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Flooring and Carpeting/Questions Answered by Expert Perry Vellenga

SubjectDate Asked
hardy board2/9/2012
  Q: I was going to put ceramic tile in my new kitchen so I installed 1/4" hardy board on the floors ...
  A: Welcome back.... Well I see that my suspicions were correct. The things you "think" should be ...
hardy board2/8/2012
  Q: I was going to put ceramic tile in my new kitchen so I installed 1/4" hardy board on the floors ...
  A: Glad to help Tom... as an additional suggestion be careful to make sure that all of the backer board ...
hardy boad2/6/2012
  Q: I was going to put ceramic tile in my new kitchen so I installed 1/4" hardy board on the floors ...
  A: You might be surprised at the toughness of even a 1/4" of this backer board. Although I am not a fan ...
Crema Marfil Porcelain2/1/2012
  Q: I have read some of your replies about Crema Marfil tiles cupping and would like to know if you can ...
  A: While the large format tile will always have a concern with minor deflection or out of square ...
floor tile meets stone wall1/28/2012
  Q: I am about to start tiling the floor in my kitchen & family room. My problem is that my 1980s house ...
  A: I have done this both ways and my conclusion is that plowing out a groove to receive the tile is by ...
water proofing under tile1/25/2012
  Q: I am working on rebuilding a bathroom and have been doing light residential repairs for many years. ...
  A: Sorry I am tardy Thomas...slammed at work lately. Thank you for your question Thomas, It ...
kitchen tile grout1/23/2012
  Q: The grout color has faded since house was built 6 years ago. Di we regrout or is there another ...
  A: I am sitting here trying to figure out why in such a short time the color of your grout has "faded". ...
Removing ceramic tiles and installing vinyl floor1/21/2012
  Q: Once I have removed the tiles( 60% done) and scrapped of the thin set should I install a 3/8 thick ...
  A: Certainly with the removal of the old adhesive (thinset) you can opt to employ a plywood ...
Ceramic tile in bathroom1/13/2012
  Q: I am planning to install a tile floor and wall tile (about 4 feet up) in a bathroom. The current ...
  A: Based upon what I have read with your question you are changing out a floor and adding a wainscot ...
Tile design question1/11/2012
  Q: I'm so excited I found this website! I need suggestions on what color tile and pattern would look ...
  A: I often receive questions in regards to design appointments and schemes and to be honest I don't ...
Tile layout1/3/2012
  Q: I'm getting myself over exercised trying to layout a new bathroom in a renovation project. The ...
  A: Glad to help Thomas...as an after thought (hate to complicate things) but you could always install ...
Hollow Sound1/1/2012
  Q: I live in southeast Florida and I recently (4 months) had ceramic tile installed of approx 650 ...
  A: We refer to this as a "coverage issue" which really equates to a method or installation problem. ...
Tile layout12/31/2011
  Q: I'm getting myself over exercised trying to layout a new bathroom in a renovation project. The ...
  A: I feel your pain Thomas having been there too many times to count but there is hope. The best and ...
Bathroom caulk color12/30/2011
  Q: I am trying to match the caulk color around our tub. Attached is a photo showing two different ...
  A: The picture helps but still does not confirm exactly what's going on here. To me it looks like two ...
laying vct tile over old tile and concrete floor12/19/2011
  Q: will it be ok to lay vct tile over old tile on a old concrete floor has some inperfection in it can ...
  A: Sorry I'm late Garry, buried at work and had a little mishap...don't ask. You certainly can ...
Carrara Marble Tiles - Installation and Care12/13/2011
  Q: We recently purchased a brand new home and during the selection process with the builder, my wife ...
  A: Forgive my being tardy Steve...too much work lately. Thank you for your question, Because ...
Fixing floor tile after removing a wall12/13/2011
  Q: I would love advice on fixing gaps in the floor tile when we removed 2x4 walls. The ceramic tile is ...
  A: Well I must say that what I see in the picture looks better than trying to supplant these with tiles ...
performance of quarry tiles with under floor heating12/12/2011
  Q: we are moving original quarry tiles from one room, to a new build kitchen extension floor. thinking ...
  A: The thickness of your tiles will not deter or inhibit the free flow of heat up through them. One ...
glass tiling12/7/2011
  Q: It's currently a fresh sheetrock wall. I have done ceramic tiling, but not glass. I'm considering ...
  A: I know that there are multiple substrates to choose from, Durock, Denshield, Wedi Board...you name ...
Replacing Floor in Laundry Room and Finding moisture underneath12/5/2011
  Q: We began a "quick" project to replace the vinyl floor in our laundry room and have run into a ...
  A: Well...yeh you should really remove every stitch of the dreadful material. Take it all up and start ...
chiseled edge grout11/28/2011
  Q: is a bad idea to use travertine chiseled edge stone on shower walls and if not how to you grout the ...
  A: Forgive my tardiness George, guests in from out of town... Thank you for your question, It is ...
subflooring11/26/2011
  Q: We live in a home in San Jose, California, that was built in 1974, with a raised foundation. As we ...
  A: http://www.roxul.com/home Welcome back Regina... Well based upon what you have ...
laying vitrified tiles on old mosaic floor11/18/2011
  Q: Sir, i am planning to change the flooring of my 18 year old house with mosaic flooring to Vitrified ...
  A: While there is a wide range of high performing Mosaic tile produced, your home being 18 years old or ...
subflooring11/15/2011
  Q: We live in a home in San Jose, California, that was built in 1974, with a raised foundation. As we ...
  A: Well one thing is for sure...the particle board has to go if you desire to install a new Tile floor ...
More on using marble outdoors11/13/2011
  Q: I read your response to Rowena on 5/31/2008 about using marble outdoors. I have two follow-up ...
  A: Welcome back Joan, While the thickness is closer to being a trifle too thin it is still about ...
More on using marble outdoors11/10/2011
  Q: I read your response to Rowena on 5/31/2008 about using marble outdoors. I have two follow-up ...
  A: The basic description that you have posed to me is not detailed enough for me to formulate an ...
ceramic tile tenting and loose11/9/2011
  Q: I was helping a friend in Florida pull the old rugs that will be replaced and we started to hear a ...
  A: This kind of scenario that you are seeing is not uncommon at all really. Typically the bond does ...
Wall prep for tile11/6/2011
  Q: I need to remove existing ceramic tile (4 x 4) from a kitchen backsplash and install new tile. My ...
  A: As you remove/demo the remaining square footage of the old tile hopefully you will not separate too ...
Kerdi shower installation11/1/2011
  Q: I have installed the foam shower pan directly to the subfloor. I am now beginning the installation ...
  A: Hey Jerry...forgive my tardiness as I have been buried at work and finally the weekend.. The ...
Tile Grout10/14/2011
  Q: I bought these beautiful tiles and my husband insisted that he could install them. Well he did a ...
  A: This is of course as you are discovering a significant problem to correct. My suggestion is to go to ...
italian porcelian tiles installation10/14/2011
  Q: Vellenga: I am trying to make a decision about an installation of Casalgrande padana 18x18" fully ...
  A: **I spent over an hour and a half formulating and editing this response not only for this questioner ...
Hardwood Flooring OVER Marble?10/14/2011
  Q: My wife and I saw your response many moons ago regarding putting vinyl over marble. Are you ready ...
  A: So a trip down "memory lane" eh? While your question is indeed "outside the box thinking" it's not ...
cloudy spots on marble floor10/11/2011
  Q: In January, 2011 I had 1600sq ft of marble laid on my entire apartment floor. Now I am seeing ...
  A: While you are trying to describe the issues you are seeing I am still left with many unanswered ...
what to purchase10/7/2011
  Q: respected sir, I want to know about restile ceramics fullbody tiles? I want to ...
  A: With me being based here in the States I am not an authority of the "Restile" branding. I only know ...
Elevator Flooring10/4/2011
  Q: In a hospital heavy portable x-ray machines are moved throughout on patient elevators. Having ...
  A: When I worked at a major 5 start Resort in Florida one of the areas that needed experimenting on a ...
Hollow Sounding Tiles10/4/2011
  Q: I've read most of your earlier posts and would like your opinion on our current tile flooring issue. ...
  A: I can tell that you have surveyed some of my responses to similar questions in years past. My ...
bathroom floor9/22/2011
  Q: We just ripped up linoleum and particle board next to a shower since the appearance of the vinyl ...
  A: Well the real positive in this scenario is the fact that vinyl AND particle board have been sent ...
Cleaning Travertine9/17/2011
  Q: I was very interested in the answer that was posted to this question in 2006! I would love to get ...
  A: Sorry I am tardy with my reply Peggy, been very busy of late but here we go now... I am so ...
Grouting colour and...9/16/2011
  Q: I purchased a flat that it is still on process of being finished. For floor tiles I chose an ...
  A: I have been performing this volunteer service for 11 years now and you are the first questioner I ...
hollow tiles after flood9/15/2011
  Q: Had a flood where 2 inches of water stood for at least 6 hours. My general contractor identified ...
  A: Hey Maryellen, The 2yr warranty period provision has been adopted by many States and hopefully ...
Tiling over brick floor9/14/2011
  Q: I was hoping to get your opinion on tiling over split brick floors in our kitchen. The bricks were ...
  A: This floor is being treated like an old "vinyl" install with the multiple layers of material, only ...
marble floor tiles9/12/2011
  Q: I have very beautiful orange/white 2 ft by 4 ft marble tiles in the dining room and hall. They are ...
  A: A 2'x 4' format is quite unusual for house this age but this kind of material has a special method ...
discolored marble tile9/12/2011
  Q: I recently had my bathroom renovated. I have 1 inch honed white carrera marble tiles on the shower ...
  A: While Carrera Marble is a very popular Stone to choose there are inherent issues that can arise with ...
hollow tiles after flood9/9/2011
  Q: Had a flood where 2 inches of water stood for at least 6 hours. My general contractor identified ...
  A: Hey Maryellen, welcome back, After familiarizing myself again with your first inquiry some of ...
Engineered Wood - problems?9/9/2011
  Q: I'm back... and I have questions about engineered wood floors and cork underlayment. (I searched ...
  A: Barrier protection is a commonly ignored step in most R & R applications...in particular with ...
Engineered Wood - problems?9/5/2011
  Q: I'm back... and I have questions about engineered wood floors and cork underlayment. (I searched ...
  A: Hey KC...sorry I'm tardy have been buried busy this past week. Finally getting to your post... ...
White thinset/white marble, bleed through9/5/2011
  Q: My husband and I just installed a new backsplash in our kitchen this weekend. We used white, ...
  A: Well...after reading your posted question now "I" have a couple questions for you. For one you do ...
hollow tiles after flood8/30/2011
  Q: Had a flood where 2 inches of water stood for at least 6 hours. My general contractor identified ...
  A: Benevolence has never been the Insurance Company's strong suit, and I see again where your situation ...
How to remove latex haze from Polished Marble8/26/2011
  Q: I installed Crema Marfil polished marble in my bathroom and the tile supply company suggested that I ...
  A: Hey Steve, I am glad that you had success with the more mechanical solution. Fortunately you ...
How to remove latex haze from Polished Marble8/23/2011
  Q: I installed Crema Marfil polished marble in my bathroom and the tile supply company suggested that I ...
  A: I so wish you had stopped in here to see me prior to engaging this material into your install. The ...
Tile size8/20/2011
  Q: I am getting ready to tile my new kitchen floor. The room is 14' x 24' so about 336 sq. ft. I want ...
  A: Welcome to the World of Construction...I feel your pain. This kind of thing happens all the time ...
Marble tiles in Paris8/19/2011
  Q: This is not a question,it is a belated and embarrassed thank you. I asked a question about my thin ...
  A: Deirdre... Wow!...so nice of you to respond after so long a time. You would be surprised at ...
Antique Crema Marfil Floor Tile Maintenance8/19/2011
  Q: We had our kitchen floor professionally installed with 18x18 Antique Crema Marfil tiles. Thinset was ...
  A: Perhaps I am confused or having misread your information need to clarify a point or two. While ...
Elastilon Underlayment8/17/2011
  Q: I see you've helped many others over the years. (I wish I had a tile question.) I'm leaning toward ...
  A: Hey KC, I understand your concern in regards to a current pricing level for the Elastilon but ...
Best marble for cat urine problems8/16/2011
  Q: We have bamboo floors throughout the house except for a small, sunken in area with a fireplace which ...
  A: Marble would not be the kind of material that I would employ for this particular problem. Marble is ...
Hyrostatic pressure on tile8/15/2011
  Q: Good Morning Perry I am working on a 10 by 25 foot space in a basement which I have tried twice in ...
  A: I feel your pain as basements have long been the most challenging space to conquer by far, ...
Tile in unheated bathroom8/9/2011
  Q: We have an unheated cabin in the woods of in New Hampshire Temp range -30 to 90, in which we want ...
  A: Hey Douglas... Certainly you can employ two different sizes of tile with the floor and wall ...
marble mosaic floor8/8/2011
  Q: I noticed there is a LOT of glue on the backs of the mosaics - the rear sides of the tiles are ...
  A: Forgive my being tardy Susan...I have been working late at work. It is not unusual to have what ...
Tile in unheated bathroom8/8/2011
  Q: We have an unheated cabin in the woods of in New Hampshire Temp range -30 to 90, in which we want ...
  A: Well...no heat in the Summer not a big deal but no heat in the Winter??...that's another deal ...
Hardwood Floor over Gypcrete8/6/2011
  Q: I'm totally re-doing the floors in my second-floor condo. So far I have removed all the old ...
  A: It's been a good exchange KC...if there were a cheap alternative to light-weight concrete then much ...
Hardwood Floor over Gypcrete8/5/2011
  Q: I'm totally re-doing the floors in my second-floor condo. So far I have removed all the old ...
  A: Hey KC, I was involved in a couple large Marriott Courtyard Hotel projects years ago and while ...
Leveling a floor7/27/2011
  Q: I am looking to level a slab in a 11x12 room where I have removed the carpet and will install tile. ...
  A: Sorry I am tardy with my reply Aaron as I am buried at work lately... Thank you for your ...
cutback removal7/26/2011
  Q: best and most inexpensive way to remove 50k sq. ft. of cutback
  A: The most efficient method of removal is to purchase a few gallons of Mineral Spirits and a box of ...
Bad Vetrified tiles alignment7/24/2011
  Q: Respected Sir, Am Aveen from Bangalore. Really am in need of your help. Last week We installed ...
  A: Do you have a camera so you can send me a picture of the affected Tile? Also what do you mean by the ...
Terrazo Flooring Question7/22/2011
  Q: I was reading your responses to questions pertaining to terrazzo flooring and wondered if you could ...
  A: Having done my own share of tiling over Terrazzo flooring in years past I do understand the desire ...
Porcelain Tile vs. Travertine7/22/2011
  Q: which is better and I know that's a hard question. I am in Afghanistan and building a house in ...
  A: Before I begin, a hearty thankyou on behalf of my family to yours for your service to our Country. ...
Discoloration of Pallisandro Marble7/15/2011
  Q: Good day Mr. Vellenga, I just recently moved to my new villa. I have installed almost 1000 m2 of ...
  A: Sorry I'm late with your reply Ahmed as I have been out of town... I was asked some time ago ...
Outdoors concrete floor7/14/2011
  Q: I have a concrete floor in the back yard. When it rains, the water kind of stays in scattered pools ...
  A: Hey Rick, After a cursory look at the two products I can't see a perceptible difference ...
screened porch concrete floor7/13/2011
  Q: We live in Chicago area and have a small screened in back porch (approx. 10 ft. x 15 ft.) which ...
  A: Sorry I am tardy with my reply Susan as I have been out of town... Ok..so we have a screened ...
Tiles popping off the floor7/11/2011
  Q: Please would you assist me? We build our house 5 years ago. Last week just over 50 tiles lifted and ...
  A: Trying to diagnose a failure of this sort can be frustrating to say the least but there can be clues ...
Discoloration of newly installed marble tile7/10/2011
  Q: Last night I installed honed Carrera marble 12" X 12" tiles on my bathroom floor. We first used ...
  A: Hey Cynthia, Ok...I see something that you should consider changing for performance/protection ...
grout dyes7/9/2011
  Q: i have worked extensively in the ceramic tile and masonry fields so my question has more to do with ...
  A: http://dir.indiamart.com/impcat/powdered-dyes.html http://www.thefind.com/beauty/info-powdered-dyes ...
Outdoors concrete floor7/7/2011
  Q: I have a concrete floor in the back yard. When it rains, the water kind of stays in scattered pools ...
  A: The only specific piece of information that you have provided in regards to a finish purpose for ...
marble floors7/6/2011
  Q: Do I need to seal my floors after I install marble floors? If so what kind of sealer should i use?
  A: Any and every kind of Natural Stone can benefit from having a sealer applied to it especially a ...
Discoloration of newly installed marble tile7/4/2011
  Q: Last night I installed honed Carrera marble 12" X 12" tiles on my bathroom floor. We first used ...
  A: Based upon the information and progression of the assembly I do not see anything that would truly ...
Stall shower floor tile replacement6/25/2011
  Q: The small floor tiles around the drain in my shower stall have come loose. I have tried to repair ...
  A: Well to get roughly 82 years of service from a tile installation is about as good as it's going to ...
floor leveling6/20/2011
  Q: I spoke to the manufacturer, and they said that it was ok to put over a solid sub-floor if it is ...
  A: Hey Rob, What I have used in the past is a "Leveling Compound" that you can purchase in Home ...
floor leveling6/15/2011
  Q: I spoke to the manufacturer, and they said that it was ok to put over a solid sub-floor if it is ...
  A: Forgive my being tardy issues with my current schedule has kept me from answering your question ...
Tiles not taking sealant6/10/2011
  Q: I hired someone to strip the old sealant from my kitchen tiles (it was starting to look like a bad ...
  A: Well Brigitte...I think that the Contractor you hired has not done you any favors at all. Any ...
Put vinyl tile over ceramic tile.6/7/2011
  Q: My bathroom floor is 30 years old and has the original 1" square ceramic tile. I've considered ...
  A: I certainly understand your reluctance to tackle removing the old tile and instead take a easier ...
Travertine floor6/6/2011
  Q: We are installing a new travertine tile floor in the foyer kitchen and dining area of our home. We ...
  A: I must confess Frank that most of the time when it comes to installing a large format Natural Stone ...
tiling over wooden outside table6/3/2011
  Q: i would like to tile the top of a wooden table i use on the outside. can this be done. if it can ...
  A: Either an Epoxy or a Latex modified thinset should be used for exterior applications. Be careful to ...
New travertine flooring6/2/2011
  Q: We've just completed a kitchen remodel including our first travertine. We just moved in last week, ...
  A: This is not traditional Travertine but perhaps in the family of Limestone examples, but when you ...
"Sweating tile"5/31/2011
  Q: My husband and I recently bought our first house in Rochester, NY. Now that it's starting to get ...
  A: Without proper and constant ventilation I am afraid that you will be dealing with this problem at ...
Dark laminate or VCT?5/19/2011
  Q: I'm looking for self sticking or interlocking laminate flooring for my kitchen. I want a dark ...
  A: Hey Dan, Of course it could be a product that was used that was past it's recommended "shelf ...
Travertine Tile on 2nd story deck5/17/2011
  Q: We are installing travertine tile on a raised deck (2nd story), with mason columns and framing with ...
  A: Sorry I'm tardy as I have family in from out of town and you know how that can be...anyway. The ...
Dark laminate or VCT?5/16/2011
  Q: I'm looking for self sticking or interlocking laminate flooring for my kitchen. I want a dark ...
  A: Just as you have found me here @allexperts you can find a supplier of exactly what you are looking ...
TRAVERTINE BULLNOSE5/14/2011
  Q: I am installing travertine tile on a landing you step up to. The edge of the floor needs bull nose ...
  A: The answer to your question is yes but you have to be mindful that a single piece of Travertine that ...
Laying slate over wood deck5/12/2011
  Q: Can I use roof felt to act as a moisture barrier between the wood sub floor and the backerboard?
  A: Certainly you can use a layer of 15lb felt as a moisture barrier between the two materials but not ...
hardibacker use5/11/2011
  Q: I am installing ceramic tile on a bay window sill. In the past the sill was primed and painted with ...
  A: I am surprised that there is a lot of Internet info in regards to your particular issue, it is not a ...
calcium choride5/10/2011
  Q: In January 2011 we had an issue with water getting underneath the slab of our townhouse unit,causing ...
  A: Boy...the flooring Company sure thinks it's moisture test is a precious one indeed. Before I comment ...
Granite tiles or vitrified tiles5/4/2011
  Q: I am confused about choosing between 2 x 2 vitrified tiles or 2 x 1 granite tiles for our recently ...
  A: Hey Kiran, The chart that is presented does tell a story but not the whole story. The ...
Exterior tile in cold climates5/2/2011
  Q: What can be done to prevent damage to exterior tiles set in thin set from salt/deicer? Is the salt ...
  A: The best way to protect your exterior tiles is to properly "seal" them during the Summer months ...
Granite tiles or vitrified tiles5/1/2011
  Q: I am confused about choosing between 2 x 2 vitrified tiles or 2 x 1 granite tiles for our recently ...
  A: I get the feeling that you would like the Granite but because of the suspect performance of the ...
Laying tile in the hall first4/29/2011
  Q: I have 2 bed rooms, kitchen, dining and a hall (living room). My tile installer says he always ...
  A: Sorry I am tardy with my reply I was helping my son relocate... Thank you for your question Vinod, ...
Porcelain tile faded after buffing/cleaning.4/19/2011
  Q: I just bought a new home (new construction spec home) and during walkthru with the builder's agent ...
  A: Hey Samantha, Any Manufactured flooring can be damaged if carelessly abused...even Porcelain. ...
wood resin stained marble4/18/2011
  Q: I set a wood trivet on my bathroom marble counter and apparently some stain leached out over time ...
  A: Employing a bleach to remove a stain on a Natural Stone material (much less a Marble) will usually ...
Porcelain tile faded after buffing/cleaning.4/17/2011
  Q: I just bought a new home (new construction spec home) and during walkthru with the builder's agent ...
  A: Indeed you are trusting the Builder to know when to say yes and when to say no. Porcelain is ...
screened porch tile floor4/14/2011
  Q: Perry, I just came across your 2005 posting to the person who was asking about tiling the unheated ...
  A: I used to live in Florida which has a similar humidity index as East Texas..especially during the ...
porcelian tile on porch4/13/2011
  Q: Last summer I installed porcelian tile on my covered back porch using mastic and grout products that ...
  A: Hey Bonnie... One of the trade off's when a tile installation is done by a novice the lack of ...
porcelian tile on porch4/11/2011
  Q: Last summer I installed porcelian tile on my covered back porch using mastic and grout products that ...
  A: Well...you raised an immediate "red flag" for me when you stated that you employed a "mastic" when ...
Steam Shower Debacle4/9/2011
  Q: I am a 66 year old 100% Disabled Veteran having a wheelchair accessible bathroom remodeling job paid ...
  A: Hey Frank... I did not receive any further follow up in regards to contact information from ...
Steam Shower Debacle4/5/2011
  Q: I am a 66 year old 100% Disabled Veteran having a wheelchair accessible bathroom remodeling job paid ...
  A: Ok Soldier this is what we are going to do. The first thing is to inquire of this Contractor for a ...
removing bad self leveling cmpd.4/1/2011
  Q: We recently moved into a townhouse. I had planned to tear out the old vinyl and luan and replace ...
  A: The leveling compound is more like a lightweight concrete. It is something that can be removed, and ...
Grout sealer3/26/2011
  Q: Been using custom's TileLab from the box store. Have to re-seal the shower walls and floor every ...
  A: Hey Jim, As long as the wife is happy then you are doing the right thing no matter what... ;-) ...
NEEDING HELP ON PORCELAIN TILE INSTALLATION3/23/2011
  Q: We live in NE Florida where the climate is cold, and hot plus humidity. We have 12' vaulted ...
  A: You have quite a line up of questions here, I will address the main points for you and allow me to ...
Tile for a new home3/22/2011
  Q: We are having a new home built and I am wondering if a tile upgrade is worth the money. The builder ...
  A: While your concerns for the differing materials in light of the overall finish for you home is ...
Discoloration of tile grout3/21/2011
  Q: Our bathroom is several years old. I always cleaned with plain water unless a black mark from shoes ...
  A: I do not know the ingredients that make up the Product "Spic n Span" but when things begin to turn ...
Grout sealer3/18/2011
  Q: Been using custom's TileLab from the box store. Have to re-seal the shower walls and floor every ...
  A: The sealer that is offered from the Home Improvement store under the Company name TileLabs, while ...
concrete floor prep for tile installation3/16/2011
  Q: Perry, we are remodeling our kitchen and have a real problem left when it comes to the floor prep ...
  A: ..sorry so slow as I am under the weather past couple days... Slab prep as you have indicated ...
MARBLE FLOOR IN SHOWER GROUT PROBLEM3/16/2011
  Q: We have an enclosed shower with marble from floor to ceiling. All is good with 1 problem. The grout ...
  A: Hey Steve, I would be hard pressed to designate another product that would be able to stain ...
MARBLE FLOOR IN SHOWER GROUT PROBLEM3/14/2011
  Q: We have an enclosed shower with marble from floor to ceiling. All is good with 1 problem. The grout ...
  A: You have already reached the "point of no return" to be honest. But...one thing that may be in your ...
marble backer3/11/2011
  Q: The customer wanted a marble top installed on top of her fiberglass bathtub. the marble guys ...
  A: Well this is a new one for me I have to admit. Frankly I am a little surprised that the Stone has ...
Floor Recommendation3/8/2011
  Q: Hope you can recommend proper products. We are located in North Carolina, USA. We are converting a ...
  A: Hey Kevin, You do not mention what is going on with the overall bottom end support assembly so ...
Floor Recommendation3/5/2011
  Q: Hope you can recommend proper products. We are located in North Carolina, USA. We are converting a ...
  A: While the support assembly that you have listed would be adequate in most instances there is a one ...
Cleaning marrble floors3/4/2011
  Q: On a marble bathroom floor, urine accidentally got on the floor and left a dull stain. The floor, on ...
  A: The main toxic ingredient with urine is ammonia which will "etch" the surface of most soft surface ...
tiling over painted concrete3/4/2011
  Q: The concrete floor was painted 20 years ago and is not peeling. Can I just sand the floor with a ...
  A: A painted slab will always leave you with a suspect install unless the material is removed. I ...
ceramic installation3/4/2011
  Q: I have asbestos tile in my basement. The tile is very solid and I do not wish to pull it out. How ...
  A: There are a couple ways to go about it one being to mechanically attach a 1/4" layer of Wonderboard ...
Shower Tile Joints3/3/2011
  Q: I haven't found an exact answer to my question, so here goes. Shower joints in master bath were ...
  A: Your suspicions are correct...just grouting the suspect joint is not going to help at all with any ...
VCT Tile Blister3/1/2011
  Q: We have 2 buildings that has VCT Tile we are having a problem with one area of one of the buildings ...
  A: I know that there is no reaction to the "cement" overall, VCT and cement go together like hand in ...
grouting marble mosaic2/22/2011
  Q: We recently installed marble mosaic tile. The tiles are a combination of textures in various hues ...
  A: Without a picture of the actual material and what you are facing it is inconclusive for me to figure ...
honey onyx tiles2/21/2011
  Q: I have purchased a grouping of honey onyx tiles for a large backsplash in my home. I went back to ...
  A: Onyx is a moody kind of material mainly because of it's transparent nature. I have seen Kitchen ...
tiling floor2/20/2011
  Q: After the carpet was removed from bedroom, the floor is in good condition concrete. Can tiles be ...
  A: If the cement slab is in good condition, (no long or large cracks easily seen) then the cement is ...
weird flooring construction2/18/2011
  Q: i recently viewed a property im thinking of buying. however i found a very peculiar flooring mishap ...
  A: As with anything when one is asked for an opinion without being able to see what is being discussed ...
Tile Floor Marks2/17/2011
  Q: Looking at a resale home with tile floors. There are many marks which may be metallic. Owner says ...
  A: These metal marks are what I suspect are the metal taps or buttons on the supports and legs of the ...
grout over grout?2/16/2011
  Q: My recently installed bathroom floor tile is 3"X 3" octagonal marble tiles with a 1/2 black square ...
  A: Typically you have only "one bite at the apple" when it comes to grouting. If the majority of the ...
selection of flooring2/15/2011
  Q: Respected Sir I am construcing a residential house in Tamilnadu,India.I wish to know which flooring ...
  A: Lifestyle is key with material selections. Do you have children?...if so do they have many ...
travertine tile2/12/2011
  Q: I'm a builder. 5 months ago we installed 2500 square feet of traverine in house under construction. ...
  A: I took a little time before I replied to you so that I could think about your current scenario. My ...
New Construction2/11/2011
  Q: Perry, It says Ive asked too many follow up questions. I just wanted to say "Thank You" for your ...
  A: Hey Susan, I did not know there was a limit on "follow up" questions. I have had people come ...
Marble over top of porcelain tile?2/8/2011
  Q: I have a client that wishes to install 12" x 12" x 3/8" marble tile over top of a 13" x 13" x 3/8" ...
  A: If you were installing over a Ceramic tile or Mosaic then it is possible to install tile over tile, ...
radiant heat and granite tiles cracking2/3/2011
  Q: I have a new home with hydronic radiant heat throughout. Structure was closed in ~Oct '08, tile ...
  A: Is your Home Owner Insurance going to cover any of the repair costs involved in the re-do of your ...
floor (smoothing) leveling compound2/2/2011
  Q: Is there a "compound" available to spread with a trowel on subflooring prior to installation of ...
  A: There are all kinds of patching material out there that can be used for this kind of application, ...
master bath flooring2/1/2011
  Q: I have designed a unique master bath in our new house under construction.The room is 12 ft ...
  A: I can see that you have given a fair amount of time to assembling this "Oasis" in your mind and ...
Ceramic Tile Installation1/31/2011
  Q: I am about to take on my first attempt at installing ceramic tile. I want to put it on a bathroom ...
  A: The process for doing a small vanity top/splash is the same really for covering "any" area in the ...
Parquet floor adhesive from 1950s1/31/2011
  Q: Mr Vallenga, my wife an i just baught a home in washington dc. it is a great house built 1956. the ...
  A: My condolences to you in discovering the cheapest adhesive ever made. It is indeed a tar based ...
clarification1/30/2011
  Q: Does marbonite floor affect human body like other cement(mosaic) floor?
  A: I do not understand the nature of your question? Do you mean will it make your feet/knees/hips sore ...
natural stone flooring1/30/2011
  Q: This is Amit from the previous thread, which is too long to have any follow ups. Anyway, i have no ...
  A: I do remember you Amit as your name is unusual just as mine is. That being said I am glad that you ...
Grout Coming Out1/30/2011
  Q: We recently istalled a ceramic tile floor in our gameroom. I have previously installed ceraminc ...
  A: It is possible that the blending of your grout at the point of install may still be affected if the ...
operation theatre flooring1/27/2011
  Q: I am thinking of using Marbonite for flooring in our operation theatre.Is it better than Vinyl ...
  A: The performance of Marbonite over a vinyl type flooring is significant and to be perfectly honest ...
a flat floor1/12/2011
  Q: I'm a DIY'er. i want to lay ceramic tile on my kitchen floor. there is linoleum down now. my plan is ...
  A: Before I address the low spots in your floor I should pose a couple other things to consider prior ...
Sealing white carrara marble darkened it making it look constantly wet, can I fix this?12/4/2010
  Q: We recently bought a house that has honed white carrara marble kitchen countertops. After ...
  A: Whenever you are presented with an unknown scenario like this it is always wise to perform a "test" ...
tile grout lines12/4/2010
  Q: My bathroom is 9 x14 but the tub/shower and vanity are along one wall so the remaining space is more ...
  A: These kind of questions are situational to me and it really boils down to what was said between you ...
Which Overlaps: vertical or floor?11/30/2010
  Q: I am having tile installed on an outdoor balcony to cover the floor, a vertical knee wall (25 in ...
  A: Think of it the same way you would build a house that as you start from the foundation and move ...
Caulk instead of Grout on Countertop11/29/2010
  Q: Unfortunately, I read your response to Perry on this subject after the fact. I have already caulked ...
  A: Welcome back Sharon, I noticed from the first question that you have a "Ceramic" tile employed ...
Caulk instead of Grout on Countertop11/27/2010
  Q: Unfortunately, I read your response to Perry on this subject after the fact. I have already caulked ...
  A: It sounds like you have a "chiseled edge" example of tile which is an attractive design scheme in my ...
ceramic tile - grouting11/27/2010
  Q: I am ready to install ceramic tile on a concrete floor - the tile interfaces with existing carpet. ...
  A: Generally speaking the exposed end of the tile run may need some touch up from time to time as there ...
Replacing a smelly carpet11/25/2010
  Q: Hey Perry thanks for you wonderful advice. I will get the carpet professional steam cleaned this ...
  A: Hey Val welcome back, Having the carpet steamed cleaned will buy you some time but certainly ...
Tile to wood transition options11/23/2010
  Q: You gave me such a great answer last time, I thought I'd ask another question. Are there options, ...
  A: .. You are correct with your understanding of density expansion rates making grout not an ...
Tile cutting11/23/2010
  Q: I have 12" x 36" porcelain tiles (Porcelenosa) to install at Kitchen back splash. How do you cut ...
  A: When faced with cutting a very long piece of Tile that is too long for the saw tray is to first wrap ...
water damaged cork underlayment ceramic tile11/23/2010
  Q: I am an insurance repair contractor. I recently encountered a job where the condo flooded and water ...
  A: While there are many clear guidelines when it come to methodology and proper installation on virgin ...
Bathroom waterproofiing/tile11/22/2010
  Q: We are thinking about remodeling out master bath. The quotes from contractors are all over the map. ...
  A: What I am supposing is that the contractor was suggesting a Schleuter product made for waterproofing ...
Self Adhesive Vinyl11/21/2010
  Q: I have a 13 year old small house dog who has gone to potty on the carpet. I was wondering if I put ...
  A: I understand your dilemma Val, I'm a dog lover as well. What you are considering is close to where ...
flooring11/15/2010
  Q: sir I want to know about installation of vitrified tile ,my home about 15 yrs old,because of some ...
  A: I have answered this question and several others very similar to it which are now in the Allexperts ...
refinishing scratched and worn cotto floors11/15/2010
  Q: I am writing to you from Rome, Italy. I restored a 300 yr house 12 years ago. The flooring is ...
  A: Forgive my tardiness with your answer Kathleen...I thought I answered this question already. Ok ...
tiling over sub-floor11/13/2010
  Q: I'm concerned about laying tile over mdf (or whatever type of sub-floor this is)....I've thought ...
  A: Although I can not say with certainty I doubt that what you are seeing is MDF as your sub-floor top ...
Shower floor tile adhesive11/12/2010
  Q: About 4 of my shower floor tiles (1" x 1")came loose near the drain. i want to just put them back ...
  A: The simple answer is of course a thinset either white or grey...I prefer white. The problem (minor) ...
Grout Cracking & Floor Squeaking11/11/2010
  Q: 6wks after installation of our porcelain floor the grout started cracking. It is now 6mths later and ...
  A: Welcome back Cindy, I feel for you and your situation Cindy, these kind of things are so easy ...
Grout Cracking & Floor Squeaking11/8/2010
  Q: 6wks after installation of our porcelain floor the grout started cracking. It is now 6mths later and ...
  A: With the limited information you have provided I can get only a partial picture of your scenario. ...
use of epoxy material to repair flooded tiles11/8/2010
  Q: We came home recently to a flooded house. We were gone 8 days and we think the toilet valve leak ...
  A: I have heard of this process in years past and to me it is little more than a "gimmick", and at best ...
versabond11/2/2010
  Q: I was searching Versbond and came up with your very knowlegable insight, so I'm hoping you can help ...
  A: I have used Versabond many times and I actually like the White version of that product. It will give ...
marble tiling a brick surround11/2/2010
  Q: Vellenga- I'm a newbie at this DIY kind of thing so I'm going to need a lot of your help.I would ...
  A: Stripping off old paint is a very necessary evil when your intention is to install just about ...
cracked travatine tiles11/2/2010
  Q: We had travatine tiles installed in May. They have cracked at the hardy backed board seams and our ...
  A: As I see it this is an installation error. What you are seeing happen is what happens when there is ...
wall tile prep10/31/2010
  Q: I AM GOING TO TILE THE FRONT SIDE OF A BAR I HAD BUILT IN MY BASEMENT USING 1"X1" GLASS TILES ON A ...
  A: Hey Rick, welcome back, I would not attempt to apply your tile directly to the Birch side of ...
ceramic tile coating10/30/2010
  Q: I see that you are recomending that you do not apply polyurethane to ceramic tile, but what is it ...
  A: Polyurethane is not designed for any kind of traffic application over a Ceramic Tile. While Poly is ...
water spill in kitchen10/30/2010
  Q: Here is a situation with which I hope you can help! Last week I inadvertently allowed 3 gallons of ...
  A: What happened? How did so much water become introduced to your Kitchen surfaces? I have had some ...
self-stick tile adhesive removal10/28/2010
  Q: I removed self stick tile from a concrete floor. I am going to put down ceramic tile. Do I need to ...
  A: Yes indeed the old adhesive must go. The most effective way to get it up is to use a very mild ...
wall tile prep10/28/2010
  Q: I AM GOING TO TILE THE FRONT SIDE OF A BAR I HAD BUILT IN MY BASEMENT USING 1"X1" GLASS TILES ON A ...
  A: I picked up a piece of "Durock" a few days ago and was startled to see that I could almost roll the ...
travertine on plywood10/28/2010
  Q: Is it acceptable to apply travertine tile directly to a new plywood subfloor, or is a mesh or ditra ...
  A: In days not that long ago we would drop down and go to town over the assembly you currently ...
Shower leaking10/26/2010
  Q: Water from shower leaking on living room ceiling below. Tub feels like it moves, although plumber ...
  A: Welcome back Kathy, Well this revelation does add more mystery to the equation. This as a cast ...
Shower leaking10/26/2010
  Q: Water from shower leaking on living room ceiling below. Tub feels like it moves, although plumber ...
  A: Hey Kathy, Humm..ok so the plot thickens. If this is a "drop in tub" then unless the tub itself ...
Can I use Porcelain tile or similar to create a counter top?10/26/2010
  Q: I want to create some custom cabinets for my kitchen. When I look at how expensive custom counter ...
  A: Hey Ted, No the smell would not be because of the thinset adhesive. It would come from the ...
floor tile10/25/2010
  Q: kindly tell me the difference between porcelin tile and vitrified tile
  A: Let me suggest that you consider our great archives here @ Allexperts. I have recently answered this ...
Flooring Questions10/25/2010
  Q: I am getting ready to sell my home in Yorba Linda, CA (Orange County) and need to make repairs ...
  A: My heart goes out to you and the situation you find yourself in. One wonders what will help and not ...
ada shower pan10/23/2010
  Q: I am going to be working on an ADA shower down the road. I think it will be a 4' by 4' shower. If ...
  A: There is a National Code of requirements that will provide the guidelines for your assembly. That ...
levelling subfloor with multiple surfaces10/22/2010
  Q: I'm renovating a small house and after knocking a few dividing walls down I want to install a single ...
  A: Wow, this qualifies as a "worse case scenario" and a real test for improving your home. Not being ...
Can I use Porcelain tile or similar to create a counter top?10/21/2010
  Q: I want to create some custom cabinets for my kitchen. When I look at how expensive custom counter ...
  A: Sorry I am late with your answer Ted, I was stuck in the Mountains.. Thank you for your question ...
Radiant floor heating10/21/2010
  Q: If I were to put in radiant floor heating with Alum transfer plates on the top of the floor and ...
  A: Sorry I'm late with my reply Dan as I was stuck in the Mountains... Welcome back Dan, Ok I ...
Shower leaking10/20/2010
  Q: Water from shower leaking on living room ceiling below. Tub feels like it moves, although plumber ...
  A: Forgive my being late with your question, I was stuck in the Mountains, Thank you for your ...
PORCELAIN TILES10/20/2010
  Q: I am using large Porcelain tiles as a facade (exterior) cladding material (size 60cm x 120cm). They ...
  A: Forgive my late reply as I was stuck in the Mountains... Thank you for your question Said, ...
Shower Hardi-backer10/20/2010
  Q: Here's another: I'm putting up the hardi-backer in the shower now. When I tiled the floor I used ...
  A: Hey Nedra welcome back, While it is true that thinset is not a "water proof" material it is ...
Radiant floor heating10/18/2010
  Q: If I were to put in radiant floor heating with Alum transfer plates on the top of the floor and ...
  A: Well this is an angle I have not ever heard of before. It's not that it's not a possibility it's ...
Carrara Marble Floor10/18/2010
  Q: On new construction we had a new carrara tile floor installed in the bathroom, over new plywwod. ...
  A: Isn't it convenient for the Contractor to blame the Tile as being defective rather than an ill ...
levelling floor before tiling10/17/2010
  Q: I have a small 1950s home and want to tile the bathroom floor. The bathroom is gutted down to the ...
  A: Ya got to love renovations of older homes. The challenges posed are many times insurmountable ...
Removal of K 3 board10/16/2010
  Q: The vinyl floor in the kitchen is glued to 3/8" K 3 board, which is glued and stapled to the plywood ...
  A: This layer of insulation board was likely spray glued to the slab or sub-strate below. There will ...
Tiling a Shower Enclosure10/15/2010
  Q: I have my shower wall down to the studs and have purchased 1/2" cement board to install. I read in a ...
  A: You are not doing anything wrong...roofing cement simply will not adhere to a plastic shower pan ...
ceramic tile/carpet threshold10/13/2010
  Q: I have an existing metl strip holding my carpet in place. It ends under my bathroom door. I have ...
  A: Well...you could if you really wanted to but then you will have a definite visual issue to contend ...
installing hardwood over 20 year old ceramic tile10/12/2010
  Q: We have a large kitchen which has 20 year old ceramic tile in our Scottsdale, AZ home and I would ...
  A: You will need a chipping hammer from your local Rent-it-Center and use it to hammer up all tile ...
stick tiles for floors cement floors10/9/2010
  Q: How do we prep a cement floor for stick down tiles?
  A: First scrape and sweep the entire space, next is to look for any loose material that will require ...
Shower bench and tub marble deck10/8/2010
  Q: We would like to install a tub surround that flows into the shower bench and is separated by the ...
  A: We encounter this kind of combo all the time with today's modern design plans and to be honest there ...
concrete floors versus porcelain tile10/7/2010
  Q: It's time to re-do our floors and we are debating porcelain tile versus having our basic concrete ...
  A: Hey Barb, The kind of system that you are wondering about is called "Radiant Heating System". ...
tile on screened porch10/6/2010
  Q: Perry, I just had a screened porch built over an existing 18x18 cement patio. I want to put some ...
  A: Forgive my being tardy Donna, I am in the process of moving..nuff said. Thank you for your ...
Marbonite Design10/6/2010
  Q: ""Hi sir! Am constructing my sweet home. Now its my time to concentrate on my floor. I just ...
  A: Hey Sunil, I am thinking that this is just a second attempt at your original question which I ...
ABOUT - Marbonite design and life10/6/2010
  Q: "Hi sir! Am constructing my sweet home. Now its my time to concentrate on my floor. I just confused ...
  A: I have answered many similar questions comparing Marbonite and Marble to each other. I invite you to ...
floor preparation for tile in bathroom10/5/2010
  Q: I live in Las Vegas witch has a very dry climate. I installing 24x12 porcelain tile in a bathroom. I ...
  A: You have posed a great question and you have also given thoughtful consideration of other options. ...
concrete floors versus porcelain tile10/4/2010
  Q: It's time to re-do our floors and we are debating porcelain tile versus having our basic concrete ...
  A: While the notion of finishing a concrete slab to the satisfaction of a homeowner is a nice thought ...
Master Bath Complete Redo10/2/2010
  Q: I worked a while back with Jim Carlin on this web site when I did my major floor job. He was ...
  A: Welcome back Jerry, I am confident that your plan will be successful. Sometimes just sitting ...
water under ceramic tile9/30/2010
  Q: My friend's ceramic-tile kitchen floor was partially flooded when the hose connecting her ice ...
  A: Forgive my being late with my reply, I am in the process of moving my World into another place.... ...
Master Bath Complete Redo9/29/2010
  Q: I worked a while back with Jim Carlin on this web site when I did my major floor job. He was ...
  A: Hey Jerry...sorry I'm tardy with my reply as I am in the middle of moving into a new place, no fun. ...
flooring9/28/2010
  Q: I have ceramic flooring and would like to go for a change.I live in bangalore,India.Is wooden ...
  A: Most times I am asked to compare Marbonite or Vitrified tile to Natural Stone like a Marble or ...
Vetrified Vs Marble9/26/2010
  Q: Mr. Perry, I am middle class salaried person and have to take decision on flooring. Which one is ...
  A: While your question is brief the response could be very long to describe the necessary information. ...
Removing thinset or concrete9/23/2010
  Q: I had placed a tile floor down in my kitchen and then removed it. I took up all of the tile and now ...
  A: The kind of floor scraper you have is designed to get the tile up and not the thinset up. You will ...
thanks for you reply9/21/2010
  Q: Yes, home inspection was done but the guy did not flag out the tiles. I appreciate your advice and ...
  A: Hey Mary, It is a frustrating thing I know when you do the right thing (by having a Home ...
Price quote questions9/21/2010
  Q: I was quoted a price for tile and installation in a store. When they came to estimate, I had about ...
  A: Sorry I am late answering your question Jeff...I am in the middle of moving... Thank you for your ...
leveling a concrete slab9/20/2010
  Q: Perry, I have a 12x12 screened porch that sits on a concrete slab. I would like to lay ceramic tile ...
  A: There is a material called "self-leveling compound" which is designed to use as a float material ...
Huge Airpockets in PLywood SUbfloor?9/20/2010
  Q: My husband and I live in an older house buily roughly in the 1940's, about two weeks ago we began to ...
  A: What you are experiencing is "delaminating" of the ply layers from the failure of the glue adhesive. ...
loose kitchen floor tiles9/19/2010
  Q: I recently bought my first apartment. The previous owner had re-tiled the kitchen floor with ...
  A: Without an actual evaluation of your current conditions it would be a guessing game for me to ...
Gypcrete subfloor9/19/2010
  Q: This is a follow up to my recent question on adding 5/16 (not 5/8)inch to my Gypcrete sub floor: ...
  A: Hey Jim, Sorry about the misreading of your actual dimension requirements, too much going on ...
Elevation adjustment over Gypcrete9/18/2010
  Q: I have too adjacent areas(dining room /kitchen. The kitchen has a laminate floor and I want to ...
  A: There is a very easy solution to your dilemma. A self-leveling compound is a material that is very ...
thassos9/16/2010
  Q: I have installed honed thassos in my shower and it is starting to turn orange. Is there anyway to ...
  A: Sorry I'm a bit tardy, I am in the middle of moving. Thank you for your question Lisa, The ...
modified versus non-modified thinset usage9/16/2010
  Q: If I am using a cement based substrate(hardibacker board) over my subfloor, and cover that with ...
  A: Sorry I'm a bit tardy, I am in the middle of moving. Thank you for your question Mark, The ...
Porcelain Tile on Cracked concrete slab8/27/2010
  Q: I have enclosed my porch and had the slab poured to level the grade and the guy who did it did not ...
  A: Hey Charles, Forgive my tardiness as my e-mail program has crashed and I lost a couple days as ...
dot tile8/26/2010
  Q: I am in the process of installing 3/4" dot mosaic tile on the tub enclosure and adjacent wall of my ...
  A: Forgive my tardiness as my computer e-mail program has crashed and I lost a couple days in the ...
Porcelain Tile on Cracked concrete slab8/25/2010
  Q: I have enclosed my porch and had the slab poured to level the grade and the guy who did it did not ...
  A: Was this just a cement pour or was this a "mud job" pour? Either way if no bonding agent was ...
Ceramic Tile Removal8/25/2010
  Q: My Home is on pilings, due to hurricane IKE (Crystal Beach, TX)some tile is cracked. My whole house ...
  A: This is probably the most common complaint that happens to your average homeowner. Tile trouble that ...
tile/ elevator floor and stairwell landings8/25/2010
  Q: Is there a certificate that comes with non-skid tile stating the obvious that it is indeed non-skid ...
  A: This information about "slip co-efficient" and or hardness rating is typically something that the ...
Thinset question8/25/2010
  Q: A floor guy said he wants to put thin set over my old linoleum floors to prepare to put the new lino ...
  A: Let me see if I have this right...you have a flooring Contractor, who wants to put down some thinset ...
Answers to Questions8/24/2010
  Q: Perry: Wow! My tile/stone mason lives across the street and does great work with lots of input as ...
  A: ...that is as nice a compliment as I've ever received here @ Allexperts. You have restored my faith ...
Tile over radiant heat8/24/2010
  Q: One additional one that I have is I expected to make small grout lines but how small can you go? ...
  A: Hey Mike, The quality of the tile will really dictate how close you can shrink the joints. ...
Tile over radiant heat8/22/2010
  Q: I want to install 18 x 18" tile in my kitchen/hall. I am trying to keep the height to a minimum if ...
  A: I have looked over this assembly a few times trying to let the picture of this sink in, and to be ...
THIN SET REMOVAL8/16/2010
  Q: HOW DO WE REMOVE THIN SET FROM TILE THAT WAS NOT INSTALLED CORRECT AND RE-INSTALL THE TILE?
  A: This is a pretty common question believe it or not but not one with a simple answer. The straight ...
finish on polished porcelain tile8/15/2010
  Q: I saw an article from 2006 with a similar problem. WE jsut built a home and layed our tiles in May. ...
  A: Ok two questions come to mind for me first one is what kind of paper was covering the Porcelain? ...
BEST TILE FOR CAST IRON TUB?8/13/2010
  Q: RE-MODELING BATHROOM. HAVE A SMALL 4 FOOT SUBJECT TUB. WILL 6X6 CERAMIC TILE BE DURABLE/STRONG ...
  A: As long as your installer knows what is going to be resting on the installation I would say yes to ...
darkening areas of tile8/13/2010
  Q: We had our shower remodeled. The tile on the floor is porcelain and came in sheets of 3x3 tile. We ...
  A: With a poured shower floor (mud job floor and not a preformed pan) you are essentially placing in ...
Removing ceramic tile mounted on steel mesh reinforced concrete8/13/2010
  Q: Is there any way to remove WITHOUT BREAKING ceramic tile that's mounted on steel mesh reinforced ...
  A: I am not quite sure I understand the descriptive assembly to your concrete slab but I get the gist ...
Tile installation problem8/12/2010
  Q: I am trying to install mosaic tile that is less deep than the ceramic tile, which it is bordering. ...
  A: Normally for me I just change the size of the trowel I am using to install the tile on the wall. I ...
marble floors8/11/2010
  Q: Trying to decide between honed vs. polished marble floors for a bathroom remodel. Would the honed ...
  A: There is not a significant difference between polished and honed finish on a Marble material. To be ...
black 6x6 tile...scratches!8/7/2010
  Q: My contractor's tile guy just grouted our 6x6 semi gloss black tile yesterday. The tile is from ...
  A: This is always a perplexing problem. I am quite familiar with black 6x6 although it typically being ...
ceramic floor8/6/2010
  Q: Can you put a ceramic floor down on top of a subfloor or do you have to put something else down ...
  A: Typically the answer is no because nearly all modern day sub-floors are OSB which is not an Industry ...
new tile over mosaic tile8/5/2010
  Q: I have a 1970s 1" pink mosaic tile floor in the bathroom set in 1"+ of cement. Is there a ...
  A: While there are a couple obvious reasons folks consider employing this method of install it ...
Urine Proof Flooring7/31/2010
  Q: My cats are urinating outside the litter box and I have tried EVERYTHING to stop this behavior. ...
  A: Hey Leslie, I like folks who are not easily defeated and move outside of the box to solve ...
Urine Proof Flooring7/29/2010
  Q: My cats are urinating outside the litter box and I have tried EVERYTHING to stop this behavior. ...
  A: Welcome back Leslie, While the premise is understandable and maybe even doable I do not think ...
Urine Proof Flooring7/29/2010
  Q: My cats are urinating outside the litter box and I have tried EVERYTHING to stop this behavior. ...
  A: Hey Leslie, The installer's opinion in regards to the Epoxy grout is sound. When I was using ...
Urine Proof Flooring7/26/2010
  Q: My cats are urinating outside the litter box and I have tried EVERYTHING to stop this behavior. ...
  A: Forgive my tardiness Leslie with an answer to your question. Cleaning the carpet without ...
laying tile over brick & concrete7/25/2010
  Q: Closing in back porch and want to lay tile over concrete floor. It is concrete with brick around ...
  A: Hey Joyce, Installing a layer of cement board over cement require only a thinset adhesive and ...
travertine over porcelain tile?7/25/2010
  Q: My husband and I recently bought a home with 18 inch off white porcelain tile throughout the whole ...
  A: I get this question quite often and for the obvious reasons. No one enjoys the consequence of a ...
Flooring suggestions for an screened patio7/23/2010
  Q: We've built a covered screened patio with an outdoor fireplace on one side. The designer specified ...
  A: Hey Kent, The option of installing a layer of cement board underlayment of course is a good ...
porcelain tile7/22/2010
  Q: My wife and I just laid porcelain tile in our dinning room. Everything went great until we sponged ...
  A: The dulling film you are wrestling with is something that often happens when a Latex modified grout ...
laying tile over brick & concrete7/22/2010
  Q: Closing in back porch and want to lay tile over concrete floor. It is concrete with brick around ...
  A: There are a couple ways to address the expansion joint between the brick and cement. One is to us a ...
natural stone flooring7/22/2010
  Q: This is Amit from the previous thread, which is too long to have any follow ups. Anyway, i have no ...
  A: Hey Amit, While in certain scenarios you can install a tile over tile there will be an ...
Flooring suggestions for an screened patio7/20/2010
  Q: We've built a covered screened patio with an outdoor fireplace on one side. The designer specified ...
  A: You have quite the scenario going on here, complicated by the powerful Seasonal changes common to ...
Natural Stone Installation7/20/2010
  Q: Perry, We are preparing to install natural stone for our new fireplace surround and hearth. For the ...
  A: Hey Ron, Years ago I installed a "zero clearance" fireplace in my Florida home (don't ...
Natural Stone Installation7/19/2010
  Q: Perry, We are preparing to install natural stone for our new fireplace surround and hearth. For the ...
  A: Hey Ron, I returned back to the picture you provided for me to consider but I couldn't make ...
selecting type of stone/tile for flooring7/19/2010
  Q: I am going to be renovating my kitchen, dining and lobby area. Currently we have limestone ("Kota" ) ...
  A: Welcome back Amit, http://stone-network.com/slab_images/index.php Typically I don't ...
tile in a three-season screen porch7/19/2010
  Q: We have a screen porch, in which we just installed Andersen sliding windows (previously had screens ...
  A: It is not unusual for rooms like this to gradually evolve into more usable spaces, or at least the ...
Natural Stone Installation7/18/2010
  Q: Perry, We are preparing to install natural stone for our new fireplace surround and hearth. For the ...
  A: While cutting the hardwood at first thought sounds daunting it is nothing more than thoroughly ...
radiant heating and urethane grout7/16/2010
  Q: we're redoing our bathroom and would like radiant heat under the ceramic tile. the salesperson at ...
  A: Hey Daryl, Does your salesman mention the difference between an Epoxy vs Urethane grout? In my ...
Travertine flooring7/16/2010
  Q: I am not a diy'er. I have limited knowledge of laying tile. I am laying travertine along with ...
  A: I've been volunteering here for 10 years now and one of the benefits of being here so long is that ...
selecting type of stone/tile for flooring7/16/2010
  Q: I am going to be renovating my kitchen, dining and lobby area. Currently we have limestone ("Kota" ) ...
  A: Hey Amit, Your need or desire to remain in the home while the renovation is in progress will ...
radiant heating and urethane grout7/14/2010
  Q: we're redoing our bathroom and would like radiant heat under the ceramic tile. the salesperson at ...
  A: Between you and me Daryl the salesman is more intent upon "selling" you a material that has a better ...
selecting type of stone/tile for flooring7/14/2010
  Q: I am going to be renovating my kitchen, dining and lobby area. Currently we have limestone ("Kota" ) ...
  A: I understand you having a difficult time choosing a material that is very different one from the ...
VINYL TILE7/13/2010
  Q: I would love to put down vinyl tile. It is a basement so it is damp at times. How do I prep the ...
  A: Finally a scenario where a painted floor will work just fine. If you were desiring to install a ...
what to put on a porch7/6/2010
  Q: I have a porch that has indoor/outdoor carpeting on it. I want to take it off and put something ...
  A: When I used to live and work in Florida there was always the infamous "cool deck" application that ...
Tar and tile!7/4/2010
  Q: I just removed some oak hardwood flooring that was in my entryway. When they installed it I am sad ...
  A: You should attempt to remove as much as is possible of the old "cut back" adhesive. This stuff was a ...
TILE OVER WIRSBO7/4/2010
  Q: HI IAM FLOATING A MUD FLOOR OVER WIRSBO DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH MUD THICKNESS HAS TO BE OVER THE TUBES
  A: I have fielded this question before believe it or not, with the only difference is a concrete pour ...
flooring to install7/2/2010
  Q: I have an upstairs area that currently has carpet, and have a Chihuahua, that stays with me at ...
  A: Hey Jennifer, Ok...I see. There are several options to consider in light of your current ...
Water behind tiles7/1/2010
  Q: We just had our shower completely re-tiled. The tiles we picked for the walls is a light beige ...
  A: While it is difficult to lend an intelligent opinion without actually laying eyes on the problem my ...
Travertine6/30/2010
  Q: Perry, I am considering Travertine to replace tile I currently have in my Shower area (walls and ...
  A: Both the format (size) and the material are ideally suited for wall installations within a wet area ...
flooring to install6/29/2010
  Q: I have an upstairs area that currently has carpet, and have a Chihuahua, that stays with me at ...
  A: We also have a Chihuahua and there has been minimal "accidents" and even if there were they would be ...
large format tiling6/26/2010
  Q: have been tiling about five years now and am about to start my first project laying 1000mm by 1000 ...
  A: Here in the States we have to deal with so many different sub-floor scenarios that multiple install ...
2 questions: sealing the shower stall and cleaning tiles/grout6/23/2010
  Q: my husband and i are wanting to put our house on the market and need to clean the grout lines and ...
  A: I have to assume that there is something in your Country that is similar to ours here that could be ...
re: granite over brick fireplace6/22/2010
  Q: We have a brick fireplace that we would like to do over in granite, but I'm not sure how far in you ...
  A: You will definitely want to tile the inside of the brick returns into the metal front of the ...
Thassos Tile Installation6/21/2010
  Q: I've purchased 1" hexagon Thassos tiles as backsplash (i know it's not a flooring question however I ...
  A: I can appreciate your situation but given current economic conditions I am surprised that no one is ...
Porcelain Tile6/20/2010
  Q: Should my new porcelain wood look tile floor be flat and level? It is an 6X18 plank.
  A: I am familiar with this kind of material having installed several thousands of sq ft. of the stuff ...
mastic or thin set for shower wall 13 x 13 tiles6/18/2010
  Q: Should I use a pre mixed mastic on showers walls using 13 x 13 tiles? Or is thin set a better ...
  A: Decades ago I stopped using a Mastic for any tile larger than a 6x6" in size because as the size ...
Pellet Stove Platform6/17/2010
  Q: Perry! Do you have to build a special platform for a pellet stove? Let me explain our situation: ...
  A: You are wise to plan ahead for things down the road and using the archive here is something I wish ...
Tile floor6/17/2010
  Q: The linoleum in my concession trailer has to be replaced almost every year due to high traffic ...
  A: It would seem like a potential option for your needs but in truth no. In your case Brian the enemy ...
which glue to use travertine over in floor heat6/16/2010
  Q: we are laying travertine over in floor heat, in Morocco. The plumber poured a special liquid ...
  A: Welcome back Cristina, If you were in the States there would be a warranty for at least the ...
which glue to use travertine over in floor heat6/15/2010
  Q: we are laying travertine over in floor heat, in Morocco. The plumber poured a special liquid ...
  A: I understand your concern with the thickness of the assembled layers beneath the Travertine. Based ...
condensation on screened porch tile6/14/2010
  Q: We have a problem on our screened in back porch here in NE TX. I think its condensation but nothing ...
  A: What you are experiencing is indeed a condensation issue. The coolness of the night and early ...
Vitrified tiles on mosaic floor6/14/2010
  Q: In my house the flooring is mosaic not tiles which is 20 years old. That time we added gypsum to ...
  A: Parts of your question is not clear to me...specifically what you mean by "adding gypsum" to the ...
Tile Flooring6/13/2010
  Q: I want to go for Vitrified Tile Flooring in my house. I am already having a plain cement flooring. I ...
  A: Vitrified Tile will give you all the performance that you would expect from this kind of material. ...
Grout on Marble6/10/2010
  Q: Perry, We have recently put down 1x1 inch white matte finished marble tile. During the grout ...
  A: Lets not use the vinegar any further as it is a low grade acid and I can do without the smell of the ...
Bath Remodel Travertine- Forzastone6/10/2010
  Q: We are remodeling a large master bath. We love Travertine's look but the porous nature is a concern ...
  A: Not all things that come out of "modern design" are defacto improvements over the traditional ...
Shower Re-Tile Job - Gap Concerns6/8/2010
  Q: My father and I retiled my shower enclosure last weekend but I'm afraid we have a problem with how ...
  A: Don't beat yourself up Sean with this unexpected "current" outcome. Seldom does anything work out as ...
Porcelian Tile Application5/18/2010
  Q: Perry, I would like to install 16" square porcelian tiles on the concrete floor of our 12' x 12' ...
  A: Well...you don't need so much of a specialized adhesive and you do a material designed to handle the ...
Excess grout removal5/18/2010
  Q: You have probably had this question many times, but this past weekend (5/14/10) my girlfriend and I ...
  A: Well...in the old days we would go out and get our trusty gallon jug of Muriatic acid and (supposed ...
Travertine5/16/2010
  Q: My Wife and I are in the process of replacing the outdated tile in our kitchen. We were shown a ...
  A: I think your choice of large format Travertine is a good one John and in your shopping endeavors you ...
Granite threshold on cement floor5/14/2010
  Q: We are planning on installing 2 granite thresholds in our basement on a concrete floor. What should ...
  A: Just a standard thinset adhesive will be fine to set a Stone threshold on a cement slab. As for ...
Natural stone slabs5/13/2010
  Q: I wonder if you could help me, I'm having some trouble finding knowledgeable people about natural ...
  A: Slab materials are certainly impressive to witness as you stroll though a Stone yard and to transfer ...
laminate flooring5/12/2010
  Q: i just bought a condo and the condo board demands carpet all over the condo because it reduces noise ...
  A: Most board members on your average condo association have not bothered to investigate this issue and ...
floor prep5/9/2010
  Q: We scraped the old carpet and pad that had been glued to the floor off of my mom's kitchen. Now we ...
  A: You don't mention it but I have to assume that everything was on a cement slab?? So the old adhesive ...
installing slate on curved concrete sidewalk5/9/2010
  Q: I want to install 12x12 slate over concrete sidewalk. Problem is the side makes one curve and ...
  A: The best way that I have found to deal with this sort of layout problem is to turn everything on a ...
leveling concrete slab5/6/2010
  Q: My home is under construction. It is on a slab. The kitchen cabinets were installed yesterday on top ...
  A: Well...this out of level condition your Builder is trying to get you to accept is simply a dreadful ...
Floor prep for porcelain tile5/4/2010
  Q: We are undertaking a pretty large tile project in our home - about 600 square feet of work. We have ...
  A: There has long been a frequent and illogical way of considering any significant flooring upgrade. ...
Travertine filler5/3/2010
  Q: Beautiful river design travertine for a low-traffic kitchen and bath remodel(near the beach, so a ...
  A: Well...I have to admit that usually if I stare at a question long enough I can begin to put together ...
no-wax vinyl flooring5/2/2010
  Q: Is anything you can do to a rubber-back rug to prevent the chemical reaction that turns no-wax vinyl ...
  A: I had to read this a couple of times to fully grasp what your problem is, as I originally thought ...
flooding in basement and abestos tile flooring5/2/2010
  Q: My home encountered 1-2in of consistent water coverage for a period of approximately 3 weeks after ...
  A: Finished basements always seem like a good idea at the time but when something like this happens ...
cleaning grout4/27/2010
  Q: What is the best way to clean grout. Ours on a kitchen floor is white and gets dirty in a hurry ...
  A: Well...you certainly set yourself up for a challenging maintenance plan. Sealing is helpful ...
Moisture Test4/23/2010
  Q: Could you please tell me the difference between getting a moisture reading and conducting a moisture ...
  A: Hey Nelson, Well...I will have to say how "I" see what the difference is ok? When considering a ...
Travertine Tile4/21/2010
  Q: We recently had travertine tile installed over our existing concrete slab and many of the tiles are ...
  A: The "lippage" you are wondering about can be a frustrating dilemma to deal with mainly because our ...
travertine tile4/18/2010
  Q: We are tiling a new construction with travertine (18x18) through out the house. We have a large ...
  A: This layout decision happens pretty often and for the most part (were I the contractor) I would ...
slate tile4/16/2010
  Q: We are wanting to tile our back porch using slate, but there are many expansion joints . We want to ...
  A: In years past this would be a challenge to address but no longer. There is a product out there ...
White marble vs marbonite4/15/2010
  Q: I was told that white marble will fade in 2 to 3 yrs and my father asked me to use vertified tiles ...
  A: I guess my question is what does White Marble fade too??..more white? It's not that Marble fades at ...
Tile Floor4/15/2010
  Q: I recently had a tile floor installed. There was pergo flooring down that was buckling. Upon removal ...
  A: Hey Nelson, Well...what first comes to mind with this guy is someone recommended a jerk to you. ...
White residue on newly installed black ceramic tile floor.4/14/2010
  Q: I'm cleaning a black ceramic tile floor, black grout, finish is high gloss, and I'm unable to remove ...
  A: Well....is this something that was on the tile when the installer was completed or something that ...
Tile Floor4/14/2010
  Q: I recently had a tile floor installed. There was pergo flooring down that was buckling. Upon removal ...
  A: Was there no explanation for a cause in regards to the buckling laminate flooring? The moisture test ...
What color grout for white carrera mrable tile4/13/2010
  Q: I am laying white carrera marble tile floors in my bathroom, with a nice vanity from Pottery Barn ...
  A: Carrera Marble can have such a wide range of shading from complete white to huge swatches of ...
marble4/12/2010
  Q: Perry Thank you for all the great info you gave Victoria. My question, does all the sealing need ...
  A: I appreciate your kind words with the information I gave to Victoria but to honest Kay I am not ...
tiling4/7/2010
  Q: I have those nine inch asbestos tiles in a room that i would like to tile. Can I wonderboard over ...
  A: Hey Darren, The removal of the tiles is straight forward and you should wear a respirator of ...
tile floor4/7/2010
  Q: I have a small floor tile job, 5x5 = 25sq ft. The floor is cement; on top of that it looks like ...
  A: Well...bottom line is you simply can't install tile over the top of any kind of ...
Kitchen flooring4/7/2010
  Q: How safe it is to use vitrified tiles in kitchen? We have a new apartment under construction and ...
  A: Certainly you can use vitrified tiles in a Kitchen or anywhere else in the home for that matter. ...
Allure flooring and mold4/7/2010
  Q: We recently installed Allure floating floor in our basement. We first put down a primer and a ...
  A: If this were on an upper floor then you may have been able to get away with fans, open windows and ...
tiling4/7/2010
  Q: I have those nine inch asbestos tiles in a room that i would like to tile. Can I wonderboard over ...
  A: Are you sure that they are asbestos tiles? You make no mention of the age of your home or if there ...
ODD FLOOR clear coat4/6/2010
  Q: I recently tiled my basement bathroom floor with beer bottle caps. I am currently grouting it with ...
  A: Hey David welcome back... I am familiar with the 2 part Poly as it is commonly used with bar ...
Grouting Distressed tile4/6/2010
  Q: Perry I have laid ceramic tile in a number of rooms and have gotten pretty good at laying it and ...
  A: Well Pete...I have a trade secret for you to exploit. A few years ago a Natural Stone Producer ...
Preparation of a cement slab, for laying ceramic tile in an outdoor patio4/3/2010
  Q: We plan to tile our Arizona room, which is basically an screen enclosed patio. It previously had ...
  A: Forgive my tardiness as computer trouble slowed my response... Ok now on to your question, the ...
Ceramic tile over steel plate floor4/1/2010
  Q: I have a 1/2" steel plate floor (flush finish plate, not raised diamond non-slip type) on the second ...
  A: Hey Dominic, Well...to be honest Dominic, trying to bond much of anything to a steel plate I ...
Ceramic tile over steel plate floor3/31/2010
  Q: I have a 1/2" steel plate floor (flush finish plate, not raised diamond non-slip type) on the second ...
  A: I am trying to imagine what, exactly, you are describing to me as far as your current assembly goes. ...
carpet padding3/30/2010
  Q: Is odor ban II carpet cushion %26 rebond carpet padding cushion one item or two ?....Written on ...
  A: Wow...I have been asked thousands of things over the past 10 years but never to interpret a receipt. ...
cat urine3/29/2010
  Q: a friend of mine is at the end of her rope and is going to put her cat down because she keeps peeing ...
  A: I appreciate your soft heart and your desire to take in a mixed up animal and care for it. Normally ...
grout cracks3/29/2010
  Q: I recently installed a 1/2" 6 X 6 ceramic tile floor in a restaurant store room. floor is 9' X 20' ...
  A: You mentioned a "sand mix grout"...do you mean just a "sanded" grout or are you talking the "old ...
Removing Cement Board3/28/2010
  Q: We have removed the tile from a floor that we will be installing new tile on eventually. The problem ...
  A: I feel for you having to deal with this scenario, I know it well. There are two things you should do ...
grouting chiseled edge marble3/28/2010
  Q: My tile guy grouted my chiseled edge marble flooring and filled in the chiseled edges. Can you ...
  A: Well my first suggestion is to have the original installer return and have him tell you what he's ...
Tile over brick3/28/2010
  Q: I read a response that you gave in 2006 indicating that it would be OK to install ceramic tile ...
  A: Wow...I am humbly impressed that you were able to research that far back to an earlier post, Kudo's ...
Asbestos Tile Mastic3/28/2010
  Q: Does any mastic used to put down asbestos tile contain asbestos?
  A: I have to admit that your question gave me pause...not because the thought of it scared me but the ...
Chipboard subfloor repair/replacement3/27/2010
  Q: I live in a house built in the 1990s. We have recently had a cupboard moved and refitted in our ...
  A: Hey Rachel, What we don't want to have with any part of your floor is "flexure" or ...
self leveling floor compounds3/27/2010
  Q: I am installing a shower base with surround sides...a Kohler product, against 2x4 studs; the three ...
  A: Hey Neal, Well...the compound will indeed set up hard and as "any" cementitious material it ...
ODD FLOOR clear coat3/26/2010
  Q: I recently tiled my basement bathroom floor with beer bottle caps. I am currently grouting it with ...
  A: I like your style David Riley...I've never seen it done but the thought of this scenario put a smile ...
Chipboard subfloor repair/replacement3/26/2010
  Q: I live in a house built in the 1990s. We have recently had a cupboard moved and refitted in our ...
  A: Hey Rachel, Ok...the picture helps to lend some improved visual understanding to your problem. ...
floor prep3/26/2010
  Q: we have just removed glue down carpet on a cement floor. we are going to install new glue down ...
  A: I would at the very least remove any of the rubber backing that might be remaining from the removal ...
self leveling floor compounds3/26/2010
  Q: I am installing a shower base with surround sides...a Kohler product, against 2x4 studs; the three ...
  A: You can create a "dam/form" at the open front of the shower floor opening and simply brace it into ...
Mosaic Floor Polish3/25/2010
  Q: We are a family of 3 and also have a dog at home. We have mosaic flooring and it has become quite ...
  A: Most Mosaic floor tiles that I have dealt with are high gloss and typically used for either wall ...
Ceramic tile in basement with cracks in concrete slab3/24/2010
  Q: My full finished basement recently flooded in heavy rain. Pulled up the carpet and the padding and ...
  A: Well...not so fast Mr. Contractor. First off let me ask if this basement was permitted and legal ...
Tiled front steps leaching3/22/2010
  Q: Our co-op building has tiled front stairs which have a bad problem of white efflorescence leaching ...
  A: What is at issue here is the thinset. In years past before there was "modified" or "Latex" added ...
1st time homeowner totally clueless where to start3/21/2010
  Q: I just bought my first house. The home inspector said everything is structurally sound, but all of ...
  A: Well...to be honest if the bamboo floor is an engineered prefinished material it will be easier to ...
Chipboard subfloor repair/replacement3/21/2010
  Q: I live in a house built in the 1990s. We have recently had a cupboard moved and refitted in our ...
  A: Is this a basement floor? This kind of assembly is commonly used as an assembly for a basement ...
Grout Around Carrera Marble3/21/2010
  Q: I had the Carrera in my bathroom restored in 07 with a contractor who is not around anymore. It was ...
  A: Hey Rich...welcome back, I understand your reluctance to engage in a more direct method of ...
Tile adjacent to Hardwood3/20/2010
  Q: we had a friend install 5/8" hardwood bamboo floors on our entire floors including the kitchen. The ...
  A: Well this is one of those "learning experiences" that arise when hip deep in a large remodeling job. ...
carpet for kitchen3/20/2010
  Q: I've been looking for carpet for my kitchen. I've had my nylon in for 13 years. Now when I look for ...
  A: I'm not sure that I can really help you with this particular desire Helen. While carpet has multiple ...
porcelin tile over concrete3/19/2010
  Q: have a 5'3" x 7'9" porch. please help me with the layout using 1/8 spacing. should i use a bullnose. ...
  A: This is a small landing for sure so the simpler the design the better. I like Slate for small ...
marble/porcelane3/18/2010
  Q: we are renovating our kitchen in Toronto. We have 3 teenagers girls, and a very active medium dog. ...
  A: Ahhh the joys of "teenagers" (we had 2 girls one boy), lets not forget all their friends (another ...
porcelain tiles3/18/2010
  Q: Is it a good idea to put porcelain tiles in a bathroom in a cottage which sits unheated through the ...
  A: I am not sure I understand what you mean by your cottage "which sits unheated through the winter ...
Tiling over concrete with a crack3/17/2010
  Q: we are expanding and remodeling our kitchen. When we removed one of the interior walls for the ...
  A: I would guess that this slab would have stopped moving a long time ago so the crack is just ...
grout3/17/2010
  Q: I install the linoleum squares on my floor but some shifted and there are some open seams. I don't ...
  A: The grout would not stay in between the cracks and would soon crack out itself making a bigger mess. ...
Tiling upatairs bathroom woes3/17/2010
  Q: I have a upstairs bathroom that has 2 layers of particle board flooring. I pulled up all the old ...
  A: Hey Tom, I think a layer of 3/4" plywood with the cement board will be just fine. Now as for ...
Porcelain on OSB3/17/2010
  Q: we just pulled up our porcelain, mesh and concrete install that is only 8 years old. There was a ...
  A: While OSB has long been used as a plywood replacement it is simply not up to snuff as an ...
grout haze3/15/2010
  Q: My master bedroom was tiled with 18" square travertine tile, grouted with smallest grout line ...
  A: Hey David... Well...that's not helpful is it? Where you need to go next is back to the original ...
travertine, sanded/unsanded grout3/15/2010
  Q: I'm replacing the floor tile in my shower,because it is slippery. I was told that because the ...
  A: You make no mention of what "format" (size) of Travertine you are planning to use. Are you cutting ...
Tile to carpet transitions3/13/2010
  Q: Perry, I have read several of your answers related to floor transitions. I tend to agree with you ...
  A: Being left with a 1 1/4" elevation change is quite a height to deal with. Have you investigated any ...
Tiling upatairs bathroom woes3/12/2010
  Q: I have a upstairs bathroom that has 2 layers of particle board flooring. I pulled up all the old ...
  A: Hey Tom, I use a particular brand of leveling compound and although it does set up pretty ...
grout haze3/11/2010
  Q: My master bedroom was tiled with 18" square travertine tile, grouted with smallest grout line ...
  A: Hey David, Well dang it...some things just don't work out like you would hope. Well I guess if ...
Tiling upatairs bathroom woes3/10/2010
  Q: I have a upstairs bathroom that has 2 layers of particle board flooring. I pulled up all the old ...
  A: Well I wish we had connected before you had moved on to the float and install. Primarily because of ...
help with subfloor under wood stove3/10/2010
  Q: the stove dosent get even a bit hot underneath.. its had tile under it three different times and ...
  A: I have to believe that the original tile install (and apparently the other two) simply were not ...
grout haze3/10/2010
  Q: My master bedroom was tiled with 18" square travertine tile, grouted with smallest grout line ...
  A: Hey David, Rereading your original question I refocused on the $800.00 cost to clean off this ...
knee pads3/10/2010
  Q: I'm on my 3 pair of knee pads because I can't seem to get satisfied. Every pair ends up sliding down ...
  A: I can certainly sympathize with you and this problem...it used to drive me crazy as I simply ...
crack in travertine tiles3/9/2010
  Q: We just layed a travertine floor about 10 days ago. Last night while I was sealing the floor I ...
  A: It would seem that there is a stress fracture in the slab beneath the Travertine tiles. Of course if ...
Honed Limestone3/9/2010
  Q: Perry, we just had honed limestone tile installed on the floor and we are not happy with it. The ...
  A: I do not see in the text of your question that this honed Stone was sealed. Even though it is a ...
Marble home flooring3/9/2010
  Q: I am considering Greek white Thassos 24" x 24" marble flooring in my new apartment living and dining ...
  A: There will always be recommendations that are current with the ever changing trends and materials as ...
Mixed Tile Depth Installation3/8/2010
  Q: How do we compensate for the different depths when installing? Thanks.
  A: Well there are a couple methods I have employed when working with conflicting depths. First "always" ...
grout haze3/8/2010
  Q: My master bedroom was tiled with 18" square travertine tile, grouted with smallest grout line ...
  A: Well you have headed in a direction that only lead you to more frustration and possibly damage the ...
marble3/8/2010
  Q: I want the Carrara Mable/Thassos look for a double vanity but it is a kids/guest bath. Is that not ...
  A: Well...you are kind of betwixt and between aren't you? My personal thought is mixed because it ...
installing pebbles on brick wall3/8/2010
  Q: I am planning to put on pebbles on a six feet by eight feet brick wall(brick wall which has been ...
  A: Normally I would suggest that thinset be used right over the brick but there is an "ingredient" that ...
Grout for hexacon marble tile3/8/2010
  Q: I have tumbled, honed hexacon crema marble bathroom floors with 1/8 inch grout lines but ...
  A: I like your selection Sara, it is choices like this that create spectacular spaces in subtle ways. ...
marble2/19/2010
  Q: My husband installed a polished marble back splash in our kitchen. He used a grout mix that included ...
  A: I was going to answer my last question of the day tomorrow but after reading your question I decided ...
Followup question2/19/2010
  Q: We are about to lay tile in our living room/hall/kitchen area and have settled on a tile color and ...
  A: Hey Doug, As long as the threshold is resting on the slab and not on shims then you can use ...
cracked travertine stone flooring question2/19/2010
  Q: We are purchasing a new home and have noticed (before closing) that there is a long line of cracked ...
  A: Well Christina...I would be prepared to "walk" on this deal. In todays Market any Builder who can ...
marble mosaic tile on shower floor2/18/2010
  Q: I appreciate your expertise and willingness to answer questions. My question pertains to shower ...
  A: It would appear that the Builder is not prepared to answer for things that he allows to be installed ...
Tumbled Marble Backsplash2/18/2010
  Q: I have purchased the 6 X 6 tumbled Noche for my backsplash once my new granite tops are installed. I ...
  A: Hey Jeff, The answer is yes...the first bond coat was to help generate a proper surface to ...
flooring2/18/2010
  Q: . I am constructing a house.I am unable to choose between marble & vitrified tiles.. will you please ...
  A: Always glad to hear from my friends in India...someday I should visit the Country so I can have a ...
tiling a kitchen countertop2/18/2010
  Q: I am installing a porcelain ceramic tile counter top on my old kitchen cabinets. After removing the ...
  A: Building a countertop sufficient to withstand not only the cooking challenges and cleaning ...
replacing tile in shower stall floor2/18/2010
  Q: I have a shower stall that is completely tiled. There were a few mosaic tiles missing on the floor ...
  A: Ok Pam, To be honest I am still baffled with the currently described assembly, a picture would ...
Tumbled Marble Backsplash2/17/2010
  Q: I have purchased the 6 X 6 tumbled Noche for my backsplash once my new granite tops are installed. I ...
  A: Hey Jeff, The size of notch for your trowel should be at least 3/8" x 1/4" and in order to ...
MARBLE2/17/2010
  Q: I installed 18x18 marble with a 1/16" grout joint. The marble has a rectified edge. After grouting, ...
  A: The ending result of a larger than anticipated grout joint simply puts you in the same realm that ...
Tile design and color question2/16/2010
  Q: We are about to lay tile in our living room/hall/kitchen area and have settled on a tile color and ...
  A: Interesting format selection, different enough to be visually stimulating which is good in my ...
Tumbled Marble Backsplash2/16/2010
  Q: I have purchased the 6 X 6 tumbled Noche for my backsplash once my new granite tops are installed. I ...
  A: I hope that you had not received conflicting answers to your questions here @ Allexperts, but my ...
Replace laminate with vinyl2/16/2010
  Q: Before my wife and I met and married several years ago she decided to have laminate flooring ...
  A: Hey Mike, Well it does appear then that if you need the elevation gain to solve some visual ...
replacing tile in shower stall floor2/16/2010
  Q: I have a shower stall that is completely tiled. There were a few mosaic tiles missing on the floor ...
  A: I am a bit confused here with the text of your question...as you describe some missing tile "on the ...
Replace laminate with vinyl2/15/2010
  Q: Before my wife and I met and married several years ago she decided to have laminate flooring ...
  A: Well based upon what I'm reading you have the situation well in hand. Lets move to the task at hand ...
Ceramic tile defective2/15/2010
  Q: I have just had a home built in Southwest Florida. The tile I picked was a mat, smooth finish. The ...
  A: The first question that comes to mind is are you living in the home or is it still under ...
Thermotile and Ceramic tile2/14/2010
  Q: I am preparing a floor for Thermotile and the ceramic tile. The subfloor is 5/8" plywood, then a ...
  A: Your current scenario is not as bad as you are thinking. Of course the picture does wonders for me. ...
Vitrified tile cleaning2/14/2010
  Q: After some maintanence work, floor of my house which is of vitrified tiles have stains of mud and ...
  A: Your tile problems should be of a surface nature as a true "vitrified" tile is a "non"porous ...
Marble Tile Shower installation2/11/2010
  Q: I have a couple of questions about a marble tile instillation I am in the middle of (mind you it was ...
  A: Well without a picture of the current install it's hard to address certain things. That being said ...
excess grout on floor molding and stains on the wall2/10/2010
  Q: My mom recently had ceramic tile for the floors installed in the kitchen, laundry room and all 3 ...
  A: This does happen sometimes when folks get in too big of a hurry when laboring through the grout ...
grout discoloration2/9/2010
  Q: Approximately 6 months ago we remodeled our bathroom and installed a tile shower with a glass ...
  A: While you don't mention the actual size of the grout joint themselves I suspect that they may be ...
dark spots in grout2/9/2010
  Q: My tumbled white/beige marble floor is showing dark areas in the grout lines.Is this due to dark ...
  A: Hey Hilary, Now that's more like it! Perfect shot and I am familiar with this condition having ...
satilo tile2/7/2010
  Q: I have this tile throughout the house. After twenty years it still looks good. My 95 year old mother ...
  A: I have long been a fan of "Mexican clay (Saltillo) Tile", beautiful stuff. So the solution that is ...
dark spots in grout2/6/2010
  Q: My tumbled white/beige marble floor is showing dark areas in the grout lines.Is this due to dark ...
  A: Well..."dark" is a relative term to be honest. You can see what is appearing "darker" but I can't ...
Travertine for outdoors2/6/2010
  Q: I live in a hot country ( Peak temperature 48 deg C in summer) I am considering using Travertine ...
  A: I used to live in Florida so I can relate to the overall oppressive heat during the Summer months ...
tile grout2/5/2010
  Q: I made the mistake of not sealing my stone tile before grouting. Of course all the nice grooves have ...
  A: Hey Mary welcome back, Ok if you had an "unfilled" Stone and now after grouting the natural ...
RE COLORING dingy GROUT with an OLD Honeycomb tile2/5/2010
  Q: Is it possible to RE Color (white) the dingy grout between OLD Honey comb Tile This Tile is original ...
  A: At this point in the floors history what is missing (and probably has been for decades) is the ...
tile grout2/4/2010
  Q: I made the mistake of not sealing my stone tile before grouting. Of course all the nice grooves have ...
  A: Well...you really don't need to remove the grout from the joint just so you can seal the Stone. You ...
marble flooring2/3/2010
  Q: Remodeled 3 years ago and put 1800 square feet of marble which is now chipping, peeling. It also is ...
  A: You don't mention what kind of Stone this is or what you might suspect has happened to create the ...
tile removal2/2/2010
  Q: I hope this question is in your area of expertise. I have a ceramic tile floor in a kitchen which ...
  A: Certainly I have done my share of tedious and hopeful salvage operations just as you are describing. ...
floor preparation for large porcelian tile1/29/2010
  Q: I want to prepare my flooring to take 17x17" porcelain tiles - several connecting rooms will be done ...
  A: Hey Ed, I can tell you are well prepared for the task at hand which will pay dividends when it ...
Uneven porcelain mosaic1/27/2010
  Q: I've just had my entire house renovated and for the most part it turned out beautifully. BUT, I had ...
  A: Well...I have two questions for you...have you paid this guy in full already?, and what was his ...
181/27/2010
  Q: We can call this problem "Beauty isn't all its cracked up to be." We just demo'd and replaced an ...
  A: Hey Cynthia, If you have ever been to a Mall (pretty much anywhere), and I'm sure you have ...
poly ceramic tile1/26/2010
  Q: I'm remodeling my bathroom. The premixed grout did not set and I'm worried about water seeping into ...
  A: If there is a problem with the grout not fully hardening then putting a layer of poly over the top ...
sealing white carrera marble1/25/2010
  Q: I have white (blanco) grey veined carrara marble countertops in my kitchen and my guest bathroom. I ...
  A: The biggest obstacle to determine these things is the practicality of having to purchase the sealers ...
Leak around shower1/25/2010
  Q: I have a shower with a vanity pressed closed against the tub. There is a mostly inaccessible space ...
  A: Well Sandy...you have officially arrived to the point of "last resort". Misfit layouts have long ...
Ceramic tile flooring1/24/2010
  Q: We purchased a Townhouse in 2003. We had ceramic tiles installed on the first floor of the ...
  A: Well there is typically three issues that come to light when there is the beginnings of a ...
Marble step joints1/23/2010
  Q: I am quoting to repair several hundred steps at a high school in VT. The joints between the slabs of ...
  A: The rubber caulking I suspect is something similar to a product I have used in the past while ...
Marble shower surround1/22/2010
  Q: We plan to tile a 3'x5' shower with 3/4", 12"x6" carara marble tiles. The supplier put a bullnose on ...
  A: It's not unusual that the space allowed for a wet area extend out beyond what is consided the ...
floor preparation for large porcelian tile1/21/2010
  Q: I want to prepare my flooring to take 17x17" porcelain tiles - several connecting rooms will be done ...
  A: Your floors structured assembly is a stout one overall but if you see the need to sister in ...
Kitchen tiles stained by rain1/20/2010
  Q: I was away for 2 days and I forgot to close the windows (I live in Jerusalem, Israel where there is ...
  A: Hey Adir, If things are currently dry then lets try something and see what happens. Take a ...
Grouting Chisel Edge Travertine1/20/2010
  Q: we now have beautiful level and flat floors with no lippage. All edges in contact with walls are ...
  A: Hey Michael, If you will note that the statement mentions a "honed and or textured Stone only". ...
tile and grout1/20/2010
  Q: I've been told that there are grouts on the market that come with the seal as part of it (and will ...
  A: Hey Deb, I did a cursory research for the XT Grout and see that the Company that produces it is ...
oil soaked grout1/20/2010
  Q: Two years ago I installed a porcelain tile floor using mocha colored grout. last evening there was ...
  A: I won't ask why hydraulic oil was introduced to this floor but you can make a poultice with which to ...
Travertine/uneven floor1/19/2010
  Q: Perry, we need your help. After 7 years, I finally found a floor for my bedroom I loved. Of course, ...
  A: I appreciate your humor with this situation and to be perfectly honest my answer is "yes"...get a ...
Kitchen tiles stained by rain1/19/2010
  Q: I was away for 2 days and I forgot to close the windows (I live in Jerusalem, Israel where there is ...
  A: Wow...this is an unusual problem for sure. This is also my first question from Israel in the 10 ...
Grouting Chisel Edge Travertine1/19/2010
  Q: we now have beautiful level and flat floors with no lippage. All edges in contact with walls are ...
  A: Hey Michael welcome back... I like the sound of things that you have in place and grouting this ...
tile and grout1/19/2010
  Q: I've been told that there are grouts on the market that come with the seal as part of it (and will ...
  A: My personal preference always leans towards the larger format tiles Deb, mainly because I feel that ...
laying ceramic tile1/18/2010
  Q: can you lay ceramic tile right over plywood subfloor, I see they have thin set that says you can
  A: The basic question as it is posed is true...you can install tile over plywood providing you use a ...
Tile on formica?1/15/2010
  Q: Perry, I hope this is not out of your realm of expertise... I installed a new kitchen sink and ...
  A: A contact cement will not perform what you are intending, the adhesive material is simply too thin ...
Travertine tile over Elec. heat mat1/15/2010
  Q: I’ve got 18x18 travertine tile that I’m installing over an electric radiant floor heat mat ...
  A: As with anything that has a specific application (warming your floor) you must closely abide by the ...
Ceramic tile1/14/2010
  Q: I have been told by two tile contractors that I can put ceramic tile over ceramic tile. Having said ...
  A: You can indeed tile over tile...but...there is always a but...you have to keep in mind that by ...
Polished Porcelain Tile1/11/2010
  Q: We had black polished porcelain tiles laid in our kitchen 2 years ago. After the grout was finished ...
  A: My first thought would be to return to the Supplier who provided this mystery product and inquire if ...
exterior tile1/11/2010
  Q: i am tiling an exterior bbq/bar top with a substrate of plywood and rock board. what kind of ...
  A: Any quality modified thinset (Latex added) will perform just fine for your needs, I prefer to use a ...
Tile Shower Floor1/11/2010
  Q: Would you reccommend installing 2" travertine tiles in a shower for the floor. It is a rough ...
  A: I suspect that you are looking at a "tumbled" travertine 2x2 that is not "filled" from the point of ...
Travertine or Hardwood1/7/2010
  Q: We are thinking of replacing our living room carpet and kitchen tiles with one flooring ...
  A: I see that you are mired between a rock and a hard place with an always tough decision. While there ...
outdoor ceramic tile table1/6/2010
  Q: What is a good brand and type of backer board to be used as a substrate for an outdoor ceramic tile ...
  A: I don't want to lump them all together as one but nearly all cement backer boards are identical in ...
tiles1/6/2010
  Q: Perry, I am considering to tile our dining/living room. I have a dog who may pee, puke, or eat ...
  A: Any Natural Stone is going to require special maintenance habits for the length of time you have it. ...
Ceramic Tile Mortar1/5/2010
  Q: My basement flooded and the insurance only gave me 1/3 of what the cost for a contractor costs to ...
  A: When you are installing 12x12 material I have long been an advocate for a 1/2"x1/2" square notch ...
Penetrating Grout Sealant1/4/2010
  Q: Three months ago our whole house was porcelain-tiled (unglazed stone "look") by a tile contractor. ...
  A: Hey WB, There are grouts that have Polymers mixed into the blend that help to stabilize the ...
Porcelin Tile with hardwood pine a subfloor1/4/2010
  Q: Perry, I have an old house (1926) with pine hardwood in the kitchen that has no subfloor under it. ...
  A: I would feel better if you were to employ a 1/2" underlayment over a 1/4" one. The true enemy of an ...
Penetrating Grout Sealant1/3/2010
  Q: Three months ago our whole house was porcelain-tiled (unglazed stone "look") by a tile contractor. ...
  A: I am in my 30th year in this Industry and have seen a lot of things over that time and even ...
Honed cerara countertop stains1/3/2010
  Q: Installed honed carrera countertop and there are dark spots where adhesive was used. Help.
  A: What kind of adhesive was used?? Minimal contact spot placement of Silicone is typically what is ...
Olefin/nylon over radiant heat safe?1/2/2010
  Q: Will installing a 91%Olefin, 9%nylon carpet be safe over a radiant heated floor (we have cement pad ...
  A: You can install virtually any kind of material (carpet included) over a radiant floor with no fear ...
ceramic over VAT12/29/2009
  Q: I have found out I have asbestos tiles in my basement. Here in NJ a homeowner can not remove them ...
  A: If you have a confirmed asbestos covered floor then it is best to leave it resting in place, but you ...
Floor prep before carpet12/28/2009
  Q: We are remodeling a room, and will be re-carpeting the whole room, including an area that had vinyl ...
  A: You have already done more than I suspect many would have. Removing the top two layers and ...
Does stone require grout line12/27/2009
  Q: We are preparing to install 18 x 18 limestone floor tiles. I am getting mixed messages about the ...
  A: I seldom take the advice of a sale's person over the opinion of the guy who installs the material ...
Marbonite Tiles stains12/27/2009
  Q: While mving furniture around house, we got a few stains on our marbonite tiles flooring. These are ...
  A: I don't know if you have access to a Grocery Store in your neighborhood but typically there are ...
sand paper12/26/2009
  Q: Looking for bulk amount of 80 grit 4 inch hook and loop. Local tile stores only sell asorted packs. ...
  A: http://www.onlineindustrialsupply.com/holosaro.html Thank you for your question Darren, I ...
flooring12/24/2009
  Q: Hey My name is andy I am laying tile in my kitchen and dinning room and what is currently down is a ...
  A: Well you have a potential problem lurking there with the particle board as a sub-floor, so ...
Porcelin Tile - Haze on12/23/2009
  Q: I have appx 1500 feet of RGCalypso Cometstone R591 (Snowball 20x20) tile placed in my house. The ...
  A: That was a long antiquated recommendation Susan and not ideal for more than one reason. Fortunately ...
Slate12/21/2009
  Q: I would like to lay slate in my bathroom (yes a we area). The problem is that it is already tiled ...
  A: The answer to your question is yes...you can install tile over tile...but, (always a but) you have ...
learn how to install the mable12/19/2009
  Q: perry I'd like to learn how to lay the marble from the beginning to the highest also even how to use ...
  A: I appreciate your eager desire to hone your installation skills. And while there is a similar ...
Have you ever heard of ironstone and what do you think of it?12/17/2009
  Q: I saw it online and the price was incredible and the countertop kits are very convenient, $199.00 ...
  A: I do recall the post you mentioned and to be honest I receive a fair amount of questions in regard ...
cleaning cuban tiles12/17/2009
  Q: Greetings. We recently had the Cuban tiles polished and sealed with an impregnator and they looked ...
  A: First, do not use "any" kind of detergent. Even a mild cleanser will weaken the strength of any kind ...
thinset12/15/2009
  Q: I'm installing a Schluter shower system that calls for using unmodified thinset applied to Hardie ...
  A: Now you know one of the primary reasons that I do not and will not use Hardy Backer board. It is ...
Polished porcelin tiles12/14/2009
  Q: Hope you are well. I am at wits end with my polished porcelin tiles. I bought a steam mop, tried ...
  A: I feel your pain with the constant care of a "polished" material, no matter what it is. With ...
what to use to attach travertine tile12/13/2009
  Q: I would like to know what I should use on travertine tile around the top of the tub, we made the ...
  A: Having limited information to go on in regards to this "top of the tub" assembly I have to assume ...
installation cost12/13/2009
  Q: I want to give an estimate to a friend I am installing a 12 x 12 marble tile floor for. I will lay ...
  A: The cost of any install is relative to the Region of the Country you live in and more specifically ...
duraceramic tile12/12/2009
  Q: We purchased duraceramic tile 2 yrs ago but have not had the time to install it. Now we do but I'm ...
  A: This is one of the top 5 questions that I get each year...installing tile over vinyl. My answer ...
Reducer Strip12/11/2009
  Q: I am in need of replacement rubber reducer strips for either side of a threshold in a retirement ...
  A: This is a simple and common product that can be purchased by the lineal foot (roll form) through any ...
terrazzo floors12/9/2009
  Q: I have a 1950s house on the west coat for florida all the floors are terrazzo and I love them. One ...
  A: The vast majority of Terrazzo flooring installs used a zinc or aluminum or brass metal assembly to ...
tile & crumbled mortar repair12/9/2009
  Q: my house is 40 years old and in my bathroom I noticed some tiles had sunken down and the grout had ...
  A: Hey Judy, Certainly you can use a mortar mix but it takes different preparation to do so. I ...
est cost per sq ft12/7/2009
  Q: We're demo'ing a 6 X 9 bathroom with small mosaic pattern tile and replacing with 12X12 porcelain ...
  A: I get this question frequently and to be honest there are so many variables involved as to make any ...
Grout Color12/7/2009
  Q: I just finished grouting my ceramic tile backsplash in my kitchen. I used Mapei Keracolor S Pearl ...
  A: There is a sealer that I often use that will serve your purposes. It can be purchased online or you ...
tile & crumbled mortar repair12/7/2009
  Q: my house is 40 years old and in my bathroom I noticed some tiles had sunken down and the grout had ...
  A: There is a bit of mold/mildew currently standing in the way of progress here. This needs to be dealt ...
Grout around gas fireplace12/5/2009
  Q: I have a fairly new gas fireplace that was finished with decorative tile as trim. The trim was ...
  A: You can purchase a tube of color matching sanded caulking from your local Home Improvement Center. ...
Transition piece12/4/2009
  Q: How do affix a transition piece between engineered wood flooring and Berber carpeting on a concrete ...
  A: There are basically three options of install with an engineered flooring scenario, it will either be ...
cleaning mortar residue off driveway11/8/2009
  Q: hi- our contractor was quite messy = there are large white areas on concrete driveway - i suspect of ...
  A: Well to be honest Susan the best and safest way to remove this construction film is to call the ...
ceramic tile11/7/2009
  Q: i stripped the wax off the ceramic tile because it was peeling. now it has no gloss at all and ...
  A: Well you have posed a mystery because I do not have a good frame of reference as to what kind of ...
Thin set11/6/2009
  Q: Can you die thin set with a color additive to match your grout application? ANSWER: Thank you for ...
  A: Hey Chris, Your "cagey" process of inquiry is interesting but again the answer to the question ...
Replacement tiles11/6/2009
  Q: I have replaced two large porcelain tile in my kitchen the original tiles have been down for 4 ...
  A: Your prudent and wise decision to save tiles for future repairs is now paying dividends. The shade ...
Marble Tile11/5/2009
  Q: I resently had marble put on my floor. The installation was not that great. Their is a small ...
  A: Well the "idea" is correct but the process is a little incomplete. Sanding the Stone will do little ...
New Carrera kitchen countertops11/5/2009
  Q: I just moved into a new condo last week, which has brand new carrera (white with grey veins) marble ...
  A: While I love Carrera Stone it is a worrisome Stone to care for. I saw no mention of a spouse/kids ...
Thin set11/5/2009
  Q: Can you die thin set with a color additive to match your grout application?
  A: Your single question raises several questions in me, but in short a dye can be added to thinset ...
Installation of 16" x 16" travertine tile11/4/2009
  Q: Good morning! The installation will be where there was ceramic tile cemented to the slab under. ...
  A: I see where you used the word "was" so I am assuming that the old material has been removed along ...
tile11/4/2009
  Q: We installed the locking ceramic tile that you just float on top of the existing floor (Lowe's 3 ...
  A: The material in question is indeed a caulk way more than it is a grout, even though it is performing ...
Black slate11/3/2009
  Q: Hi i was sanding a wood floor and hit the side of a black slate hearth it put a big scratch ontop ...
  A: Slate is a very easy material to fix this kind of happening. Really all you need to do is purchase a ...
Back from the Bahamas...Different Floor Problem11/2/2009
  Q: Firstly, thanks for you "best kept secret" on my other floor...it worked like a dream! Pity anyone ...
  A: Michael, What kind of Stone work is all of this exposure being used for? Simple walkways, ...
travertine flooring prep11/2/2009
  Q: my property does some heaving due to excess water in the ground (clay). We plan to install some ...
  A: The primary problem with a floor that "heaves" is that over time it can settle back down only to ...
What type of thinset can be used?11/1/2009
  Q: Help...once again Perry. I just read your answer to Larry G regarding your preference for modified ...
  A: Hey Michael, Working in a Tropical climate the ambient humidity is going to be significantly ...
Back from the Bahamas...Different Floor Problem10/31/2009
  Q: Firstly, thanks for you "best kept secret" on my other floor...it worked like a dream! Pity anyone ...
  A: Hey Michael, Most of the "unseen" consequence for flooring installations is generated from ...
tile not adhering to cement slab10/29/2009
  Q: My 2,500 square feet of 18" tiles that we had installed three years ago are now starting to crunch ...
  A: I find it a bit curious that there is such a "complete" failure to particular areas of this install. ...
Tile shower installation...10/28/2009
  Q: We own a manufactured home and want to replace our shower insert stall with a total tile shower. The ...
  A: Building a shower from scratch is not for amateurs especially when considering a properly assembled ...
Removing mastic from tile10/28/2009
  Q: We recently built a house and the shower is beautiful! The only thing is that the contractor didn't ...
  A: I am scratching my head in regards to what kind of "mastic" is black, heck even thinset is either ...
Ditra over 210/28/2009
  Q: I have a new T %26 G (2x6) pine floor liquid nailed and groove nailed to 3 x 8 floor joists on 24" ...
  A: Hey Michael, I spent way too many years working on my craft in Florida so I do have extensive ...
Ditra over 210/27/2009
  Q: I have a new T %26 G (2x6) pine floor liquid nailed and groove nailed to 3 x 8 floor joists on 24" ...
  A: Hey Michael, Well it would seem that the contractor in question has set his own threshold for ...
Roman Stone kitchen flooring10/27/2009
  Q: We bought our home about 6 years ago and one of the projects we did was to install vinyl tiles over ...
  A: Hey Bob, OSB is just the abbreviated letters describing "Oriented Strand Board"...a fancy ...
Vitrified on mosaic floor10/26/2009
  Q: Perry, I am in Bangalore, India and have a home that has mosaic floor. I am thinking of removing ...
  A: There is always an inherent "plus" and a "minus" when it comes to considering a tile over tile ...
Roman Stone kitchen flooring10/25/2009
  Q: We bought our home about 6 years ago and one of the projects we did was to install vinyl tiles over ...
  A: Any tile installed over a vinyl tile sub-assembly will sooner of later fail. It is something that ...
Ditra over 2" x 6" T&G Planking10/24/2009
  Q: I have a new T %26 G (2x6) pine floor liquid nailed and groove nailed to 3 x 8 floor joists on 24" ...
  A: Forgive me Michael...I laughed out loud when I first read the content of your problem. Sorry, but as ...
lifting tiles10/23/2009
  Q: I was reading an old dialogue that you had with a gal regarding "tenting" of her tiles. We are ...
  A: Hey Michelle, Over the years Michelle I have made a personal decision to use nothing but a ...
Marble tiles in Kitchen/foyer area10/22/2009
  Q: We are looking at buying a home. We like everything in the home, except that the kitchen , foyer and ...
  A: You are wrestling with what may homeowners have struggled with before you did...and it is a concern ...
Tile size in a small bathroom10/22/2009
  Q: Would you suggest 24x12 tile on the wall and 24X24 on the floor of a 1/2 bath that is 36x84? Also ...
  A: I like the proposed combination and it is a workable scenario. To be honest Lynn I completely prefer ...
Vinyl glue on sub floor10/22/2009
  Q: I recently purchased a house that is 33 years old and had carpeting through out the intial plan was ...
  A: The old adhesive has to go. It will stand as a barrier to the setting material and a new floor would ...
Floor Level for Marble Installation10/21/2009
  Q: There is lippage about 30 square feet in the last part of the 500 square feet marble installation. ...
  A: Your question is both fair and expected. It is not "Rocket Science" to evaluate a floor prior to an ...
Mortar bed10/20/2009
  Q: I'm looking to have a 1" mortar bed installed to even floor for tile installation which I'll be ...
  A: The cost of a specialized method of install is relative to the market you live in. What may seem to ...
lifting tiles10/20/2009
  Q: I was reading an old dialogue that you had with a gal regarding "tenting" of her tiles. We are ...
  A: Hey Michelle, welcome back, Back in the day we used to acid wash most of our Quarry tile ...
carpet Glue10/20/2009
  Q: Is is necessary to remove old carpet glue before putting down self leveling cement to put down a ...
  A: The answer is yes...if you don't remove the vast majority of the old adhesive then you will have a ...
Cracking Marble Floor10/20/2009
  Q: This past summer I removed old 4"x4" ceramic tiles layed in thinset mortar from a small bathroom in ...
  A: It is surprising how even such a small break in a support structure can translate into such a large ...
lifting tiles10/9/2009
  Q: I was reading an old dialogue that you had with a gal regarding "tenting" of her tiles. We are ...
  A: Once again this is one of those "unusual" situations that really isn't all that unusual. The ...
Travetine floor10/8/2009
  Q: We had installed in our home travetine flooring. I am wanting to clean the grout lines, but not sure ...
  A: I usually try to support the local Tile Supply Store as much as I can as the large Home Improvement ...
Den Floor...10/7/2009
  Q: I purchased a house a little over two years ago. I had to get the guy I bought the house from to ...
  A: I am trying to imagine the scenario you are presenting to me but it is difficult given the limited ...
Mable Flloor Sanding Results - Terrible10/7/2009
  Q: Please HELP!! I have cream color smooth marble 16x16 installed by a contractor in a large room 14 x ...
  A: I hope you haven't paid this guy in full yet! He is trying to get away from a poor install leaving ...
Flat pebble recovery tehnique10/7/2009
  Q: We had a bathroom floor which included polished flat pebble border strips 300mm x 100mm - they were ...
  A: A sharp bathroom Ian and I am familiar with the border you are wrestling with. There is no "real" ...
tile10/7/2009
  Q: can I use cork underlay instead of concrete backer over a wood kitchen subfloor. do I need both or ...
  A: Well...I am still wondering about the "wood kitchen subfloor" description. Are we talking about a ...
take up water damage hardwood10/6/2009
  Q: best way to take up water damage glue dowm on concrete hardwood in a part of an area. then put the ...
  A: Depending on the thickness of the wood what you will need to do is take a Circular Saw and cut down ...
Tile Grade10/6/2009
  Q: I was wondering how to find out what grade a tile is? Is there some kind of marking or stamp on the ...
  A: Typically there isn't much in the way of distinguishing manufacturer markings on the underside of a ...
20 inch tile10/5/2009
  Q: My husband and I have done many tile projects. Floors, showers, counters...etc. We have laid them ...
  A: The truth of the matter is "every" tile job is a lot of work. I would have to unload the same amount ...
leveling floor10/4/2009
  Q: Perry. I'm a fellow Allexerts volunteer in the category of clocks. Right now I'm finishing an ...
  A: A 26' span that is unsupported is a significant distance to carry and you are not done adding an ...
Sealing Marble Tile10/4/2009
  Q: I am about to install 16x16 and 12x12 polished marble tiles in a hopscotch pattern over ...
  A: Hey Wendy, With so many offerings to consider even as a Professional in the field we simply ...
tile grout10/3/2009
  Q: the attached pix are from outside deck tile w porcelain. the grout is doing this in both full sun ...
  A: Hey Bob, I suspect that it is in "both" as there appears to be a significant presence of ...
tile transition10/3/2009
  Q: what is the best tile pattern to transition a previously carpeted l-shaped space ( approx 36 SF) ...
  A: To be honest there is no "best" way, but what I have done most often when presented with this ...
tile grout10/2/2009
  Q: the attached pix are from outside deck tile w porcelain. the grout is doing this in both full sun ...
  A: Back in the day (my day) I would see this occasionally on vertical facades of exterior tile ...
Tranistioning Tile to Tile in same room10/2/2009
  Q: My business is expanding, we recently laid tile in our present office and will be taking down a wall ...
  A: Congratulations on a growing business...no small achievement these days. Typically there is a 4" ...
Installing 12 x 12 marble tiles in bathroom10/2/2009
  Q: I am installing 12x12 marble tiles in a bath - on the floor and also on the walls above the bath ...
  A: There is a tendency it seems for folks to more often choose a trowel that has a smaller notch so as ...
Floor under wood stove10/1/2009
  Q: We have a wood stove & need to replace the stone under it. What would be a good choice? We were ...
  A: The typical recommendation seems to be Slate and it is a rustic, attractive material. It would work ...
subfloor thickness and pan liner issue10/1/2009
  Q: I have a friend that wants me to help him install a shower because I've done it before. But he has ...
  A: Hey George, Ok I understand...lets start by finishing the missing curb. You can either ...
laminate flooring10/1/2009
  Q: Kitchen gutted, installing laminate flooring and new cabinets. Should laminate run completely under ...
  A: You don't mention what "kind" of laminate flooring you have but typically most laminate flooring is ...
water under tile floor9/30/2009
  Q: back in the spring we had carpet taken up and a tile floor put down in our church. about 2 weeks ...
  A: You mention that you installed a "tile" floor but describe a problem with "glue", this is a contrary ...
Swanstone shower base9/30/2009
  Q: How do I get rid of soap scum? I'm afraid to use any too caustic as it might ruin the finish but ...
  A: The best "tool" I have found to battle this stuff is called a "Doodle Bug" and you can purchase a ...
subfloor thickness and pan liner issue9/29/2009
  Q: I have a friend that wants me to help him install a shower because I've done it before. But he has ...
  A: Particle board is a simply dreadful material...even the "new" stuff. It's only good for elevated ...
glued down floors9/29/2009
  Q: I would like to know the best way to take up glued down hardwood flooring i plan on putting down ...
  A: You would think that just renting a chipping hammer you could just breeze through this process...not ...
expansion joints9/29/2009
  Q: I am about to lay a porcelain tile floor in a 17 x 30 room. I am using 6x18 tile in a staggered ...
  A: Hey Pete, No problem Pete, forget the expansion joint and simply provide a space at the ...
flooring9/29/2009
  Q: A small , irregularly utility room that is to double as a play room for small children what would be ...
  A: Hey Julie, Attic space has been discovered as "free" space for many homeowners, but certainly ...
expansion joints9/28/2009
  Q: I am about to lay a porcelain tile floor in a 17 x 30 room. I am using 6x18 tile in a staggered ...
  A: The sub-strate assembly is a better than minimum standard assembly...great, your consideration ...
Cracked Porcelain Tiles9/28/2009
  Q: Been in our new home for 2.5 years now. We have Italian porcelain tiles throughout our den and ...
  A: You are experiencing the bane of modern day construction...quick construction by adhering to a short ...
flooring9/28/2009
  Q: A small , irregularly utility room that is to double as a play room for small children what would be ...
  A: Your question is brief so my answer will be brief as well. For a play space designed for kids I ...
Tile flooring9/27/2009
  Q: We replaced carpeting in our lower level with non-slip tiles. They have a gritty facing. ...
  A: Wow, that must be some kind of "textured" tile. I can remember installing commercial grade ...
ceramic floor tile9/26/2009
  Q: I have 850 sq. ft of existing tile flooring. Can new tile be installed on top of the existing tile? ...
  A: The short answer is yes...you can install tile over tile. Also the short answer to your second ...
Marble Tiling on top of rubber/cork underlayer9/25/2009
  Q: I am working on a project in my multi level apartment on the second floor where the slab is ...
  A: Hey Wayne, I understand your concerns my friend being in a far away place without the expertise ...
Grouting Marble Tile9/24/2009
  Q: I am about to install 16x16 and 12x12 polished marble tiles in a hopscotch pattern over ...
  A: The first thing that pops into my head when I get a question like this is why all the other ...
Marble Tiling on top of rubber/cork underlayer9/24/2009
  Q: I am working on a project in my multi level apartment on the second floor where the slab is ...
  A: I have to wonder what was covering this sound proofing before you decided to check on Stone? While ...
Neo angle shower9/23/2009
  Q: Is there such an item to where I can create a pitched floor for a slab corner shower unit. I was ...
  A: There is such a Company though I have not tried their product as I continue to do it the old ...
White Onyx Tile with Resin backed9/22/2009
  Q: I have read your previous answers on this subject and your response makes sense but why does every ...
  A: The answer is simpler than you think...failure concerns. Why use a 5lb hammer when a 10lb hammer is ...
New tile grout discolouration9/22/2009
  Q: We just had our kitchen wall tiles installed yesterday. The installer told us not to get them wet ...
  A: This is a mystery considering that you did nothing to promote this questionable outcome. I suspect ...
Silicone Grout9/22/2009
  Q: I took your advice a while back when I was having problems with the grout line between carrera ...
  A: Hey Rich welcome back... Yes you can recover the suspect point of contact with a fresh layer ...
Black marble for fireplace surround9/22/2009
  Q: I am shopping for black marble tile to use as a fireplace surround with an antique fireplace. The ...
  A: If you live in a "small market" city you may be selecting from a lessor grade of material. That ...
Shower grout9/19/2009
  Q: White shower grout is darkening and brownish areas not removed by bleach are becoming prominent. How ...
  A: The bleach is not going to help you much John and will certainly destroy your grout or at least the ...
porcelain tile9/18/2009
  Q: We had porcelain tile installed today and we plan to wait 48 hours before putting the appliance on ...
  A: I have to assume that the heavier appliance (Fridge) is on casters or wheels at least in the rear. ...
white tile turning pink9/17/2009
  Q: I have installed 2" white octagon glazed ceramic tile on bathroom floor which I bought at HD. ...
  A: Well at least we think alike. Lighting can play tricks on surfaces that have muted colors. I used to ...
white tile turning pink9/16/2009
  Q: I have installed 2" white octagon glazed ceramic tile on bathroom floor which I bought at HD. ...
  A: You are experiencing something that too many folks to even mention have discovered after an install, ...
Exterior granite9/16/2009
  Q: Greetings: I see Dave Davidson previously answered a question re granite installations. We have an ...
  A: Failures always create personal doubt, in particular if you were the installer but less so if ...
marble tile grout9/15/2009
  Q: We laid a marble mosaic tile floor in our bathroom last weekend. It is a white square with tiny ...
  A: Man do you put me on the spot. It is the size of the grout joint that determines the type of grout ...
Marble Floor Spots9/14/2009
  Q: Perry, My wife and I just had a marble tile floor installed in our kitchen. The floor looks great ...
  A: The spots that you are seeing I suspect have originated from the grout stage of the install. You ...
cleaning a brand new marble floor9/13/2009
  Q: I hope you can help us. Our brand new beautiful cream colored marble floor arrived, we had it ...
  A: You have me scratching my head at the moment with the quandary you currently find yourself in. I ...
Porcelain Backsplash9/11/2009
  Q: About to install 4x4 unglazed porcelain backsplash - about 42sf. Tiles have textured finish and the ...
  A: Forgive my tardiness Robert...had a family emergency over the weekend, now on to your question... ...
Have you used Durock Tile Membrane?8/25/2009
  Q: I am trying to determine if I can avoid removing previous flooring if I put down a layer of Durock ...
  A: Having watched the demonstration at the provided website I can see that there is potential there for ...
Using Self Leveling compound on Outdoor OSB Subfloor8/24/2009
  Q: I have enclose a 20x20 deck into a Screen Enclosure. I have a layed a 1/2" OSB Subfloor used 3 ...
  A: Having already primed and painted your deck you have effectively sealed the OSB from anything being ...
marble countertops8/24/2009
  Q: I had white gray marble countertops installed in my kitchen. I'm certain they were not seal ...
  A: Sometimes water spots are formed not from water but from the minerals "in" the water. These spots ...
How can I darken tumbled tile?8/23/2009
  Q: We recently put in New Venetian Gold granite and would like to do a dark brown backsplash. We like ...
  A: You can stain a porous Stone but in the doing of this step you will need to also seal it. There are ...
pet stains on travertine8/22/2009
  Q: I read one of your responses re: pet urine stain on travertine floor tile suggesting a "poultice" to ...
  A: Forgive my being tardy with my answer as I am currently moving across the Mountains. Thank you for ...
floor prep for tile8/20/2009
  Q: we are building a new home and intend on tiling the bathrooms, laundry and entrances. currently ...
  A: Ok Suzanne, With your sub-floor being plywood you have a better quality of material with ...
Tap Down Installation Questions8/20/2009
  Q: I will do my best to explain my situation. We have just finished our basement. Carpet was placed on ...
  A: I am not sure what is meant by a "tap down strip" as a point of transition. I suspect though that it ...
Onyx Tile Floors8/18/2009
  Q: I chose an expensive green onyx tile for my powder room wall and floor. In the areas of high ...
  A: Well... to be honest Tejal someone has given you poor information as you should "never" use vinegar ...
chipped cement subfloor8/18/2009
  Q: I removed the ceramic tile from my very small bathroom. How do I repair or replace the cement ...
  A: The quickest and easiest way to make the fix is to either skim out the floor with the thinset you ...
floor prep8/17/2009
  Q: what would be the best way to get a good bond for travertine over a painted concrete pooldeck
  A: Well...the best way is to take a disc grinder and remove as much of the painted surface as possible. ...
slate floor8/17/2009
  Q: my contractor just installed slate tiles in our basement, over concrete. (Floor is heated) He did ...
  A: It is not unusual that there be finish elevation differences between the average Slate install. The ...
floor prep for tile8/17/2009
  Q: we are building a new home and intend on tiling the bathrooms, laundry and entrances. currently ...
  A: Hey Suzanne, This piece of information that someone from the tile store imparted to you is ...
Ceramic Tile8/17/2009
  Q: We are building a new house and are using 3/4" plywood on the floor. We would like to put ceramic ...
  A: Hey Garry, Typically we like to see a minimum of 1 1/4" sub-strate thickness assembly for a ...
Tiling a very small bathroom!8/17/2009
  Q: I have two small bathrooms, both of which are 30 square feet total. Minus the vanity and toilet, ...
  A: I would encourage you to add 13" and 15" or 16" format tiles as you may discover the perfect look in ...
reconstituted marble flooring8/16/2009
  Q: I have been asked to install appox 150sq meters of reconstituted marble over a plywood subfloor ...
  A: Well...first maybe I should ask if you have experience doing this sort of thing? Any "flexing" or ...
removal of ceramic tile8/16/2009
  Q: I have an older home and particle board was used as the sub-flooring ceramic tile was laid on top of ...
  A: You have some trouble facing you as particle board is a dreadful material to have anything installed ...
Surface damage to marble floor tiles8/16/2009
  Q: We had a lemon marble floor put in our kitchen in February. It was beautiful and shiny until ...
  A: Your Lemon Marble floor looks a lot like Onyx Stone to me...I love it! It takes a certain amount of ...
floor tile in bathroom8/15/2009
  Q: I am building a new house and in the process of deciding on tile for the guest bath room floor. The ...
  A: Over the years my opinion has evolved for two practical reasons...visual impact and maintenance. For ...
groutable linoleum squares8/15/2009
  Q: I want to put linoleum squares over existing 4 inch white floor ceramic tiles and white grout. I ...
  A: Well...to be honest I am not a fan of the dreadful material you have purchased as the premixed grout ...
moisture on slab8/15/2009
  Q: My name is Hilda. Through Google I found your answer to the question asked by Audrey about slab ...
  A: While there is correspondence be me and the questioners the e-mail address of the questioner is ...
Granite Tile and Grout Cracking8/14/2009
  Q: Our home had a water loss, broken pipe while we are on vacation. When we are back, water traveled ...
  A: My heart goes out to you over this catastrophic incident you have experienced. With all the floors ...
Ceramic tile on a floor with high moisture8/14/2009
  Q: I live in Houston, near the gulf, so my house is on a floating slab. I was looking to put ceramic ...
  A: While moisture can contribute to certain problems with a Stone install, it is typically a non issue ...
ceramic patio tiles8/11/2009
  Q: Could you tell me if there is a product on the market that we could coat our patio tiles with to ...
  A: I am currently moving across the Mountains and have become tardy with a few question...sorry Paul, ...
floor prep for tile8/11/2009
  Q: we are building a new home and intend on tiling the bathrooms, laundry and entrances. currently ...
  A: I am currently moving across the Mountains and have become tardy with a few questions...sorry ...
tile over adhesive8/11/2009
  Q: I'm removing vinyl square tiles that are about one year old from a cement floor and it's leaving a ...
  A: I am in the middle of moving across the Mountains and have become tardy with some questions of ...
cork flooring7/26/2009
  Q: Can I use cork flooring on cement in my basement, I have no moisture problems? I want to float my ...
  A: Cork will be a nice addition to your basement floor providing that you are positive there aren't any ...
hardwood floors and tile7/26/2009
  Q: I want to have hardword installed butting against tile. the floor is concrete. How to I install the ...
  A: There is a specific process that allows for an installation of wood over a cement substrate but it ...
Installing Travertine and Cantera in Mexico7/26/2009
  Q: Can you give me the exact type of thinset (pegapisto) made by Perdura in Mexico; to be used to ...
  A: I did a cursory bit of research (not usually part of my offering) and discovered I not only can't ...
Discolored grout7/24/2009
  Q: We have just grouted for the first time our bathroom floor with Home Depot grout (unsure of real ...
  A: There is always the tendency to simply do too much "rinsing" once the floor has been grouted because ...
Cork flooring7/23/2009
  Q: I have an unfinished cement screened in patio I'm looking to cover. I love the beauty of cork. Would ...
  A: The answer is "maybe"...much of the Cork consumption in the flooring Industry was/is used for sound ...
9 x 9 vinyl tile7/23/2009
  Q: I just bought a house built in 1958. It has 9 x 9 vinyl tile throughout. I want to replace it but ...
  A: They might be convinced to perform this step for you as long as they are not held to a warranty like ...
9 x 9 vinyl tile7/23/2009
  Q: I meant cut into 9 x 9 if I cannot find it. ANSWER: Well Brian...I haven't the foggiest notion of ...
  A: Hey Brian...If your goal/desire is to preserve the existing vinyl it is true that, to the best of my ...
9 x 9 vinyl tile7/23/2009
  Q: I just bought a house built in 1958. It has 9 x 9 vinyl tile throughout. I want to replace it but ...
  A: Well...guess who got the second question first?? Sorry Brian, your second question somehow got to me ...
Underlayment7/20/2009
  Q: I will be putting in tiles for my bathroom. I will be using two layers of 3/4 inch plywood as ...
  A: Let me congratulate you on performing the perfect substrate installation...your dad is spot on with ...
DITRA and which thinset7/17/2009
  Q: We live in a high desert climate in the Southwest US. Therefore, we have very low humidity. We are ...
  A: Sorry this is Tardy Amy, I'm working out of town at the moment... Thank you for your question Amy, ...
Travertine tiles for kitchen7/17/2009
  Q: I plan to install 18”x18” Travertine tiles in my kitchen which openly intersects the family room ...
  A: Sorry this is tardy Richard, I'm currently working out of town... Thank you for your questions ...
thassos marble on bathroom floor7/16/2009
  Q: my bathroom floor is showing dirt marks from wear which i am unable to clean. thus far i have only ...
  A: You don't mention what you use to create the "soapy water" so that is a mystery but the "Fantastic" ...
shower floor7/16/2009
  Q: I am about to mud a shower floor. I bought a pre-pitch set and my problem is that the drain is ...
  A: The standard two pour system establishes a pre-pitch condition then the pan material and typically a ...
Fireplace hearth7/15/2009
  Q: I am having new 18 x 18 inch porcelain tile (actually measure 17 3/4") put down in my dining room ...
  A: The conundrum you currently have is usually a "self-inflicted" process as material selection often ...
mosaic tile with paper mesh in wet area7/15/2009
  Q: I recently purchased some porcelain tile for using on my bathroom renovation. After getting the tile ...
  A: The bonding mesh you are seeing is not unusual. I would prefer there only be a single layer of ...
tenting and popping of tile floor7/15/2009
  Q: I am having a similar experience as Carol who had a living room floor pop and tent after 7 years. ...
  A: Your tile, having lost it's bond with the sub-floor, had little choice but to move when the defined ...
followup to your questions6/17/2009
  Q: I am preparing to lay a tile floor outside over a deck that is 5/4 treated lumber(about 15 years ...
  A: While the joist dimension is adequate the span is outside of comfortable limits for me...especially ...
Ceranic Tile Flooring6/17/2009
  Q: Two year old house at the South Jersey Shore has a room with ceramic tile floor that is now showing ...
  A: Even if the suspect floor is on the same level as the Entry if it is a "3 Season" room or porch then ...
Installing Ceramic Tile Onto Plywood6/16/2009
  Q: I am having a house built and I will be installing about 400 sf of ceramic tile in the kitchen, ...
  A: The Builder is correct in saying that plywood has long been an acceptable sub-strate in our ...
polished marble master bath6/15/2009
  Q: I'm getting all kind of conficting advice dependent upon who comes to the house to bid the ...
  A: As you are discovering, "designers" always want you to believe they know best...even over ...
GROUT MILDEW6/15/2009
  Q: I had a marble company install a new floor of Crema Marfil 24x24 in my condo 9new construction) in ...
  A: Well only one picture came through but I can see the darkened joints..not good. I know the method of ...
pebbles swimming in grout6/14/2009
  Q: I purchased beautiful small natural stone pebbles for an oriental theme bathroom. When my tile guy ...
  A: Typically once the grout has hardened there is little option to address issues like this ...
Tile Subfloor6/14/2009
  Q: Took out bathroom carpeting and partical board underneath, leaving 3/4 in. plywood on the floor ...
  A: The assembly that you currently have is giving you a nice opportunity to build a sturdy sub-floor. ...
water proofing shower6/13/2009
  Q: My brain is about to explode!I live in california& every guy excedt for one wants to do the ole hot ...
  A: It's time for some of the "one trick pony" guys to move to the next level. Lets use the "one" guy ...
polished marble master bath6/13/2009
  Q: I'm getting all kind of conficting advice dependent upon who comes to the house to bid the ...
  A: While I would shy away from most Marble installs being done in a Kitchen I have zero objections to ...
GROUT MILDEW6/12/2009
  Q: I had a marble company install a new floor of Crema Marfil 24x24 in my condo 9new construction) in ...
  A: The one glaring problem that I see in this scenario is water penetration. You don't give me any time ...
sub-floor preparation6/11/2009
  Q: I plan to lay ceramic tile on a large part of the main floor of my 20 yr. old home. Currently there ...
  A: If you have clear access to the floor joists below then you should be able to tell how far they are ...
Tile Burn6/10/2009
  Q: My wife dropped a hot hair curling iron on our bathroom vinyl tile floor. Is there any way to remove ...
  A: You may be able to remove a portion of the burn using a terry cloth and some Mineral Spirits but ...
Marble Tile renovation6/9/2009
  Q: I have a large area covered with 12x12 white marble. The marble is stained and pitted in areas but ...
  A: Well...I guess my question is if there is funds budgeted for a restoration even if it had a few ...
Removing thin-set mortar residue from porcelain floor tile6/9/2009
  Q: Perry - I read one of your other answers to a question, and was impressed with your depth of ...
  A: I appreciate your kind words James...I'll do my best. Phosphoric Acid, much like Sulfamic Crystals ...
best bathroom flooring material6/9/2009
  Q: There are three considerations we have for choosing a bathroom flooring material: aesthetics, ease ...
  A: Well if I answer your questions in the order you present them it will be this; aesthetics is an easy ...
sealing marble floor & correcting scratches6/8/2009
  Q: 1. The marble tile installer put on no sealer before or after installation and scratched the floor ...
  A: My first question to you is... why are "you" contemplating this process? Lets get the original ...
tile floor installation6/8/2009
  Q: I am preparing to lay a tile floor outside over a deck that is 5/4 treated lumber(about 15 years ...
  A: While you would think that five quarter lumber would be just fine for receiving a tile install the ...
Bathroom to bedroom transition6/8/2009
  Q: The doorway in the bathroom is in an 8" thick wall, and the door swings into the adjacent bedroom. ...
  A: Hey Charles, The picture you provided was of the carpet to wood scenario but my response was to ...
Christopher's question6/7/2009
  Q: When you answered Christopher's question you said about your wainscoat you "stacked my 12 X 12 ...
  A: I do not remember the specific question as you do not source the date on which it was either asked ...
using versabond quickset as a floor surface6/6/2009
  Q: Is it possible to use versabond quickset as a floor surface? If so, what would we use to seal ...
  A: Sadly no Christina...this is designed as only an adhesive and not as a finished product. You see ...
Bathroom to bedroom transition6/6/2009
  Q: The doorway in the bathroom is in an 8" thick wall, and the door swings into the adjacent bedroom. ...
  A: There is hope for you my friend. Where you ran into problems was most likely generated because of ...
Prep floor for tile after removing linoleum6/5/2009
  Q: I scraped up the old linoleum covering on the kitchen floor leaving the paper backing. The squeaky ...
  A: Unless you are planning to install an additional layer of "sub-floor" material (leveling compound in ...
grout coming up6/4/2009
  Q: I have lived in my house for one year. We bought the house while it was still being built. With in ...
  A: Well...to be honest grout is the most straight forward portion of the finished homebuilding process ...
Stains in new grout in shower6/4/2009
  Q: We were having problems with stained grout in our shower, and in attempts to clean it some of the ...
  A: Hey Steve, Ok I understand what you getting at now. The answer is still no for any bleach being ...
Tiling a screened porch6/4/2009
  Q: We bought a house last year with a raised screened porch. Currently the floor is covered with ...
  A: To answer your question you don't know if your elevated porch can carry the weight until you have a ...
Stains in new grout in shower6/3/2009
  Q: We were having problems with stained grout in our shower, and in attempts to clean it some of the ...
  A: Well first and foremost do "not" employ any bleach on this grout for any reason. Even diluted bleach ...
best method of marble installation6/3/2009
  Q: Please advice on the best way of fixing/installation 600 x 600 MM crema marfil on floors as well as ...
  A: I just answered another question from your area a couple days ago about Crema Marfil...I like it. If ...
Reply- tile question6/2/2009
  Q: questions regarding the crackig tile grout and grout pulling away from the basboards. The tiles ...
  A: The only for sure way to tell what caused these cracks is to remove the tile and visually confirm ...
marble laying querry6/2/2009
  Q: We are the consultants on 49 storied residentisl twisting towers.We are using Crema Marfil on the ...
  A: The Builder/Architect specifications is a common standard for the Industry. All it is calling for is ...
epoxy removal from tile6/2/2009
  Q: I am a cleaner who has been asked to take off epoxy from ceramic and anti-slip tile. The installers ...
  A: You have just been assigned the "crappy" job of cleaning up another's mess...congratulations...and ...
Shower tiles6/1/2009
  Q: I'm having our shower redone and now in the process of choosing the porcelain tiles to be used. I'm ...
  A: I won't go as far as to say that a 2x2 tile is the "standard" for shower floor installs...I'll only ...
marble laying querry6/1/2009
  Q: We are the consultants on 49 storied residentisl twisting towers.We are using Crema Marfil on the ...
  A: Crema Marfil is a beautiful Stone and has long been a high quality material when it comes to a ...
new ceramic flooring6/1/2009
  Q: We are doing new ceramic flooring in our house. I would like to know the following: (1) Should we ...
  A: What you are seeing is most often the result of a "settling" process in the foundation slab and is ...
Tile brands and price6/1/2009
  Q: I am purchasing some boxes of tile from a contractor and I just want to know if I'm getting a good ...
  A: You don't mention whether this is a wall tile or floor tile, Porcelain or Ceramic, or what you are ...
Grout seperating from tile and basboards5/31/2009
  Q: I purchased a home that is 1 year old. They are accually coming for a year review of the home to ...
  A: I suspect that something else is happening here Heidi as this kind of cracking is evidence of ...
tile installation problem5/31/2009
  Q: we have 5/8 inch plywood floor in 3 season room and are making room all year useable. We installed ...
  A: Do not install any tile over the suspect area as the bond has not be established. I suspect that the ...
Travertine tile in Mud/Laundry Room5/30/2009
  Q: Perry, We are thinking about installing 18x18 travertine tile in our 160 square ft Laundry/mud room. ...
  A: Sometimes after you have performed a bunch of research you end up just as you are...confused. With ...
Glueing engineered wood over old existing tiles5/29/2009
  Q: I read your answer re gluing engineered wood over existing 9 x 9 tiles. You recommended first ...
  A: Well Carol...I feel like I'm chasing my tail just a bit here. Lets return to where I haven't been ...
Glueing engineered wood over old existing tiles5/29/2009
  Q: I read your answer re gluing engineered wood over existing 9 x 9 tiles. You recommended first ...
  A: Hey Carol, After a bit of searching I recovered the original post and my memory has returned. ...
Installing slate tile over stain concrete5/29/2009
  Q: I have an existing concrete patio that has been stained with H&C Concrete stain several times and ...
  A: Well...there are a couple "main" players in the membrane game where one possibility is a "sheet" ...
Glueing engineered wood over old existing tiles5/29/2009
  Q: I read your answer re gluing engineered wood over existing 9 x 9 tiles. You recommended first ...
  A: Are you sure it was me that you asked this question or read this previous answer?? I am not ...
grout problem in shower stall5/29/2009
  Q: we had a new shower built 2 months ago. it has 12 x 12 ceramic tile floor with grout. The grout is ...
  A: Now that you have had this contractor "re"grout this floor twice my first question is "is he ...
uneven installation of 175/28/2009
  Q: I had some 17" ceramic tiles installed in two rooms several months ago and when the installation was ...
  A: Hey Sylvia, Certainly when you move up to the larger format tile you will encounter greater ...
Installing slate tile over stain concrete5/28/2009
  Q: I have an existing concrete patio that has been stained with H&C Concrete stain several times and ...
  A: I don't know what you mean when you say that the "stain is coming up" as stain is a liquid not a ...
Old tile restoration5/27/2009
  Q: I hope you can help - the other "expert" who seemed to have extensive tile experience, couldn't. I ...
  A: Hey Don, Ya know I got to thinking about this deal that you are wrestling with and I remember ...
removing thinset from plywood5/27/2009
  Q: I just removed ceramic tile from my kitchen floor. The machine I rented didn't work (I was refunded ...
  A: What I have done on many similar occasions is to vacuum this floor thoroughly and dislodge any loose ...
Marble staircase5/27/2009
  Q: I have a marble staircase and the grout on the landing is deteriorating and has to be replaced. From ...
  A: Well...you're sorta right. What you are looking for is a "non"sanded grout, which is really just a ...
uneven installation of 17" ceramic tiles5/26/2009
  Q: I had some 17" ceramic tiles installed in two rooms several months ago and when the installation was ...
  A: There are possibly a couple things working here Sylvia. One is larger format tiles (13x13" and ...
install laminate on terrazo floors5/26/2009
  Q: I had laminate installed in my entire Florida home built in 1961. They first put 8 Mill Poly Combo ...
  A: Well Maria...at the risk of sounding "too" confident I am saying yes. If the test return no moisture ...
Old tile restoration5/26/2009
  Q: I hope you can help - the other "expert" who seemed to have extensive tile experience, couldn't. I ...
  A: Not sure I can do any better than your "former expert" but not afraid of trying either. That being ...
Tile Hazing5/25/2009
  Q: We have just put new porcelain tile in our home. When we finished with the grouting, and started ...
  A: First you are just fine and so is the Porcelain. Until the grout fully cures (24 hrs) you can keep ...
Etched glazed tile5/24/2009
  Q: I have a few areas that some material has caused the surface to etch, therefore the glaze now has a ...
  A: Hey Vern, Well...in truth now that the damage has been done there isn't much in the way of going ...
Etched glazed tile5/23/2009
  Q: I have a few areas that some material has caused the surface to etch, therefore the glaze now has a ...
  A: While I appreciate a questioner being brief or to the point sometimes the questions simply do not ...
Floor and Wall tile5/23/2009
  Q: I want to tile my master bathroom with 12 x 12 ceramic tile. I'm going to remove my baseboards and ...
  A: We are supposing that the existing plywood is at least 3/4" thick as that is mostly a standard ...
Carpet -vs- tile5/23/2009
  Q: I just bought a duplex 2 years old in Jul 09. The kitchen has Sonesta tile and all other rooms has ...
  A: Carpet for the most part is a base grade floor covering only one step above vinyl. Now of course ...
Tile to floor reducer5/23/2009
  Q: I have tile in the hallway and linoleum in the w/d closet. I need a inexpensive reducer for the ...
  A: The first place you should try would be one or both of the major Home Improvement Centers close to ...
install laminate on terrazo floors5/22/2009
  Q: I had laminate installed in my entire Florida home built in 1961. They first put 8 Mill Poly Combo ...
  A: Hey Maria, I suspect that the vinyl area has survived then because of "direct" contact with the ...
tile floor out of level and with ridges5/22/2009
  Q: We recently had a professional lay our tile floor in the kitchen. The floor is uneven - for example ...
  A: I suspect that right about now you are thinking your guy wasn't such a professional with this ...
Cracked ceramic floor tiles5/21/2009
  Q: I really liked your posts. I have a home that has 17 cracked ceramic floor tiles. The crack and the ...
  A: Hey Mike, Well...if you consider things from an "economic" perspective then taking the chance ...
install laminate on terrazo floors5/20/2009
  Q: I had laminate installed in my entire Florida home built in 1961. They first put 8 Mill Poly Combo ...
  A: People are discovering that there is a lot more to employing a floating floor application in Florida ...
Do I need to replace the subfloor?5/20/2009
  Q: Hey there, I have a condo built in 1979 and I'm just starting on a bathroom remodel. I've pulled up ...
  A: By the assembly you described to me I suspect that a repair has already been performed previously. ...
Flooring for lanai5/19/2009
  Q: We are buying a new home in Florida which will have a lanai about 688 sq. ft. with a concrete floor. ...
  A: Forgive my tardiness as I was called out of town for most of this week... If you are ...
Cracked ceramic floor tiles5/18/2009
  Q: I really liked your posts. I have a home that has 17 cracked ceramic floor tiles. The crack and the ...
  A: Hey Mike... Forgive my tardiness Mike as I was called out of town for most of this week. ...
patio5/17/2009
  Q: i have a concrete patio that is rough and cracking is it possible to over lay it with tile and if so ...
  A: It would depend on how rough and if the cracks are continuing to move and generating more cracks as ...
Sunporch flooring5/17/2009
  Q: Reconstruction of 3 seasons sun porch over decking...What are the best options for room with no ...
  A: To be honest Gabriel I simply do not have enough information to make an informed response to your ...
Cracked ceramic floor tiles5/16/2009
  Q: I really liked your posts. I have a home that has 17 cracked ceramic floor tiles. The crack and the ...
  A: Believe it or not Mike I prefer this means of correspondence over a phone connection...nothing ...
Beveled Porcelain tiles5/16/2009
  Q: I am about to grout some beveled porcelain tiles and need to know if I just grout up to where the ...
  A: Hey Glen, To be honest I guess it's just semantics between the term "bevel" and ...
Bathroom floors5/16/2009
  Q: We used slate for the front (outside) of our fireplace, bathrooms and entry floors. It seems a ...
  A: I'm basically a "Natural Stone" kind of guy, while I have installed mountains of Ceramic tile and ...
Shower Redo5/16/2009
  Q: We have a cultured marble shower which has to be replaced due to cracks on the floor ( the walls are ...
  A: Hey Cora, I apologize for not answering your "original" question, (I get carried away ...
Beveled Porcelain tiles5/15/2009
  Q: I am about to grout some beveled porcelain tiles and need to know if I just grout up to where the ...
  A: I'm not clear by what you mean with the description "beveled" tiles. If you are grouting a ...
Shower Redo5/14/2009
  Q: We have a cultured marble shower which has to be replaced due to cracks on the floor ( the walls are ...
  A: I understand your concerns and reluctance to switch to a more conventional material. Folks get used ...
FRIEZE CARPET MATTING5/14/2009
  Q: I have a Shaw frieze carpet through out my upper level of my home. It's about 10 months old and ...
  A: While the Shaw rep came and went with the expected response, I would suggest that for the moment we ...
Granite of Brick Fireplace5/13/2009
  Q: ..I want to install granite over a brick fireplace with a hearth. Is it best to do with granite ...
  A: You have asked me a question that seldom is ever asked but wish it were more often. With the advent ...
Ceramic Floor5/13/2009
  Q: I have the tolerance at the threshold of my entry doors. I want to lay modified on top of existing ...
  A: There is always going to be the temptation to at least "consider" installing a second layer of tile ...
comparisons of stone, ceramic, porcelain tile options for kitchen floor5/12/2009
  Q: I haven't found one source for my questions regarding the pros and cons of various kitchen floor ...
  A: Well certainly there is mountains of information out on the Web but it can get laborious trying to ...
WHEN AND HOW TO SEAL NEW TILE5/11/2009
  Q: Just had most of house tiled with porcelein tile, small grout lines, 18 inch tile. Its a beige, ...
  A: Once the installation is complete you can seal the material within 48 hours, but I must extend to ...
patio tile5/10/2009
  Q: My husband and I are laying tile on our covered back patio, but have run into a problem. The ...
  A: Don't feel bad that you find yourself in this position. Early in my career I had a similar problem ...
grouting rectified tiles5/9/2009
  Q: I saw the question about laying and grouting rectified tiles, and have another related question. On ...
  A: What you are describing as "slightly curved at the end tiles" is what is commonly referred to as ...
Laying porcelain tiles onto a chipboard floor5/9/2009
  Q: We are receiving conflicting information regarding the above. We are building a new house with ...
  A: Well...I am not 100% sure what you are trying to describe to me, as "chipboard" (I suspect) is what ...
Shower joint grout/caulk5/8/2009
  Q: A recent answer you gave on 3/11/09 regarding how to repair a wall/floor shower joint seemed to say, ...
  A: The answer to your question is yes...grout and then caulk with Silicone. The previous question was ...
Porceline tiles lost their shine4/13/2009
  Q: A couple of years ago I had black polished porcelin tiles laid in my kitchen. At that time we were ...
  A: Well the mystery is deeper than you think because attempting to seal a Porcelain tile is a useless ...
travertine and epoxy grout4/12/2009
  Q: Paul I want to install some travertine tiles on my kitchen and dining area's floor, and I want to ...
  A: Travertine is of course a Natural Stone and very porous, more so than Granite so it should be sealed ...
Porcelain Tile Preparation4/12/2009
  Q: I am planning to install approximately 1,800 square feet of 24" x 24" rectified Portobello (Brazil) ...
  A: Lippage issues can be present even with a perfectly lain mud job. So you will need to return to the ...
Travertine on brick fireplace4/11/2009
  Q: I am installing 12x12 tumbled travertine to remodel a painted brick fireplace. Have already ...
  A: Considering that the face of the fireplace brick had been painted it was necessary to install a new ...
tile caulking4/10/2009
  Q: We recently moved into our apartment and the previous owners put down tiles throughout the house. ...
  A: What you are seeing is not the end of the World, and there is a way to get this material cleaned up ...
3 rows of 12"x12" Marbles on drywall in master bath (has Jacuzzi tub)4/9/2009
  Q: We're remodeling our master bath 8'x16'x8', which has a 3'x6'x8' shower stall, a 60"x42" Jacuzzi ...
  A: I appreciate your being willing to invest some of your own time in researching previous efforts ...
Ceramic tile for a bathroom/shower stall4/8/2009
  Q: I'm preparing to re-model a full bath. And have some questions on how to prepare the walls. In ...
  A: My personal preference is a product called "Denshield". It is a Georgia Pacific product. It is sold ...
fixing sub-floor before new tile4/7/2009
  Q: Vellenga, I'm so impressed with the answers you've given to others, I'm sure you can guide us ...
  A: Thanks for the kind words as I feel good and buttered up right about now :-) Ok, I have to do a ...
tile a flood zone concrete floor4/6/2009
  Q: I want to tile a 20 x 20 concrete cabin floor on the St. Croix river in MN. We have been flooded ...
  A: While I have been through a 100 year snowstorm in Colorado I have little experience with a 100 year ...
Tile on a flat roof?4/4/2009
  Q: Can you put porcelain tile on a flat roof if it has a small pitch? I have a flat roof that ...
  A: While the "general" idea of the install is viable a lot depends upon how the roof is both supported ...
Tile transition to berber carpet4/4/2009
  Q: We have berber carpet and we are removing linolium in the bathroom. we are putting in tile ...
  A: While your concerns are valid you needn't let them be anything more than a concern. The unraveling ...
Tile a front porch exposed to new york weather on concrete slab4/2/2009
  Q: ok so right now i have a tile which is on top of concrete which i am going to take off because there ...
  A: Your interest in the "Ditra" product is well founded. It is a proven material and handles all kinds ...
Stone elevator installation4/2/2009
  Q: I installed granite in several elevators over marine grade Plywood using multipurpose thinset. The ...
  A: You can resolve the substrate problem by including a couple other things during the assembly. I had ...
moisture in slab4/1/2009
  Q: We had wood floors installed 3 years ago. After 3 months we saw a little discoloration and the wood ...
  A: Well...I have to do some detective work in my mind because you are asking me about damage to a wood ...
tile laying solution3/31/2009
  Q: I have recently started to remove the "dated" tile flooring in our home. We have a "L" shaped ...
  A: Hey Erin, I don't know where you heard that linoleum could be used in this fashion (I hope not ...
moisture in conc slab3/30/2009
  Q: On a commercial project (slab on grade, very granular-beach sand-soils, well draining, no vapor ...
  A: There must be something that has "changed" the existing conditions apart from the old install if the ...
tile laying solution3/28/2009
  Q: I have recently started to remove the "dated" tile flooring in our home. We have a "L" shaped ...
  A: Sorry I am tardy with my reply, hung up in the mountains...too much snow... Well...have you ...
Transition new tile to existing carpet3/27/2009
  Q: I have been reading some of the questions and answers you've participated in and hope you can help ...
  A: Sorry for being tardy with my reply Rita, hung up in the mountains...too much snow... First ...
Marbonite usage for flooring3/27/2009
  Q: Can i use Marbonite for flooring? if yes,what are the advantages & disadvantages?
  A: You can use Marbonite for flooring with confidence. It is a high quality material that will give you ...
porcelain tiles over underfloor heating3/26/2009
  Q: I have bought some 600mm x 600mm porcelain floor tiles to lay in our new conservatory. The floor ...
  A: While I have installed tile material on separate "in the living space" walls and or columns ...
thinset vs quickset3/26/2009
  Q: I am having porcelein/ceramic tiles intalled in a commercial space (1100 sq ft) The tile supplier ...
  A: Hey Kathryn, The typical assembly process is once the tile has been installed then 24 hours ...
sealing tumble marble3/25/2009
  Q: Installed new kitchen backsplash with 4x4 tumbled marble. What options are available that will seal ...
  A: What you are looking for is a "penetrating" sealer. Typically these are lighter weight chemical ...
mold in shower3/25/2009
  Q: How to remove, remodel or clean up mold in between the shower door frame and the fiberglass shower ...
  A: Mold and mildew will always be present in an enclosed and humid environment. Cleaning the growth is ...
Travertine Tile Installation3/24/2009
  Q: I am am confused and a little scared about installing 18" travertine over a concrete slab. I have ...
  A: My friend I have installed tens of thousands of sq. ft. of stone over a cement slab without ...
thinset vs quickset3/24/2009
  Q: I am having porcelein/ceramic tiles intalled in a commercial space (1100 sq ft) The tile supplier ...
  A: Not all adhesives are compatible and while there may be a practical desire to expedite the ...
marble floor grout method3/24/2009
  Q: what is the proper method of marble grouting technique
  A: Well... the method for grouting Marble is the same as it is for any other kind of material to be ...
Cracked Grout in shower stall3/11/2009
  Q: My shower stall is tiled and in need of some repair. Where the wall meets the floor of the stall ...
  A: It would seem that there is a lot of differing opinion in regards to this particular issue and I ...
Cracked ceramic floor3/9/2009
  Q: My master bath has what appears to be 12 inch ceramic tiles layed directly over the plywood ...
  A: Depending on how stable the old floor is will have a lot to do with a secondary layer of new ...
Marble floor installation3/6/2009
  Q: Which is a most appropriate substrate for a marble floor installation, on a "wet" cementitious ...
  A: .. Back in the day there was but a single choice for "any" Stone application...the mud job. ...
ceramic tile removal3/4/2009
  Q: I am trying to remove ceramic tile...and in a hurry. I have all of the tile up and it has left me ...
  A: Sorry I'm a bit tardy with my reply...hung up in the mountains... Thank you for your question Amy, ...
tiling upstairs bathroom3/4/2009
  Q: I removed two layers of vinyl in upstairs bathroom, but floor had some moisture damage. Wood is ...
  A: Hey Steve, welcome back... Typically your subfloor will be a single layer of 3/4" plywood ...
mud job vs schluter system3/4/2009
  Q: I have 3 half inch sheets of plywood for a sub-floor. I'm removing the old mud job. I would like to ...
  A: Hey Mike...sorry bout being tardy here, hung up in the Mountains.. Often times Mike we are ...
sub floor prep for porcelain in kitchen3/4/2009
  Q: Perry.Is it ok to glue and screw 1/2" or 5/8" EGP plywood directly over laminate tiles before ...
  A: Yes it is fine to assemble your floor this way, but I would supplant the Exterior grade plywood for ...
mud job vs schluter system3/3/2009
  Q: I have 3 half inch sheets of plywood for a sub-floor. I'm removing the old mud job. I would like to ...
  A: Hey Mike, I have used the Ditra product too many times to count and it has performed perfectly ...
Slate for Outside Deck in Cold Weather?3/3/2009
  Q: I want to build a concrete deck and cover it with slate tiles ........ I am concerned about ...
  A: No matter what material you would choose when you are living in a freeze/thaw region the tile will ...
tiling the bathroom3/3/2009
  Q: I am going to be re-tiling my bathroom floor...but need to get the old tile out first. I have ...
  A: Well I would rent a "chipping hammer" which is the "jack hammer's" little brother. You can get a ...
tumbled marble3/2/2009
  Q: We are thinking of putting tumbled marble on the shower floor, but wondered about the care. Will ...
  A: If you are installing a Tumbled Stone the pores and cracks ect..will be filled with the sanded grout ...
tiling upstairs bathroom3/2/2009
  Q: I removed two layers of vinyl in upstairs bathroom, but floor had some moisture damage. Wood is ...
  A: I think you should do a bit more investigation of your suspect sub-floor. First you must determine ...
Travertine Floor Tiles3/1/2009
  Q: Perry, I have recently purchased travertine flooring for my kitchen and bathroom because I like the ...
  A: Before I go into what would be a lengthy dissertation on the do's and don't of a Travertine install ...
Tearing our perfectly good ceramic tile3/1/2009
  Q: Perry, my wife and I found a house we'd like to buy, built in 2003, which has ceramic tile over ...
  A: Because I would rather you be "happy" rather than "satisfied" I would tear it all out...right back ...
mud job vs schluter system3/1/2009
  Q: I have 3 half inch sheets of plywood for a sub-floor. I'm removing the old mud job. I would like to ...
  A: Sorry this is tardy, had guests that kept me from my computer... Thank you for your question ...
Grout: sanded vs urethane based2/27/2009
  Q: I recently redid my shower tub surround with a ceramic tile using quartz lock urethane based grout. ...
  A: Sorry this is tardy had guests that kept me from getting on my computer... Thank you for your ...
bathroom remodel2/26/2009
  Q: Perry, I want to re-floor a bathroom that is currently covered in inexpensive linoleum. Can I put ...
  A: Sorry for being tardy, was away from my computer with guests visiting... Thank you for your ...
Levelling the concrete slab of an enclosed porch2/25/2009
  Q: I read your reply to as similar question, where a homeowner was leveling a floor from a 3/4" rise. ...
  A: I appreciate those folks who are willing to do some of their own research before launching out. It ...
urine proof flooring2/25/2009
  Q: I have 3 dogs which refuse to urinate anywhere appropriate. I need a recommendation on flooring and ...
  A: I get this question a lot more than you might think so you are not alone with this particular ...
Tiles in Half-bath2/24/2009
  Q: This is a design question. The toilet in the half-bath on the 1st level of my condo leaked and ...
  A: With the advent of the large format tile I long ago left the smaller format tile behind. It would ...
Tile over old tile, wood subfloor2/24/2009
  Q: I am remodeling the bathroom in my 1920's bungalow. I have expanded the bathroom into an adjacent ...
  A: Hey Robert, As long as you have tested the bond of the existing tile and proven to be solid ...
ceramic tile2/23/2009
  Q: We are having ceramic tile layed over wood subfloor, the contr. has poured floor leveling concrete ...
  A: Leveling compound should set up "hard" within 24 hours...rock hard over the course of 6 days!! ...
Tile over old tile, wood subfloor2/22/2009
  Q: I am remodeling the bathroom in my 1920's bungalow. I have expanded the bathroom into an adjacent ...
  A: I am not a fan of Hardy backer board and if I were going to add a layer of anything it would be a ...
Ceramic tile over old vinyl2/21/2009
  Q: My husband & I are tearing up the old vinyl flooring and it's coming up in layers. Is it okay to ...
  A: Every layer of vinyl should be removed (more than one?), at least as much that is feasible. In ...
tile stain2/21/2009
  Q: I have a new home that was built in 2005. One of our bathrooms has a light colored grout and ...
  A: Well...not sure what to employ for a proper correction Sarah as any "citrus" based cleaner is going ...
linoleum under marble tile2/20/2009
  Q: I am laying 12" marble tile in bath, existing floor has linoleum square tiles glued to sub floor. ...
  A: You can install the underlayment right over the vinyl so long as you make a real job of mechanically ...
Removing marble tile2/10/2009
  Q: I bought a home that has marble tile in the kitchen. The previous owner did an incredibly poor job ...
  A: Sorry this is a bit tardy...stuck in the mountains. David, if you have 40% of the floor in ...
marble and granite floor refinish2/9/2009
  Q: I have a floor made from Black granite and white marble tiles in an alternating pattern ...
  A: Sorry I'm a bit tardy with this...stuck in the mountains. Do you mean by "re-coated" as ...
travertine floor2/9/2009
  Q: We want to tile our kitchen and I am concerned about the strength of the subfloor and joists. The ...
  A: Sorry I'm a bit tardy with this...stuck in the Mountains.. Ditra is not a designate ...
tiling of kitchen backsplash2/9/2009
  Q: I am installing 4.5" x 4.5" porcelain tiles on a drywall kitchen backsplash. Applying Omnigrip ...
  A: Forgive my tardiness, stuck in the Mountains... When I am installing tile on a splash Paul I ...
marble tile installation2/9/2009
  Q: I have a woodstove situated in a corner with a marble tile hearth. Although the stove is the correct ...
  A: Any standard thinset will serve your needs quite well but for me only a Latex added "white" thinset ...
concrete floor prep2/8/2009
  Q: I am remodeling a bathroom and had some humps in my concrete floor. I plan on installing porcelain ...
  A: Usually when I know in advance that there are certain problems in a floor I can make all the ...
Dirty ceramic tiles and grout2/8/2009
  Q: I purchased a house two years ago in which the previous owners had installed ceramic tiles ...
  A: You are experiencing the death of your grout. Grout is a material that has simple ingredients that ...
My ceramic tile2/6/2009
  Q: My clothes washer overflowed recently and the kitchen floor was flooded. I cleaned the water up ...
  A: I have to wonder if you are really talking about your "grout" joints being discolored and not the ...
Marble shower grout2/5/2009
  Q: I'm looking to grout the wall to floor joins in a marble shower. I was tempted to use a polyurethane ...
  A: When it comes to trying to control moisture within a wet area there is nothing that will out perform ...
countertop2/5/2009
  Q: i have bean searching for an answer ,i want to install granit tiles16"x16" on my countertop mess 7' ...
  A: Hey Matt, Typically you can rent a "full size" wet saw from your local Home Improvement Center ...
sanded grout in small joints2/5/2009
  Q: if my joints are a little less than 1/8" (1x1 mosaics) but are being used as borders against 18 x 18 ...
  A: Hey Lisa, Grout is basically a colored cement and has the same quality (or problem) as it will ...
countertop2/5/2009
  Q: i have bean searching for an answer ,i want to install granit tiles16"x16" on my countertop mess 7' ...
  A: Well you certainly can install right over the plywood as it is done all the time providing it is ...
Kitchen Tile Floor2/4/2009
  Q: Our kitchen tile floor was installed 2 1/2 years ago. we previously had linoleum which was removed. ...
  A: The critical question here is the warranty period. With a floor that is going on 3 years old you ...
sanded grout in small joints2/4/2009
  Q: if my joints are a little less than 1/8" (1x1 mosaics) but are being used as borders against 18 x 18 ...
  A: I would say yes to your question Lisa, one thing you must stay alert to is that you pack/fill the ...
9 inch vinyl tiles under carpeting upstairs2/3/2009
  Q: I just started pulling up carpeting in two bedrooms and an upstairs hallway. Underneath the carpet ...
  A: Do not go off the deep end just yet Rachael...ok? You don't mention about how old your home is? By ...
ceramic floor tile repair/refinish2/2/2009
  Q: The kitchen floor in my home has American Olean ceramic glazed tile on it. Its sort of cream ...
  A: Well...I feel for you and your dilemma, but once you have moved beneath the surface layer of glazing ...
Installing a QUIET Travertine kitchen floor2/2/2009
  Q: First off, I want to say thank you for the amazing amount of information you share here! After ...
  A: Hey Paul... Forgive the assumption Paul, there was another Paul just days ago. Sometimes I ...
Dog Urine, Granite Tile1/31/2009
  Q: You recently answered a question about granite and a cute dog - who could not be brought under ...
  A: David, This does sound like a good plan, and your experience proves it's worth doing. Of course ...
Installing a QUIET Travertine kitchen floor1/31/2009
  Q: First off, I want to say thank you for the amazing amount of information you share here! After ...
  A: Hey Paul, Welcome back, always nice to have a return "customer". Lets address your ...
Retiling Bathroom1/30/2009
  Q: I am planning on retiling an upstairs bathroom in my home. The house was built in 1920, and of ...
  A: Hey Keith, When the bathroom has been dismantled and is free of all the fixtures ...
grouting-sealing travertine1/29/2009
  Q: I was wondering, since travertine is porous, should it be sealed before grouting? Is the grout haze ...
  A: Travertine is indeed a very porous material, certainly Stone that is polished is a bit less porous ...
luan as a vinyl floor tile substrate1/28/2009
  Q: what is the problem with luan as a substrate if placed on a solid plywood or other panel? I ...
  A: Luan as a material is not a stable one as it has natural oils that could interfere with the bonding ...
Questioning Installer's Competency1/28/2009
  Q: Can you tell me what solutions are available for the corner work shown in the two pics attached? I ...
  A: With the outside corner being a radius significantly limits the available options addressing this ...
Retiling Bathroom1/27/2009
  Q: I am planning on retiling an upstairs bathroom in my home. The house was built in 1920, and of ...
  A: Wow...this scenario brings back memories when I used to do a lot of renovation to old houses early ...
family room travertine install1/25/2009
  Q: Is it good to install 1/4 durarock or a 1/8 to 1/4 poured floor over plywood? I will be laying ...
  A: Hey Consiglio, The installation process is the same for polished or honed, the sealing is ...
sudden ceramic tile eruption1/25/2009
  Q: We recently were awakened by a loud cracking and popping sound coming from the kitchen area. Upon ...
  A: Typically when this happens there has been a settlement or a torque pressure to the home or ...
saltillo tile1/25/2009
  Q: I have a brand new house that was tiled entirely of saltillo tile. Since I was not familiar with ...
  A: In my honest opinion there is no more porous tile produced in the flooring Industry than a Mexican ...
Handling transition between two rooms with tile floor1/24/2009
  Q: I just completed laying porcelain tile in the second room of my bathroom and I'm not sure how to ...
  A: Hey David, I can remember standing looking at a proposed design scheme I was considering when ...
Elevator Flooring1/23/2009
  Q: I am on the BOD at Seaside Beach & Racquet Club in Orange Beach, Al. We are a condo complex of 200 ...
  A: I worked for a number of years for the Trade Winds Resort on St. Petersburg Beach Florida. I took ...
family room travertine install1/22/2009
  Q: Is it good to install 1/4 durarock or a 1/8 to 1/4 poured floor over plywood? I will be laying ...
  A: To be honest I would rather you consider a full 1/2" layer of Durock underlayment because of the ...
marble tile surface prep and instal1/21/2009
  Q: I am lucky enough to have my master bath tiled in 12x12 white marble tiles but am concerned about ...
  A: Your question is a little confusing for me because your initial statement says your lucky to have a ...
Installing tile over terrazzo1/21/2009
  Q: We live in a 1950's Florida home. Slab on grade with terrazzo covering. We had installed a ...
  A: John, The desire to have laminate flooring over a tiered slab assembly is going to be ...
Marble fireplace surround1/20/2009
  Q: We have a wood burning fireplace that has a marble fireplace surround, 3 large pieces. I would like ...
  A: You certainly can cover the Marble with the glass tile and as you inferred you need to clean and ...
Dog urine discolor granite floor?1/19/2009
  Q: Can dog urine discolor granite floor? I have a wonderful little dog but we cannot break him from ...
  A: It will be a lot harder to stain a sealed Granite than say a sealed Marble. If you haven't had your ...
Handling transition between two rooms with tile floor1/18/2009
  Q: I just completed laying porcelain tile in the second room of my bathroom and I'm not sure how to ...
  A: I won't ask you why you didn't just pick up where you left off and continued right out the door, but ...
Installing tile over terrazzo1/17/2009
  Q: We live in a 1950's Florida home. Slab on grade with terrazzo covering. We had installed a ...
  A: Hey John, I suppose I should have addressed your specific concern more thoroughly in regards to ...
travertine floor install over concrete slab1/16/2009
  Q: perry, I,m installing a Travertine floor in my foyer. It will be on a concrete slab with some ...
  A: The answer is yes...you should cover the entire space as to remain consistent and balanced with the ...
Installing tile over terrazzo1/15/2009
  Q: We live in a 1950's Florida home. Slab on grade with terrazzo covering. We had installed a ...
  A: Years ago I lived and worked in Florida so I have a lot of Terrazzo experience. Can you imagine that ...
marble table tops1/14/2009
  Q: I work in a restaurant that has marble inlay tables. They sealed them when they got them for the ...
  A: While Marble is a Stone it can be a moody material very easily. You don't mention what type of ...
Tile on covered poarch1/14/2009
  Q: I have some indoor tile left over from a previous project.My wife is wanting to tile the front porch ...
  A: You certainly can use the left over tile as long as you have enough of the stuff to complete the ...
Grout haze removal1/14/2009
  Q: My husband and I recently tiled out master bathroom floor with Sant'Agostino ceramic tile. We used ...
  A: Well Sherry...you are currently experiencing what it's like to be a Tile Installer. It's not that ...
Marble Slab for Bath Floor1/13/2009
  Q: I have this idea that I'd like to have someone install a marble slab as a bathroom floor. The bath ...
  A: Your idea is not as exotic as you might think. The only difference is that this particular level of ...
Laying ceramic tiles on adhesive1/13/2009
  Q: I am busy preparing the kitchen floor to lay ceramic tiles and have lifted the vinyl tiles and a ...
  A: Congratulations and good job at removing the vinyl tile from your old floor. The hard part is ...
Grouting1/13/2009
  Q: First of all some great advice on the website. I just want your opinion on grouting, would you ...
  A: Well, dang it John you are forcing me to get out my "conversion chart" as my Metric isn't very good ...
scuff marks/scratches on porcelain tile12/30/2008
  Q: I have glazed, color body porcelain tile that has become scuffed/scratched by moving furniture. ...
  A: If you have a true Porcelain then nothing much should hurt the material in your efforts to remove ...
Broken Tile under a toilet12/29/2008
  Q: I have recently put tile into my master bathroom and there is one tile that has broken 2 times. It ...
  A: What you may not be considering is the frequent fact that toilets are not always the perfectly flat ...
Ditra12/29/2008
  Q: I am having my bathroom renovated. The floor includes 2x10 joists, 16 in oc, spanning 13'4". The ...
  A: Yes the Ditra should be added as agreed upon. Because your contractor, in choosing to install a ...
installing tile on painted brick fireplace12/29/2008
  Q: Can I install ceramic tile to my painted brick fireplace?
  A: Of course you can but the question should be will the tile last as long if you do? You see, paint ...
odor12/28/2008
  Q: I had ceramic tile installed in my kitchen and one of our bathrooms. The contractor used wonderboard ...
  A: What I suspect is happening has nothing to do with the wonderboard or the grout, but has everything ...
Condensation on ceramic tile12/28/2008
  Q: We live in SE Texas between Houston and Galveston. lots of humidity. The tile in our screened porch ...
  A: Well...you really are trying to fight "nature" itself. What happens is the tile & sub-floor are ...
Slate Hearth and Marble Surround Prep on fireplace12/27/2008
  Q: Ranch house with basement and rafters running perpendicular to fireplace & hearth which resides on ...
  A: The sub-structure will perform just fine as the Hearth will never receive the traffic that might ...
outdoor tile adhesives12/26/2008
  Q: I am working with a school to help them create ceramic tiles which they want to install in their ...
  A: The process for adherence is limited to a thinset option as I am doubtful that the "wet set" method ...
sub floor for 18" Travertine12/23/2008
  Q: I am in the process of building a home. The plans are about ready to go through plan check. My ...
  A: You have made me a little "misty eyed" Dave. You have proposed pretty much a dream underlayment for ...
replacing a section of carpet with tile.12/22/2008
  Q: I have carpet in my den and this is the first room you enter from the garage. I want to cut out a ...
  A: Very good call Jason, that is exactly what should be done. This will eliminate a dreaded "third ...
floor prep12/20/2008
  Q: I would like to install cramic tile in the basement. do i have to remove the fllor that is there now ...
  A: I can appreciate the brevity of a question sometimes but inherently they always restrict my ability ...
cat urine on marble12/18/2008
  Q: One of our cat urninated on a cloth on top of a marble table. There is now a large, dark, irregular ...
  A: Pets...the bane of all Natural Stone. The only direction you can go is to consider a "poultice". ...
;lay ceramic tiel on mortar bed12/14/2008
  Q: my bathroom floor is made of an old mortar bed of about 2 inches, i removed the tile already and i ...
  A: Yes you can but it is not an "easy" fix. The "pack mud" that is the sub-floor of your bath is ...
marble tile12/13/2008
  Q: We have purchased a white lighting marble (made in china) 12 by 12. The tile has arrived and ready ...
  A: The "fissures" you are seeing are inherent in some Stones and are usually caused by an differing ...
tile/grout12/12/2008
  Q: We are unable to get our tile clean. Since being installed we constantly are trying to clean as ...
  A: I have read your question about half a dozen times trying to make sense of it all. In a literal ...
Cold Tiled Room12/11/2008
  Q: I have a breakfast area adjacent to kitchen. I had vinyl for 10 year (BTW the house is 11 year old) ...
  A: Years ago there were simply zero options available to correct this problem without significant demo ...
Glue on Ceramic tile12/9/2008
  Q: I am moving into a house with white ceramic tile in the kitchen. Right in the middle of the kitchen ...
  A: In order to allow a solvent the best opportunity to perform you must first physically remove the ...
Rectified tile installation and lipage12/9/2008
  Q: I've been reading your most recent answers to the "Rectified Tile" problem. I'm a General Contractor ...
  A: Hey GB, The lippage dimensions that you are entertaining are identical to the TCNA Technical ...
Tile12/9/2008
  Q: I removed old 12x12 marble from a brick fireplace I have removed as much of the old thin set as I ...
  A: You are in luck Vince...unless you have pieces of old thinset an inch thick you can proceed with ...
Rectified tile installation and lipage12/8/2008
  Q: I've been reading your most recent answers to the "Rectified Tile" problem. I'm a General Contractor ...
  A: B. My heart goes out to you in this prickly situation. It is common to have a "potato chip" ...
pellet stove platform12/8/2008
  Q: How would i build a pellet stove platform that would sit on top of parquet flooring? From what I ...
  A: Well... some Pellet Stoves are cast iron and quite heavy, so building a frame out of 2"x4"'s to ...
Irregular marble tiles edges12/8/2008
  Q: I bought some prepolished marble tiles and had them laid, there are many raised edges. Contractor ...
  A: If the Contractor has "disappeared" then I suppose he was "fully paid"??..I hope not. A belt sander ...
TILE/MOLD12/8/2008
  Q: MY BASEMENT GOT WATER IN IT & KNOW I HAVE MOLD UNDER MY TILED FLOOR - I AM IN THE PROCESSES OF ...
  A: How do you "know" you have mold beneath your existing floor tile?? Adding a second layer of material ...
Sealing tumbled marble tile12/7/2008
  Q: I have purchased DuPont StoneTech Professional High Gloss Finishing Sealer. On the label it says you ...
  A: You don't mention what kind of material you are wanting to seal so if you are sealing Natural Stone ...
Subfloor recomendation for kitchen remodel12/6/2008
  Q: I'm seeking your opinion regarding flooring options for a second-story kitchen expansion. If a ...
  A: You have a provocative situation and a grandiose design scheme...I like that. Standard theory would ...
marble counters12/4/2008
  Q: how do you remove water rings from marble counter tops
  A: If the wet rings are just water based then they will dry out themselves over time unless the spot ...
Diff b/w Marbonite and Vetrified Tiles12/3/2008
  Q: Can you tell me if there is any difference b/w Marbonite and Vetrified Tiles. Which is better ...
  A: If you can I would like you to use our "archive" section in regards to your question. I have ...
Thassos tile / ming green floor basket weave12/3/2008
  Q: What kind of grout do I tell my contractor to use to make this marble look its best? Any other ...
  A: I have to assume in most cases when it comes to a Natural Stone install that a traditional joint ...
Floor Prep for Porcelain Tile12/2/2008
  Q: Our house was recently flooded by our washer and we are in the process of replacing all the ...
  A: There are not many times when a "flood" can have beneficial consequences...eh? Trust me Debbie, the ...
Joining wooden floor and tiled floor11/27/2008
  Q: I have a wooden floor laid which joins into tiles in a kitchen area. The tiles are laid and cut at ...
  A: I am not sure you need to correct a "curve" as much as correct a "wedge" shape. I am assuming that ...
tented tile11/26/2008
  Q: Over the summer, we returned from a week's vacation to find our ceramic tile tented in several of ...
  A: First thing you need to do is carefully examine your Homeowners Policy. Typically there is reference ...
color enhancer on tumbled marble11/15/2008
  Q: We just installed a kitchen backsplash withtumbled stone travertine(yellow) we sealed it with a seal ...
  A: Once the Sealer has been applied to the Stone it is effectively pulled into the Stone so there isn't ...
how to remove grout dye/stain from porcelain tile11/14/2008
  Q: the tile layers got the spectrum grout stain on our 20x20 cleftstone verdi porcelain tiles. Now the ...
  A: Hey Judy, By you calling the installers back they will learn two things. Tape off suspect ...
travertine marble11/13/2008
  Q: I am installing a new gas fireplace at my cottage which is not heated during the winter and want to ...
  A: Using the Stone on your Hearth will be just fine, as freezing temps will not affect it so long as it ...
ceramic tiles11/13/2008
  Q: What is ceramic tile? Is it a better option than vitrified tile?
  A: Ceramic tile is an oven fired clay/composite material that has a "glaze" administered to the ...
matching doors to trim/flooring11/13/2008
  Q: I'm totally gutting my house out and I have replaced all the old doors in the house with mastercraft ...
  A: I appreciate your question Erick, but you give me so little to go on. Available wood types according ...
marble/onyx transisition to floating hardwood11/12/2008
  Q: Perry, I have searched all your answers to questions here is a similar but new. I have installed an ...
  A: I appreciate folks like you who invest in some homework and research prior to asking your question. ...
grout11/12/2008
  Q: I just grouted my bathroom floor the color of the grout is gray. Why in some spots is the grout ...
  A: Typically the reason grout will result in a "whitish" appearance is due to too much water being ...
how to remove grout dye/stain from porcelain tile11/11/2008
  Q: the tile layers got the spectrum grout stain on our 20x20 cleftstone verdi porcelain tiles. Now the ...
  A: Well...I have heard many things suggested for removing a haze or stain but "aloe vera" is a new one ...
Travertine11/11/2008
  Q: I just purchase some Travertine tile for my bathroom. I chose this tile because I had just ...
  A: Well to be honest, both Travertine materials should be sealed. The C-top and the floor tile. This ...
removing tile from mud floor11/10/2008
  Q: Within the past week I had ceramic tile installed on my kitchen floor on top of a new mud floor. I ...
  A: Before you attempt to perform this labor intensive option I would call the original installer back ...
Cermic Tile Layout11/10/2008
  Q: I'm planning to use either 13x13 or 16x16 tile. I want to start at the door which is 6ft wide. I ...
  A: Well there is an inherent problem when "forcing" a layout to begin at a doorway. Often times Lilly ...
Resolve lipage problem11/9/2008
  Q: There is suppose to be a process where you can use s diamond sanding/? process to resolve lipage. ...
  A: I am wondering if this is the same Tracy who was just asking about how to remove tiles that aren't ...
Removing Travertine Tiles11/9/2008
  Q: What is the most efficient way to remove tiles? I have tiles that aren't level and need to be ...
  A: Of course this is one of those "what if" kind of questions. You don't mention what kind of tile this ...
granite v/s vitrified tile in hosital OR flooring11/9/2008
  Q: sir, i would like to know which one will be the prefered flooring material for a hospital operating ...
  A: While Granite slabs for a floor install would indeed reduce the frequency of grout joints the ...
Porcelain tile installation11/9/2008
  Q: We just had porcelain tile installed over concrete in entire living area. The job completed ...
  A: These boys all seem rather specific it would seem. Hydrating cement does indeed continue to harden ...
Installation of marble vs ceramic tile11/8/2008
  Q: can you tell me if there is anything different about installing ceramic tile versus installing ...
  A: There is a significant difference installing these differing materials. Being able to install one ...
Installing Carrera Marble Slabs on Wood Surrounds11/8/2008
  Q: Perry - I'm installing 3/4in carrera marble slabs (approx 1ft wide by 3ft high) around my TV which ...
  A: If you were using any other kind of Marble or Granite "other" than Carrera Marble then I would not ...
Travertine Tle11/6/2008
  Q: I am installing 12" X 12" honed travertine tile in a bathroom. Plan on renting a wet saw from Home ...
  A: Travertine Stone is about the same density as a Ceramic tile even though it is a thicker material. ...
mobilehome / tile / hardi / particle board11/5/2008
  Q: Its to my understanding that its not good to install tile in a mobile home do to the floors flexing ...
  A: You are correct that particle board is a miserable material and not approved for a tile install. ...
Tile next to Hardwood Flooring11/5/2008
  Q: You answered part of my question back in August of 2008 about not needing a transition piece between ...
  A: Welcome back Mike, Sorry this is tardy, snow in the Mtns kept me from my computer, now your ...
removing marble11/3/2008
  Q: How do you remove marble tile that a set over wonder board with a thin set
  A: Sorry this is tardy, snow in the Mtns kept me from my computer, now for your question... I own a ...
Tile shower and floor11/3/2008
  Q: We just had a ceramic tile and glass tile shower and bathroom floor installed. We chose white tiles ...
  A: Sorry this is tardy, snow in the Mtns kept me from my computer, now on to your question... It ...
Epoxy removal in commercial kitchen11/2/2008
  Q: Perry, I read your answer to the question about removing the epoxy off a 50 yr old floor. I have to ...
  A: Sorry this is tardy, snow in the Mtns kept me from the computer, now your question... One of the ...
Travertine Tiles10/31/2008
  Q: I am using travertine files to tile my fireplace - basically just a flat expanse of wall about 80 ft ...
  A: The look you are proposing is a seldom (sadly) used option. Stacking tiles is possible with only the ...
paint on ceramic tiles10/28/2008
  Q: I have recently moved into a home that has ceramic flooring. There are paint splatters on the tile ...
  A: I would first try lacquer thinner as a solvent to loosen and remove the paint. If that doesn't work ...
below grade flooring10/28/2008
  Q: We have a finished basement that I would like to turn into a great room with a TV and a guest ...
  A: Hey Jan, It is possible to install the wood that I suggested to you (Kahrs). It has a vapor ...
non sanded vs. sanded10/27/2008
  Q: We have just finished laying 700+ sq. ft. of versaille patterned chiseled edge stone in our house. ...
  A: Well, you are comparing "apples to oranges" with your Sealer dilemma. There are a number of ...
Silicon Caulking Residue on Tile Floor10/27/2008
  Q: We installed 7500 sq/ft of porcelain tile and about every 20-30 ft we put Mapei Keracolor sanded ...
  A: Hindsight is always 20-20 right? Typically when dealing with this scenario I always mask off the ...
Travertine - 4 size villa pattern10/27/2008
  Q: I am going to be laying travertine in a villa pattern which uses sizes 8x8, 8x16, 16x16 and 16x24. ...
  A: I like your challenge, these always make for dramatic appearing floors once completed. You can use a ...
Grout Color10/27/2008
  Q: I have recently put new tile down and the grout is the wrong color. Any suggetions?
  A: Maybe a vacation might be in order??... I am not quite understanding what you are expecting of ...
How to lay tile around an island10/27/2008
  Q: My kitchen and breakfast area are divided by an "island" extending from a wall (see picture). There ...
  A: The way I was originally trained I would map out the entire floor using precise measurements and ...
Versabond used as leveller10/26/2008
  Q: my contractor made a mistake and now I'm trying to figure out how to fix it. My 2nd floor had two ...
  A: Well...a couple things to consider. One is thinset being used as a float material simply won't do. ...
Grout10/26/2008
  Q: My contractor installed 18" porcelain tile in a large master bdrm/bath. The previous floor was ...
  A: Hey Sue, Every grout has a fairly consistent "pot life" or how long it will last before it ...
Grout10/26/2008
  Q: My contractor installed 18" porcelain tile in a large master bdrm/bath. The previous floor was ...
  A: Whenever there is a major remodel everything builds on how well you prepare the sub-strate. When a ...
below grade flooring10/26/2008
  Q: We have a finished basement that I would like to turn into a great room with a TV and a guest ...
  A: I always recommend that linoleum/vinyl materials be removed from a sub-strate that is being ...
marble/carpet10/26/2008
  Q: dilemmaHello, I have a dilemma how to make a marble-carpet transaction nice without using any ...
  A: Hey Reda, Well, depending upon what was used for underlayment for the Marble you of course will ...
Laminate10/25/2008
  Q: Iam trying to pick a laminate for my bedroom approx 10x12 for a beachside decor with white walls. ...
  A: Both Pergo and Armstrong make finely produced laminates that assembly quickly and leave you with a ...
Carpet to tile transition10/25/2008
  Q: I have a fireplace and am in the process of putting a round tile half circle approx 2 ft. by 4 ft. ...
  A: Stop in to the Schluter Systems web site: www.schluter.com and click on the "products" tab and then ...
uneven travertine tiles10/24/2008
  Q: I have 18" x 18" travertine stone floor tiles installed in my home. The polished tiles are uneven ...
  A: I am assuming then that the floor and it's current condition was a pre-existing condition when you ...
polished porcelain tile10/23/2008
  Q: I had polished porcelain tile installed using a cement/sand mixture as the bonding agent and as ...
  A: I am currently scratching my head with the question you have posed to me. Polished Porcelain is one ...
marble/carpet10/22/2008
  Q: dilemmaHello, I have a dilemma how to make a marble-carpet transaction nice without using any ...
  A: There is a very simple solution to your question. I have long used a carpet tack strip along the ...
tile over pressed wood10/22/2008
  Q: Mr. Vellenga, I have had a home improvement man with 26 years experience (supposely) start doing ...
  A: The old saying is "it's hard to get the horse back in the barn once he's out and the door is ...
Re slate flooring...10/22/2008
  Q: Installed about four years ago in a hall in a three-family home. The look is great -- mostly the ...
  A: I always recommend that baking soda be used when cleaning a tile floor...Natural Stone or Ceramic. I ...
grout color10/20/2008
  Q: I am installing a tumbled marble backsplash in Noce. I have ubatuba granite and white cabinets. What ...
  A: You don't mention what size tumbled Stone you are using or if it is being installed on a 45* which ...
marble floor10/20/2008
  Q: We have a new marble floor in our office that was installed next to an old marble floor. The tiles ...
  A: In some cases Carol no amount of "mopping" will do the job. If there is a residue from the setting ...
Marble Vs tiles10/20/2008
  Q: Actually we have bought a new flat in chennai, India. I would like to know which is best for ...
  A: Hey Aruna, The size of the joints between the installed tiles is up to you. When I install a ...
Tile install10/20/2008
  Q: hoping you can help with some advice. I have 13X13 porcelain tiles that I want to install in my main ...
  A: Hey Pete, Aren't you glad I had you ask for this dude's insurance? No wonder he was "rushing" ...
Bathroom Tiling Prep10/18/2008
  Q: I was hoping you could give some advice! I recently purchased a home and demo'd the bathroom. It has ...
  A: Wow...I haven't heard of an assembly like yours in quite some time. It would seem that everyone had ...
replacing grout lines on tile10/17/2008
  Q: I have a question on grout lines in tile along the surface of a swimming pool. You are an expert on ...
  A: Well...ask this goober if he would make such an attempt, like what he is proposing, on his "own" ...
Slate floor with wood baseboards?10/17/2008
  Q: We recently had a new slate floow installed, 12" square tiles. We were planning on replacing the ...
  A: Although I think it's fine to remove the baseboard on most installs there is always an inherent risk ...
Grout problem10/16/2008
  Q: I did the grout myself on a very large kitchen project and am not very happy with how even it turned ...
  A: Grouting the floor is accurately declared to be the most important step in the installation process. ...
Marble Vs tiles10/16/2008
  Q: Actually we have bought a new flat in chennai, India. I would like to know which is best for ...
  A: The question of what is "best" for your needs can only be properly answered by you. I can tell you ...
Tile to carpet transition II10/15/2008
  Q: Perry: I like your concept of the tile to carpet transitions without transition strips; however, I ...
  A: I appreciate your investing some personal research prior to asking your question...well done. There ...
self leveling compound10/15/2008
  Q: Is the 6.3 cm that my old kitchen floor has sunk to one corner too much for slc to rectify?
  A: My "metric" conversion is not all that good but I know that 3cm is the standard thickness of our ...
Commercial tiling9/30/2008
  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 porch9/29/2008
  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 Tiles9/29/2008
  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 ...
tile9/29/2008
  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 tile9/29/2008
  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 joint9/28/2008
  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 floor9/28/2008
  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 tile9/19/2008
  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 floor9/19/2008
  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 floor9/19/2008
  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 - slope9/19/2008
  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 warranty9/18/2008
  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 Backsplash9/17/2008
  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 tile9/17/2008
  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 tile9/17/2008
  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 plywood9/17/2008
  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 floor9/17/2008
  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 lino9/16/2008
  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 flor9/14/2008
  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 floor9/14/2008
  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 concrete9/13/2008
  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 residue9/13/2008
  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 tile9/13/2008
  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 concrete9/12/2008
  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 install9/12/2008
  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 residue9/12/2008
  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 tile9/11/2008
  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 tile9/11/2008
  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 ...
tiles9/11/2008
  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 ...
Thinset9/2/2008
  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 install9/2/2008
  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 XPS9/2/2008
  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 tiles9/2/2008
  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 HD8/31/2008
  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 Grey8/31/2008
  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 trim8/31/2008
  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 Tile8/31/2008
  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 HD8/30/2008
  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 Flooring8/30/2008
  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 layout8/30/2008
  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 brick8/30/2008
  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 layout8/30/2008
  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 ...
travetine8/29/2008
  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 help8/28/2008
  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 Tile8/28/2008
  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 ...
travetine8/27/2008
  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 layout8/27/2008
  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 removal8/27/2008
  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 use8/27/2008
  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 tile8/16/2008
  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 cement8/16/2008
  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 porch8/16/2008
  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 marble8/16/2008
  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 stain8/15/2008
  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 crack8/14/2008
  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 / carpet8/14/2008
  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 Grout8/14/2008
  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 questions8/14/2008
  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 Moisture8/13/2008
  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 ...
Tiling questions8/13/2008
  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 marble8/13/2008
  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 ...
thinset mortor for 18x18 marble8/13/2008
  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 floor8/7/2008
  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 Moisture8/7/2008
  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 flooring8/7/2008
  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 ...
Tiling8/7/2008
  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 tile8/6/2008
  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 ...
Tiling8/5/2008
  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 tile8/5/2008
  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 tiling8/4/2008
  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 tile8/4/2008
  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 floor7/27/2008
  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 buy7/26/2008
  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 Compatibility7/26/2008
  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 Tile7/25/2008
  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 unit7/24/2008
  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 tile7/24/2008
  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 floor7/24/2008
  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 job7/23/2008
  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 residue7/23/2008
  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 flooring7/22/2008
  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 Tile7/21/2008
  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 marble7/19/2008
  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 ceramic7/19/2008
  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 flooring7/18/2008
  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 concrete7/18/2008
  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 floor7/17/2008
  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 tiles7/16/2008
  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 color7/16/2008
  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 & Grout7/15/2008
  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 grout7/15/2008
  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 question7/14/2008
  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 Platform7/14/2008
  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 grade7/13/2008
  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, Scraping7/12/2008
  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 Platform7/12/2008
  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 tiles7/11/2008
  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 floor7/11/2008
  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 lines7/10/2008
  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 installation7/10/2008
  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 installation7/10/2008
  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 TILE7/10/2008
  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 shower7/9/2008
  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 ...
Black grout staining white tile7/9/2008
  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 ...
concrete vs. durorock7/9/2008
  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 ...
refinishing hardwood floors7/7/2008
  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 ...
concrete vs. durorock7/7/2008
  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 ...
Travertine Floors6/26/2008
  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 ...
Outdoor Tile over Existing Concrete Patio6/26/2008
  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 ...
installing tile in mobile home6/26/2008
  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 ...
Repairing etched marble floor tile6/26/2008
  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 ...
porcelain tile6/26/2008
  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 ...
Verified Titles6/25/2008
  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 ...
porcelain question6/25/2008
  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 ...
sponges for tile6/24/2008
  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 ...
8x8 tile6/24/2008
  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 ...
tiling a outdoor deck6/23/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
ceramic tile6/21/2008
  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 ...
Broken Ceramic tile6/20/2008
  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 ...
rough surface from radiant wiring6/20/2008
  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 ...
Porcelain tile installation6/19/2008
  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 ...
Tiling over Acrylic6/19/2008
  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 ...
rough surface from radiant wiring6/19/2008
  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 ...
new grout turning green in some areas6/18/2008
  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 ...
WOOD LIKE TILE6/18/2008
  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 ...
engineered wood over uneven concrete6/17/2008
  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 ...
Bathroom threshold - floor tile vs. marble6/17/2008
  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 ...
installing tile, such as saltillo, over a brick floor6/17/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Marble6/16/2008
  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 ...
1/16" joint grout6/5/2008
  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 ...
floor grout6/4/2008
  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 ...
Marble6/4/2008
  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 ...
Grout problem in tiled shower6/4/2008
  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 ...
flooring6/4/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
remodel bathroom6/3/2008
  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 ...
removing excess mastic tile adhesive from facade6/3/2008
  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 ...
Verified Tiles vs Marble6/3/2008
  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 ...
Porceline Tiles6/2/2008
  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 ...
Quick-dry thinset6/2/2008
  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 ...
grout sealer6/2/2008
  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 ...
saltillo tile repair6/1/2008
  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 ...
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. ...
floor tile grout cleaning5/31/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
Expansion joint - wood/tile radiant5/31/2008
  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 ...
Kitchen tile5/31/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
grouting outside stone5/30/2008
  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 ...
Porceline Tiles5/30/2008
  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 ...
Quick-dry thinset5/30/2008
  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 ...
wonderboard or hardi-backer5/30/2008
  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 ...
grout5/30/2008
  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 ...
Quick-dry thinset5/29/2008
  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 ...
12x12 tile over1x1 inch tiles5/20/2008
  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 ...
uneven tile on hardi backer board5/19/2008
  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 ...
Loose tile5/17/2008
  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 ...
baseboard for marble floors5/17/2008
  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 ...
Loose tile5/16/2008
  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. ...
Gritty5/15/2008
  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 ...
travertine installation5/13/2008
  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 ...
installing travertine over self stained concrete4/30/2008
  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 ...
tumbled marble for a shower floor4/30/2008
  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 ...
Porcelain tile on outdoor slab in north country4/30/2008
  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 ...
Gritty "crackling" sound on tile4/29/2008
  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 ...
Stone vs. Tile on radiant floor4/29/2008
  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" ...
White Thassos Marble4/29/2008
  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 ...
fireplace/slate4/28/2008
  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 ...
Tumbled marble tiles installed on drywall4/28/2008
  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. ...
Floor and wall tile installation4/27/2008
  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 ...
grout4/26/2008
  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 ...
ceramic tile grout4/25/2008
  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 ...
Placing tile over old linoleum in our kitchen4/25/2008
  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 ...
Wood Over Ceramic4/25/2008
  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 ...
space between tiles on patio application4/24/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
Material choices for outdoor steps4/23/2008
  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 ...
Marble Tile Installation using Ditra membrane4/23/2008
  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 ...
Re-tiling4/23/2008
  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 ...
Granite Tiles on a Wood Deck4/23/2008
  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 ...
Travertine4/13/2008
  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 ...
sub floor question4/13/2008
  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 ...
Caulk problems4/13/2008
  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 ...
grouting travertine4/12/2008
  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 ...
porcelain tile floor4/12/2008
  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 ...
porcelain tile floor4/12/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
color variation in grout4/11/2008
  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. ...
installation of travertine over concrete with excessive moisture vapor emmisions4/10/2008
  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 ...
marble grout4/9/2008
  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 ...
marble 18" tiles4/9/2008
  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. ...
price of 18x18 vs 12x12 ceramic tile4/9/2008
  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 ...
Wood flooring over gypcrete4/9/2008
  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 ...
Tile/Flooring4/1/2008
  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 ...
OUTDOOR PATIO TABLE3/31/2008
  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 ...
under granite3/31/2008
  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 ...
Tile to carpet3/31/2008
  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 ...
adhesive backed vinyl3/30/2008
  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 ...
floor height3/30/2008
  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 ...
Floor preparation for 12" Marble tiles - part 23/29/2008
  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 ...
Cleaning Sunroom Floor3/29/2008
  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 ...
grout staining3/29/2008
  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 ...
hanging marble3/29/2008
  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 ...
floor height3/28/2008
  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 ...
glue on hardwood floors3/27/2008
  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 ...
Floor preparation for 12" marble tiles3/27/2008
  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 ...
Porcelain tiles3/26/2008
  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 ...
Travertine Polished Finished Floor3/26/2008
  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 ...
Herringbone onyx tile3/26/2008
  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 ...
Tile help3/26/2008
  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 ...
Porcelain tile and concrete preparation3/26/2008
  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. ...
Sealed Shower Grout Darkening When Wet3/16/2008
  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 ...
tapeing hardibacker seems3/15/2008
  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 ...
recoloring ceramic tiles3/15/2008
  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" ...
travertine installation3/15/2008
  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 ...
Grout selection3/14/2008
  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 ...
Black grout with white haze in spots3/14/2008
  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 ...
marble flooring3/14/2008
  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 ...
Quarry tile removal3/14/2008
  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 ...
tiling over linoleum3/13/2008
  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 ...
tile insallation quality3/13/2008
  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 ...
ceramic tile finish3/12/2008
  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 ...
tile subfloor3/11/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
Kitchen flooring - slate vs. ceramic / porcelain tile3/11/2008
  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. ...
Ceamic Tile Floor3/11/2008
  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 ...
Tiling an outdoor deck2/26/2008
  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 ...
Durarock install without thinset2/26/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
grout cracking2/26/2008
  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 ...
Kitchen Floor2/25/2008
  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 ...
flooring type -marble or marbonite2/25/2008
  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 ...
Leveling a basement floor with asphalt tile prior to installing a floating engineered hardwood floor2/25/2008
  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, ...
scarified2/24/2008
  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 ...
floor prep. for tile installation2/24/2008
  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 ...
Durarock install without thinset2/22/2008
  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 ...
Marble on Bath Floor without Grout2/21/2008
  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 ...
mortars/ adhesives and bonds2/21/2008
  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 ...
Tile Patio Moisture Problem2/21/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
marble Tile2/20/2008
  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 ...
backing for travertine2/20/2008
  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 ...
backing for travertine2/19/2008
  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 ...
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+ ...
flooring for 3 season porch2/18/2008
  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 ...
ceramic tiles2/17/2008
  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 ...
De-hazing tile2/17/2008
  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 ...
Porclain Tile2/17/2008
  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 ...
grout colorant2/14/2008
  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 ...
Thinset options2/14/2008
  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 ...
subfloor for porcelain tile install2/13/2008
  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 ...
Unfilled Travertine Tile Install - Versailles Pattern2/12/2008
  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... ...
tiling a screened in porch2/12/2008
  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 ...
Floor Leveling2/11/2008
  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 ...
Installing Ceramic Tile2/9/2008
  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 ...
Tile2/8/2008
  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 ...
Loose Ceramic Tiles1/25/2008
  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 ...
repairing a cracked slab for tile placement1/25/2008
  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 ...
radiant heating system1/25/2008
  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. ...
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 ...
floor leveling1/24/2008
  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 ...
Installing porcelin tile over existing epoxy floor1/24/2008
  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 ...
tile installation1/24/2008
  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 ...
Flooring1/24/2008
  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 ...
Leveling floor in a sunroom1/24/2008
  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 ...
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. ...
floors1/23/2008
  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 ...
Installing traventine and wood floor mix in grid1/22/2008
  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 ...
timing on taping seams of backerboard1/13/2008
  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 ...
Floor prep for ceramic tile1/13/2008
  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 ...
marble floor tile1/13/2008
  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 ...
woodfloor macthing1/13/2008
  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 ...
Levelling floor where 2 uneven surfaces meet1/13/2008
  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 ...
travartine floor1/12/2008
  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 ...
tile flooring1/12/2008
  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 ...
tiling an L-shaped room1/11/2008
  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... ...
Floor tile strengh and color variation rating1/11/2008
  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... ...
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 ...
Tiling on raised foundation in a mfr'd home1/10/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
dirty grout on marble floor1/9/2008
  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 ...
leveling a sagging wood floor1/8/2008
  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 ...
installing backer board1/8/2008
  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 ...
slate tile / carpet transistion12/22/2007
  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 help you to transition down to the carpet. Typically you would ...
Uneven grout drying after 2 weeks - HELP12/20/2007
  Q: I am trying to figure out what went wrong. I had someone come about 2 weeks ago to regrout my master ...
  A: I hate this problem because it always seems to happen when a "re"grout is attempted. What often ...
limestone tiles12/20/2007
  Q: I'm thinking of installing limestone tiles in my kitchen , laundry room , powder room , and hallway ...
  A: My friend, all you need do is take a leisurely trip through Europe and you clearly see whether ...
Travertine over Terrazzo12/20/2007
  Q: I am about to tile most of my Florida home with a medium colored 18"x18" honed Travertine. This will ...
  A: I just completed installing 350+ sq ft. of honed Travertine in my own home using 1/16" joints and ...
grout12/20/2007
  Q: Good evening Perry, We are "regrouting" our tile floor. We are using sanded grout from Home depot. ...
  A: There is a certain criteria that I consider when sealing "grout" and not necessarily tile ok? ...
Cracks in recently installed ceramic tiles12/19/2007
  Q: We had 12x12" ceramic tile istalled in our small (5x7' foyer). Subfloor was plywood, to which a ...
  A: There is a degree of obligation on the part of the installer to anticipate and look for potential ...
tile floor problems12/19/2007
  Q: I have 18" slate-like tiles on the slab, entire downstairs, in place for about 8 yrs. with no ...
  A: Let me tell you what happened to me once years ago while working in the Galleria Mall in Houston ...
Self adhesive tile on a ceramic tile floor12/19/2007
  Q: How can I get vinyl self adhesive floor tiles to stick to an existing ceramic tile floor?
  A: Depending on what kind of finish the Ceramic tiles have will largely affect the success of a self ...
Hardwood/ Laminate12/18/2007
  Q: I am about to put new flooring in my 140 seat restaurant. I am anticipating Carpet for the entry way ...
  A: Depending upon what particular niche you are trying to appeal to more often than not determines the ...
ceramic tiles just taken up12/18/2007
  Q: we are remodeling. Putting new tile in entrance way. House was built in 1976. Original ceramic ...
  A: Sit down, take a deep breath and relax. There is little to no danger with a minor exposure providing ...
Tile in Bathromm12/17/2007
  Q: Is there someway to keep tile from being so cold in a bathroom? I have electric central heat. And am ...
  A: Hey Judy, The system is checked several times during the install and again when the install is ...
cracks in ceramic tile flooring12/17/2007
  Q: I have several cracked ceramic tiles on my kitchen floor. I purchased the home about 14 months ago ...
  A: If a tile is "showing" a crack in the surface then you can be assured that the crack is through and ...
ceramic tile12/16/2007
  Q: This was submitted and tried to answer his questions, but he was maxed out. Subject thinset ...
  A: Hey Kathryn, Ok...a little more information is helpful. It possibly makes a bit of sense ...
Polished or matt porcelain tiles for kitchen?12/16/2007
  Q: which porcelain tiles would you recommend for kitchen? Polished ot matt?
  A: Well...it depends I guess on what you desire "visually" for your home. If you have little children ...
ceramic tile12/16/2007
  Q: This was submitted and tried to answer his questions, but he was maxed out. Subject thinset ...
  A: I'll stand in for Jim with this quandary you have. You have two different situations that have ...
Tile in Bathromm12/16/2007
  Q: Is there someway to keep tile from being so cold in a bathroom? I have electric central heat. And am ...
  A: It's been the bane of tile installs North of the Florida border..feels great in the Summer but ...
floor sealing12/10/2007
  Q: Since the installation of the floors will be completed on December 14th, what preparatory equipment ...
  A: Hey Rosa, GranQuartz is indeed the name of the Company that produces the Sealer. The 357E is a ...
floor sealing12/8/2007
  Q: Since the installation of the floors will be completed on December 14th, what preparatory equipment ...
  A: Hey Rosa, I will give you the list of things I use and do preparing for this process. First the ...
ruined marble floor12/8/2007
  Q: I have 1200 square feet of pale pink marble on most of my lower floor. Many walls were removed so ...
  A: Gale, A few years ago Allexperts was bought out by another Company called About.com. There used ...
Eng. Hardwood Floor installation12/8/2007
  Q: Can you float an Engineered hardwood floor or do you have to glue it down? Is there an advantage to ...
  A: Klaus, There isn't an advantage to either method whether it be glued or it float. It is a ...
Eng. Hardwood Floor installation12/7/2007
  Q: Can you float an Engineered hardwood floor or do you have to glue it down? Is there an advantage to ...
  A: That question is better asked or researched through the Manufacturer of the product you are ...
tile over concrete12/7/2007
  Q: I hope you can help. We are trying to tile over concrete. We have layed and glued a woos sub floor ...
  A: Well your only half way there when it comes to the attachment process with your desire to cover your ...
ruined marble floor12/7/2007
  Q: I have 1200 square feet of pale pink marble on most of my lower floor. Many walls were removed so ...
  A: I will answer your two questions first before I move any further...ok? First...the answer is ...
marbonite12/6/2007
  Q: no beating around the bush... what is marbonite..? is it product for the house or is it used widely ...
  A: Seems to me I answered another question in regards to Marbonite a while ago...if you just type ...
Porcelain tile (matte finish)12/5/2007
  Q: We had porcelain tile installed throughout our home about about five months ago. It has a matte ...
  A: Porcelain is considered in our Industry to be an "impervious" material...nothing much can affect the ...
what should i tell the contractor to do on my new marble floor they are going to install it?12/5/2007
  Q: do i have to ask them to seal it or leave it the way it is? they told me if i want to use the ...
  A: Hey Rosa, I would be happy to walk you through the process as it isn't "Rocket Science"....it's ...
floor grout12/4/2007
  Q: I tiled my kitchen floor 2 years ago. The grout in the middle of the floor is dark grey and the rest ...
  A: Well...to be honest I would guess that it's a "dirt" problem. This is a very common scenario ...
Recommendation for Thinset12/4/2007
  Q: Perry, Hopefully a very quick question. Are all thinsets created equal, or are some better ...
  A: No problem Jerry...the standard bag of thinset is going to be a 50#lb bag. You may get more sq. ...
Recommendation for Thinset12/4/2007
  Q: Perry, Hopefully a very quick question. Are all thinsets created equal, or are some better ...
  A: Hey Jerry, Typically I wait till the next day before I do any extensive foot traffic on the ...
Recommendation for Thinset12/4/2007
  Q: Perry, Hopefully a very quick question. Are all thinsets created equal, or are some better ...
  A: The answer is yes and of course no...all thinsets have to be able to pass a "standard" level of ...
what should i tell the contractor to do on my new marble floor they are going to install it?12/4/2007
  Q: do i have to ask them to seal it or leave it the way it is? they told me if i want to use the ...
  A: You don't give me much information to go on in regards to your floor ie: what kind of Stone it ...
Travertine marble problem12/2/2007
  Q: Last year I removed a wall that stood on the edge of the original concrete slab under my home ...
  A: Well something had to have moved that's for sure. I suspect that a minor shift between the two slabs ...
Mud Work Price11/30/2007
  Q: I have a floor that is out of level and would like someone to do a mud job. The floor is 120 sq. ...
  A: A good rule of thumb is typically the labor for a general thinset install times two. In some regions ...
Multiple Substrates on Different Levels11/30/2007
  Q: Welcome back from vacation! Hope you had an enjoyable time. I’ve read what seems to be a ...
  A: Hey Jerry, To be honest there I "did" mean aggregate cement..only there are multiple psi levels ...
Bubbles in grout11/29/2007
  Q: I just had flooring in my whole house replaced and I have a question about the tile work. There are ...
  A: Hey Megan, If it is a simple "pin hole" then just a small amount of grout is "pushed" into the ...
what type of thin set to use11/29/2007
  Q: Perry I am ready to install shower floor and shower wall tiles.The shower floor tiles are 2 in.tiles ...
  A: Hey Dan, Install the floor tile first so that you can stack off the floor to create a "cascade" ...
kitchen backsplash installation / wall prep11/29/2007
  Q: I would like to install a glass tile backsplash in my kitchen (tiling over drywall). In one area, ...
  A: Whenever I encounter an undulating substrate sometimes the easiest way to correct the problem is to ...
Subfloor removal11/29/2007
  Q: What is the name of a circular saw that can cut the subfloor flush to the wall and or cabinets? I ...
  A: While I'm no tool guru I haven't seen a circular saw that can cut tight to a wall or ...
what type of thin set to use11/28/2007
  Q: Perry I am ready to install shower floor and shower wall tiles.The shower floor tiles are 2 in.tiles ...
  A: I appreciate you deciding to use thinset for your install no matter it be a Polymer added one or ...
Tile11/28/2007
  Q: I am finishing my basement and plan laying down tile on the concrete floor. I have done various ...
  A: Well...I could write a very long response to such a basic request but here are a couple things to ...
tile market11/28/2007
  Q: What can I use to mark a straight line on ceramic tile before running it thru my wet saw (free hand ...
  A: I've done a couple different things one is to use a black sharpie to mark both ends of the cut and ...
onyx tile11/27/2007
  Q: I am looking for info on putting down onyx tile,eg what type of adhesive and grout. Especially ...
  A: It sounds like you are considering a Mosaic application which is (believe it or not) a more ...
Bubbles in grout11/27/2007
  Q: I just had flooring in my whole house replaced and I have a question about the tile work. There are ...
  A: The best tile install can be ruined by a lousy grout job as this has long been a bug-a-boo for ...
Multiple Substrates on Different Levels11/27/2007
  Q: Welcome back from vacation! Hope you had an enjoyable time. I’ve read what seems to be a ...
  A: Man...I had hoped that after a few days off installing a new Travertine floor in my own home that I ...
steam shower ceiling slope11/11/2007
  Q: We are remodeling our master bath. My contractor and I are noting that my Steammist installation ...
  A: Boy that would be one heck of a slope according to those instructions. Sounds to me like "overkill" ...
Saltillo Tile Repair11/11/2007
  Q: I have some tiles that have bubbles that have breached the surface, leaving a crater. How are these ...
  A: The bubbles you are referring to happen during the time the tiles are laid outside in the Sun and ...
Marble tile over porcelain tile?11/10/2007
  Q: Is it OK to lay thin marble tile over existing porcelain ("Rialto") tile in a bathroom tub ...
  A: Of all the materials that you can install tile "over the top of" Porcelain is the worst of the ...
sanded grout used in wrong area11/9/2007
  Q: I just had a back splash put in my kitchen. The contractor used 2x4 travertine subway tiles and put ...
  A: Hey Lynda, Well the Contractor is not being sincere with you...period. I typically like to give ...
sanded grout used in wrong area11/9/2007
  Q: I just had a back splash put in my kitchen. The contractor used 2x4 travertine subway tiles and put ...
  A: Well at this point there isn't much remedy to be implemented. What you can do is purchase a bag of ...
Tackless strip tacks,11/6/2007
  Q: I just had new carpeting installed in my living room and den. I also have some tiles in front of the ...
  A: Boy do I know what that feels like. I can't tell you how many times I have "kneeled down" right onto ...
sub floor11/5/2007
  Q: Our house is in central texas. It's a single story built on-grade, over a concrete slab. The ...
  A: What you are seeing is, or in your case "was", a mud job. When the previous owner added on this ...
floor prep for ceramic tile11/5/2007
  Q: I have ripped up old vinyl to expose 100 yr old pine flooring...have decided to tile a sunroom ...
  A: In the 29 years I've been in this Industry I have never used luan for any underlayment scenario. ...
concrete floor prep for ceramic tile11/5/2007
  Q: I am on a concrete slab and looking at installing 12x12 ceramic tiles on the slab. When I pulled up ...
  A: Mineral Spirits always works well on adhesive used for vinyl tile installs and it should work for ...
mold in caulk11/4/2007
  Q: My husband wipes the shower down,but then hangs the wet towel over the shower door. Then he wonders ...
  A: While it appears to be contradictory the damp towel will not emit enough humidity to effect or ...
Ceramic tile installation with cracked floor11/4/2007
  Q: My husband and I are installing a tile floor over our concrete slab basement floor. There are ...
  A: Hey Bethany, Well...the Ditra may "seem" a bit pricey but it is very good insurance against a ...
Best layout for 19x19 Tile in 5x7 bathroom11/4/2007
  Q: What would you recommend as best layout for 19x19 tiles in a 5x7 bathroom? I was thinking of using ...
  A: I like the large format and I think you will be very satisfied once it's complete and you see how ...
taking care of marble tile11/3/2007
  Q: Please help! My husband gets bad at the family for not wiping down the marble tiles in our shower ...
  A: While I have no specific idea what this person means by "resurfacing" the Stone, what I suspect they ...
Concrete sealer removal11/1/2007
  Q: I have a 600sqft are of exterior concrete with a C&H silicone acrylic concrete sealer applied ...
  A: While I'm definitely not a Chemist any application that has Silicone as it's base is a long term ...
sanded or unsanded grout polished marble11/1/2007
  Q: We laid some lansdale carrara high polished marble on our bathroom floor last Wednesday. The store ...
  A: Well what you need to do is to very carefully take a razor knife and cut down into the grout to cut ...
sandy concrete10/30/2007
  Q: We are fixing to have carpet installed on a very sandy concrete-we advised at the home imp.store to ...
  A: Ok Mary...I think I understand your dilemma. It sounds like the topping of the slab has deteriorated ...
non-skid porcelain tile for porch10/30/2007
  Q: We want to replace the fairly slippery when wet ceramic tile on our back porch (that is between the ...
  A: Hey Sara, Well there are a number of Companies that produce a Commercial slip resistant ...
18" Ceramic Tile Flooring Has a Huge Air Pocket10/29/2007
  Q: Any idea why all of a sudden my tile has a "hill" running about 3-5 feet? The home was built about ...
  A: What I suspect has happened is that the area that you are noticing has separated or broke bond with ...
Quality of Vtrified Tiles10/29/2007
  Q: How to make out the quality of a vitrified tile? Is it depends upon the thickness, shining or ...
  A: Well for me Raj, it's like comparing apples to oranges. Your currency (the rupee) con