Reader question: Hi there. I recently finished grouting my tile surround in my shower. I posted photos on Facebook and somebody questioned whether I had waterproofed the Hardiebacker 500 board. Much to my dismay, I had never even heard of this… Anyway, I went to the James Hardie website and see … [Read more...] about Is Hardibacker and Durock cement board waterproof?
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Tired of Bullnose Tile Trim? Here are 5 Tile Edge Trim Alternatives
Here are 5 alternatives to common bullnose tile edge trim. One of the mistakes that I see a lot of homeowners and DIYers make with tile installations is that they sometimes don't use any tile trim on the exposed tile edges. Many times they think the edge of the tile looks OK or they simply … [Read more...] about Tired of Bullnose Tile Trim? Here are 5 Tile Edge Trim Alternatives
How to Modify your Recessed Foam Shower Niche
In this post we cover: Keep in mind, you can always add some snazzy corner shelves instead of one of these niches. No? Well, read on! The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche Make sure to read my post on 10 things to consider before installing your recessed … [Read more...] about How to Modify your Recessed Foam Shower Niche
How to Build a Recessed Shampoo Shelf
In this post we discuss: Don't forget, it's not too late to add that fancy shower corner shelf! The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche Before you start demolition and reconstructing, make sure to read my post on 10 things to consider with your shampoo shower … [Read more...] about How to Build a Recessed Shampoo Shelf
How to Design a Preformed Foam Recessed Shower Niche
In this post we discuss: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Preformed Recessed Shower Niche This is a string of 4 posts that talk about how to build different types of shower niches in a step-by-step fashion. However, you'll want to read my post on 10 things to consider with your … [Read more...] about How to Design a Preformed Foam Recessed Shower Niche
Do Uncoupling Membranes Really Prevent Cracked Tile Floors?
You want to tile your concrete floor. But there's a problem. The concrete has cracks in it. You know that if you tile right over the crack you soon will have a floor tile that's cracked in the exact same spot. So what can you do to keep the tile from cracking? Do Uncoupling Membranes Really … [Read more...] about Do Uncoupling Membranes Really Prevent Cracked Tile Floors?
No Waterproofing: Will this cause shower leaks?
A leaking shower. The last thing anyone wants when they build a new shower. Yet I hear the following questions quite often: What inspired this post? A member of the John Bridge forum asking a simple enough question: Is a moisture barrier required? He had hired a contractor to … [Read more...] about No Waterproofing: Will this cause shower leaks?
Ditra Heat Mat Installation: Ignore these two rules
This post was updated on July 2023. Typically, I encourage people to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Especially when the company has clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand instructions like Schluter does. But when it comes to both Ditra Heat and Ditra Heat TB [edit: now … [Read more...] about Ditra Heat Mat Installation: Ignore these two rules
The One Thing Every Tile Installation Needs: Movement Joints
If I were to ask “what is one thing that every tile installation needs?” I would get answers like Nobody would answer with “Movement Joints”. Nobody. Most people wouldn’t understand what they are. And installing them sounds like it would be technical and complicated. Good news! … [Read more...] about The One Thing Every Tile Installation Needs: Movement Joints
The Little Known Cause of your Loose Floor Tiles
Loose floor tiles can be very frustrating. Why is it happening? What's the cause? What went wrong? I have a textbook for contractors called the NTCA Reference manual. One of the features of this book is that it has tables and charts that list different tile problems. Then it gives a cause. … [Read more...] about The Little Known Cause of your Loose Floor Tiles
