| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Commercial tiling | 9/30/2008 |
Q: I recently had the opportunity to bid on 2 commercial tile jobs. 1. 4500sq/ft retail store in a mall ...
A: When I did all the Tenant Development installs it was better sometimes to bid out the job according ...
|
| outside front porch | 9/29/2008 |
Q: I live in Salt Lake City UT I have a front porch that is starting to break up on the top is it ...
A: Well...you are not giving me much to go on here Mark. I am assuming that the porch is a cement slab? ...
|
| Porcelain Tiles | 9/29/2008 |
Q: We've just had porcelain tiles laid in our bathroom. The floor tiles apparently have a wax ...
A: The paraffin wax can also be removed with a scrub pad and some aggressive elbow grease. If you have ...
|
| tile | 9/29/2008 |
Q: Perry, A few questions regarding laying tile. I haven’t selected the tile, so I don’t know if it ...
A: The need for backbuttering is dependent upon two things...the flatness of the substrate and or the ...
|
| Porcelain tile | 9/29/2008 |
Q: We have purchased porcelain tile for our bathrooms,laundry room, kitchen, and entry area. I laid it ...
A: While a "tight" joint is a good method of install to reduce grout exposure there should be a small ...
|
| Marble with 3/16 joint | 9/28/2008 |
Q: I found out after id laid marble tile with 3/16 spaces that I couldnt use unsanded grout with it. ...
A: The polished surface of the Marble is a lot harder than you are suspecting. The only polished Marble ...
|
| Retiling a tile bathroom floor | 9/28/2008 |
Q: I'm just getting started on this project and have had some limited experience tiling backsplashes ...
A: If you are willing to do the work yourself then I want you to be prepared to have sore and tired ...
|
| vinyl tile | 9/19/2008 |
Q: I would like to install peel and stick vinyl tile in an older manufactured home - roughly 14 yrs ...
A: When you pull up the carpet you will have to decide then if the sub-floor is good enough to receive ...
|
| Laminate floor | 9/19/2008 |
Q: Our Kitchen floor is laminate floor and is a light oak, I want to add to my living room and my ...
A: In this situation you are found "betwixt and between" so you have to determine what kind of ...
|
| Travertine on raised floor | 9/19/2008 |
Q: I have a raised foundation supported by 2x6's varying in spacing none more than 16 on center, most ...
A: Hey Jeff, If you were to use a single layer of 1/2" plywood glued and screwed then you can ...
|
| Ceramic tile install on open balcony - slope | 9/19/2008 |
Q: I had indoor/outdoor ceramic tile installed on an open balcony (35'x4') in our San Diego condo. I ...
A: There isn't an Industry Standard that dictates a business deal. When it comes to these kind of ...
|
| grout warranty | 9/18/2008 |
Q: I am a general contractor and I did a shower remodel about 4 yrs ago and the client has called me ...
A: You are correct in your logical conclusion. Ninety percent of Contractors hold to a 12 month (single ...
|
| grout sealant...oops! | 9/18/2008 |
Q: Oh, I really did it this time... I just had porcelain tile installed and they did a marvelous job. ...
A: Well Jen...your oops is not the end of the World. The chalky residue is most likely from moisture in ...
|
| Tumbled Tile Backsplash | 9/17/2008 |
Q: We have installed a tumbled marble back splash in Chiaro. We used Linen colored grout and it all ...
A: You are mixing apples and oranges because the differing sealers are designed to perform different ...
|
| terra cotta tile | 9/17/2008 |
Q: I would like to change or lighten the color of my terra cotta floor tiles. They are on my outside ...
A: As there are dozens and dozens of production Terra Cotta tile it is impossible for me to discern ...
|
| travertine tile | 9/17/2008 |
Q: I purchased this tile also. I bought sealer from lowes, it was cheap, and applied 3 coats before ...
A: Well...you haven't given me a lot to go on but in this case I have a suspicion what may be ...
|
| proper way to install hardibacker over plywood | 9/17/2008 |
Q: Perry, we are in the process of installing 12" X 12" porcelain tile in our kitchen. The joists are ...
A: I like your style Jim, that is a professional approach to solving a less than ideal sub-flooring ...
|
| Travertine on raised floor | 9/17/2008 |
Q: I have a raised foundation supported by 2x6's varying in spacing none more than 16 on center, most ...
A: Ok Jeff... You do not need to remove any of the 1" x 6" planks of the sub-floor. The ...
|
| tile over lino | 9/16/2008 |
Q: I plan to have porcelain tile installed in my kitchen. One installer suggested laying it on top of ...
A: Let me start by saying...do not install tile of any kind over the top of linoleum. You are inviting ...
|
| concrete decoration (kinda) | 9/16/2008 |
Q: i have a concrete driveway in buffalo new york that is generally NOT used for cars (plants, tables, ...
A: Hey Kathy, Can't guarantee that cement won't make some kind of "visual" contribution to the ...
|
| tiling my first flor | 9/14/2008 |
Q: eric. thanks for takin' the time to read over my question. i'm installing tiles into my house. i've ...
A: I see that you were looking to ask "Eric" a question but you got me instead. If your ok with it I'll ...
|
| Travertine on raised floor | 9/14/2008 |
Q: I have a raised foundation supported by 2x6's varying in spacing none more than 16 on center, most ...
A: I have to admit that this foundation of yours really sounds convoluted at best! Ideally we want to ...
|
| laying travertine tile outdoors over concrete | 9/13/2008 |
Q: Perry, We want to lay 18" travertine tile over a 900 sq.ft. concrete pad outdoors in the Pittsburgh ...
A: The Travertine, in truth is "better" than the Porcelain. Not because it is harder than Porcelain ...
|
| Black Grout, white powder residue | 9/13/2008 |
Q: I purchased American Olean Black 1x1 tile surrounded by 1x2 white tiles in a classic pinwheel ...
A: Hey Sarah... Yes the "doodle bug kit" is intended for both the tile and grout application. ...
|
| porcelain tile | 9/13/2008 |
Q: my son is installing porcelain tile in his bathroom/laundry room. he has an air conditioning vent in ...
A: The usual way I cut out a "captured" opening in a single tile...meaning an opening that is entirely ...
|
| tile over stained concrete | 9/12/2008 |
Q: In 2001 I had new concrete poured for a patio to sunroom conversion. The concrete was stained with ...
A: With the passing of seven years behind you I suspect that any morsel of protection from the floor ...
|
| Tile install | 9/12/2008 |
Q: hoping you can help with some advice. I have 13X13 porcelain tiles that I want to install in my main ...
A: Hey Pete, A "dry pack" install is just "old school" mud work. It allows the floor sub-strate to ...
|
| concrete decoration (kinda) | 9/12/2008 |
Q: i have a concrete driveway in buffalo new york that is generally NOT used for cars (plants, tables, ...
A: Well all you need for your apparent art project is a bag of cement and some edging material like ...
|
| Black Grout, white powder residue | 9/12/2008 |
Q: I purchased American Olean Black 1x1 tile surrounded by 1x2 white tiles in a classic pinwheel ...
A: I have to wonder sometimes at just how inept some Contractors really are anymore. Do not let this ...
|
| cutting a hole in INSTALLED marble tile | 9/11/2008 |
Q: I have a bar area with a countertop covered in marble tile. I plan to install a undercounter ...
A: Drilling a hole in "Marble" is not hard so long as it is "Marble". If this is Granite then that's a ...
|
| hardibacker board over tile | 9/11/2008 |
Q: I have tile in my foyer witch I need to change the problem the old tile has a appox. 2 inches of ...
A: If you adhere an additional layer of underlayment, then the new setting bed, then the tile you wish ...
|
| tiles | 9/11/2008 |
Q: Is vetrified/marbonite is better for homes? What is the difeerence?
A: I have answered this question a couple times and for the sake of brevity all you need to do is to ...
|
| Thinset | 9/2/2008 |
Q: I am installing tile in my bathroom floor and tub/shower surround. All tile will be set over ...
A: Sorry this is tardy Adam, I had placed myself on vacation and when I returned I saw that a couple ...
|
| Tile install | 9/2/2008 |
Q: hoping you can help with some advice. I have 13X13 porcelain tiles that I want to install in my main ...
A: Sorry Pete, I placed myself on vacation and left town now I see upon returning that a couple slipped ...
|
| Ceramic tile over XPS | 9/2/2008 |
Q: I'm renovating my basement and am stuck on a flooring decision. We've got a typical concrete ...
A: This product is more often used as a "first layer" assembly when desiring to insulate a basement ...
|
| glass tiles | 9/2/2008 |
Q: i need to know the type of transparent glass to buy.i have a contract to tile a floor with ...
A: I am not quite sure exactly what you would like to recommend to you. You make no mention of a size ...
|
| Tile...good to go? | 9/1/2008 |
Q: I am about to do my first tile job. Floor joist are 1 1/2 x 6 3/4 sometimes 7" I guess these would ...
A: Hey Steve, In todays markets homeowners should be looking for any and all methods and means to ...
|
| 18 Inch Travertine from HD | 8/31/2008 |
Q: I saw that HD has their 18 inch Travertine for 2.49sf where I live. Ok is this too good of a deal ...
A: Hey Brett, The basic install is exactly the same with one big caveat...your grout joints (if ...
|
| Carrera Marble Turning Grey | 8/31/2008 |
Q: Last summer I remodeled my bathroom and shower with a very nice basket-weave carrera marble tile. ...
A: What you are witnessing isn't "hard" water Jeff, I think all your seeing is water period. Something ...
|
| wood floor/wood trim | 8/31/2008 |
Q: I read your answer about a dark wood floor used with existing dark wood trim--I have a similar ...
A: I believe I am like most in my field where we like to see a consistent theme as you are moving ...
|
| Outdoor Ceramic Tile | 8/31/2008 |
Q: We have recently moved in to our home which has ceramic tile installed on our outside landing and ...
A: Salt will do more than leave a residue...it will burn/etch a flat surface tile and there is little ...
|
| 18 Inch Travertine from HD | 8/30/2008 |
Q: I saw that HD has their 18 inch Travertine for 2.49sf where I live. Ok is this too good of a deal ...
A: To be honest with you Brett, the deal is so good that "I" bought 450 sq. ft. of 3 years ago and put ...
|
| Tile next to Hardwood Flooring | 8/30/2008 |
Q: My husband and I have a 4 year old home where the carpet has basically been destroyed by our dog. ...
A: It is indeed a common thing to tie a wood install right up to a tile install. The key is to install ...
|
| tile layout | 8/30/2008 |
Q: I have found a great clipped corner tile with a granite insert I would like to use in my entrance. ...
A: Hey Elizabeth, It's been awhile since I have come across the smaller format designs mainly ...
|
| tavertine over brick | 8/30/2008 |
Q: I'm tiling over an old brick wall. I've cleaned the surface with a wire wheel and vacuumed the wall. ...
A: If you are not an experienced mechanic then I would recommend that you skim/fill the surface of the ...
|
| tile layout | 8/30/2008 |
Q: I have found a great clipped corner tile with a granite insert I would like to use in my entrance. ...
A: Hey Elizabeth, Many design schemes will not make sense to some that behold it so I would say ...
|
| Tile...good to go? | 8/29/2008 |
Q: I am about to do my first tile job. Floor joist are 1 1/2 x 6 3/4 sometimes 7" I guess these would ...
A: Hey Steve, The Ditra, while commonly used for an underlayment was really designed as an ...
|
| travetine | 8/29/2008 |
Q: can i put travertine on a wooden floor, are they strong enough or they will crack? if is yes which ...
A: Hey Max, Ok...I'm still guessing but I suppose that you may have a plywood sub-floor under your ...
|
| polished porcelain tiles help | 8/28/2008 |
Q: he has grouted them and now we cant get them clean they look dull and cloudly. Is there any thing we ...
A: First you need to have your original installer return to address this issue right away. It is solely ...
|
| Antique French Terra Cotta Tile | 8/28/2008 |
Q: Do you know of any site where I can purchase Antique French Terra Cotta Tiles online?
A: While I do not know of a specific site where you can find such a material there are Companies out ...
|
| travetine | 8/27/2008 |
Q: can i put travertine on a wooden floor, are they strong enough or they will crack? if is yes which ...
A: Well Max I don't have much to go on here as I have to guess that you are asking whether you can ...
|
| tile layout | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I have found a great clipped corner tile with a granite insert I would like to use in my entrance. ...
A: I see what you are telling me, but I can also "read" what you are saying as well Elizabeth. I ...
|
| Tile...good to go? | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I am about to do my first tile job. Floor joist are 1 1/2 x 6 3/4 sometimes 7" I guess these would ...
A: Well the initial assembly should support a modest format tile ie: 12x12" or "smaller" not larger. ...
|
| thinset removal | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I have pulled up all the tiles in my kitchen. What methods can I use to remove all the thinset so I ...
A: Believe it or not but the hard part is done, what remains is the "detail" portion of any demolition. ...
|
| machine to use | 8/27/2008 |
Q: In your own experience I would like to update the right tools to remove old marble floor tiles ...
A: Well Monique, there is nearly as many tools with which to apply to either a demolition project or an ...
|
| sub floor prep. prior to tile | 8/16/2008 |
Q: My wife and I painted our sub-floor with kilz paint after we removed our carpet. We have decided to ...
A: Sorry I'm a bit tardy...I was stuck out of town and I just got home, on to your question... ...
|
| Laying porceline floor tile over new cement | 8/16/2008 |
Q: Must we do anything to prepare the cement to accept the mastic? Must anything be painted on the tile ...
A: Sorry for my being a bit tardy...I was stuck out of town, just got home. On to your question... ...
|
| travertine medallion on a screened in porch | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I have recently purchased a 36"x36" travertine floor medallion to put dead center on my screened in ...
A: Installing a layer of Wonderboard will greatly enhance the screen porch surviving tough Winters, but ...
|
| Floor prep for marble | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I have just ripped up my ceramic tile floors, but there is a very stubborn thin set that didnt come ...
A: Without removing the hard old thinset you will have effectively used up whatever the old dimension ...
|
| Travertine stain | 8/15/2008 |
Q: I just purchased a vanity for my bathroom. The top is travertine but it's too light. It looks ...
A: It is unlikely that you will be able to successfully stain this top without mechanical means. This ...
|
| Tiling a semi-covered outdoor concrete patio with crack | 8/14/2008 |
Q: I've scraped our 30 year old 18'X 15'8" partially covered patio have have tile installed. There is a ...
A: When faced with an install that will be directly married to adverse weather conditions a good plan ...
|
| new deck floor / carpet | 8/14/2008 |
Q: I am adding a 10X22 deck to the back of my modular home. I will be installing outdoor carpet. What ...
A: What I would consider using is two products not just one. With an exterior application for your ...
|
| Tile Grout | 8/14/2008 |
Q: We just had a ceramic shower installed in our bathroom. We just used it for the first time last ...
A: There are some incomplete points of information that you do not mention like size of the tile...size ...
|
| Tiling questions | 8/14/2008 |
Q: First, let me say I find you and this site extremely helpful. Thank you very much. Now... I'm ...
A: David... I am as serious as I can be about the "premixed" material. In particular I had to bail ...
|
| Ceramic Tiles That Collect Moisture | 8/13/2008 |
Q: My house which was built in the early 1960's in NJ is a split level; and we have porous tile floor ...
A: Welcome back Lee, I appreciate your kind words and confidence in me but I am not the weather ...
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| Tiling questions | 8/13/2008 |
Q: First, let me say I find you and this site extremely helpful. Thank you very much. Now... I'm ...
A: Hey David, welcome back, Glad I could help with your project. Now your first question...1) any ...
|
| thinset mortor for 18x18 marble | 8/13/2008 |
Q: i have 18x18 by 1/2" thick marble tile made in spain it has a reason laminate with 8- 1/4" lines ...
A: Ok Ralph...now your talking, The "reinforcing" fiberglass backing is to help stabilize the ...
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| thinset mortor for 18x18 marble | 8/13/2008 |
Q: i have 18x18 by 1/2" thick marble tile made in spain it has a reason laminate with 8- 1/4" lines ...
A: I have looked at your question closely Ralph but I can't for the life of me figure out what you are ...
|
| transition between tile and concrete floor | 8/7/2008 |
Q: I am a designer with a question I can't seem to find a product for. We are specifying 5/16" thick ...
A: The modern platform for tile producers these days is that many are discovering that formally ...
|
| Ceramic Tiles That Collect Moisture | 8/7/2008 |
Q: My house which was built in the early 1960's in NJ is a split level; and we have porous tile floor ...
A: You do have a quandary with your home, but before you move forward with a significant remodel ...
|
| linoleum flooring | 8/7/2008 |
Q: I have an armstrong linoleum kitchen floor cover. I intend to install OVER this existing linoleum ...
A: If you were installing Linoleum over the top of an existing Tile floor that has grout joints then ...
|
| Tiling | 8/7/2008 |
Q: I am going to be installing a tumbled marble backsplash - chiaro. I have a few questions. Can I ...
A: Hey Scott, Most grouts will have a dry dull appearance to them if left unsealed. This is one of ...
|
| marble tile | 8/6/2008 |
Q: good afternoon. I am wanting to tile my bathroom with marble. I have had several successes with ...
A: I have seen both joint spacing used and many installers would argue that it's a personal preference, ...
|
| Can VCT tiles be painted? | 8/6/2008 |
Q: Our church has had VCT tiles for over 20 years, but about 10 years ago, carpet was glued down over ...
A: Well of course you can paint the VCT but whether it will last is the real question. With the tiles ...
|
| Tiling | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I am going to be installing a tumbled marble backsplash - chiaro. I have a few questions. Can I ...
A: You can indeed install your Stone right over the drywall so long as it is flat and tight...no need ...
|
| Polished 20x20 rectified tile | 8/5/2008 |
Q: We are thinking of getting 20x20 porcelain rectified tiles. We found one tile we love and one we ...
A: While some polished tiles might stain this is not the case with a Porcelain tile. It is a virtually ...
|
| patio tiling | 8/4/2008 |
Q: Our front entrance patio needs to be re-tiled, primarily because it is allowing rainwater to form a ...
A: You do not need to go to great lengths to produce the desired effect. In this case I would purchase ...
|
| Industry standards/subfloor for installing 18x18 porcelain tile | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I recently read your answer to a question presented by a homeowner concerning "ponds" in their ...
A: I have read you question carefully three times trying to get a visual along with what you have typed ...
|
| Outdoor concrete patio with patches of "loose" concrete. | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I live in Chicago and our front patio was covered in paver bricks which have come loose. The pavers ...
A: It's rather hard to make a positive determination for you without actually laying eyes on what your ...
|
| travertine floor | 7/27/2008 |
Q: I did learn many things from your postings but i still need some more info. I am installing ...
A: Hey Vasi, Your "brushed" finish sounds like a "honed" finish as I understand it so a sealer is ...
|
| How much laminate to buy | 7/26/2008 |
Q: I am a fellow Expert with NO math knowledge. I want to use laminate (each plank is 7 1/4" x 47 ...
A: You have less than 100 square feet to cover but when you are using a fixed material that is adjusted ...
|
| Grout Compatibility | 7/26/2008 |
Q: Would it be ok for me to apply non-sanded grout straight over sanded grout in a tub surround (wall ...
A: So long as your goal is to fill pin holes only then your plan will work. I wouldn't full spread the ...
|
| Ceramic Tile | 7/25/2008 |
Q: We just had our bathroom carpet and old (small) tiles ripped out and replaced with larger ...
A: Grout is not your solution here in this instance...caulking is. While a quarter round molding is a ...
|
| Placing ceramic tiles over vinly in a 2nd floor condo unit | 7/24/2008 |
Q: I would like to place ceramic tiles over exisiting vinly in our condo on the 2nd floor. I am not ...
A: Sorry Neeta...I can not recommend that you install tile over a vinyl. Vinyl by itself is as stable ...
|
| retrofit hearth with granite tile | 7/24/2008 |
Q: We removed a 3 inch raised hearth and are replacing it with granite tile. We'd like the tile to be ...
A: If your measurements are correct then we are concerning ourselves with only a 1/4" of buildup which ...
|
| travertine floor | 7/24/2008 |
Q: I did learn many things from your postings but i still need some more info. I am installing ...
A: I appreciate you investing the time researching in the archive which will always help to focus your ...
|
| bad grout job | 7/23/2008 |
Q: We have a new ceramic tile floor in kitchen, hall, mudroom, bathroom, laundry room with brown sanded ...
A: I have always instructed my helpers or anyone I was training to be a setter/mechanic that "a good ...
|
| glue residue | 7/23/2008 |
Q: my bathroom project schedule has hit a glitch and now I have removed the old linoleum tile and most ...
A: I know exactly what you are talking about with the sticky remnant. I used to live and work in ...
|
| cement under parquet flooring | 7/22/2008 |
Q: i have a 1950's home. It all had parquet flooring at one time. But at some point there must have ...
A: Hey Darrell, You will want to inspect what remains of the old cut back adhesive so that there ...
|
| Caulking Joint between Tile and Tile | 7/21/2008 |
Q: Perry: I have a problem with a caulking job. I need to recaulk the joint between a tile floor and ...
A: I would go from where you are with the finger operation to the blue tape operation. If you tightly ...
|
| Carrera marble | 7/19/2008 |
Q: I bought an apartment in Paris 8 years ago with grey carrera marble on the wall around the ...
A: You do not seem stupid to me as your question is reasonable and pointed. What sounds like to me is a ...
|
| lifting/loose new tile ceramic | 7/19/2008 |
Q: we had aprofessional put a new plywood 3/8 subfloor over an existing vinyl floor with subfloor and ...
A: Putting this picture together you have hit on some glaring possibilities. For one, if the installer ...
|
| cement under parquet flooring | 7/18/2008 |
Q: i have a 1950's home. It all had parquet flooring at one time. But at some point there must have ...
A: You have found yourself in quite a spot with all this parquet. I hate the stuff as it used to be a ...
|
| tiling over stencil concrete | 7/18/2008 |
Q: Hey Perry, I wish to tile over some 8 year old sprayed stencil concrete with tiles as the stencilled ...
A: The best way to get this form of coating up is to rent or purchase a standing scraper. It is ...
|
| sealing tile floor | 7/17/2008 |
Q: ! We had some ceramic tile given to us (white) we used white grout. Should we seal the grout? I'm ...
A: I can confidently say...it depends...how you live and who's in the house with you will dictate what ...
|
| stained outdoor tiles | 7/16/2008 |
Q: i just laid italian tiles on my verandah,they are matt non glossy but discovered that the dark ...
A: You may need to employ different cleaning application to address different problems. First for any ...
|
| glazing tiles a different color | 7/16/2008 |
Q: we have the old 4x4 tiles in an off red throughout our cabin, although they are still in great ...
A: You are not the first one to have this desire that's for sure, but to be honest there really isn't a ...
|
| Tile & Grout | 7/15/2008 |
Q: we just had the backsplash installed. We had used Jerusalem Gold tiles for it. After the grouting ...
A: I simply reject the notion of rinsing a Natural Stone material with an acid based chemical ...
|
| cleaning grout | 7/15/2008 |
Q: Can you tell me the best way to clean sanded grout? My ceramic tile's grout needs to be resealed ...
A: Ok when it comes to just cleaning grout or cleaning grout so that it can be sealed to me are two ...
|
| subfloor question | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I have my bathroom down to the subfloor which seems to be slats (not plywood). The slats are in good ...
A: I am supposing that beneath these slats are additional means of supports (joists) so if you use a ...
|
| Pellet Stove Platform | 7/14/2008 |
Q: I am building a platform for a new pellet stove which I would like to tile. Once I build the frame, ...
A: Hey Judy, The 1/4" material will be just fine and will allow the cement board an improved ...
|
| Tile and wood subfloor and off grade | 7/13/2008 |
Q: We would like to replace the tile in our kitchen remodel. The current tile has cracks in the grout ...
A: Without being able to visually inspect your current conditions, structure, and support assembly it ...
|
| Floor Prep, Scraping | 7/12/2008 |
Q: I am removing old carpet and vinyl flooring. The concrete is in good shape, but it appears to have a ...
A: What I suspect that you have as a float material is a lightweight product called "Dependable"...it ...
|
| Pellet Stove Platform | 7/12/2008 |
Q: I am building a platform for a new pellet stove which I would like to tile. Once I build the frame, ...
A: In order to have a structurally stable platform (one that won't sag over time) I would use both the ...
|
| Replacing single travertine tiles | 7/11/2008 |
Q: How do I got about replacing single travertine tiles here and there in my house? There is no grout ...
A: I did a lengthy exchange with another questioner in dealing with this exact thing a few months ago. ...
|
| Tiles on concrete floor | 7/11/2008 |
Q: I live in a high rise and want to remove the ceramic tiles from my kitchen. I know they are laid ...
A: There is a perfect tool specifically designed for lightweight demolition like yours. It's called a ...
|
| Uneven grout lines | 7/10/2008 |
Q: I have an elderly client who had a new porcelain floor installed in the kitchen, but has uneven ...
A: I wonder if a Doctor were to make that statement to "him" after "UN"successful cosmetic surgery he ...
|
| poor porcelain floor tile installation | 7/10/2008 |
Q: My entire 1600 SF home was installed with 20x20 Mediterreanea porcelain tile in mostly brick style, ...
A: Wow...I marvel at the arrogance of todays contractors. There was a time Kate when "no one was happy ...
|
| Travertine wall installation | 7/10/2008 |
Q: Mr. Vellenga, I have a quote to install 2x4" travertine subway-style stone in my kitchen. I also ...
A: Years ago I worked in Houston in a couple different places...clothing stores (a big Casual Corner)in ...
|
| GARAGE TILE | 7/10/2008 |
Q: HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF AUTO STONE I GUESS IT'S USED IN BMW CAR DEALERSHIPS, ANYWAY HOW DO YOU ...
A: Sorry Matt, it is simply impossible to keep up with any particular manufactured material in ...
|
| Onyx in steam shower | 7/9/2008 |
Q: We are contemplating putting onyx in the steam shower of a custom home we are building. It will be ...
A: If you have heard good and bad then I'll simply be falling on one side or the other won't I?...That ...
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| Black grout staining white tile | 7/9/2008 |
Q: Yesterday my contractor laid our unglazed pocelain tile (dah-tile keystone) floor in our bathroom. ...
A: Porcelain tiles are not glazed like Ceramic tile are they are Porcelain through and through so ...
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| concrete vs. durorock | 7/9/2008 |
Q: I live in a bldg in NYC, built in 1929. The eat-in kitchen has half old parquet floor and half ...
A: Hey Janis, I think you will be just fine as the felt paper is just a small ingredient to a ...
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| refinishing hardwood floors | 7/7/2008 |
Q: how wise is it to refinish your own hardwood floors as opposed to hiring a professional? im 26 adn i ...
A: Sanding a natural wood floor is not like installing your own tile floor. Wood is an unpredictable ...
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| concrete vs. durorock | 7/7/2008 |
Q: I live in a bldg in NYC, built in 1929. The eat-in kitchen has half old parquet floor and half ...
A: Well I boil it down to a labor issue. Is it easier to bring up presized and dimensionally stable ...
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| Travertine Floors | 6/26/2008 |
Q: We just purchased a home with travertine flooring. We believe it was not sealed. In one of your ...
A: There are a number of stone cleaners that are acceptable to use as a cleaning medium..ie: Stone Soap ...
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| Outdoor Tile over Existing Concrete Patio | 6/26/2008 |
Q: First of all, thank you for being there to help. To date I have been to tile stores and stone yards ...
A: There are several options that you can entertain as a usable/suitable material in a tile format. You ...
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| installing tile in mobile home | 6/26/2008 |
Q: Can ditra be installed on 3/4" particle board in a mobile home with joists 16" on center. The home ...
A: Your intuition in this case is ringing true. You can not install Ditra directly to particle board ...
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| Repairing etched marble floor tile | 6/26/2008 |
Q: The renovation contractor for my home in Bangkok used hydrochloric acid in a very stupid attempt to ...
A: When I first read your question I caught my breath for a second, wondering first where the heck did ...
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| porcelain tile | 6/26/2008 |
Q: We are planning on installing tile in the kitchen.Our current floor has linoleum over cement. The ...
A: The Linoleum simply has to go. You should NEVER install tile over vinyl of any kind as sooner or ...
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| Verified Titles | 6/25/2008 |
Q: Could anyone tell me pls what is verified titles tks
A: When you "vitrify" something, in this case tiles, you are fusing a glass like substance to the ...
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| porcelain question | 6/25/2008 |
Q: how do you make an outside corner if no bullnose is availiable?
A: Typically when a tile is produced they will produce a "trim" for it as well. Knowing this, seldom do ...
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| sponges for tile | 6/24/2008 |
Q: I have been laying tile for about 29 years --when I started I bought ($20.00) a sponge for cleaning ...
A: When I started around the same time you did the "Hydro"sponge was not even on the horizon yet in my ...
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| 8x8 tile | 6/24/2008 |
Q: I was repairing a leaky picture window when I fell through the floor! The subfloor had rotted out. ...
A: I hope you weren't hurt, but you gave me a moments laugh for sure. I had visions of the movie "Money ...
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| tiling a outdoor deck | 6/23/2008 |
Q: What is the proper subfloor for an outdoor deck if I want to tile it We live in the north so we will ...
A: For me personally I prefer a cement slab to any other kind of substrate when you are planning to add ...
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| Backing "extra" in tile installation? | 6/22/2008 |
Q: I am in the middle of a flooring change and bathroom remodel in my condo (in California, if that ...
A: Over the years Vara, I have come to know several good and fair Contractors and during that same time ...
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| ceramic tile | 6/21/2008 |
Q: We had ceramic tile installed in our bathrooms. The installer put primed white quarter round shoe ...
A: You don't have to caulk this joint but there may be some difficulty in trying to paint the shoe ...
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| Broken Ceramic tile | 6/20/2008 |
Q: There are several broken tiles in one area of the kitchen. If nothing was dropped on them-there are ...
A: It is nigh onto impossible for me to evaluate a cause basically having zero information in which to ...
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| rough surface from radiant wiring | 6/20/2008 |
Q: After installing radiant floor wiring (SunTouch WarmWire) on 1/2" backerboard I could not get the ...
A: Hey Paul, The compound will perform just fine over the thinset. Although I must say I am a bit ...
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| Porcelain tile installation | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I have a floor where the plywood subfloor abuts a concrete foundation for my fireplace; both the ...
A: Well...not so fast with the attempted addition of a "layer or two" of any quick set float. First I ...
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| Tiling over Acrylic | 6/19/2008 |
Q: I own a very large walk-in (handicap)shower. The shower itself is in perfect condition, but its the ...
A: Sadly Lenny, you simply can not install tile over an acrylic shower pan. As long as the pan is in ...
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| rough surface from radiant wiring | 6/19/2008 |
Q: After installing radiant floor wiring (SunTouch WarmWire) on 1/2" backerboard I could not get the ...
A: I was just yesterday looking at a display board provided to the Distributor where I was picking up ...
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| new grout turning green in some areas | 6/18/2008 |
Q: i had remodel shower by someone it was fine until they had to come back and replaces some of the ...
A: I can't be completely sure what is happening without actually seeing what things look like but I ...
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| WOOD LIKE TILE | 6/18/2008 |
Q: I've heard that there is now a Ceramic or Porcelain tile that mimics wood exactly. I've heard that ...
A: I worked for a few years at a Resort Beach Hotel in Florida where I installed several thousands of ...
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| engineered wood over uneven concrete | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Hey Perry, Here's the deal. I am doing a kitchen remodel for my parents. They have a concrete slab ...
A: First let me say that you are a good son...and I commend you on your desire to help them and to be ...
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| Bathroom threshold - floor tile vs. marble | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Howdy, Perry - thank you for letting me ask a question. Having my full bathroom totally redone. ...
A: You have hit on one of my personal favorites of a tile material..."Mexican" tile or otherwise known ...
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| installing tile, such as saltillo, over a brick floor | 6/17/2008 |
Q: I am wondering if it's feasible to install saltillo-type tile or slate tiles over a brick floor. ...
A: You certainly can install a new layer of tile over the brick. I am thinking that what you have are ...
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| Carrera marble in shower stall? | 6/16/2008 |
Q: We are in the first throes of research to renovate our bathroom. We are very attracted to the look ...
A: You are right on with the discovery that Carrera Marble has been around for a long time, certainly ...
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| Tile scuff marks? | 6/16/2008 |
Q: Our tile expert layed a beautiful pattern of tile in our living room, foyer, and powder. BUT the ...
A: To be honest Ellen, anything that you "apply" to the surface of this material will be temporary at ...
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| Marble | 6/16/2008 |
Q: I have two rooms and an entry way that make up about 560 sq ft of marble. I want to replace or cover ...
A: I won't ask why you want to cover up the Marble (but I would like to), that being said though there ...
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| 1/16" joint grout | 6/5/2008 |
Q: Perry, Like other posters, we selected 20x20" porcelain rectified tile and had it installed with a ...
A: This is not an uncommon problem Bruce, a 20x20 Porcelain tile is never as "true" as a 20x20 ...
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| floor grout | 6/4/2008 |
Q: I have just finished laying 44 sq metres of Travertine tiles to an exterior part of my garden on a ...
A: When the joints get small, typically 1/8" or less then a "non"sanded grout will be needed. When they ...
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| Marble | 6/4/2008 |
Q: what is the life span of marble and granite?
A: Modern day produced Marble or Granite tiles will have a service life of perhaps 50 years before ...
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| Grout problem in tiled shower | 6/4/2008 |
Q: I have a shower with 4x4 white tile and non-sanded white grout. I have a small shelf with these ...
A: When you cleaned out the old grout did you use grout from the exact same bag that was used the first ...
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| flooring | 6/4/2008 |
Q: We have cement slab..not even..how do we make it even and we want cabin effect..cheap..we have some ...
A: Well...you haven't given much to go on here. As I can only see text on a page (so to speak) I ...
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| Water seepage through tile floor? | 6/4/2008 |
Q: I bought a 2-story townhome in December 2006. Both full baths are upstairs and have tile flooring. ...
A: Unless you have "triplets" that engage in a "splashfest" nightly, I have to doubt that sufficient ...
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| remodel bathroom | 6/3/2008 |
Q: I have a 5' X 8' master bath that contains a shower and toilet. I removed the leaking shower ...
A: You have dug down into what would be a fun job for me. What you are doing is just the way I ...
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| removing excess mastic tile adhesive from facade | 6/3/2008 |
Q: I hope you are well. I have installed glazed ceramic tile, with glass tile accents, as a back ...
A: The easiest way to remove this is with a razor blade the kind that wall paper folks use, with the ...
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| Verified Tiles vs Marble | 6/3/2008 |
Q: I would like to know which floor (Verified Tiles or Marble) will keep the atmosphere cooler. I am ...
A: I am not sure why but I have received many questions from your area of India, which I enjoy and I'm ...
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| Porceline Tiles | 6/2/2008 |
Q: I have beautiful porceline tiles with many "levels, grooves etc". I have had to clean each tile by ...
A: Hey Lynn, Your kind words that you provided in response to my answer along with the funny wit ...
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| Quick-dry thinset | 6/2/2008 |
Q: the installer said call him when the extra grout I ordered came in (I wasn't sure we had enough). ...
A: Hey Sheila, What does your "gut" tell you? Don't you have to wonder "if proper installation ...
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| grout sealer | 6/2/2008 |
Q: You also emailed that you did not recommend Tile Labs for sealer and I believe that is what I used ...
A: Hey Judy, Sorry I didn't fill in the "loaded response" when "not" recommending something and ...
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| saltillo tile repair | 6/1/2008 |
Q: I have saltillo tile on my floors and they were sealed about 12 years ago. On the high traffic ...
A: Well...your floor has arrived at the expected point in it's life where it needs to be stripped and ...
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| One Step Forgotten. Grouted Marble Tile before sealing. | 6/1/2008 |
Q: I just grouted in a small area in a bathroom with marble tile. After noticing that stone seamed ...
A: First you have already committed to grouting the stone so complete the job before you move forward. ...
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| floor tile grout cleaning | 5/31/2008 |
Q: What is a good product and process for cleaning old, dirty floor grout? Thank you, Judy
A: Normally I don't specifically point out a particular product found @ your local Home Improvement ...
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| Rubber backed rug on marble floor? | 5/31/2008 |
Q: I just installed a wonderful marble floor and marble that surrounds the tub and shower walls. I have ...
A: The rug in question will do just fine Justin, what you need to be mindful of is should things get ...
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| Expansion joint - wood/tile radiant | 5/31/2008 |
Q: New home construction - there will be radiant heat throughout so I'm concerned about uneven ...
A: There is a temptation to maintain a similar space between the wood to tile transition as there is ...
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| Kitchen tile | 5/31/2008 |
Q: We are installing ceramic kitchen tile, 18 inch and 6 inch tiles. Our floor is ½ inch ply overlaid ...
A: Well you have more than "one" problem to contend with here. The floor joist spacing is going to ...
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| Marble slabs outside... | 5/31/2008 |
Q: ..my mom and dad built their house in the late 70s and used marble slabs for 3 large outdoor patios. ...
A: I guess no one told our ancestors that Marble shouldn't be used in an exterior application as many ...
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| grouting outside stone | 5/30/2008 |
Q: We have left over stone and wanted to do our walkway up to the house with those pieces. There will ...
A: Well...you will need to perform a different method of grouting between the stones called a "Baker's ...
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| Porceline Tiles | 5/30/2008 |
Q: I have beautiful porceline tiles with many "levels, grooves etc". I have had to clean each tile by ...
A: This is not your fault Lynn...it's the fault of the sales person who showed you this material ...
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| Quick-dry thinset | 5/30/2008 |
Q: the installer said call him when the extra grout I ordered came in (I wasn't sure we had enough). ...
A: Hey Sheila, Well the 3/4" T/G improves things quite a bit which is good. You never know where ...
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| wonderboard or hardi-backer | 5/30/2008 |
Q: Hey Perry, I am about to lay 16"x16" ceramic tile in my kitchen and dining room area and was ...
A: Hardy Backer Board has become a popular material in recent years but I am not a fan of it. A few of ...
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| grout | 5/30/2008 |
Q: Our grout did not get mixed right so it is discolored.Can we stain it and if so what color would ...
A: You don't mention what happened that discolored the grout or what the end result was, how it appears ...
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| Quick-dry thinset | 5/29/2008 |
Q: the installer said call him when the extra grout I ordered came in (I wasn't sure we had enough). ...
A: Hey Sheila, Well isn't that a very "generous" offer for him to tell you he is only coming out ...
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| 12x12 tile over1x1 inch tiles | 5/20/2008 |
Q: I am putting 12x12 inch tiles over 1x1 inch tiles in my bathroom. I was told to rough up the 1 inch ...
A: Well...yes it is the general process to follow when tiling over tile. Most 1x1 tiles are mosaic in ...
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| uneven tile on hardi backer board | 5/19/2008 |
Q: We have a home built in 1951 that has a wooden subfloor. We are re-doing the floor ourselves and ...
A: I am not a fan of Hardy Backer Board, neither have I ever recommended the material. While many folks ...
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| Loose tile | 5/17/2008 |
Q: Too many followups, had to ask new question. I took a tile that I pulled up and some pieces of the ...
A: Hey Sheila, Certainly if the adhesive was combed out and not covered in a timely manor the ...
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| baseboard for marble floors | 5/17/2008 |
Q: What do contractors use as baseboard when installing 18x18 marble? Is it easier to use wood or can ...
A: I installed 18x18 honed Travertine in my kitchen/dining room for the wife a few months ago and one ...
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| Loose tile | 5/16/2008 |
Q: We built a new house (5/8" plywood subfloors, 16" OC)last year and had experienced installer tile ...
A: Hey Sheila, Something just popped into my head as I had an experience with a friend of mine. ...
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| Gritty | 5/15/2008 |
Q: We built a new house (5/8" plywood subfloors, 16" OC)last year and had experienced installer tile ...
A: Hey Sheila, Well...Mastic would have been a huge "no-no" and visually it is very easy to tell ...
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| travertine installation | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I am trying to decide on new flooring for an foyer, formal living and dining room and hallway. I am ...
A: Either material will do just fine as a complete install over both the slab and the basement. It's ...
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| installing travertine over self stained concrete | 4/30/2008 |
Q: My husband and I removed our carpet last year and decided to try self stain concrete with Lowes ...
A: Well after having gone through the process with an earlier install nothing should change as you move ...
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| tumbled marble for a shower floor | 4/30/2008 |
Q: I am remodeling a bathroom and the lady at the tile center helped me pick a tumbled marble for my ...
A: Certainly the answer is yes and to be honest it's not even necessary to seal it unless you have ...
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| Porcelain tile on outdoor slab in north country | 4/30/2008 |
Q: How do you recommend installing glazed (rough surface) porcelain tile on an outdoor patio concrete ...
A: Any time a home owner that resides in a climate that challenges every form of exterior material ...
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| Gritty "crackling" sound on tile | 4/29/2008 |
Q: We built a new house (5/8" plywood subfloors, 16" OC)last year and had experienced installer tile ...
A: In the text of your question you say "He didn't put glue under backer, and he used "thinset" not ...
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| Stone vs. Tile on radiant floor | 4/29/2008 |
Q: I have a hydronic radiant floor in a concrete slab in the basement that I am planning on covering ...
A: Well that's a pretty good sales "ploy" if I do say so myself. I would like to hear the "reasoning" ...
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| White Thassos Marble | 4/29/2008 |
Q: I am considering doing white thassos (honed) in our den. We have 3 young girls and the messes that ...
A: A "Natural Stone" and little (messy) girls do not mix well. I would pursue a Porcelain for maximum ...
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| fireplace/slate | 4/28/2008 |
Q: IM A TILE SETTER GETTING READY TO WORK ON A BRICK FIREPLACE.THEY HAVE TO BUILD OUT A PORTION OF THE ...
A: While mortar and mud stick well to brick when stacking there isn't the bond strength trying to bond ...
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| Tumbled marble tiles installed on drywall | 4/28/2008 |
Q: 4 years ago remodeled bath and used expensive small squares of honed tumbled marble in steam ...
A: You have a disaster just waiting to come to light. Your assembly is completely wrong to begin with. ...
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| Floor and wall tile installation | 4/27/2008 |
Q: I have laid a bit of tile before so I know enough to be dangerous! We are building our own house ...
A: Well the first thing I would do is take a 4' level and go around the floor that you are about to ...
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| grout | 4/26/2008 |
Q: OK, I hate my grout. We installed ceramic tile in 3 bathrooms and the kitchen approx 9 years ago. ...
A: Well if your close to the 10yrs of service with this floor then while the tile is still doing the ...
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| ceramic tile grout | 4/25/2008 |
Q: We remodeled our kitchen 10 years ago and had a ceramic tile floor installed. The work was done by ...
A: While I have no information to go on in regards to the use of a particular underlayment or the ...
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| Placing tile over old linoleum in our kitchen | 4/25/2008 |
Q: We recently purchased an older farmhouse and the floor in the kitchen is covered in a well-loved ...
A: Well you do have a bit of a problem here Chris. I have tempted the powers that be within this forum ...
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| Wood Over Ceramic | 4/25/2008 |
Q: When I built my home I chose ceramic tile for all the floors downstairs. I would like to know if ...
A: There is but two ways to install "real wood" over a ceramic tile floor and that is first by way of a ...
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| space between tiles on patio application | 4/24/2008 |
Q: Perry, I found your response to a recent question so incredibly helpfu. Your detailed description ...
A: I appreciate you taking a little time to do some personal research using our archive here getting ...
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| Grout Dye? | 4/23/2008 |
Q: I have a slate tile floor that is various colors. The grout is suppose to be white, but was damaged ...
A: I've been doing tile work for 30 years (this August) and I have to admit...I have never seen a Slate ...
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| Material choices for outdoor steps | 4/23/2008 |
Q: I have been planning a project and have read several of your responses regarding tiling over ...
A: There is nothing I enjoy more John than someone who invests the time to do a little ...
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| Marble Tile Installation using Ditra membrane | 4/23/2008 |
Q: I'm installing green tile over Schluter-Ditra membrane using kerabond and keralastic modifier. Will ...
A: Well...your question is either a test for me as to what my recommendation might be for a "green ...
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| Re-tiling | 4/23/2008 |
Q: my house is 12 years old,the kitchen floor is a 12x12 ceramic tile that I want to replace. In some ...
A: Certainly you can tile over tile which saves on time and of course labor and demo dust...that being ...
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| Granite Tiles on a Wood Deck | 4/23/2008 |
Q: What are the potential problems of laying granit tiles on a wood deck with a wood subfloor. Deck is ...
A: Well I know your intention is good Darlene and certainly your question is legitimate so I will give ...
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| Travertine | 4/13/2008 |
Q: We are installing travertine in our master bath, on the bathroom floor and shower walls. How much ...
A: I guess it would depend upon your comfort level installing this material. The standard grout joint ...
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| sub floor question | 4/13/2008 |
Q: I have a very stable hardwood floor that I am going to put ceramic tile over. Must I install a ...
A: I am not a fan of installing tile over a hardwood floor as you are compounding the finish height of ...
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| Caulk problems | 4/13/2008 |
Q: My bathroom was remodeled in 06 using Carrera marble tiles. After repeated applications, the caulk ...
A: I suspect that your problem is "not" your tub..(that's a new one) but the caulking used. Shame on ...
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| grouting travertine | 4/12/2008 |
Q: We've put down 18" travertine with 1/6th grout lines, and are ready to grout--I assumed with a ...
A: Well...you are on the right track and your husband is somewhere else off track. The small joints are ...
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| porcelain tile floor | 4/12/2008 |
Q: I just asked a question but probably left out some important info. the current sub floor is 3/4" ...
A: Hey Brent, Well the end game is pretty much the same as provided in my first answer to you. If ...
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| porcelain tile floor | 4/12/2008 |
Q: I just pulled up the old tile from my kitchen floor and i am going to be replacing it with porcelain ...
A: If you have "planed" off the raised portion of the thinset then you have a good base to install off ...
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| Ceramic tile in unheated garage? | 4/11/2008 |
Q: We live in Vermont - where our coldest night this year was -29 degrees. We have a large detached ...
A: The answer to your question is of course yes. No matter where you desire to install tile, whether it ...
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| color variation in grout | 4/11/2008 |
Q: We recently put down ceramic tile in two bathrooms, by a patio door and in our utility room. The ...
A: Well, there are about as many reasons for grout to discolor or the shade affected as I have fingers. ...
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| installation of travertine over concrete with excessive moisture vapor emmisions | 4/10/2008 |
Q: I am preparing to install Travertine tiles over a concrete substrate with a possible moisture ...
A: The test for moisture is simple and takes about 24 hours to do you, can source the procedure by ...
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| marble grout | 4/9/2008 |
Q: ok...where do I buy marble dust grout?
A: You can find Marble dust at your local "Plastering" supply store or where "Pool Builders" get their ...
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| marble 18" tiles | 4/9/2008 |
Q: My installer layed tile 1/8 inches apart and all I see on my carrera marble floor is white grout. He ...
A: I can't account for the reason behind why your installer set your Marble with it's current spacing. ...
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| price of 18x18 vs 12x12 ceramic tile | 4/9/2008 |
Q: I just purchased a home and the builder typical uses 12x12 tile for all the wet areas in the house. ...
A: Well...lets look at it this way. Bear in mind that a 12x12 is one square foot each...that is easy ...
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| Wood flooring over gypcrete | 4/9/2008 |
Q: I have installed a couple wood floors over wood before. However, I ran into gypcrete on the second ...
A: As soon as you discovered the Gyp-Crete substrate you were faced with two options...one being to ...
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| Tile/Flooring | 4/1/2008 |
Q: Perry: I am installing a marble saddle in a doorway that transitions to the kitchen. This is a high ...
A: If the Marble threshold is to be resting on the hardwood floor side of things then you will need to ...
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| OUTDOOR PATIO TABLE | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I am going to tile with Porcelain and glass tile a wood oudoor patio table. Used only durning the ...
A: In the nearly 9 years I've been volunteering here this is the first question ever in regards to ...
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| under granite | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I am installing a black granite 18x18 tiles on a floor. They are either half inch or they are 5/8 ...
A: Well... you have chosen to take on a significant material and size and method of install for your ...
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| Tile to carpet | 3/31/2008 |
Q: I have been helping friends with a tiling project so they can put their house up for sale. The ...
A: Did you just call me "Penny"?? That got a smile out of me. Your numerous transition issues are ...
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| adhesive backed vinyl | 3/30/2008 |
Q: can it be installed on a concrete floor of a lanai?
A: Well you sure don't give me much to go on as I don't have any idea how exposed this particular lanai ...
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| floor height | 3/30/2008 |
Q: "I had tile installed in a few rooms and now the floor is up to 2 inchs higher than the carpet in ...
A: Ok Steven, Well the head scratching continues...didn't you notice as this guy was progressing ...
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| Floor preparation for 12" Marble tiles - part 2 | 3/29/2008 |
Q: For some reason, I'm not able to follow your answer with another question, so I'm starting a new ...
A: Ok Matt, I follow what your saying. It can be a daunting thing sometimes for me to properly ...
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| Cleaning Sunroom Floor | 3/29/2008 |
Q: I read your answer on 3/12/08 subject "Ceramic Tile Finish" and wondered if the solution to cleaning ...
A: Before you employ this Marble care Professional I suggest that you get a reference from him to check ...
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| grout staining | 3/29/2008 |
Q: Perry, I recently laid tile and the grout I chose was too light. Is there a product I can use to ...
A: Todays stains are far superior to the ones of years ago. It does work but you have to understand ...
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| hanging marble | 3/29/2008 |
Q: hey I have a 4' foot x 6 inch x 3/4 inch piece of marble that I need to hang from the ceiling ...
A: All you need is polymer modified thinset (white) skim the area on the ceiling where the Marble is to ...
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| floor height | 3/28/2008 |
Q: "I had tile installed in a few rooms and now the floor is up to 2 inchs higher than the carpet in ...
A: Well...you have me scratching my head right now. When you contracted to have this work done did the ...
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| glue on hardwood floors | 3/27/2008 |
Q: carpet was glued down on hardwood floors useing allpurpose floor adhesive. i removed the carpet how ...
A: The best solvent to try to get up the old adhesive is Mineral Spirits and some rags. You may have ...
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| Floor preparation for 12" marble tiles | 3/27/2008 |
Q: I am remodeling my kitchen in a 100 year old building. Not only is the floor not even close to ...
A: Before you move in the direction of surface corrections that are currently visible from above I ...
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| Porcelain tiles | 3/26/2008 |
Q: I just built a new house and i want to put porcelain tiles on all my covered sundecks. our winters ...
A: While Porcelain can withstand (easily) the extreme temperature depths you have the suspect ...
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| Travertine Polished Finished Floor | 3/26/2008 |
Q: The tiler has been out a couple of times now (as the first time they laid the floor the travertine ...
A: While is see by what you are telling me there is questionable issues you haven't given me much ...
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| Herringbone onyx tile | 3/26/2008 |
Q: I chose a very expensive herringbone patterned tile in shades of cream and brown for a guest bath ...
A: I am having suspicious feelings in regards to your installer as he should have a solution for the ...
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| Tile help | 3/26/2008 |
Q: We have replaced our external patio door to a sliding door however the carpenter managed to break ...
A: I am sorry that this has happened to you and your home. It is incredible to me sometimes that ...
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| Porcelain tile and concrete preparation | 3/26/2008 |
Q: Perry, I pulled up old linoleum and mastic is still on the floor. I have been advised to remove ...
A: If you wish to further the removal of the old adhesive the Mineral Spirits is the best way to go. ...
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| Sealed Shower Grout Darkening When Wet | 3/16/2008 |
Q: We just spent 6 months working on our dream shower, and it is a real beauty. The floor is 5.5'x6', ...
A: Well I suspect that the problem lay with the sealer. There is always going to be a challenge sealing ...
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| tapeing hardibacker seems | 3/15/2008 |
Q: my hardibacker is set and screwed in thin set on the kitchen floor can i tape the joints as i put ...
A: Well I have to make a declaration right off that I do not use Hardy Backer board. I am not a fan of ...
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| recoloring ceramic tiles | 3/15/2008 |
Q: i was just wondering if it is possible to recolor ceramic floor tiles.I have white floor tiles and ...
A: Sorry Wendy...but no you can't recolor or paint a Ceramic tile. The material is basically a "sealed" ...
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| travertine installation | 3/15/2008 |
Q: I'm planning to install travertine tiles in my kitchen floor. Hope you can give me advice on what I ...
A: While I appreciate the brevity of your question it would require a significant investment of time ...
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| Grout selection | 3/14/2008 |
Q: First time placing tile in a bathroom, I started with the tub surround. I used 6-1/2" tiles, some ...
A: Though 1/8" joints is the threshold for what a "non" sanded grout can handle, a sanded grout will ...
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| Black grout with white haze in spots | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I have a black and white tile floor in my recreation room. The tile has been down for quite a few ...
A: I suspect that "hard water" is affecting your grout as the white spots are most likely Mineral ...
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| marble flooring | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I want to install 6-inch square marble tiles (.375" thick) on my bathroom floor. The floor has small ...
A: The subfloor joist assembly could only be better were the joists 2x12's, in leu of that what you ...
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| Quarry tile removal | 3/14/2008 |
Q: My wife wants to change our 30 year old 4"x8" quarry tile floor (approx 180 sq ft.) which goes into ...
A: What your going to need is a "chipping hammer" which is the little brother to the "Jack hammer". It ...
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| tiling over linoleum | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I had ceramic tile installed professionally and the cement backerboard was placed on top of a ...
A: Well...the answer is yes and no...hows that for an answer? Honestly Barb, the lino should be removed ...
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| tile insallation quality | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I hired a licensed tile installer and am questioning if the quality is up to standards. It seems ...
A: I always have to sit and take a deep breath when I get a question like this Beth, and I get them ...
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| ceramic tile finish | 3/12/2008 |
Q: we installed ceramic tile in a newly built condo. I am doing the final clean myself. After scrubbing ...
A: Within a forum like this what is obvious to you isn't so obvious to me. You see my entire thought ...
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| tile subfloor | 3/11/2008 |
Q: I am having 13x13 porcelain tiles installed in my kitchen 11'X14'and am looking to prep the subfloor ...
A: Having a single layer of 5/8" plywood is an unusual dimension as a starter course unless of course ...
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| Refinishing vintage tile. | 3/11/2008 |
Q: i am remodeling my bathroom, and upon taking up the old ceramic floor, I found the original 1920's ...
A: What we did in the past was to use a mixture of Muriatic acid and water (4 parts water to 1 part ...
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| Kitchen flooring - slate vs. ceramic / porcelain tile | 3/11/2008 |
Q: We are considering options for redoing our kitchen floor. Large eatin kitchen partially over a ...
A: Slate is a very good option for a durable flooring but it will mar and or scratch from a large dog. ...
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| Ceamic Tile Floor | 3/11/2008 |
Q: I am moving to a new home where the ceramic tile was not maintained all that well. The grout is ...
A: Well depending upon which means the contractor uses to "re"grout the joints you may wish to consider ...
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| Tiling an outdoor deck | 2/26/2008 |
Q: I would like to tile my outdoor wood deck. I plan on adding more supports on the truss under the ...
A: All of the upper ingredients that you plan to employ sounds fine. I suggest that you use P/T plywood ...
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| Durarock install without thinset | 2/26/2008 |
Q: I have Advantech flooring that is pretty level, save for a couple joints that I will sand down. A ...
A: Hey David, If you are employing the thinset bonding method for the Durock then you will need to ...
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| Travertine Over Existing Tile? | 2/26/2008 |
Q: I want to install 18" x 18" travertine tile in my kitchen. I have heard that it is possible to tile ...
A: You can indeed install "tile over tile", and for some unexplained reason the space you want to cover ...
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| grout cracking | 2/26/2008 |
Q: layed ceramic tile in kitchen over a sub-floor already there. did this at the lakehouse and no ...
A: I can appreciate folks wanting to be brief with their question but your's doesn't give me much to go ...
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| Kitchen Floor | 2/25/2008 |
Q: Do you have any experience or opinions about Edge GTL- Tile Laminate system. It is durable? ...
A: I have seen this product or at least some thing like it at my local Home Improvement Center and have ...
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| flooring type -marble or marbonite | 2/25/2008 |
Q: we are currently building our house in Chennai, India. we are very confused about the choice for the ...
A: I did answer a questioner a few years ago who asked a similar question which you can still source ...
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| Leveling a basement floor with asphalt tile prior to installing a floating engineered hardwood floor | 2/25/2008 |
Q: We are moving into a house built in 1964 with a 3 room basement that was installed with ugly ...
A: Good questions all, and shows that you have done some homework for yourself so that I don't have to, ...
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| scarified | 2/24/2008 |
Q: Did the 5 minute test with water. It did not soak in. So I need to scarified the floor. What does ...
A: Hey Neal, Maybe you asked another "expert" here at the site in regards to this test but I don't ...
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| floor prep. for tile installation | 2/24/2008 |
Q: I took up the vinyl flooring and found a non-porous vinyl looking floor leveler had been used. Do I ...
A: The fewer layers of material that are between the original slab and the intended tile layer the ...
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| Durarock install without thinset | 2/22/2008 |
Q: I have Advantech flooring that is pretty level, save for a couple joints that I will sand down. A ...
A: Your "well respected guy" is correct. The only caveat' I will suggest is not to use "nails" but to ...
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| Marble on Bath Floor without Grout | 2/21/2008 |
Q: Can I install a light colored marble tile on my bath floor or tub surround not using grout. If so ...
A: The answer to your question is no as even if the tiles were installed "butt" joint there is still ...
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| mortars/ adhesives and bonds | 2/21/2008 |
Q: I have 2 separate situations that I will soon be encountering that I would like help/ advice on: One ...
A: I am glad that you will be having some help with this particular kind of install as this material ...
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| Tile Patio Moisture Problem | 2/21/2008 |
Q: About 10 years ago I had a glazed clay tile installed on my screened-in patio. The slab was in good ...
A: I have some experience with high humidity and the Gulf Coast of Florida. The problem always seemed ...
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| Green onyx 12x12 tiles with webbing on the back? | 2/21/2008 |
Q: I'm having 12x12 green Onyx tiles installed in a small powderoom. I'm going crazy as everyone ...
A: Hey Jason, If you like how the Onyx appears with the darker shading then by all means pursue ...
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| marble Tile | 2/20/2008 |
Q: We purchased marble tile for out bathroom floor and shower. We were told to pre seal each tile with ...
A: Hey John...I think this is a double question as it sure looks like the first one you asked. But let ...
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| backing for travertine | 2/20/2008 |
Q: I have enjoyed combing through your posts. Hey,I've got the whole three step sealing process ...
A: Hey Cashel, With the joists being installed @24" O/C that is a very weak structure indeed. It ...
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| backing for travertine | 2/19/2008 |
Q: I have enjoyed combing through your posts. Hey,I've got the whole three step sealing process ...
A: Of all the questions I get yours is the kind I enjoy most. You have invested your own time and made ...
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| Green onyx 12x12 tiles with webbing on the back? | 2/19/2008 |
Q: I'm having 12x12 green Onyx tiles installed in a small powderoom. I'm going crazy as everyone ...
A: I have to say that you must be a pretty savvy computer guy because in the 8+ years and overall 3000+ ...
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| flooring for 3 season porch | 2/18/2008 |
Q: We are building a 3 season porch on an existing deck in New England (insulated but not heated) and ...
A: Typical installs of a floating laminate floor will be affected by extreme climate changes in ...
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| ceramic tiles | 2/17/2008 |
Q: can u lay ceramic tiles on pitchmastic floors after it has been sealed
A: I have waited for two days to receive a return reply to my direct inquirery to the manufacturer of ...
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| De-hazing tile | 2/17/2008 |
Q: How do you make an at-home solution to de-haze ceramic tile? Is it 50% vinegar and 50% water?
A: Well that is one way to formulate a cleaner but it would be a very weak potion to clean away a grout ...
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| Porclain Tile | 2/17/2008 |
Q: We are going to install 12" sq tile in the kitchen. I have a 10 year old dishwasher. I was ...
A: There are a couple things to consider when tiling a kitchen floor that may have cabinet or counter ...
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| grout colorant | 2/14/2008 |
Q: im planning on coloring my grout due to stains that will not come out. im going to use "pollyblend" ...
A: By far I get more questions about grout that anything else it seems. Staining your grout is really ...
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| Thinset options | 2/14/2008 |
Q: I installed hardiboard and now ready for 12x12 floor tile. I prefer the premix thinset/adhesive but ...
A: Well you are on the right track because the premix thinset is a disaster waiting to happen, it is a ...
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| subfloor for porcelain tile install | 2/13/2008 |
Q: I have done days and days of research on installing 12x12 porcelain tile in my kitchen, only to ...
A: I am grateful for your detailed missive as it tells me you have done a thorough job in considering ...
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| Unfilled Travertine Tile Install - Versailles Pattern | 2/12/2008 |
Q: Perry, I am installing unfilled travertine floor tile on a conrete slab in my ...
A: I have a second "son" who's name is Eric Smith so I will give extra care to you because of him... ...
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| tiling a screened in porch | 2/12/2008 |
Q: I have a screened in porch. It has a floor similar to deck flooring. The underneath of the flooring ...
A: Without additional information I can't confidently advise you and your desire with your closed in ...
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| Floor Leveling | 2/11/2008 |
Q: I need to bring abouthalf of a bathroom floor up 1/2 inch. Want to use a self leveling compound over ...
A: With the cement board having a greater strength and psi, I would install it "first". Also it is ...
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| Installing Ceramic Tile | 2/9/2008 |
Q: We are replacing our parquet floor with ceramic tile. We will be laying the ceramic over a concrete ...
A: The black adhesive left behind is the old "tar" based cut back glue. It is usually a thin layer of ...
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| Tile | 2/8/2008 |
Q: "Hi Perry, I am installing tile for the first time and all is going well so far but I do have two ...
A: Well...there isn't much to be done with a centered post but to split the tile at the center of the ...
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| Loose Ceramic Tiles | 1/25/2008 |
Q: We have an 8 year old home in Henderson, Nevada. I have noticed in the past few years that a large ...
A: If I were to speculate, then I would first consider the heat factor as something that may have ...
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| repairing a cracked slab for tile placement | 1/25/2008 |
Q: removed old tiles from laundry room to place ceramic tiles down but noticed a linear crack in slab ...
A: Most laundry rooms are not too big so for your scenario I would recommend that you use a product ...
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| radiant heating system | 1/25/2008 |
Q: I am building a dog kennel, and I would like to put something in the floor to help cool it in the ...
A: My Company of choice is Radiantec. They've been around for a while and are a good reputable Company. ...
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| retile entire house! | 1/25/2008 |
Q: Perry , can you reccomend a good installer and a tile store in Spring Hill Florida, area? Thank you, ...
A: It just so happens that I know a guy who lives in Weeki Wachee Florida that is a bit farther North ...
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| floor leveling | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I bought laminate flooring and was notified that my space (approx. 300 square feet) required ...
A: Something that is "level" is different than something that is "flat". You can drive down a flat road ...
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| Installing porcelin tile over existing epoxy floor | 1/24/2008 |
Q: Perry, I am currently involved in a renovation project on a local college campus. The project ...
A: When it comes to chemicals that affect epoxy coatings the list is quite short indeed and sometimes ...
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| tile installation | 1/24/2008 |
Q: my tile is raised in many spots. the vacuum bumps over some of them and the swifter just comes to a ...
A: Well another tile contractor who blames the "Tile" for the problems. A 1/16" of an inch is roughly 2 ...
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| Flooring | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I am from bangalore, India. Right now I have laid marble for my entire house. I would like to put ...
A: The answer to your question is, yes it is feasible. My question is why do you want to do this?? Has ...
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| Leveling floor in a sunroom | 1/24/2008 |
Q: We have nearly the same issue in that a 12x24 sunroom has been built ontop of an outdoor concrete ...
A: Well...2" is quite a lot of fall to make up for even over 12'. Yvonne's scenario was about half of ...
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| Grout ? | 1/23/2008 |
Q: I had my bathroom tile recently done. The contractor spaced the tiles 1/4" or more, used unsanded ...
A: I had to read your question a couple times to take it all in and make sure I was reading it right. ...
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| floors | 1/23/2008 |
Q: I'm having trouble measuring a straight line on my floor. The area is an entranceway, hallway, ...
A: You have to make a decision first and that is where you plan to start the install. Visually, at the ...
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| Installing traventine and wood floor mix in grid | 1/22/2008 |
Q: would you recommend the use of urethane adhesive that will bond engineered wood strip floors to ...
A: There is a polyurethane adhesive produced by a Company named Sika Corporation that makes many ...
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| timing on taping seams of backerboard | 1/13/2008 |
Q: Do we need to wait to mortar and tape the seams of 1/4 hardibacker, or do we do it right after ...
A: There isn't a strict criteria with the taping stage of your install. You can tape all the joints ...
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| Floor prep for ceramic tile | 1/13/2008 |
Q: Perry, My floor is on 2X10 16" OC. 1/2" plywood and 5/8 particle board. The longest span is about ...
A: To be honest Steve if you do what you say your going to do with this subfloor assembly your assembly ...
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| marble floor tile | 1/13/2008 |
Q: I hire a contractor to install marble tile on my kitchen floor. There are a lot of cracking lines on ...
A: If you are not "completely satisfied" then no one should get paid. Marble flooring is very costly ...
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| woodfloor macthing | 1/13/2008 |
Q: i was just given some wood flooring ang my question in wood dark wood blend with a natural wood ...
A: You are walking the razor's edge my friend, and you are trying to get me in there with you. When you ...
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| Levelling floor where 2 uneven surfaces meet | 1/13/2008 |
Q: We are in the middle of framing our home and just finished the lower level with floor joists and ...
A: Well it appears that one or the other will need to be done. I am not a fan of having to cut studs ...
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| travartine floor | 1/12/2008 |
Q: What brand or type of sealer should be used on a new installation of travertine on a bathroom floor? ...
A: There are two schools of thought typically with sealing a Natural Stone...Travertine being one of ...
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| tile flooring | 1/12/2008 |
Q: I want to tile my powder room floor. What is the recommended size tile for a small room that ...
A: As a tile man I am not a fan of grout. It is a necessary evil as part of the assembly process but ...
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| tiling an L-shaped room | 1/11/2008 |
Q: I want install ceramic tile on a diagonal in my master bathroom. The problem I am having is trying ...
A: Sorry this tardy as I am in the middle of a move across State and computer access is spotty... ...
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| Floor tile strengh and color variation rating | 1/11/2008 |
Q: I am in the process of choosing a tile floor for my kitchen. I need something virtually ...
A: Sorry this is tardy as I am in the middle of a move across State and computer access is spotty... ...
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| Removal ceramic tile and prep floor for a wood laminate floor. | 1/10/2008 |
Q: I have a kitchen floor with a ceramic floor that I need to remove and I'm going to install a wool ...
A: Sorry this is tardy as I am in the middle of moving across State and access to a computer is ...
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| Tiling on raised foundation in a mfr'd home | 1/10/2008 |
Q: I'm remodeling my bathroom. The house foundation/joists look structurally sound. I have heard that ...
A: Sorry my reply is tardy as I am in the middle of moving across the State and computer access is ...
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| Marble or Tiles which is best for flooring? | 1/9/2008 |
Q: we have just renoved our house and planning to renove the flooring, but in dilemma on whether to go ...
A: When you use the word "Tiles" flooring you are really just describing a "square" shape or a ...
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| dirty grout on marble floor | 1/9/2008 |
Q: hope you can help me. I have a polished marble basket weave floor with white grouting, what is the ...
A: Sorry this is a bit tardy as I am in the middle of moving to a new venue and having access to a ...
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| leveling a sagging wood floor | 1/8/2008 |
Q: We have wood floors in our bedroom, but we just opened up a crawl space and put down a subfloor. The ...
A: Sorry this is a bit tardy as I am in the middle of a change in venue and access to a computer is ...
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| installing backer board | 1/8/2008 |
Q: Remodelling bathroom. Installed new tub. Walls are not square therefore there is a gap between the ...
A: Sorry this is a bit tardy as I am in the middle of a change in venue and access to a computer has ...
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| slate tile / carpet transistion | 12/22/2007 |
Q: I'm thinking through a diy project that wil involve laying slate tiles. I am planning to lay a ...
A: There are reducer strips that can |
