| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| floor tile | 6/16/2009 |
Q: Is there such a thing as groutless floor tile? If so, what are your recommendations, and what is ...
A: I guess you can butt any tile together and call it groutless tile. If you butt tiles together you ...
|
| granite for shower walls | 6/15/2009 |
Q: is it a good idea to use granite for the shower walls and how do you clean the walls then? thanks
A: Granite is an excellent stone for a shower. It is beautiful, rich looking more durable and doesn't ...
|
| Removing paint off slate around fireplace before tiling | 6/14/2009 |
Q: We have a spec house we purchased from the builder. For some reason he painted the slate around the ...
A: If you just want to retile it you can rough it up with a heavy grit sand paper and go over it using ...
|
| Shower - marble tiles and grout/caulk | 6/14/2009 |
Q: I have a marble shower (stand-alone shower with glass door). The walls are tiled with I think 12x12 ...
A: AquaMix has some good products. I prefer silicone but it can be hard to work with if you have never ...
|
| cleaning paint on slate | 6/13/2009 |
Q: I've recently painted my house using some water based paint products. But after I finished I ...
A: Because slate is basically in its raw state as far as the texture it is fairly easy to clean. I ...
|
| floor grout removal | 6/12/2009 |
Q: On one of the floors I did not clean the grout off right away...weeks went by, and when I got around ...
A: Sorry for the late response. If you washed the heavy grout off and just have a heavy haze on the ...
|
| Lusterless tile | 6/11/2009 |
Q: I just laid porcelain tile and although I love the tile, it has a matte finish. Is there any way of ...
A: Sorry for the late response. There are products that will give tile and natural stone a wet look. ...
|
| Shower tiles going dark when wet. | 6/10/2009 |
Q: We live in a 3yr old house, the builders came in for the first 2 yrs fixing the tiles in the shower, ...
A: Without seeing the wall first hand I can only make an educated guess. It sound as if you have ...
|
| Tile Burn | 6/10/2009 |
Q: My wife dropped a hot hair curling iron on our bathroom vinyl tile floor. Is there any way to remove ...
A: Sorry for the unusually late response. It sound as if this is vinyl tile. If you have more tile you ...
|
| securing cement backer board | 6/9/2009 |
Q: I was told by a contractor to avoid hitting the joists when securing cement backer board. (prevents ...
A: Sorry for the unusually late response. When I install any underlayment to the subfloor I screw it ...
|
| Slate Floor Prep | 6/6/2009 |
Q: I am considering installing slate tiles on my kitchen floor, which is the house's foundation. I ...
A: Slate varies so much in thickness that most of the deflections in your floor are fine. I would use a ...
|
| Granite tile and walls | 6/5/2009 |
Q: Mr. Unger I am going to tile a couple of showers, and I had a few questions about the walls. I have ...
A: Granite installs pretty much the same as tile. I always use thinset on walls and floors with natural ...
|
| Shower - marble tiles and grout/caulk | 6/4/2009 |
Q: I have a marble shower (stand-alone shower with glass door). The walls are tiled with I think 12x12 ...
A: Using cleaners on marble is tricky as many of them are caustic and will eat the finish of the ...
|
| pool decking | 6/3/2009 |
Q: We have a large kidney shaped old inground sylvan pool with slate decking. It is in need of a lot ...
A: Slate is very durable stone that can take some abuse fixing the cracked one would be the cheaper ...
|
| Porcelain Tiles | 6/2/2009 |
Q: Do porcelain tiles with sanded grout need to be sealed?
A: Most porcelains are Impervious or Vitreous Tile. Impervious: (Tile that will absorb less than 0.5% ...
|
| new ceramic flooring | 6/1/2009 |
Q: We are doing new ceramic flooring in our house. I would like to know the following: (1) Should we ...
A: Yes, you can install new ceramic tile over old tile but there is certain criteria that must be met. ...
|
| Non-slip porcelain | 5/31/2009 |
Q: Can you suggest a coating I could apply to a porcelain tile pool deck to prevent slippage? Thanks ...
A: There are several products on the market that will show the beauty of the tile and at the same time ...
|
| Cutting tile that is already insta lled on wall | 5/30/2009 |
Q: We need to install a new above the range microwave in our kitchen. We have 18x 18 granite sq as a ...
A: Stone or tile can be cut on the wall using a 4" angle grinder with a diamond cutting wheel. Both can ...
|
| travertine 2x2 mosaic...for a backsplash | 5/29/2009 |
Q: ..I have purchased sheets of 2x2 tumbled marble for my kitchen backsplash. I plan to replace some ...
A: It sounds like the marble sheets are tumbled marble. No, sanded grout will not scratch the glass ...
|
| travertine flooring | 5/28/2009 |
Q: I have installed 1500 sq ft. of travertine tile, I have grouted and it all looks good. However, we ...
A: Because travertine is natural stone you can hire a professional to grind and polish the floor to get ...
|
| Floor support | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I'm getting ready to prepare my floor for tile, over crawl space of appox 20". I have 12" high ...
A: Your builder friend is wise by suggesting the doubled up 2"x8". The "Dek-Blocks" should be ...
|
| Tile vs Carpet | 5/23/2009 |
Q: I just bought a duplex 2 years old in Jul 09. The kitchen has Sonesta tile and all other rooms has ...
A: First of all I'm very sorry for the late response, I think there was a glitch in the e-mail. Now ...
|
| remove thinset or not? | 5/15/2009 |
Q: We are going to lay travertine tile throughout the living room, hallway, dinning room and kitchen. ...
A: The old thinset doesn't have to come off if bonded but you do want it flat as possible for ease of ...
|
| pergo in bathrooms | 5/15/2009 |
Q: to prevent moisture around the stool due to condensation is it possible to use waterproof caulk?
A: I personally would not recommend laminate flooring in a bathroom but if you already have installed ...
|
| Porcelain tile | 5/14/2009 |
Q: A multi-layered question. We have a split entry home, our plan is to tile the front entry, the ...
A: If your family room has concrete under the carpet, you'll only need to remove the carpet and the ...
|
| radiant heating under tile | 5/14/2009 |
Q: i have hot water heating under my kitchen floor, i love the heat,but the grout has cracked and the ...
A: I don't know the method of installation of your kitchen floor but if done right radiant floor heat ...
|
| ceramicvsporcelainvstravertine | 5/11/2009 |
Q: I am wondering what would be the best choice for a kitchen. which one is easiest to maintain and ...
A: Porcelain is always better than ceramic, it is baked at a much hotter temperature which makes it a ...
|
| asbestos tile cover up? | 5/9/2009 |
Q: We're in the process of trying to purchase a home. Upon inspection, our home inspector mentioned ...
A: I can almost guarantee that the tile and the black cutback adhesive contains asbestos. If the tile ...
|
| lead shower pan or shower base | 5/8/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of updating a leaking shower. I am working with two different contractors. One ...
A: If you have a good contractor that knows how to float a shower pan and tile it, after that I would ...
|
| Tile placement | 5/2/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of tiling a partially rectangular room and my question is one of asthetics. ...
A: The room doesn't necessarily have to be centered but if the longer wall is a focal point then I ...
|
| slate and ceramic tile | 5/2/2009 |
Q: I am wanting to put both slate and ceramic tile on my concrete patio, however; the slate (that I ...
A: If you are only trying to make up a 1/8" to 1/4" then I would just use a 1/2" trowel and a medium ...
|
| cracked ceramic tile | 4/30/2009 |
Q: The ceramic tile in my kitchen floor is cracking and has been since the home was new. Some of the ...
A: I feel bad for you Judith but unfortunately there is not much recourse unless you can get a concrete ...
|
| Glazed Ceramic Tile | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I'm trying to get a 1.25" hole through glazed ceramic tile for a shower head. Tried glass and ...
A: I mark a tight square big enough for the pipe to fit through on the back of the tile and cut it with ...
|
| 2 Travertine Questions | 4/30/2009 |
Q: I am replacing 12x12 ceramic tile with 12x12 travertine this weekend in my foyer and I have a ...
A: Yes, thinset motar is what you will be using to install the travertine tiles, just make sure it is ...
|
| Prepping floors and walls for tiling | 4/29/2009 |
Q: Multi-question. I have stripped the current tile and underlaying cement from the bathroom floor down ...
A: 6 mil clear visqueen poly sheeting is ideal to use as a vapor barrier. Covering the whole area is ...
|
| Travertine Patio | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I have a wood patio front deck. I want to cover it with Travertine. Do I need to first seal it or ...
A: I recently answered a question similar to yours, below is the question and the answer.We recently ...
|
| 2 Travertine Questions | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I am replacing 12x12 ceramic tile with 12x12 travertine this weekend in my foyer and I have a ...
A: As long as you had no cracking problem with the previous floor tile you should be fine. Everything ...
|
| Prepping floors and walls for tiling | 4/26/2009 |
Q: Multi-question. I have stripped the current tile and underlaying cement from the bathroom floor down ...
A: You need a minimum of 1 1/4" of subfloor and underlayment combined to properly install any ceramic ...
|
| Granite slab flooring | 4/25/2009 |
Q: What is a good way to do a slab floor? Would it be treated as a huge tile? I'm using an underlayment ...
A: I not sure I quite understand you question but let me take a stab at it. It sounds like you are ...
|
| Floor prep for tiles | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I want to install ceramic floor tile in a downstairs bathroom (concrete floor) that previously had ...
A: If the glue is dry and crusty and it is flaking , I would use a scraper and remove as much as ...
|
| french limestone turning orange | 4/22/2009 |
Q: Our recently remodeled master bath has (had) a beautiful cream colored french limestone installed ...
A: It sounds like you have a hard water issue. You are probably right, it most likely wasn't sealed. ...
|
| marble floor restoration | 4/21/2009 |
Q: I have removed dirt and stains from 20 yr old marble floor. The edges near walls are still shiny but ...
A: You will have to hire a professional if you want to restore the marble to the original luster. A ...
|
| Travertine installation | 4/20/2009 |
Q: I am a tile contractor and have a travertine installation over a wood subfloor. The size is 24x24 on ...
A: This is definitely a No No. This is called by some a "Float Coat" or "Mud Coat". I've personally ...
|
| Tumbled travertine and grout | 4/20/2009 |
Q: My tumbled travertine floor was installed two years ago, at which time it was sealed. The grout was ...
A: Being that the grout was not sealed has nothing to do with the gaps. If the gaps run the length of ...
|
| VCT adhesive removal, ceramic install | 4/15/2009 |
Q: We are removing a vinyl compostite tile floor due to water damage, and installing ceramic tiles. ...
A: It sounds like you are doing the right thing with the floor sander. If there is some remaining ...
|
| preparation for laying tile on a lanai | 4/14/2009 |
Q: Our lanai is not level. Water comes in from the ground and through the screen in a downpour and ...
A: Any patch you use will not properly adhere unless you remove or at the very least deglaze the paint. ...
|
| Tiling over stainless steel | 4/13/2009 |
Q: Is it possible to lay tile of an existing stainless steel shower tray. The shower tray is solid and ...
A: I've checked around and I cannot find any product made for adhering tile to stainless steel. You ...
|
| Tiling over stainless steel | 4/13/2009 |
Q: Is it possible to lay tile of an existing stainless steel shower tray. The shower tray is solid and ...
A: I'm not sure if there is anything that will hold the tile for any length of time. You stated that ...
|
| travertine tiles | 4/13/2009 |
Q: We've just poured a concrete slab and I'd like to know how long we should wait before laying the ...
A: I've installed ceramic tile over concrete as soon as 12 hours after being poured. But I ideally like ...
|
| Tile subfloor recomendation | 4/12/2009 |
Q: I'm looking for some insight and your opinion in considering guidelines for residential subfloor ...
A: You ideally need 1 1/4" of subflooring and underlayment combined for the proper installation of ...
|
| Shower area wall tile | 4/3/2009 |
Q: I have a large tub (about 6' sq). The 3 walls around it are tiled on dry wall. There is a leak in ...
A: I need some more info. Is this a standard tub with a lip that goes up behind the tile backer board a ...
|
| concrete sub-floor | 4/2/2009 |
Q: We have a 9' x 6' atrium that we want to enclose with roofing and a floor. it is open ground and was ...
A: You need a 4" slab of concrete to be solid enough to support the tile, furniture and the weight of ...
|
| porcelin tile | 4/1/2009 |
Q: What is the best subfloor mortar and grout for a 6"x6" porcelin tile, is there any difference in ...
A: Proper preparation for the installation of floor tile is 3/4" subfloor an additional 1/2" ...
|
| Paint porcelain tile? | 3/31/2009 |
Q: In front of our fireplace there is an area approx 2.5 ft by 3.5 ft of porcelain tile to prevent hot ...
A: I'm sure you can paint the tile. If it is a matte or honed tile the paint would bond better. If it ...
|
| Water spots on new porcelain floor | 3/30/2009 |
Q: We just installed a porcelain tile floor in kitchen using 18" honed thesaurm tile imola. We grouted ...
A: Grout release wasn't a must but it probably would have helped. It should look like it came out of ...
|
| tile installation in a mobile home | 3/28/2009 |
Q: can tile and hardwood floors be installed in a mobile home that is not on a slab, this home will ...
A: I installed ceramic tile and laminate flooring in my parents mobile home 8 years ago and it still ...
|
| Water spots on new porcelain floor | 3/26/2009 |
Q: We just installed a porcelain tile floor in kitchen using 18" honed thesaurm tile imola. We grouted ...
A: I'm sure the tile isn't ruined. It sounds like you are trying some of the right things. These spots ...
|
| Leveling patio floor | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I have a patio that I covered. I would like to tile the patio but the floor slopes away from the ...
A: Yes there are self leveling compounds that you can use, a quality one that I use "Ultra Plan and ...
|
| tile | 3/21/2009 |
Q: i laid tile from the entrance of door to the kithen door. my problem now is that the kithcen floor ...
A: If your kitchen is tile and it is staying, you should have ramped up the underlayment of the ...
|
| out side wooden deck | 3/20/2009 |
Q: is it possible to install tile or stone on top of a existing wooden outside deck? i thought that i ...
A: I've answered the same question for another person named Seth. Below is that question and answer. ...
|
| Uneven threshold | 3/18/2009 |
Q: I am replacing ceramic tile in my kitchen as well as the carpet in the adjoining room with laminate ...
A: Have no fear, this is an easy fix. If the laminate floor is going to be thicker than the ceramic, ...
|
| prep for tile install BR floor and shower walls | 3/17/2009 |
Q: Good Day, I am redoing an ensuite and a larger bathroom and shower with ceramic tile for floors and ...
A: You can install 1/2" cement board directly over your sheet vinyl or the black cutback glue using ...
|
| Heat Guns and Ceramic Bath Tiles | 3/14/2009 |
Q: I'm repairing/replacing the old caulk and damaged grout in my ceramic tile bath/shower. I've ...
A: I really never tried a heat gun. I think if you heat the paint and caulk just enough to get it soft ...
|
| SLATE FLOOR | 3/13/2009 |
Q: I have moved into a 7 year old house with a slate floor in the kitchen. It is very dull and I dont ...
A: Sorry for taking so long to answer your question but it was sent to a question pool for some reason. ...
|
| Old leveling compound to be removed | 3/11/2009 |
Q: We took up the old mosaic tiles in our bathroom to find a very rough old layer of leveling compound ...
A: Rule of thumb on floor thickness is 1 1/4" total for the installation of ceramic tile. Now that ...
|
| Tiled shower shelves | 3/10/2009 |
Q: How do i install a tile shelf using a PVC shower pan liner? Do a use hardibacker? Do I have to ...
A: Sorry I misunderstood you. If you are building the niche yourself, you will need to put a slight ...
|
| Tile Shower Floor - Twice | 3/10/2009 |
Q: A few years ago I tiled my own shower and bathroom. The house we bought came with a roughed in ...
A: If you are careful when you remove the mosaic tile and do not damage the mud bed, you can scrape the ...
|
| Installing porcelain tile to exterior deck | 3/9/2009 |
Q: We recently had a patio extension built of the backyard and will also double as a deck from our ...
A: I recently tiled my bosses deck in the Chicago area, let me tell you what it is constructed of. The ...
|
| Tile over Tile | 3/9/2009 |
Q: I have a very out-dated (1970s) tile floor in the main bathroom of the house. I hear it would be ...
A: If the floor is solid with no loose tiles or cracks, you can tile over it with either vinyl or ...
|
| New applied grout becomes soft after showering | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I recently regrouted my 55 yr old ceramic tile shower using DAP kitchen & bath adhesive. (I did this ...
A: I belive the 'Dap" product you used came in a caulk tube, right? If so, I would not recommend this ...
|
| Big tile/grout mistake | 3/4/2009 |
Q: My wife and I tiled our kitchen backsplash with 1"x1" natural slate tiles that come on a mesh backer ...
A: Before you do anything drastic like tearing it all down, there are are a few things you can try to ...
|
| Cleaning of Italian floor tiles | 3/2/2009 |
Q: I have about 1600m2 outside floor tiles to clean, there is a fine red dust in the tile as the tiles ...
A: It would be hard for me to recommend any cleaner to use on the tile without seeing it first hand. I ...
|
| Subflooring Problem - Ceramic Tile Floor | 3/2/2009 |
Q: Ron I had a ceramic tile floor installed in my kitchen and adjoining dining room about 5 years ago. ...
A: I think you are right about movement in your subfloor. I however would not throw the baby out with ...
|
| travertine tiles | 3/1/2009 |
Q: we recently had travertine laid throughout the entire house(flooring).Its only been a couple of ...
A: Travertine marble is one of the softer marbles and will chip and scratch fairly easy. However if you ...
|
| Paint on brick floor | 2/26/2009 |
Q: I have a split brick foyer. Recently I painted the walls and ceiling in this foyer and paint (oil ...
A: If the paint is fairly fresh I would first try a heavy duty hand cleaner like "Goop" or "Fast ...
|
| Travertine Installation | 2/24/2009 |
Q: Can Custom's Marble Set be used to level a concrete floor when setting travertine tile. The mortar ...
A: I do not use "Custom products" so I wouldn't know. I think it would be best to contact "Custom ...
|
| tile preparation | 2/23/2009 |
Q: We have recently removed old vinyl flooring from our bathroom. Underneath the vinyl was dried glue ...
A: I would recommend using "Mapei Kerabond thinset" mixed with 100% "Mapei Keralastic Latex Additive", ...
|
| venitian marble for floors | 2/22/2009 |
Q: Can you use venitian marble for flooring ?
A: Venetian marble or sometimes called cultured marble is a man made product mainly used for sinks, ...
|
| venetian plaster in shower | 2/22/2009 |
Q: what are your recommendations for re-doing an enclosed steam shower with peeling venetian plaster ...
A: I would not install anything but ceramic or natural stone. As you seen first hand, steam will ...
|
| Shower wall tile | 2/21/2009 |
Q: Are 18 x 18 porcelain tiles appropriate for installation on shower walls? Are there any special ...
A: It's all personal preference. As far as installation issues, the bigger the tiles the harder it is ...
|
| Worried that tile shower is being improperly installed | 2/19/2009 |
Q: All "repairs" in my rented house are done by the property manager's "buddy", who is currently ...
A: You have some valid concerns. First, there should be a vinyl liner and it should be behind the wall ...
|
| Tile Shower | 2/19/2009 |
Q: I am an above average do it yourself homeowner. I'd like to rip out the shower stall in the master ...
A: If you are mechanically inclined, you should do just fine. Here is a link to some video tutorials, ...
|
| Tile over Tile | 2/18/2009 |
Q: We are having a home built and the builder installed the wrong ceramic tile in the bath. The tile ...
A: That should be fine. If they broke the mud bed loose and raised the drain, I would then be ...
|
| Hardwood to Tile Transition | 2/17/2009 |
Q: Our house is brand new construction with a plywood sub-floor. I want to install Hardwood in the ...
A: If your hardwood is 3/4", you will need to install the hardwood in the living room over an ...
|
| Granite installation on fireplace | 2/16/2009 |
Q: I have 3 pieces of granite (2pcs.-8"x26" & 1pcs-8"x48" & 3/4" thick)that I would like to install ...
A: How are you doing Walley, I would remove as much as the paint as I could either by grinding, ...
|
| Tile over Tile | 2/16/2009 |
Q: We are having a home built and the builder installed the wrong ceramic tile in the bath. The tile ...
A: This was done to save time, money and so the mud bed would not have to be removed, at the risk of ...
|
| Tiling over painted concrete basement floor | 2/13/2009 |
Q: Another expert who gave me super advice, Jim,...is presently unavailable. Please allow me to "throw ...
A: Les, We tile over many painted concrete surfaces. Of course the more of the paint you can remove ...
|
| replacing a ceramic tile kitchen floor | 2/12/2009 |
Q: I just ripped up an existing tile kitchen floor, many tiles were loose apparently not very much or ...
A: You can rent a floor buffer with a heavy grit sandpaper disc and sand the floor smooth but this is ...
|
| marble tile repair | 2/11/2009 |
Q: we have a marble tile floor in our hotel. what products are available to repair some nicks/chips. in ...
A: The repair products that I use is called "Akemi". They make a two part Epoxy, a resin and hardner. ...
|
| tiling a kitchen backsplash | 2/9/2009 |
Q: "I am installing 4.5" x 4.5" porcelain tiles on a drywall kitchen backsplash. Applying Omnigrip ...
A: I'm not familiar with "Omnigrip" but if it is a ceramic wall mastic I'm sure it's fine. You don't ...
|
| setting tile | 2/9/2009 |
Q: i tore up old tile and plan on laying down slate tile..I am having difficulty getting up the old ...
A: If height is a problem then you should remove the thinset. You can rent a wrecking hammer which will ...
|
| Mortar Bed over T+G subfloor | 2/6/2009 |
Q: I am doing a "wet bed" or mortar bed in a second floor bathroom. The joists are a dimensional 3" x ...
A: A floating mud bed will be fine but the industry standard for a mud bed is 1 1/4". Also make sure ...
|
| tiling a shower | 2/5/2009 |
Q: I'm an old timer--a DIYer from way back, but still learning. I've just striped my shower of its old ...
A: I'm glad to here you're still learning. The day I stop learning, they will be planting me in the ...
|
| Removing Grout | 2/3/2009 |
Q: Ron, I have a fairly big grout dilemma that I need to address. About a year ago I tiled and ...
A: I'm afraid the only way to clean the grout residue is with a acid / water bath. Because it is a ...
|
| White residue on tile | 2/2/2009 |
Q: The tile in the shower of my master bath has a white residue that is seeping up around the drain ...
A: What you are experiencing is called, "Efflorescence". It can be removed and it can also come back. ...
|
| ceramic tile floor | 1/31/2009 |
Q: I have a ceramic tile floor and I want to install a bi-fold door in the closet. I have to screw the ...
A: Ceramic is a little easier to drill through than porcelain tile. In either case, you will need a ...
|
| Sealed grout discolors when wet | 1/30/2009 |
Q: We recently installed glazed ceramic tile in our bathroom. We followed suggested guidance and ...
A: If the grout lightens up after drying, this is pretty much normal. I'm not familiar with the brand ...
|
| Uncured Grout | 1/28/2009 |
Q: I'm having a problem similar to the question asked here ...
A: Premixed grouts, in my opinion are no good. They are nothing more than latex caulk with sand added. ...
|
| scratched terracotta tiles | 1/28/2009 |
Q: The scratches are very light ( they look like fine chalk marks )which were made by the conservatory ...
A: Terra Cotta tile is very soft tile and usually has some type of finish on it. Some terra Cottas have ...
|
| messy epoxy grouting | 1/27/2009 |
Q: the guy who grouted our pool floor did a really messy job. He used the Bal Endura epoxy grout. The ...
A: Epoxy grout is very tricky and should not be tackled unless you are a experienced tile setter. True ...
|
| limestone | 1/26/2009 |
Q: My limestone threshold in my shower has an effervescent reaction going on, down the entire length ...
A: Your question is very complex and hard to answer without seeing it first hand and asking many return ...
|
| shower tile installation | 1/19/2009 |
Q: I was hoping you might be able to tell me where I can buy a shower pan membrane in the sacramento ...
A: I'm not familiar with Sacramento but I do have some resources for you. The Noble Company has a lot ...
|
| Slate Floor Tiles | 1/19/2009 |
Q: I have laid floor tiles before, but we are thinking about getting some slate in our new kitchen: ...
A: If you laid tile before, slate will be no problem. Just a few things to remember. Make sure you have ...
|
| removing travertine | 1/16/2009 |
Q: I am removing a travertine floor in my kitchen to put in wood. The cabinets and island are on top ...
A: You can use a 4" angle grinder fitted with a diamond cutting wheel. You have to be very careful not ...
|
| pool surround | 1/16/2009 |
Q: We are building a house with an exercise pool in the recreation room. The tile floor will cover the ...
A: First of all looking at the picture, I'm Jealous of the beautiful scenery. From what I can see it ...
|
| cracks in my fresh tile grout | 1/15/2009 |
Q: I've read a previous answer you provided about how to fix hairline cracks in freshly grouted tile, ...
A: I'm not sure if that was my answer that you read but I'll try to help you. If the grout joints that ...
|
| leveling subfloor | 1/13/2009 |
Q: I have a 100 yr old 2+ story house with basement. I am about to fully gut the kitchen and renovate. ...
A: You'll want to install an underlayment before using a self leveling product. If you use the self ...
|
| border between ceramic tile and carpet | 1/12/2009 |
Q: I just had ceramic tile installed in my foyer and I do not like the way the carpet looks in my ...
A: Without seeing your transition from tile to carpet first hand it is hard for me to say if it was ...
|
| Waterproofing or NOT before tiling | 1/12/2009 |
Q: O.K...My wife brought home EVERYTHING we needed to tile the new bathroom and utility room addition. ...
A: The point of underlayment is to give a proper foundation for your ceramic tile. Unlike vinyl tile, ...
|
| Can I lay polished porcelain over lino?? | 1/12/2009 |
Q: I have recently just moved in to a house that is over 30 years old. The original lino is very much ...
A: Although I have laid tile over linoleum and vinyl tile with good success, I really don't recommend ...
|
| Removing New Grout | 1/12/2009 |
Q: My brother and I installed a tiled tub surround with 4" x 12" subway tile. He has never grouted ...
A: I don't know what size grout joints you have but joints larger than 1/8" require sanded grout. If ...
|
| Tile Grout | 1/11/2009 |
Q: We just had our bathroom floor and shower tiled. They used a sanded poly blend grout. The grout is ...
A: It sound like something was done wrong but without seeing the work first hand it is hard to tell. ...
|
| vinyl vs porcein tile | 1/10/2009 |
Q: I am going to replace my flooring in the kitchen, half bath and laundry area. I currently have ...
A: When your talking about flooring there are some major differences but in the end it comes down to ...
|
| tiling a painted concrete floor | 1/9/2009 |
Q: We would like to tile (ceramic) a concrete floor that has been painted. Not sure what kind of paint ...
A: If the paint is loose you'll want to remove it via a floor buffer with a 60 grit sanding disc. You ...
|
| Laying travertine floor tiles | 1/7/2009 |
Q: I am planning to lay travertine tiles on a concrete floor which is dusting. Do I need to seal the ...
A: Concrete will always sweep up dust. As long as the concrete is sound and not deteriorating, mopping ...
|
| Grout problem | 1/7/2009 |
Q: We recently had new ceramic tile installed, and it has not yet been sealed. The grout job is kinda ...
A: If the grout joints are bigger than 1/8", then unsanded grout should not have been used. Because ...
|
| peel and stick tile | 1/5/2009 |
Q: I live in a 16X80 mobile home and they had carpet installed in the master bathroom, which I think is ...
A: My forte is hard tile such as ceramic and porcelain tiles but I have done my share of v.c.t. or peel ...
|
| Grout problem | 1/5/2009 |
Q: We recently had new ceramic tile installed, and it has not yet been sealed. The grout job is kinda ...
A: It is hard to exactly tell you what to do without seeing the floor first hand. But if there are some ...
|
| ceramic tile installation | 1/5/2009 |
Q: I am designing an outdoor farm sign to be installed in an area where it will be exposed to all ...
A: This sounds like a neat project, You can do this cheap but if you want this sign to hang for many ...
|
| shower tile project | 1/5/2009 |
Q: I recently gutted out my leaking shower[it leaked into the shower window] and have now replaced all ...
A: The previous installation was done wrong, your tile backer should go directly on your studs. About ...
|
| installing backerboard around ac vent | 1/4/2009 |
Q: When installing backerboard around ac vent, does it go flush with the inside of the vent? The vent ...
A: If the vent fits inside the duct before you install the backerboard then I usually keep the ...
|
| Hardie Backer Board Cutting and Installation | 1/3/2009 |
Q: Ron, My project involves a shower stall redo. At the moment, I've installed a "Tile Redi" shower ...
A: Personally I'm not a big fan of "Hardi Board" but it should score with either a carbide tipped ...
|
| Shower pan prep for tile | 1/1/2009 |
Q: I have a shower pan built on a slab with a cast iron drain. The drain is constructed of 2 pieces. ...
A: With all the different problems you have with this shower pan from inconsistent pitch to offset ...
|
| backsplash | 1/1/2009 |
Q: I am installing honey onyx in a random pattern on my backsplash. But I am concerned with the edges ...
A: I have to ask you a few questions to better understand what you are facing. First is this honey onyx ...
|
| size of tiles | 1/1/2009 |
Q: I read Robert's question and your answer which is somewhat the question I have. My daughter has a ...
A: I found your question in the pool of unanswered questions. So I do not know what Robert's question ...
|
| grout width | 12/31/2008 |
Q: can I use unsanded grout on the wall of a bath/shower. I used 3x6 tiles and 3/16 spacers.
A: Although you can use unsanded grout in a shower, I would not recommend it on any grout joint larger ...
|
| travertine tile removal | 12/28/2008 |
Q: I am wanting to remove a large section of travertine flooring and replace it with a hardwood. The ...
A: Unfortunately I've seen this type of installation many times and every time it has failed, it is an ...
|
| tile in a bathroom | 12/23/2008 |
Q: I have been remodeling the upper level of my split level house, including replacing all of the ...
A: Yes you do need some type of underlayment, as you know "Ditra" is more of a moisture barrier and a ...
|
| floor levelling/tile setting | 12/21/2008 |
Q: Osom service you have here. next question, What kind of product do you recommend to seal stone tile ...
A: I appreciate when someone helps me and I like to do the same for others. Now to your question, I'm ...
|
| porcelain porch floor | 12/19/2008 |
Q: We had our porch done with porcelain tile last week. It looked nice up until last night that it ...
A: Porcelain tile is a very hard tile and doesn't absorb moisture very well, which is excellent for ...
|
| floor levelling/tile setting | 12/18/2008 |
Q: Wow, glad I found this site, The drywaller suggested using the self levelling floor level for the ...
A: I'm not sure I understand your question, but if the self leveling compound is loose you need to ...
|
| Shower wall tile, mastic or thinset mortar. | 12/17/2008 |
Q: I am installing my first tile shower my associate from Lowe's said to install the first row of tile ...
A: The more important question should be, what should I use as a tile backer? The reason I say this is, ...
|
| thin-set for porcelain tile | 12/15/2008 |
Q: Can the same thinset be used for both ceramic and porcelain tile? What might cause a loose ...
A: There are a few reasons for loose tiles. One is movement in your sub floor. The sub floor and ...
|
| thinset for laying travertine tiles | 12/11/2008 |
Q: Are there any restictions on the type of thinset that should be used for laying travertine tiles on ...
A: I've heard of "Prospec" products but have never used them. I did look at the specs on "Permaflex ...
|
| thinset for laying travertine tiles | 12/9/2008 |
Q: Are there any restictions on the type of thinset that should be used for laying travertine tiles on ...
A: Those are very good questions and I'm glad to see you asking them before your installation. I'm ...
|
| Grout in the nooks and crannies of porcelain tile | 12/7/2008 |
Q: We just tiled our shower with an Italian Porcelain tile that has nooks and crannies in it. The ...
A: This can be cleaned with masonry cleaner containing acid and is very dangerous to your self and your ...
|
| porcelain tile & grout | 12/5/2008 |
Q: I have white residue coming up from under out tile. It was installed approx. 3 years ago. I keep ...
A: I have another comment to add to my answer. Make sure you do not use the "Sure Clean Acid" solution ...
|
| porcelain tile & grout | 12/5/2008 |
Q: I have white residue coming up from under out tile. It was installed approx. 3 years ago. I keep ...
A: Efflorescence is usually a sign of a moisture problem. I assume this tile is on a concrete slab? You ...
|
| floor prep | 12/4/2008 |
Q: when removing glued down carpet from a concrete floor how much glue must be scraped off the surface ...
A: If the carpet glue has a good bond to the concrete, there is no need to remove it if you're going to ...
|
| crumbling slate flooring | 12/4/2008 |
Q: I am hoping you can help me, my house was built 14years ago,and at that time slate flooring was laid ...
A: If you have a cement board product as a underlayment, I would doubt that you have any water damage. ...
|
| Masonite as subfloor | 12/4/2008 |
Q: About two years ago I had my kitchen (about a 150 sq. ft.) redone in tile. While I was at Home ...
A: Masonite is a NO NO as a ceramic tile underlayment. For the very reason that you are having, the ...
|
| Black Mastic | 12/3/2008 |
Q: I am doing a kitchen remodel in a 44 year old kitchen. I am pulling up 3 layers of linoleum and ...
A: The Black mastic your dealing with is actually black cutback vinyl composite tile (V.C.T.) adhesive ...
|
| crumbling slate flooring | 12/3/2008 |
Q: I am hoping you can help me, my house was built 14years ago,and at that time slate flooring was laid ...
A: Without seeing the floor it is really hard to say what the problem may be. It could be that there is ...
|
| APPLYING VENETIAN PLASTER OVER OUT-DATED TILES | 12/1/2008 |
Q: We have an outdated bathroom with green ceramic tiles. Can I apply Venetian Plaster over the tiles? ...
A: Would I reccomend applying Venetian Plaster over bathroom tiles in a wet area? No, but applying over ...
|
| flooring | 11/29/2008 |
Q: just a simple question, can I purchase 9X9 inch ceramic tiles.
A: The last time I seen anything close to a 9"x9", was about 18yrs. ago and that was a 10"x10" tile. ...
|
| Refinishing whitewashed oak to darker | 11/11/2008 |
Q: Considering buying a home with extensive whitewashed or pickled oak floors, trim and stairs, very ...
A: Providing the oak flooring is a solid 3/4" you should have no problem having a professional refinish ...
|
| granite v/s vitrified tile in the hospital or | 11/9/2008 |
Q: sir, i would like to know which one will be the prefered flooring material for a hospital operating ...
A: Sujay, My experience with tiling many hospitals is that we usually tile the walls of the operating ...
|
