile. More on this towards the end of the post. A simple way to get started installing a herringbone tile … [Read more...] about Herringbone Tile Pattern Basics: How to Get Started
