In addition to the material is the way it is applied. Most bonding compounds that are used to apply tile must be used with a notched trawl which will cause voids between the …
Tile
How To – When Replacing Tile on a Mortar Bed do I need to remove the old Mortar Bed?
If you are remodeling an older home one that was built prior to 1965 then there is a high probability that the tiles in your bathroom are placed on a 1 – 1/2 inch thick mortar bed.
Mortar beds are really the best way to install tile in a wood frame home because they provide a thick stable surface that will not cause your tile to crack.
The Problem with mortar beds in older homes is that …
How To – Choosing the Right Underlayment Backer Material for Tile Installs
When you are performing a Tile install in your Bathroom or Kitchen it is important to know the correct way to prepare the area for Tile.
Some surfaces like concrete floors can take tile directly however if you are installing tile in a bathroom or an area that will have water or high traffic then you must take precautions and use the correct wall backing material or floor underlayment to make sure your tile has a …
How To – What Types of Tile are Best for Bathroom Remodels?
If you are considering remodeling your bathroom you have many different types of surfaces to select from and choose. As a matter of fact even though your bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in your home it will be one of the most complex rooms to design for and remodel.
You will have many different materials that you can choose to use to provide a look and feel and function that you will be …
How To – Choosing the right Tile Product
There are many different types of tile products and within each group there are different levels of quality.
In this HowTo we will cover the wide range of tile and tile like products from high fired porcelain decorative tile to 4’x8′ sheet tile board.
The first thing you have to do is define where the tile will be installed. Products that are made for walls are not usually durable enough for walking on or to be used on countertops and other high …
How To – Replacing Broken Ceramic Tile
Whether its on your wall or floor there are times when you will need to replace a broken tile that has been chipped or cracked.
Chips in the glaze come from direct impacts but cracks in tile can happen from both impacts and a flexing subfloor. This is why you often see the tiles in front of refrigerators cracked from rolling out the fully loaded appliance to clean behind it. The weight of the refrigerator …
Tool Guide – Hand And Powered Tile Cutters
Whether you are installing a back splash surround or a new tile floor in your kitchen one of the most important jobs is cutting tiles to fit within the area you are working on.
There are basically four grades of Tile Cutters. Hand Tools that can cut full tiles in half or on angles, Electric wet and dry diamond saws that can cut straight lines and in slightly intricate shapes, Gasoline or large tile saws that also can be used for …
Removing Floor Tiles and Sheet Goods
Because Asbestos products can be a danger any removal of flooring products should only be performed if you are sure that the tiles or sheet goods contain no asbestos fibers.
In this HowTo it is assumed that the floor you are removing was installed after 1980 when asbestos was banned in flooring or you have taken all the precautions to have your flooring materials analyzed by a licensed professional.
Preparing the Work Area
To prepare the work area, remove all movable objects from …
HowTo – Concrete Backer Board & Drywall For Bathroom Remodeling
Depending on the age of your home and the extent of your bathroom remodeling project you may or may not have to remove the drywall or plaster lath that make up the surfaces for your walls.
If your home was built before 1960 and you will be doing more then just replacing a vanity and toilet then you should probably consider a total remake of …
How To – Layout And Estimating Wall Tiles Needed For Your Remodel
When remodeling your Bathroom or Kitchen it is likely that you will want to replace or add wall tile. Ordering the correct type and number is important because supply centers that do not keep stock on hand at all times may run out or your selection could be discontinued.
Tile Firing Lots
In addition to availability there is the consideration …