| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| trips on the corners of layed 18 in porcelain fl | 7/4/2009 |
Q: Why would there be corners on some of my tiles that where layed pointed up not level with the other ...
A: This is where and when people get in trouble. It all starts with inexperience. Sorry if I hurt your ...
|
| Travertine floor | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I tried to clean my travertine floor in the utility room and I used a product that stained the ...
A: You need to contact a stone refinisher. That sentence has expensive written all over it!! Hire a ...
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| Tile or pavers over painted outdoor concrete | 7/1/2009 |
Q: Will using wire lath on painted concrete work ? I propose shooting the lath to the concrete then ...
A: In your situation I would prefer a thicker mud base. The use of the wire lath is necessary. Don't ...
|
| bad grout | 6/10/2009 |
Q: I recently was retained to clean and seal grout in a ceramic tile floor that was a couple of years ...
A: Yes I do offer “Field Service for Inspections. The rate for ceramic tile inspectors or consultants ...
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| ceramic tile | 5/22/2009 |
Q: Jim my wife wants ro replace the ceramic tile in the bathroom. I told her you have to take up the ...
A: Both of you are correct to a degree. Yes you can install ceramic tile over ceramic tile. This does ...
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| travertine installation | 5/21/2009 |
Q: I recently had 2000 sq feet of honed and filled 18x18 inches Tuscany beige travertine installed in ...
A: Without performing an onsite inspection of the installation in question, my answers will be ...
|
| Lippage on Rectified Porcelain Tile | 5/13/2009 |
Q: Installers have completed installation of 20-inch rectified porcelain tiles with a 1/8-inch grout ...
A: I doubt you can reference and download what you require from the web. All of us have to purchase the ...
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| sanded to unsanded grout | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I am installing tile in a shower area. The wall tile is 8x8 matt white finish ceramic with 1/8inch ...
A: Don’t get confused and think that you need wall tile because it is going on the wall. The size of ...
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| Tile Installation | 5/11/2009 |
Q: I am renovating my bathroom and kitchen. The bathroom walls are tiled and I notice an unevenness of ...
A: Before you “go to the bank” with what “the tile mechanic” has told you, let me try to explain what ...
|
| Time to wait between install of porcelain flooring and granite counter tops | 5/9/2009 |
Q: We are putting granite counter tops and porcelain tile in our kitchen. Recently we were told that ...
A: Go with putting in the granite countertops first. There are several reasons as mentioned earlier but ...
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| installing tile on covered porch | 4/29/2009 |
Q: I have a condo (one year old) and planning on installing tile on it. Porch is covered, but has a ...
A: I have to assume the slab is comprised of concrete and not some other cement product. It should have ...
|
| Bianca Carrera Marble Discoloration | 4/29/2009 |
Q: We are experiencing various white "finger size" or smaller discolorations from below the surface of ...
A: According to your description of the installation leads me to recommend that you contact Mapei’s ...
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| Travertine on Kitchen floor? | 4/23/2009 |
Q: I am looking for the experienced, expert's answer to whether or not I should install a travertine ...
A: Travertine is gorgeous to look at and does have a high maintenance factor. There is also the item of ...
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| Porcelain Tile over vinyl floor | 4/21/2009 |
Q: I read your answer to Rebecca(6/17/08)since I am going to install this myself I would like to know ...
A: You really did research on the subject, that was ten months ago. I assume you know my position on ...
|
| ceramic tile installation | 4/11/2009 |
Q: We are in New England and have a three season 8X15 screened porch(floor to ceiling screens)with a ...
A: Unfortunately there is no easy method of placing tile on the old deck with layers of paint etc. Both ...
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| Travertine Tile Backsplash Installation | 4/8/2009 |
Q: I have a new solid surface (LG, similar to Corian)countertop with no backsplash. I have purchased ...
A: 1. I prefer thinset (white) you could use a acrylic mastic. 2. I prefer to raise the tile off the ...
|
| tile adhesive | 4/6/2009 |
Q: I laid 36 sq ft of 12x12" stone tile on my bathroom floor 4 days ago over 1/2" wonderboard. I used ...
A: I have to admit I have never used Omnigrip or any other product that depends on evaporation to cure. ...
|
| heated tile floor cracking | 3/31/2009 |
Q: We had our bathroom remodeled 7 years ago with new heated floor covered with tile. Several months ...
A: I can’t tell you if using the old contractors is a good idea or not. I haven’t seen the ...
|
| backspash | 3/31/2009 |
Q: I have a kitchen backslash to install. One contractor tells me that if I'm using marble, it will ...
A: The cost of using marble as opposed to ceramic is on the high side. I would call other contractors ...
|
| porch conversion from wood to slate/stone | 3/30/2009 |
Q: We would like to convert our Southern-style wrap-around covered porch from T&G painted pine to ...
A: The framing is adequate. The minimum requirement for stone is two layers of ext. grade plywood. ...
|
| porch conversion from wood to slate/stone | 3/28/2009 |
Q: We would like to convert our Southern-style wrap-around covered porch from T&G painted pine to ...
A: The simple answer to your question is yes it’s possible. Remember, anything is possible as long as ...
|
| S cueve hardwood tile | 3/26/2009 |
Q: We are installing Anderson engineered hardwood with an S curve to transtion between my den and ...
A: The installation still needs to meet standards. The slate needs to be cemented in place over the ...
|
| backer board | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I just finished installing the backer board in my 8 by 8 1/2 bathroom. When you walk into the room ...
A: By ¼” off I hope you don’t mean in height. Either the cement backer was not fastened properly or the ...
|
| S cueve hardwood tile | 3/24/2009 |
Q: We are installing Anderson engineered hardwood with an S curve to transtion between my den and ...
A: Schluter has transitions designed for your application. This link should explain things ...
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| Sub-flooring prior to tile installation | 3/23/2009 |
Q: I recently purchased a house built in '57. And I am currently updating the bathroom. I want to ...
A: If I understand the situation, you are looking at the subfloor now. Another layer of flooring is ...
|
| basement flooring | 3/11/2009 |
Q: We have added an addition which includes a new basement area 25 X 30 feet. It is currently a ceramic ...
A: My choice for a product is Porcelain. Limestone is soft and readily accepts stains because of its ...
|
| peice of marble | 3/10/2009 |
Q: I have a slab of marble that is attached to a piece of wood the same size as the marble. Can I use ...
A: It sounds like you have a dilemma on your hands. The wood should stay dry, but that is impossible ...
|
| Grades of TIles | 3/5/2009 |
Q: My husband and I are considering installing ceramic tiles in the basement in our furnace/laundry ...
A: Wow, I guess we need to start at the “start” and have you forget what other people have said, that ...
|
| removing old grout | 3/5/2009 |
Q: We are re tiling our shower/bath area. We have old grout still on the edge of the bath tub that we ...
A: In the past I’ve used a stick to knock off the grout. I rare cases, I’ve been known to use a wall or ...
|
| tile Underlayment | 3/4/2009 |
Q: In preparing to install new flooring in a large kitchen/hallway area 1/8" luan plywood was installed ...
A: I need to start with the fact that the minimum thickness for plywood is 3/8” for the second layer. ...
|
| VCT | 3/4/2009 |
Q: need to replace a VCT floor. there are 2-3 layers and black mastic. floor has been done 20-35 ...
A: I don’t know what the chances of your floor having asbestos are. I can tell you that asbestos was ...
|
| Tiling kitchen floor | 3/3/2009 |
Q: I am planning to install ceramic tiles in my kitchen replacing a vinyl floor covering.I have ...
A: The major thing to do is evaluate the existing installation before you proceed. How many layers and ...
|
| Ceramic flooring | 3/2/2009 |
Q: Is there anything I can buy that would make it easier to get up than scrubbing for an hour (it ...
A: It should never be this difficult to apply grout and cleanup. Please tell me the type of grout you ...
|
| Leveling product on top of Saltillo Tile | 2/19/2009 |
Q: We were going to remove old saltillo tile...but is very thick, and installed in about 3" mud. We ...
A: What you are proposing to do is build another base on top of the existing base. I see many problems ...
|
| preparing subfloor for tile install | 2/18/2009 |
Q: ...i recently did some subfloor repairs and decide to install tile rather than hardwood..the new ...
A: Let’s start with the fact that the ½” subfloor is not enough, period. You will need another layer ...
|
| porcelain tile over sealed painted expoxy cement floors | 2/17/2009 |
Q: when we bought our house we were on a budget and removed the carpet and painted all the cement ...
A: I’ve covered this many times over the years and one more time isn’t going to break the bank. As I’ve ...
|
| Non sanded grout line size? | 2/16/2009 |
Q: I just put up a tile backsplash in my kitchen. It is a mixture of travertine and glass...most of the ...
A: The standard for the size of the grout joint is: non sanded grout can be used in joints up to 1/8” ...
|
| TILE FLOOR | 2/16/2009 |
Q: I AM GETTING READY TO TILE THE BATHROOM IN MY HOUSE AND THE DOOR IS NOT CENTERED. SHOULD I CENTER ...
A: I would center the tile to the room not the door. The tile stops at half the thickness of the door. ...
|
| Grout Issue | 2/15/2009 |
Q: We have installed new tile over new hardibacker, using 1/4" grout joints. The total area tiled ...
A: I’m very glad that you asked me a follow-up question. I have found a major flaw or problem in the ...
|
| Grout Issue | 2/15/2009 |
Q: We have installed new tile over new hardibacker, using 1/4" grout joints. The total area tiled ...
A: What is the substrate, was thinset or mastic used? Did this need to be patched or filled between the ...
|
| Tiling over painted concrete floor | 2/13/2009 |
Q: I read where a couple etched a painted concrete floor first and had no problem for years after ...
A: My answer to the flooring dept and their experts is, “Give Les a written guarantee that when it ...
|
| Tiling over painted concrete floor | 2/13/2009 |
Q: I read where a couple etched a painted concrete floor first and had no problem for years after ...
A: It is hard for me to recommend something that is not according to industry standards. First, etching ...
|
| radiant heat jacuzzi brand over vinyl over slab | 2/11/2009 |
Q: we have a 15 year old house on a slab. Bathroom has vinyl, good condition. Can we or should we put ...
A: Yes the installer should remove the vinyl. Then address the condition of the floor for cracks, ...
|
| Preperation for tile | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I have a raised home and I recently replaced rotted flooring in bath room.((2)-1/2" plywood w/ felt ...
A: Since you are planning to use Hardi Board, I suggest you go to their web site, download their ...
|
| Discolorization tile and air pocket under tile | 2/10/2009 |
Q: I have two questions regarding ceramic tile. This is a new home (2 years) in Texas where the ...
A: 1. This is not expected in a new house or even an old one. Remove the tiles to determine the cause ...
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| Ceramic Tile Floor - Slippery Surface | 2/8/2009 |
Q: Our condominium association installed a slick ceramic tile in the shower/changing room by the pool. ...
A: The good news is yes there are several manufacturers that make a coating for what you are ...
|
| installing tumbled traveritine tile | 2/8/2009 |
Q: When should I apply the sealant? I was told that if I want to keep the grout out of the "holes in ...
A: Actually, the sealant is applied before the tile installation is started and again applied with a ...
|
| stone over radiant | 2/6/2009 |
Q: Would it be overkill to apply Ditra on top of Raupanel radiant (or any radiant panel system) that ...
A: What do they recommend to be used under the ditra? Bonding the Ditra to the Aluminum panel is a ...
|
| stone over radiant | 2/5/2009 |
Q: Would it be overkill to apply Ditra on top of Raupanel radiant (or any radiant panel system) that ...
A: My response to you is if you are still concerned about expansion and contraction, and I also am once ...
|
| stone over radiant | 2/5/2009 |
Q: Would it be overkill to apply Ditra on top of Raupanel radiant (or any radiant panel system) that ...
A: You mentioned a very important key word, STONE. My question to you is the floor structure adequate ...
|
| KITCHEN BACKSPLASH TILING | 2/4/2009 |
Q: THIS IS MY FIRST TILE PROJECT. I AM INSTALLING A BACKSPLASH ON SHEETROCK USING 4.5"X4.5" PORCELAIN ...
A: The trowel size is a little small with the waffle back on the tile. Back butter or fill the waffles ...
|
| granite and marble flooring | 2/2/2009 |
Q: We need to specify a good quality grout for an assembly hall in which 18x18" black granite tiles is ...
A: Since you have already set the size of the joints,the answer or type of grout has to be in ...
|
| tiling over 1x6 subfloor | 1/30/2009 |
Q: I am remodeling a kitchen that adjoins a dining room. We have removed most of a wall between the ...
A: We need to start with keeping everything on the same plane period. The dining room has 1x6 boards, ...
|
| Sealing Grout | 1/26/2009 |
Q: Do I need to seal my grout with polymer in it? My contractor said I did not need to. Thanks.
A: The polymer that is in the grout is not a sealer but instead it is used to enhance the grout. Yes, ...
|
| Travertine Flooring | 1/24/2009 |
Q: We recently laid Travertine floors in our home and we have notices that there are 3 tiles that have ...
A: Travertine is a stone that has holes throughout it. Even though the surface is flat or solid, one ...
|
| Slate countertop | 1/23/2009 |
Q: We want to tile our kitchen counters and backsplash and considered slate tile. A friend who ...
A: In my opinion slate is not a common product to use as a kitchen counter top, but I have no problem ...
|
| 12x12 finished marble tile | 1/22/2009 |
Q: I installed some of the above tile, and have a few small spots of mortar on the face. It's a high ...
A: Since I don’t know the name of the marble in question along with the name of the thinset used, it ...
|
| laying tile new subfloor | 1/22/2009 |
Q: We have just built a new addition 10x12 mudroom off of a 19x24 master bedroom we layed 1/4 inch ...
A: Wow am I surprised that somebody is charging those exorbitant prices. I don’t believe anybody in ...
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| moulding for porcelain tiles | 1/21/2009 |
Q: Jim: We plan to lay down porcelain tiles throughout the house (interior only). Do tiles contract ...
A: Yes tiles do contract and expand with temperature changes. The only possible way to accomplish what ...
|
| Floating tile over concrete | 1/20/2009 |
Q: I am installing 12x12 (0.5" thick) travertine on concrete in my bathrooms. The remainder of the ...
A: Since other people read these answers, I beg you and anyone else to please not miss quote me. I ...
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| tile flooring | 1/20/2009 |
Q: If I have a couple of tiles that were not bonded correctly to the mortar and they cracked and the ...
A: I have to assume that the same thing will happen to the floor if it was not installed correctly. In ...
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| cracked grout | 1/19/2009 |
Q: Jim, below is an extract of an aswer that you provided and a response to the same condition, but ...
A: I’m sorry to disappoint you but the answer is the same for both of you. I have included some other ...
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| laying tile new subfloor | 1/18/2009 |
Q: We have just built a new addition 10x12 mudroom off of a 19x24 master bedroom we layed 1/4 inch ...
A: I have to assume that the “3/4 D grade” is actually plywood and meant to be inches. If this is the ...
|
| family room on concrete slab | 1/17/2009 |
Q: My family room is about 400 sq ft and is on a concrete slab. The carpet is old and warn. Do you have ...
A: Everything you do to install either porcelain or stone tile will depend on what the condition of the ...
|
| Floating tile over concrete | 1/15/2009 |
Q: I am installing 12x12 (0.5" thick) travertine on concrete in my bathrooms. The remainder of the ...
A: I’m having a problem with how you will fasten these boards to the concrete slab. Plywood or actually ...
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| How do I get grout off of travertine | 1/12/2009 |
Q: Help me please, my boyfriend just put in unsealed travertine tile in our shower, he first applied ...
A: Sorry to hear about your problem. I believe your best bet is to call the manufactures technical ...
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| Porcelain Tile project | 1/11/2009 |
Q: We are having problems with an un - level floor. Both with a crowning at a floor joist & settling ...
A: I did some research on this product because I don’t use it. I can tell you it is made by a very ...
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| Travertine Tile on a Concrete Slab | 1/8/2009 |
Q: I'm about to embark on a project where I'll be replacing 1650 square feet of ceramic tile and carpet ...
A: First thank you for the compliment, it is very much appreciated and gives me something to strive ...
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| Porcelain Tile project | 1/4/2009 |
Q: We are having problems with an un - level floor. Both with a crowning at a floor joist & settling ...
A: Ultra Flex 1 is definitely not to be used. There are three different levels of Ultra Flex, and I use ...
|
| Ceramic Tile Flooring-Outdoor North/East | 1/4/2009 |
Q: I am redoing the floor in my mud room. Size is 5'6" x 6' 2" x 6" beams @ 16" apart, two layers of ...
A: We need to start with some background info regarding your project. The joists and 2 layers of ¾ inch ...
|
| radiant heat over vinyl floor | 1/1/2009 |
Q: I am installing a radiant heat system and installing a tile floor over it in my kitchen. Can I ...
A: Let’s start with the fact that I have never been in favor of tiling directly over vinyl. There are ...
|
| hardwood floor used as a substrate for tile | 11/24/2008 |
Q: I would like to install tile over a hardwood floor. The hardwood floor is in the basement and it is ...
A: The simple and straight forward answer to your question is don't do it. The reason is there will be ...
|
| Sealing Marble | 11/24/2008 |
Q: I want to seal my carrera marble myself. I had it sealed by professionals about a year and a half ...
A: The hardest thing to sealing a floor is reading the directions and following them to the letter. ...
|
| Grout Stains | 11/23/2008 |
Q: My master bathroom was recently remodeled using porcelain tile (in the shower, on walls [13x13] and ...
A: Since I volunteer my time to help others without receiving compensation, I limit my questions to two ...
|
| Grout Stains | 11/22/2008 |
Q: My master bathroom was recently remodeled using porcelain tile (in the shower, on walls [13x13] and ...
A: Good answers, but I noticed I forgot to ask what type of thinset was used to bond the floor tile to ...
|
| Grout Stains | 11/21/2008 |
Q: My master bathroom was recently remodeled using porcelain tile (in the shower, on walls [13x13] and ...
A: Without knowing more and only seeing the pictures, I am leaning towards moisture. Lets start with a ...
|
| Marble Backsplash | 11/20/2008 |
Q: I have a stupid question. I am wanting to use marble stone tile 3 inches by 6 inches in my kitchen. ...
A: If the backsplash will not get wet or accumulate food particles, then keep her happy. The reality ...
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| Ceramic Tile not Sticking to Shower Base | 11/20/2008 |
Q: About 9 months ago we re-tiled our walk-in shower. The base of the shower is concrete (part of the ...
A: All premixed "thinsets" are basically an adhesive that's water soluble. I'm not going to get into ...
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| Ceramic Tile not Sticking to Shower Base | 11/19/2008 |
Q: About 9 months ago we re-tiled our walk-in shower. The base of the shower is concrete (part of the ...
A: I realize the thinset is to blame, but I need to know what you used for thinset. Please give me a ...
|
| Floor/wall tile installation | 11/19/2008 |
Q: I'm building a new bathroom in my basement and would like to install travertine on the floor ...
A: The self leveling will conform to the existing surface. What I mean is if you had cracks before, ...
|
| shower size | 11/18/2008 |
Q: you have 40 years experience i know you can answer this. We are presently renovating our master ...
A: You have presented a very good question! The plumbing companies usually take care of that part of ...
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| Patio Floor | 11/18/2008 |
Q: I am looking to redo our patio and I am having quite a dilemma in choosing between travertine and ...
A: Travertine will be fine in your climate. The coliseum in Rome that we see pictures of is actually ...
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| Outdoor tile problem | 11/17/2008 |
Q: We tiled our exposed front porch with 18 inch porcelain tiles and grouted with what we thought was ...
A: Use a Portland cement based grout. This is packaged in 25 lbs bags. Some grouts already have the ...
|
| Outdoor tile problem | 11/16/2008 |
Q: We tiled our exposed front porch with 18 inch porcelain tiles and grouted with what we thought was ...
A: Based on the information you have given me I don’t have good news. The answer to your question is ...
|
| grouting travertine | 11/16/2008 |
Q: 18 x 18 travertine with 1/16 joints installed in upstairs bath atop rs levelquick on top of .25 inch ...
A: Seal the stone before any grout is applied. This is necessary for all stone installations and some ...
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| New porcelain floor problem | 11/15/2008 |
Q: Jim, Can a new porcelain floor finish be ruined? I think I've ruined mine. I've recently had over ...
A: My recommendation is for you to contact the grout manufacturer for information on how to remove ...
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| installing tile flooring | 11/14/2008 |
Q: I'm in the process of installing a tile floor in the kitchen of our 1930's era home. I've torn out ...
A: I'm confused about what you have for flooring material. One sentence you said the particle board is ...
|
| Re-tiling an Uncovered Patio | 11/12/2008 |
Q: Aloha Jim, We had our 400sf outdoor uncovered patio tiled with slate, but, after only three months, ...
A: Greetings from the soon to be frozen north! Thanks for the picture. The fastest way to remove the ...
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| laying travertine | 11/12/2008 |
Q: I am in the process of laying 16x16 travertine tiles on my kitchen floor, I would like to lay them ...
A: What you are proposing is close to impossible. You need the grout joints to accommodate the ...
|
| Travertine installation problems | 11/11/2008 |
Q: I have 700 sq. ft. of cermaic replaced with Travertine. The installer used backerboard. The board ...
A: This is a classic example of trying to escape from facing the responsibility of replacing the entire ...
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| grout color | 11/10/2008 |
Q: The grout color which I picked out turned out to be lighter that I wanted. Is there something on the ...
A: This seems to be a common occurrence. Most of the time the complaint of color shades etc is related ...
|
| Porcelain questions. Expansion and Trowel | 11/10/2008 |
Q: I am installing 20 by 20 porcelain tile. I laid out 1 room. After centering and making a grid, I ...
A: That’s a great question about expansion!! The expansion is mainly thermal and thermal expansion is a ...
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| Porcelain questions. Expansion and Trowel | 11/8/2008 |
Q: I am installing 20 by 20 porcelain tile. I laid out 1 room. After centering and making a grid, ...
A: #1 When we talk about expansion and contraction we are referring to horizontal movement. Here is a ...
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| ceramic tile grout discoloration | 11/8/2008 |
Q: We had tile flooring installed about 3 months ago and in the last few weeks have noticed a dark ...
A: Based on the info you gave me I have to assume a lot on my own. Is your grout Cementitious and not ...
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| travertine tile installation | 11/7/2008 |
Q: I have laid several tile floors but never travertine. Q#1, can travertine be laid tight together ...
A: I do know that I am not going to change your mind and actually have no intention of attempting to do ...
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| travertine tile installation | 11/6/2008 |
Q: I have laid several tile floors but never travertine. Q#1, can travertine be laid tight together ...
A: #1 Probably can be laid tight together but will depend on how uniform the travertine is in size. If ...
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| black soot from black ceramic tiles/grout | 11/5/2008 |
Q: In helping a friend clean her new home, entirely floored with black ceramic tiles and grout, we ...
A: “Your description of cement grout fit the bill, however. What grout was accidentally left ON the ...
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| black soot from black ceramic tiles/grout | 11/5/2008 |
Q: In helping a friend clean her new home, entirely floored with black ceramic tiles and grout, we ...
A: I think you might believe I’m being picky on the word “soot”, but we do need to clarify what it is ...
|
| Shower Floor Tile Replacement | 11/4/2008 |
Q: I have removed some cracked ceramic tiles in our walk in shower. I want to install new tile. The ...
A: “Then I will use your suggestion of waterproof thin set prior to setting the tiles, especially in ...
|
| tile installation on cement | 11/3/2008 |
Q: What if any problems and precautions should be taken to install ceramic tile on cement floor should ...
A: As I’ve said in my past answers here, Backer board is not to be used on any cement floor. The ...
|
| Travertine Tile Lay out | 11/2/2008 |
Q: We are in the process of laying out our game room with a Travertine non filled, chiseled edge ...
A: I need a picture or drawing of the pattern you have chosen. There a many versions of Versailles ...
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| Shower Floor Tile Replacement | 11/2/2008 |
Q: I have removed some cracked ceramic tiles in our walk in shower. I want to install new tile. The ...
A: We need to start with your statement that “the cement backer board is also cracked and the surface ...
|
| laying tile in brick pattern | 11/1/2008 |
Q: how to start when laying tile in brick pattern?
A: Let’s start with the assumption that you have found the center of the room. If the brick pattern ...
|
| Travertine Tiles | 10/31/2008 |
Q: I am using travertine files to tile my fireplace - basically just a flat expanse of wall about 80 ft ...
A: Since this is only a vertical application and there is no chance of water or dirt getting in the ...
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| travertine tile installation | 10/30/2008 |
Q: Can you use a "mastic" type adhesive for installing travertine or should you use a "mortar" type? I ...
A: I realize there is some controversy regarding the use of mastic or thinset for installing stone and ...
|
| tiling a kitchen floor with and island | 10/29/2008 |
Q: My husband and I are a do it your self couple. we install ceramic floor tile and cumstom design ...
A: The question is a great one, but can be complicated to answer without seeing the floor plan. In an ...
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| ACRYLIC ON PORCELAIN TILE | 10/28/2008 |
Q: My husband and I bought beautiful antique porcelain tile for our kitchen floor. It WAS beautiful, ...
A: It sounds like it has already started to wear off of the tile in the traffic areas. I would still ...
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| ACRYLIC ON PORCELAIN TILE | 10/28/2008 |
Q: My husband and I bought beautiful antique porcelain tile for our kitchen floor. It WAS beautiful, ...
A: Ceramic or porcelain tile that you purchased cannot be changed in appearance as you now know. ...
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| Silicone Caulk Residue on Porcelain Tile | 10/27/2008 |
Q: We installed 7500 sq/ft of porcelain tile and about every 20-30 ft we put Mapei Keracolor sanded ...
A: I went to the Mapei web site and pulled the data sheet for their Keracolor sanded caulk. Their caulk ...
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| tile not sticking to slab | 10/27/2008 |
Q: I have installed 18" ceramic tile over an older slab that previously had vinyl tile that was glued ...
A: Sorry to hear about your problem. I have a few questions regarding the installation. Did you check ...
|
| porcelain tile | 10/26/2008 |
Q: i have a question regarding tiling my bathroom in porcelain tile, i want to do the floor half up the ...
A: First, let’s start with using the ¼ inch cement board on the walls. ¼ inch is only for the floor. ...
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| installing hexagonal tile over | 10/25/2008 |
Q: I have a 2 21/2 condo that has a New Orleans feel to it. In my two bathrooms I want to install ...
A: If you are determined to tile over the existing tile then the floor has to be cleaned. spread a ...
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| marble tiles | 10/24/2008 |
Q: Can I lay new marble tiles over existing ones? And, if so, do I need to prep with a special ...
A: The straight and simple answer to your question is yes. Now that that is out of the way, let me ...
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| Removing grout sealer so I can stain grout | 10/12/2008 |
Q: I work for a company that is insisting on staining the grout on a job. The grout has what I believe ...
A: You need to start with the sealer manufacturer to find out how to remove their material and prep it ...
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| Installing tile over stained concrete floor | 10/11/2008 |
Q: We have just finished having living room floor (original 30 year old concrete slab) stained. The ...
A: Stained concrete is not yet popular in this part of the country so I had to do some research. The ...
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| cleaning scratches on natural travertine tile floor | 10/9/2008 |
Q: My husband and I recently tiled our bathroom. We used Travertine natural stone, Asher pattern and ...
A: I know what I have to tell you is not what you want to hear, but don't shoot the messenger please. ...
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| Shower floor tile redo. | 10/9/2008 |
Q: We want to replace the tile in our bathroom and walk in shower. It is on the 2nd floor of our house ...
A: Sorry about taking so log to respond but I had to transfer some pictures to my software in order to ...
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| Shower floor tile redo. | 10/8/2008 |
Q: We want to replace the tile in our bathroom and walk in shower. It is on the 2nd floor of our house ...
A: The shower pan is under the mortar bed. Maybe I need to start from the beginning listing what ...
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| Shower floor tile redo. | 10/8/2008 |
Q: We want to replace the tile in our bathroom and walk in shower. It is on the 2nd floor of our house ...
A: First I need to start by asking you some questions. You have said; “After the demo, we are left with ...
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| Sunroom floor | 10/7/2008 |
Q: I am installing a 18x18 porcelin tile floor on a 26ft x 18 ft raised floor, enclosed sunroom. The ...
A: The tile does go directly next to the expansion material. Some of the newer items have a bar that ...
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| Sunroom floor | 10/7/2008 |
Q: I am installing a 18x18 porcelin tile floor on a 26ft x 18 ft raised floor, enclosed sunroom. The ...
A: (I plan to lay flooring on diagonal and am wondering if I need expansion joints in the field.) ...
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| terra stone floor | 10/6/2008 |
Q: Nearly thirty years ago I moved into a house with 12 inch square white stone floor made of a product ...
A: I’m afraid I can’t be of much help. I think I vaguely remember a ‘terra stone’ but not sure. I did a ...
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| Tile over granite | 10/6/2008 |
Q: I have a full granite backsplash and would like to install decorative tile over the portion behind ...
A: I’m assuming that the granite is already in place and you want to put the decorative pieces over the ...
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| cleaning scratches on natural travertine tile floor | 10/5/2008 |
Q: My husband and I recently tiled our bathroom. We used Travertine natural stone, Asher pattern and ...
A: I need to have some items cleared up. 1. Does this stone have a polished or a matte finish? ...
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| Radiant heat under marble | 10/5/2008 |
Q: I am remodeling our family room. Pulling up the old carpeting I discovered linoleum tile on top of ...
A: If you have read any of my previous answers to this question you would understand why I am against ...
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| Traveltine Flooring | 10/3/2008 |
Q: I recently had traveltine flooring done. I chose to butt eachother tile. as a result it came out ...
A: If you mean by uneven joints the difference in heights from one tile to the other, then the answer ...
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| marble in shower | 10/3/2008 |
Q: Is it needed to seal the tiles before using. I have been told yes and I have been told it is not ...
A: All stone should have at least one coat of sealer applied to the face before installing or at the ...
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| porcelain tile installation | 10/2/2008 |
Q: We have been rebuilding our house (through a builder) after having it destroyed by the hurricanes of ...
A: I have to admit that in all my years of experience in the industry, this is the first time I have ...
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| Shower stall rebuild/ tile | 10/1/2008 |
Q: I am remodeling a bath and wondering if the rubber membrane goes right on the sub floor then up the ...
A: First I have to assume you are using a two part clamping drain for the shower as all the info will ...
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| thickness of thinset for tub wall fixtures | 10/1/2008 |
Q: I'm using thinset for tile over hardibacker board in tub enclosure. I made a mistake when leaving ...
A: If the dish or caddy will touch the backer board, and have the backside of the lip touch the face of ...
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| thickness of thinset for tub wall fixtures | 9/30/2008 |
Q: I'm using thinset for tile over hardibacker board in tub enclosure. I made a mistake when leaving ...
A: I don’t understand the question. I’ll assume you have dishes that have a lip on the edge that sets ...
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| replacing an old tile floor... | 9/29/2008 |
Q: When replacing an old tile floor with a new tile floor, is it possible to tile over the existing ...
A: Yes it is possible to install ceramic tile over ceramic both for floor and walls. There are many ...
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| Travertine on bathroom wall | 9/29/2008 |
Q: We are installing travertine 12"x12" around the bathtub. We have already installed Hardibacker and ...
A: It sounds like someone has told you some pretty old wives tales etc. First, if you have done any ...
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| Limestone tile buckling | 9/28/2008 |
Q: We have large French limestone tiles installed in our master bath, 1 year ago in a remodelled home. ...
A: Sounds like ‘tenting’ where tile is trying to expand from either temperature or moisture. Check to ...
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| Leveler over tile? | 9/27/2008 |
Q: I installed tile over our concrete slab and it looks great. However, even though it said it was a ...
A: I am not familiar with the product you describe. I might suggest looking into a treatment that ...
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| Tumbled Travertine Scratch removal | 9/26/2008 |
Q: I am just wondering how to remove scratches from my tumbled travertine tile.
A: This is extremely difficult to answer due to the fact that I can’t see the scratches etc. Not every ...
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| kitchen backsplash with travertine | 9/24/2008 |
Q: My installer did not seal my travertine before he grouted it about one week ago and he put a sealer ...
A: Yes you still can seal the stone and should do this ASAP. The reason is simply since it is a ...
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| Ceramic Tiles | 9/24/2008 |
Q: I am installing a ceramic tile floor. I tore up the old linoleum and started to scrape the old glue ...
A: Try buying a floor scraper at one of the big box stores. It is a heavy duty razor blade ...
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| tile sealer all over my acrylic tub | 9/23/2008 |
Q: I had a my bathroom Remodeled with tile and a new acrylic tub and the guy that put it in got sealer ...
A: Start with the manufacturer of the sealer. Since these people designed and manufactured the product ...
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| Travertine Stone Floor | 9/23/2008 |
Q: Scenario: Contractor went broke and left town. We are about 100 pieces short of finishing our home. ...
A: I don’t recognize the stone but I do suggest you start with any info the contractor might have left ...
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| stone flooring installation | 9/22/2008 |
Q: We are contemplating having Jerusalem limestone flooring installed in our home but have also looked ...
A: Your installer has told you correctly. A mud installation is the best and has always been the best ...
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| Installing woodgrain/wood-like long tile | 9/12/2008 |
Q: I am seriously considering replacing carpet with porcelain tile in my family room, and for various ...
A: Yes everything you said is true with one exception. “3) it is extra important to make sure the ...
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| Laboratory flooring | 9/12/2008 |
Q: Please brief me with difference between Vitrified tiles, ceramic tiles and semi vitrified tiles. ...
A: Tiles are placed into 4 classifications; Impervious, Vitreous, Semi-Vitreous and Non-Vitreous under ...
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| ceramic tile problem | 9/11/2008 |
Q: I am laying ceramic tile on my kitchen floor and a couple of the wobble causing the grout to break ...
A: I’m confused regarding the job. Are you still setting the tile? I ask this because you also mention ...
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| Slate tile | 9/10/2008 |
Q: We are/were planning to have slate tile flooring installed in most of our downstairs area - entry, ...
A: Slate can and has been used successfully as a flooring material for far longer than I have been ...
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| stone tile | 9/9/2008 |
Q: I have stone tile in my house and in some areas it sounds hollow. it has been installed on "blobs" ...
A: I’m sorry to tell you that there is no industry guideline or reference to using the 5 or 9 spot ...
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| Installing Travertine in existing home | 9/9/2008 |
Q: An answer to yourHello- I have a 1950's rambler with a main level floor structure of 2 x 10 16"oc., ...
A: In answer to your first question, what is the deflection rate of your particular floor? I can tell ...
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| Marble Tile Installation | 9/8/2008 |
Q: I am getting ready to install 12x12 Marble tiles for our kitchen floor. I am planning on putting ...
A: What type of floor do you have? Is it wood and if so what is the make up of the floor? Types of wood ...
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| Travertine tile installation | 9/8/2008 |
Q: I plan on installing 1/2" travertine tiles in my master bathroom and want to make sure I've prepared ...
A: Since the I-beams are an engineered product and designed specifically to carry a certain amount of ...
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| cracked grout; settlement or bad install? | 9/6/2008 |
Q: We just had a large addition put on our house that included a 6' addition across 2/3rds of the back ...
A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Thank you for being as informative as this helps me understand ...
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| travertine tile layout not square | 9/6/2008 |
Q: We are having our kitchen tiled with 18 inch travertine tile. The prep was done correctly - tiling ...
A: If you are writing the check you have complete control of the situation. There is no excuse for ...
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| discolored grout (sanded Macadamia) | 9/5/2008 |
Q: I read your response from 4/3/07 to Kim and Debbie and was pleased to hear there may be a solution ...
A: I listed the top 12 possible causes of Kim and Debbie problem based on their particular question. ...
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| 20' tile in kitchen | 9/4/2008 |
Q: My question is I am going to lay 20 inch tile in my kitchen and eating area. I am going to lay ...
A: As with all installations the layout starts in the center of the room. This is to ensure balanced ...
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| Porcelin Tile | 9/3/2008 |
Q: We would like to tile our entrance foyer with a porcelain tile that resembles marble, but I am ...
A: The use of rectified tile is your best bet to keep the grout joints as small as possible. Rectified ...
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| Installing ceramic floor tile over vinyl floor | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I am a general contractor, mostly self taught. I am in the process of doing a job where I need to ...
A: Let’s start with the simple answer to your question, Yes you can bond tile directly to vinyl as long ...
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| Spacing scallop-edged floor tile | 8/26/2008 |
Q: We have 13" ceramic floor tile with scalloped edges. What's the easiest/best way to space the tile ...
A: The simplest way is to pick the corners of the tiles. Most will be close to the same size at that ...
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| Installing tile on an existing outdoor deck | 8/25/2008 |
Q: We recently built a new house, a two-level with a deck (composite, not wood) on the upper level, and ...
A: You are starting on a very complicated project. It can be simplified by keeping a few things in ...
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| TILE UNDERLAYMENT | 8/24/2008 |
Q: I AM REDOING A SMALL 1/2 BATH {3'X7'}. I PUT DOWN A NEW 3/4 PLY SUBFLOOR. AFTER A LOT OF RESEARCH, I ...
A: Most people are of the belief that thicker is better and adds strength when in fact cement board ...
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| Grout in stone tiles | 8/24/2008 |
Q: When the installers applied the grout, they wiped off the excess; however, it appears that grout ...
A: Unfortunately, there is not a method of removing the excess residue from the crooks and crannies of ...
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| Grout in stone tiles | 8/23/2008 |
Q: When the installers applied the grout, they wiped off the excess; however, it appears that grout ...
A: Based on what I’ve been told and in the interest of time since they will be at your home next week ...
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| floor tile installation | 8/23/2008 |
Q: Jim. I have another question. I asked about our installation a few days ago. I would like to know ...
A: Yes, the installer should have used expansion joints around the perimeter of every room at the very ...
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| Ceramic tile problem | 8/22/2008 |
Q: I reside in north Florida and have a tile floor over a poured concrete foundation,the house is 8 ...
A: I believe I understand the problem which is that there is tar paper under the tile. This is ...
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| Travertine | 8/22/2008 |
Q: We are going to replace all of our flooring with tile. I am thinking I like the idea of Travertine. ...
A: There are many differences between ceramic tile and natural stone. Ceramic is man made and therefore ...
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| New Tile Concerns | 8/21/2008 |
Q: I recently had my linoleum kitchen floor removed and replaced with a Porcelain Tile Floor. They did ...
A: Larry, Thanks for the reply. Based on the answers I’ll do my best to steer you in the correct ...
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| New Tile Concerns | 8/20/2008 |
Q: I recently had my linoleum kitchen floor removed and replaced with a Porcelain Tile Floor. They did ...
A: The sounds you are describing are indications of tile that is under stress and becomes loose from ...
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| TILE | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I`M GOING TO TILE MY BATHROOM IN THE BASEMENT MY QUESTION IS HOW TO TRANSTION THE TILE TO THE ...
A: Go to Schluter.com and look under floor profiles for your appropriate trim piece. If you are close ...
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| outside thinset | 8/18/2008 |
Q: Should I use outside thinset to lay flagstone then use cement for the joints? Frank
A: Most thinsets can be used either inside or outside. The item to look for is if it is freeze thaw ...
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| porcelain tile markings/scuff marks | 8/17/2008 |
Q: Our porcelain tile was installed a few years ago. The original tile was matte (no shine). Today, the ...
A: You’re probably correct in the assumption of your cleaning person causing the problem. Hopefully the ...
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| installing travertine | 8/16/2008 |
Q: 2nd floor Master Bath floor carpet is removed do we need to put down plywood and a cement backer ...
A: What is the subfloor comprised of? This is important item since everything that is done from this ...
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| travertine medallion on a screened in porch | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I have recently purchased a 36"x36" travertine floor medallion to put dead center on my screened in ...
A: Congratulations on your purchase. Based on your description of the deck it does raise some questions ...
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| Sealing particleboard underlayment under 1/4" Hardibaker for 12x12 polcelain tile | 8/15/2008 |
Q: The installation of porcelain 12x12 floor tiles are planned for a second-story kitchen addition ...
A: Sorry to hear about your problems. “how would I calculate or verify what subflooring and ...
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| tile flooring in bathroom | 8/14/2008 |
Q: I just contacted Home Depot to have tile flooring installed in my 2 tiny bathrooms - the total is ...
A: Have you sought quotes from other contractors? The price for R&R of the toilets seems high, but I ...
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| new tile in the shower | 8/13/2008 |
Q: Do I start re-tiling my shower from the walls or from the floor? I have asked around and got ...
A: Most likely there are two schools of thought and each one believes they are the correct one. First, ...
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| 90 degree edged stone tiles | 8/13/2008 |
Q: I recently ordered some custom made granite tiles that do NOT have the chamfered edges, but come ...
A: The grout will be non sanded which can be used for joints from 1/16” to 1/8”. I have used a 1/32” ...
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| Grouting bathroom tile floor with tile base moulding | 8/12/2008 |
Q: My husband and I have laid our tile and are to the grouting phase. We have a pretty clear idea of ...
A: There are a couple of ways to finish the base. First is to use the bullnose trim as the top row. ...
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| Does a sound barier below a tile floor work? | 8/11/2008 |
Q: Jim, We purchased a condo about a yr ago & everything seemed really nice. The unit above us sold and ...
A: I’ll suggest that you start with the Condo Declarations and check to see if there is a noise level ...
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| ceramic tile grout | 8/10/2008 |
Q: I have had procelain tiles in my kitchen for 6 years i have never resealed the grout... so problem ...
A: The first and foremost thing to do is determine why the grout is falling out since this is not ...
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| Ceramic Tile over concrete | 8/9/2008 |
Q: First let me ask if laying ceramic in a basement is a good idea. I would like to use a 6x6 tile. I ...
A: Samantha, I base everything I do on two items; Industry Standards and what would I do if this were ...
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| marble tile wall badly installed- needs to be redone | 8/9/2008 |
Q: we're in the midst of a bathroom reno and have encountered a fairly upsetting tiling issue. we're ...
A: (-is it advisable to tear down the tile and start again?) Yes, absolutely, positively and without a ...
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| Replacing Tile | 8/8/2008 |
Q: Just started to remove old tile in small bathroom. The house is 60 years old and I think the tile ...
A: Sounds like what is called a mud job. This was the only way things were done until 1967 when Wonder ...
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| Ceramic Tile over concrete | 8/8/2008 |
Q: First let me ask if laying ceramic in a basement is a good idea. I would like to use a 6x6 tile. I ...
A: Installing tile in a basement is a great idea as it is done quite often. There are certain things to ...
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| Natural Slate Tile in home fire place. | 8/7/2008 |
Q: We are remodeling a historic home in Franklin, Indiana. The fire place is getting some amazing ...
A: Your installer is wrong in insisting that slate be used inside the fire box. Those bricks used ...
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| patio tiling | 8/6/2008 |
Q: Our front entrance patio needs to be re-tiled, primarily because it is allowing rainwater to form a ...
A: Lets go back to step one. Determine if the slab has a pitch away from the house. Do this by using a ...
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| Green Marble Installation | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I understand that green marble needs to be set with epoxy thinset to keep it from curling. What is ...
A: Yes epoxy is the correct product of choice. The cost varies on your location and the type of epoxy. ...
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| patio tiling | 8/4/2008 |
Q: Our front entrance patio needs to be re-tiled, primarily because it is allowing rainwater to form a ...
A: these show me a lot about the proposed project. One of my concerns is the condition of the slab. It ...
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| porcelain countertop tile | 8/2/2008 |
Q: Yesterday some turquois paint spilled on a rag on the newly-installed white porcelain counter. I ...
A: Sorry to hear about the problem. Since I don’t know if it is glazed, unglazed, or honed to a high ...
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| marble install | 8/1/2008 |
Q: stone size is 28" x 28" room size is 15 ft x 18 ft stone is backed with mesh I want to ...
A: The simple answer is no!!!! First, is there enough support for the stone. Since it is a wooden ...
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| uneven subfloors | 7/31/2008 |
Q: When my husband added an addition to our kitchen he missed leveling the new subfloor the old floor ...
A: The use of backer board is the most sensible way to solve the problem since it comes in ¼” ...
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| travertine | 7/31/2008 |
Q: I installed travertine flooring in my kitchen dining room living room and hallway 2 years ago. All ...
A: Your husband is correct the tile should have grout between the tiles. Here’s the reason, without ...
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| Refrigerator on Ceramic Tile | 7/30/2008 |
Q: My son-in-law is in the process of installing a new ceramic floor in my kitchen. The tiles are 12" ...
A: The grout should be sealed to help protect the staining. The tiles need to be fully cured before the ...
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| Replacing Ceramic Floors - Current tiles cracked/uneven | 7/30/2008 |
Q: Carlin, I bought a home with existing ceramic 12x12 tile through out in terrible condition -- tiles ...
A: 1) Concrete slab is good but the cracks concern me. It can be as simple as not using crack ...
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| Can you lay marble over marble | 7/29/2008 |
Q: Can I install new marble over my old marble. If you can, what type of glue would you use, epoxy or ...
A: The simple answer to your question is, yes you can install marble over marble. I’m wondering if you ...
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| grout spacing | 7/29/2008 |
Q: Recently I did a floor tiling job involving expensive white polished Carrara marble tiles for a ...
A: The standard spacing for polished stone is 1/16”. I have done installations with only 1/32” but it ...
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| Replacing Ceramic Floors - Current tiles cracked/uneven | 7/28/2008 |
Q: Carlin, I bought a home with existing ceramic 12x12 tile through out in terrible condition -- tiles ...
A: Based on your brief description, I need to know a few things before we can start. 1/ What is the ...
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| Uneven basement floor | 7/27/2008 |
Q: I would like to tile my basement floor but the concrete slab it pretty uneven. The house was built ...
A: First let’s start with the fact that the floor has to be within ¼” in 10’-0” before any tile can be ...
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| poor install and missing grout | 7/27/2008 |
Q: My husband and I hired a young man from a finding service to install,as well as redo some floors. ...
A: First and foremost don’t pay this person!! Secondly, from your description, you need to have this ...
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| Quarter round with tile | 7/25/2008 |
Q: We are in the process of putting in 20" porcelain tile throughout our main floor with the exception ...
A: The installer is correct in the fact that it’s “tacky”. That’s my personal opinion and preference. ...
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| wet rooms | 7/24/2008 |
Q: I would like to have a wet room shower installed in our small bathroom. I have been researching and ...
A: A wet room sounds British as that is where I hear it the most and I believe you are looking for what ...
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| ceramic floor tiles | 7/24/2008 |
Q: We are preparing to replace old ceramic floor tiles from our kitchen and install new ones. We are ...
A: Well let’s start with why you are replacing the old ceramic tiles? Are they damaged, loose, or just ...
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| sealing tile | 7/23/2008 |
Q: We just had tile installed in a new handicapped accessible restroom in our non-profit. Is there an ...
A: Most sealers in today’s market do not make the tile slippery. Call either Aqua Mix or Miracle ...
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| porcelain tile loose kitchen floor | 7/23/2008 |
Q: I did my basement, bathroom, and now the kitchen. I did the kitchen a yr ago and now one of the ...
A: Well let’s start with the fact that you only have one layer of plywood for the tile. I’m assuming ...
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| Tile Floor | 7/19/2008 |
Q: How to cut in a air vent on a Ceramic floor
A: I’ll assume the ceramic tile is already installed on the floor. A Roto Zip with a dry diamond blade ...
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| new ceramic tiles loose and lifting | 7/19/2008 |
Q: we had anew 3/8" wood subfloor put over old vinyl flooring. Wood screwed every 2 inches with 1 1/2 ...
A: Sorry to hear about you problem. Based on what you have described it starts with the inadequate ...
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| Grout film on slate tiles | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I've just had natural indian slate Sheera multi coloured modular tiles laid in my kitchen. However, ...
A: Most of the time, the slate is sealed before installing or at the very least before grouting. The ...
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| Polished travertine flooring | 7/18/2008 |
Q: We have installed polished travertine in our downstairs floor and upstair bathrooms. The installer ...
A: It is next to impossible for me to give that specific an answer without knowing the manufacturer of ...
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| glass tile | 7/17/2008 |
Q: we had GLASS tile put on our bathroom floor. After they finished, it was no longer shinny like a ...
A: Call the glass manufacturer directly and talk with their technical dept. Since it is their product ...
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| Stone Tile | 7/17/2008 |
Q: I'm sure this may have been asked before, so forgive me. I have hot water radiant heat (PEX tubing) ...
A: You need to be sure that the floor structure can support the additional weight and still meet the ...
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| Floor Tile Grout cracking up | 7/16/2008 |
Q: Jim- we have slate tile throughout our kitchen and dining area in our home. It was installed about ...
A: Providing the tiles are not loose you can remove the grout and replace with new. A grout saw is ...
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| travertine installation | 7/16/2008 |
Q: what should it cost in the cleveland ohio area to install travertine 24x36 pieces? we are the first ...
A: Installation prices are something that is extremely local. The best way to find out is ask the local ...
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| Tile installation in 3 season sun room | 7/14/2008 |
Q: We would like to replace our indoor/outdoor carpet with tile in our sun room. It is 10 by 11 feet ...
A: Yes any tile subjected to freeze thaw conditions should be either porcelain or at the very least ...
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| FLOOR TILE | 7/12/2008 |
Q: I presently have linoleum in my kitchen and plan to install porclean tile. The supplier says it's OK ...
A: The straight and simple answer is yes it can be done. Now let me explain why I don’t recommend it. ...
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| stone vs porcelain | 7/11/2008 |
Q: We currently have an engineered oak floor in our Florida home. The wood is black and stained along ...
A: My question to you is why porous? Is it because the moisture is coming through the walls of the ...
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| Uneven grout lines | 7/11/2008 |
Q: I have an elderly client who had a porcelain floor installed in her kitchen, but the grout lines are ...
A: Yes ANSI standard A108.02 4.0 General requirements for tile installations 4.3 workmanship, cutting ...
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| Travertine VS Porcelain | 7/10/2008 |
Q: We are busy building a home on Aruba, in the caribbean. It's a beautiful home on the golf course, ...
A: Travertine, as all stones are susceptible to stains and wear from traffic etc. Some will be damaged ...
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| white crust on tile | 7/9/2008 |
Q: I have a sun room that tile was installed, on different spots I have noticed white crust build up, ...
A: I’m assuming the tile is on a slab, if not please advise. Efflorescence is a white powdery substance ...
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| grout haze | 7/9/2008 |
Q: I just finished installing porcelain tile in our bathroom. Everything looks great except the ...
A: Jim, The problem is the acid has removed the coloring from the grout. Acid attacks grout or any ...
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| grout haze | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I just finished installing porcelain tile in our bathroom. Everything looks great except the ...
A: In order to help you I need to know more about the grout etc. Type and color along with the cleaning ...
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| clipped corners | 6/22/2008 |
Q: I am planning to have 13X13 porcelain tile installed through my kitchen, hall and powder room in a ...
A: It depends on the type of tile and the inserts. Check with your sales person you have been working ...
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| tiliing bathrooms and kitchen new built home | 6/22/2008 |
Q: Can I get away with out hardibacker on floors and walls. IE. Can I place tile one the plywood?
A: Hardibacker like all cement backer units are not needed to successfully install ceramic tile. But ...
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| travertine cracks | 6/18/2008 |
Q: Jim, I installed a travertine tile floor (12 x 12") over tile backer board. It has been down for ...
A: I need more info in order to you an intelligent guess. What is the floor made up of? If a wood ...
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| Install porcelain tile over vinyl | 6/17/2008 |
Q: I spoke to a contractor about installing porcelain tile in my kitchen, laundry room and 1/2 bath. I ...
A: This is a great question, thanks for asking. The simple and straight forward answer is yes it can be ...
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| installing travertine | 6/16/2008 |
Q: My wife and I want to install travertine in our downstairs bathroom. would it be easier to do if I ...
A: The toilet absolutely, positively, and without a doubt has to be removed!! The sink is another ...
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| Grout | 6/16/2008 |
Q: I purchased porcelain tiles (18x18) for my screened porch with a concrete floor. I live in Northern ...
A: Fred, Regular sanded grout is perfect as you said they will be 3/8" joints. Do your homework on ...
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| outdoor slate | 6/15/2008 |
Q: Planning on installing 1/4" red vermont slate on screen porch. Base is 6-8" concrete slab; ...
A: First and foremost is the drainage that is necessary for the finished floor along with the flashing ...
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| grout sealer | 6/14/2008 |
Q: Pertaining to ceramic tile, do you have a preference for a grout sealer? It is for kitchen and ...
A: Everyone has a preference for sealers etc. Mine happens to be Sure Seal. I like it because of the ...
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| Grout | 6/14/2008 |
Q: I purchased porcelain tiles (18x18) for my screened porch with a concrete floor. I live in Northern ...
A: I pulled data sheets on three manufacturers of epoxy grout. One manufacturer stated: “For ...
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| Tile on unheated concrete | 6/13/2008 |
Q: I live in MN and have a room in the garage that I want to turn into a summer apartment. I want to ...
A: Yes porcelain tile is ideal for your situation. If I understand the situation correctly, the area ...
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| Travertine stone over raised floor | 6/12/2008 |
Q: I wonder if you can help me with this question, I am in the process to install 18"x" travertine ...
A: I need to know the following: The 4’ x 8’ wood studs statement has to be incorrect or there is ...
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| Tile Countertop Substrate | 6/12/2008 |
Q: Iam installing a ceramic tile countertop. Is there a certain type of plywood used for countertops? ...
A: The plywood needs to be EGP rated. This stands for Exterior Glue Plywood. The thickness as listed in ...
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| Best Underlayment | 6/11/2008 |
Q: I have two questions regarding underlayment for tile: 1) When is it appropriate to install cement ...
A: 1) There are several methods listed in the TCNA Handbook showing methods for the following: ...
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| Travertine tile cracks | 6/11/2008 |
Q: Jim, I am the general contractor for a remodeling project in which we installed approximately ...
A: Rich, I simply "cut and pasted" the Red-x statment and forgot to delete the 24" OC. The following ...
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| Travertine tile cracks | 6/10/2008 |
Q: Jim, I am the general contractor for a remodeling project in which we installed approximately ...
A: Let’s start with Red-X. I’m not familiar with the name so I Google it and came up with: (1" RED-X ...
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| grout | 6/9/2008 |
Q: We had ceramic tile installed yesterday and the grout color is uneven. It should be beige but is ...
A: Try a 50% vinegar and water solution and see if it will remove the residue. Be sure and rinse the ...
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| Slate cleaning | 6/8/2008 |
Q: We have slate in our bathroom, floors and shower stall. It is about a year old. It was sealed twice ...
A: I believe a heavy duty cleaner could correct your problem but not all stones are the same like ...
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| ceramic tile | 6/7/2008 |
Q: We just had ceramic tile installed in both bathrooms and fireplace. The grout is beige. I have a ...
A: 1./ The haze should have been removed by the installer. Try a grout haze remover by the grout ...
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| porcelain rectified floors | 6/6/2008 |
Q: I need help locating a tile inspector/consultant to look at my floors. The tiles are not flat ...
A: 06/09/08 Chris, Have received a reply from Consultant. He will look at your problem. Please send me ...
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| pocelain tile on outdoor deck/roof | 6/6/2008 |
Q: Jim, My house was built in 1973 with a tile deck(laid on a thick mudbed on top of a suspended ...
A: Fran, I understand your problem but based on the information you have given me and without seeing ...
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| 18" tiles | 6/5/2008 |
Q: Jim, Thanks for being available for questions! I am about to start tiling a bathroom floor that is ...
A: Anything 12” and larger in size will require backbuttering. With this said, normally the floor has a ...
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| pocelain tile on outdoor deck/roof | 6/5/2008 |
Q: Jim, My house was built in 1973 with a tile deck(laid on a thick mudbed on top of a suspended ...
A: Sorry to hear about your dilemma. The best advice is to seek both legal help and a consultant to do ...
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| Fiberrock in showers | 6/4/2008 |
Q: Jim, We have a serious problem in a shower in which Fiberrock (by USG) was used as a backer on the ...
A: I am not familiar with Fiber rock as it is not sold in this part of the country. I did go to the web ...
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| Grout | 6/2/2008 |
Q: Jim, I finished a tile floor in my kitchen and put down the grout (Polyblend-Custom Building ...
A: From your description I’m afraid the answer is going to be an epoxy colorant. There is one thing I’d ...
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| tiling over existing ceramic tile | 6/2/2008 |
Q: We were hoping to put new tile in kitchen and breakfast nook over existing tile. Would it be ...
A: I need to know a few more things in order to give an informed opinion. 1/ What is the tile mounted ...
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| slate to carpet transition | 6/1/2008 |
Q: we have installed real slate throughout the entry wall and hallway of our house, however, the rooms ...
A: Tracee, Another option is to have a slate threshold installed in the doorways. The problem is this ...
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| Best way to repair/replace grout on exterior deck with Slate | 5/31/2008 |
Q: I have an exterior deck that extends over the garage. I had someone tear out the old deck surface ...
A: Based on what you have described to me, the answer I’m going to give you is not good but I think you ...
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| ceramic tile on shower wall | 5/28/2008 |
Q: I am involved in plumbing an older tub to install a shower. There are 4" ceramic tiles that the ...
A: The simple answer to your question is yes it can be tiled over tile. Now lets move on to why I don’t ...
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| tiling over epoxy floor paint | 5/27/2008 |
Q: Have about 240 sq ft of cement floor that has been painted with epoxy paint.Can tile be installed ...
A: I suggest you contact the thinset manufacturer of your choice at their 800 number. They all have a ...
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| removing tile from radiant hot water heat | 5/27/2008 |
Q: Our home was custom built in 1993 by previous owner. Expensive ceramic tile put directly over ...
A: There will always be a danger of damage to the radiant heat. If one is careful and the pipes are low ...
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| Over laying tile | 5/25/2008 |
Q: I have a bathroom floor that I am wanting to replace the tile. It is 4/4 ceramic tile with a rather ...
A: As I’ve said in the past, yes you can tile over tile, but I don’t recommend it for the following ...
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| price per sq ft | 5/25/2008 |
Q: My question is how much should I be expected to pay for install of travertine floor covering 72sqft. ...
A: You are asking one of the most difficult questions in this industry. The rates for installation of ...
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| Ceramic Tile Outside over cement patio (Michigan) | 5/24/2008 |
Q: I haven't done any research yet, so you are my first step. We have a covered patio (12x19)that we ...
A: I’ll start with the simple answer of yes you can do this project and clarify it with the fact that ...
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| Subfloor prep for Porcelain Tile | 5/24/2008 |
Q: I am planning to lay 13x13 porcelain tile. The existing floor was carpet with a subfloor ...
A: The answer to your question is you cannot install cement board directly over hardwood. The reasoning ...
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| second floor apartment | 5/23/2008 |
Q: presently, we are in the middle of replacing the carpet in our 2nd floor apt.The carpet and pad have ...
A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Unfortunately from where I’m sitting I can’t tell what type of ...
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| 18" tile installation | 5/23/2008 |
Q: Jim, Thanks for being available for questions! I am about to start tiling a bathroom floor that is ...
A: 18” tiles installed on a floor require a floor that is dead flat. Take two of your tiles placed next ...
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| granite installation | 5/22/2008 |
Q: ..I am installing 20 x 20" porcelain tile in my foyer and kitchen. I am also installing a 3' 3/8" ...
A: I hope the 3/8” subfloor is a misprint. The absolute minimum subfloor thickness that I have ever ...
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| grout problem | 5/22/2008 |
Q: I’m a handyman and I usually put in a tile floor once about every two months. I have a problem that ...
A: It sounds like there is movement in the floor. The possibility that the sealer is on the sides of ...
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| Travertine flooring and radient heat | 5/21/2008 |
Q: I am renovating my master bath and love the look of Travertine. Can radient heat flooring be ...
A: Yes radiant heat can be installed under any tile or stone flooring. There are different procedures ...
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| re tiling shower | 5/16/2008 |
Q: can you re tile over the old glue thats on the cement wall boards. Would the other glue stick to it
A: The simple answer is yes it is possible but only if the conditions are right for such a process. The ...
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| Travertine Flooring | 5/14/2008 |
Q: We have a home built with standard 2 X 10 joists used in the 80s. We are tiling two bathrooms one ...
A: Is the calculation based on 2x10? What is the unsupported span of the joists? The double joists ...
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| Cleaning tile and grout | 5/14/2008 |
Q: Jim, My tile and grout is approx 6 yrs old and the grout are both light colors. The grout is ...
A: I have had good results with a product called Restore made by Sure Seal Co. This not only cleans the ...
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| Bad travertine tile job | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I hope you can give me some advice. I had a travertine tile floor instaled in my kitchen with heat ...
A: Based on what you have told me, yes you have a legitimate complaint. The finished floor has to be ...
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| white marble water spots | 4/25/2008 |
Q: I recently had 12 x 12 glacier white marble tiles installed on my kitchen floor. The installer had ...
A: Yes the spots could be superficial. The best way is to talk with the contractor to have him resolve ...
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| Truth About Ditra/Kerdi & Non-Modified Thinset | 4/23/2008 |
Q: I am an Architectural Representative for a large tile manufacturer and recently attended "Schluter ...
A: Let me start with a few items about my background in hopes that you will understand better where I ...
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| travertine flooring | 4/23/2008 |
Q: i've recently purchased a home and am wanting to install either 18x18 or 24x24 tiles. my questions ...
A: On a small bathroom being 5’ x 8’ in size I use a 13” tile on a diagonal. I don’t know if there is a ...
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| travertine flooring | 4/22/2008 |
Q: i've recently purchased a home and am wanting to install either 18x18 or 24x24 tiles. my questions ...
A: 1. Depends on the size of the room in relation to the tile. For the most part the answer is yes. ...
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| outdoor installation | 4/21/2008 |
Q: I was wondering how I go about choosing a tile for my concrete front porch, which is covered but ...
A: A grade 5 tile is simply stating that the wear surface is expected to last a very long time. The ...
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| GRANITE TILE ON PAINTED CEMENT FLOOR | 4/21/2008 |
Q: We are putting a granite floor down (18" X 18" tiles) over an existing concrete floor with a ...
A: The cement floor has to be abraded, scarified or shot blasted with a blast track. Nothing will stick ...
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| Exterior deck - saltillo tile prep | 4/20/2008 |
Q: We have an exterior deck that has been waterproofed in preparation for a tile installation. 7/8 OSB, ...
A: The recommended industry standard methods for exterior tile installation do not reference any thing ...
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| Travertine and sealing | 4/19/2008 |
Q: I just had a contractor put down 18in travetine tile in the kitchen. We did not seal the tile before ...
A: I’m confused about who is responsible for sealing the stone. Normally the installer is responsible ...
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| two stage tile job in kitchen | 4/19/2008 |
Q: Jim, I would like to know if it is possible to lay ceramic tile in my kitchen in two stages, (about ...
A: What you are proposing to do is feasible. A word of caution, plan out the scenario well before ...
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| Subfloor and underlayment Travertine | 4/18/2008 |
Q: We are remodeling and have chosen travertine that comes in 12 inch and 18 inch squares. The floor ...
A: The requirement for a stone installation over wood is for two layers of plywood. The distance ...
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| Granite floor tiles | 4/18/2008 |
Q: My daughter would like to install granite floor tiles over an existing ceramic tile floor. The ...
A: I assume the existing floor is over a wooden structure. The structure might not support the ...
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| Cracking grout and loose tiles | 4/17/2008 |
Q: Im not very experienced with tile and such. In October of last year we hired a contractor to put ...
A: You need to get in touch with a local expert in your area. This person can evaluate the situation ...
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| travertine flooring | 4/17/2008 |
Q: What do you know about using travertine throughout the bathroom area.Floor, up the walls and as part ...
A: Travertine is a beautiful stone. It has been used for centuries with success as witnessed when ...
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| non modified motar | 4/16/2008 |
Q: I am a veineer stone and natural stone tile installer for the past 35 years.l have noticed lately on ...
A: I pulled my calculator from the shelf, cleaned off the dust and figured out 10 deg. C is actually 50 ...
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| ceramic tile | 4/16/2008 |
Q: My son put cement board down and then heating wires over that. The ceramic tile did not set level. ...
A: A mixture of thinset that is thin enough to pour from the bucket is too thin. My suggestion is to ...
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| tile grout | 4/2/2008 |
Q: I purchased lacrete grout and matching caulk for a tile project. After installation the grout and ...
A: I don’t believe it is possible to alter the color or shade of the caulking after it has been made. ...
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| Help | 3/26/2008 |
Q: We have replaced our external patio door to a sliding door however the carpenter managed to break ...
A: This is where you have to wear your decorating hat. One possibility is to find a tile of the same ...
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| Basement bathroom - Slate tile substrate | 3/26/2008 |
Q: Jim, Thank you for providing this great service. I am building out a bathroom as part of our ...
A: We need to start with the simple and straight answer to yourNo. Everything you are proposing to do ...
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| Installing tiles - prep work question | 3/25/2008 |
Q: I have not touched anything yet. This house was built in 1918 it even has horse hair walls. The ...
A: 1. Not recommended! If the floor can support the additional weight and the unevenness corrected, and ...
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| drilling holes | 3/24/2008 |
Q: What kind of drill do you need to drill holes 1-1/8 inch in porcelain tiles? I am not having any ...
A: I purchase my drill bits from Midwest Trade Tool at http://www.tiletools.com/probits.html The size ...
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| Aspestos Tile | 3/23/2008 |
Q: Jim, I need a sanity check on a remodeling project I'm doing. I have an old (Circa 1915) duplex that ...
A: “Before you try to flatten the surface on top of the possible asbestos tiles, you need to check what ...
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| Aspestos Tile | 3/23/2008 |
Q: Jim, I need a sanity check on a remodeling project I'm doing. I have an old (Circa 1915) duplex that ...
A: You’re in luck, it just so happens to “sanity check” time. Unfortunately some people call it ...
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| thinset for travertine | 3/22/2008 |
Q: I am fixing to install 18 x 18 travertine, its a light beige and the thinset I purchased is a gray ...
A: When installing anything larger than 12” in size and the grout joints will be tight, the substrate ...
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| Tile grout cracking | 3/20/2008 |
Q: I hired a non-licensed contractor through a friend's referral to remodel my kitchen. This includes ...
A: Carmen, Thanks for the update! (1) The reasons or causes for cracking grout are many and varied. ...
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| Ceramic Tile Outside in the weather | 3/20/2008 |
Q: I want to tile my patio concrete floor. The concrete is very ruff, who ever troweled it forgot to ...
A: this really gives me a good picture of the situation. Use a modified thinset to skim coat the ...
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| Ceramic Tile Outside in the weather | 3/19/2008 |
Q: I want to tile my patio concrete floor. The concrete is very ruff, who ever troweled it forgot to ...
A: I had sent a detailed answer to your question on the 12th. Actually all three were answered on that ...
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| Slippery tile | 3/19/2008 |
Q: I have tile in my patio and it is so slippery dry or wet it is like walking on black ice. Can ...
A: The simple answer to your question is yes someone can travel to your home and perform a slip ...
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| Tile grout cracking | 3/18/2008 |
Q: I hired a non-licensed contractor through a friend's referral to remodel my kitchen. This includes ...
A: Are the six loose tiles together in one area, or are they randomly spread through the floor area? ...
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| shower wall tile | 3/17/2008 |
Q: We completed a bathroom renovation about 2 months ago and are having persistant problems with water ...
A: , Based on what you have said, yes I believe you are within your rights to get this corrected. Now I ...
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| How to apply granit tiles over my brick fireplace | 3/15/2008 |
Q: I have a painted surface which I will sand the best i can. Then I understand I will apply a thin ...
A: The paint will need to be abraded to expose the brick surface. The more that is exposed the better. ...
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| marble flooring | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I want to install 6-inch square marble tiles (.375" thick) on my bathroom floor. The floor has small ...
A: Based on the information you gave I ran the numbers and arrived at the conclusion that you would be ...
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| Ceramic Tile Outside in the weather | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I want to tile my patio concrete floor. The concrete is very ruff, who ever troweled it forgot to ...
A: Even though you might get a frost every 3-4 years, I’d still use the uncoupling membrane. ...
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| Ceramic Tile Outside in the weather | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I want to tile my patio concrete floor. The concrete is very ruff, who ever troweled it forgot to ...
A: You will need to create a positive drainage for the patio. If the patio is backed up to the house ...
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| Ceramic Tile Outside in the weather | 3/12/2008 |
Q: I want to tile my patio concrete floor. The concrete is very ruff, who ever troweled it forgot to ...
A: Are you in a climate that experiences freezing temperatures? Does it drain water off the patio ...
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| restoring old porcelain bathroom floor tile | 3/11/2008 |
Q: Can I and if yes, how do I restore the original Black and White porcelain floor tile in my bathroom ...
A: I’m envious; you have a tile floor that’s 73 years old! Porcelain tile is a through body tile and ...
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| Bad Tile job in Kitchen | 3/9/2008 |
Q: I tiled my kitchen with 12inch ceramic tile. I put 3/8 sheets of wood over lanolium, which i screwed ...
A: In order to help you I will need more info and specifics of the work. 1. How many layers of wood, ...
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| Tavertine Install outside! | 3/8/2008 |
Q: Jim - I have found a amazing small scall versailles pattern tavertine that I want to use on top of a ...
A: I need some clarification regarding your project. Is the travertine going on top of the wall or on ...
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| Travertine and BR111 Brazilian Cherrywood ¾”x5” floors | 3/8/2008 |
Q: Jim, I need a little advice. In August 2007 we purchased our house and installed new flooring. ...
A: I need clarification regarding your problem. First, I only do ceramic and stone tiles, not wood. ...
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| Light weight concrete between joists | 2/24/2008 |
Q: Jim, started a bathroom redo on an older home.(1925) Ripped the tile mud job off the floor and found ...
A: I’m not a big fan of light weight concrete. As a matter of fact I don’t like it period. It has a ...
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| floor prep for ceramic tile | 2/24/2008 |
Q: I took up the vinyle floor and found that a floor leveler had been used. It does not appear to be ...
A: There are many factors that control the answer. Have you tried the water test, which is placing some ...
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| Grout Cracking | 2/22/2008 |
Q: ok so we tore up existing tile but left the hardibacker he put screws in all 4 corners of backer, ...
A: Now it’s starting to become clearer to me. It’s a sad day when the “expert” at Lowes gives a ...
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| Grout Cracking | 2/21/2008 |
Q: ok so we tore up existing tile but left the hardibacker he put screws in all 4 corners of backer, ...
A: OK, so let’s start from the beginning. There was existing tile on the Hardibacker and you left it in ...
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| thickness of hardibacker and thinset | 2/20/2008 |
Q: I've read through all the posts I can find that refer to Travertine installation, and I'm a little ...
A: ¼ inch cement backer board is for the floor only. The ½ inch board is primarily for the walls ...
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| Green onyx 12x12 tiles with webbing on the back? | 2/19/2008 |
Q: I also send this question to Jim, I'm having 12x12 green Onyx tiles installed in a small powderoom. ...
A: I don’t know how you got them to go through, but it sure does help by being able to see what you’re ...
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| decreasing sound transmission | 2/18/2008 |
Q: We live in a two-story house and are considering putting ceramic or stone tile throughout the ...
A: Your question goes into a deep and murky area that doesn’t have very much data available. I have ...
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| Pre-grout sealing of limestone | 2/17/2008 |
Q: Jim: We are putting limestone (tumbled marble) tile as a kitchen backsplash and know we have to ...
A: You mention both limestone and marble in your question. Granted, limestone is of the marble family, ...
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| White Random Island Stone on Wall | 2/17/2008 |
Q: I just had White Marble Random Island stone applied to a bathroom wall (above my vanity). I was ...
A: Without personally seeing the stone installation I can only give you some general guidelines. I’m ...
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| ceramic tile | 2/16/2008 |
Q: Could I install ceramic tile over exiting ceramic tile which has been painted?
A: In order to install ceramic tile directly to existing ceramic tile, it has to be stable, firmly ...
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| Travertine tile installation | 2/15/2008 |
Q: I recently had travertine floor tile installed on a building in the hallways only. The rooms in the ...
A: I’m confused when you mention mud base under the tiles. A typical mud bed is 1-1/4” to 2” max. in ...
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| Buckling of Ceramic Tile | 2/14/2008 |
Q: I have been in my new home for 2 1/2 years in the tile in my bathroom buckled. What could cause ...
A: Buckling or commonly called tenting is due to movement and lack of expansion joints allowing for ...
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| Natural Stone | 2/13/2008 |
Q: I would like to use a white 4x4 or 6x6 tumbled stone tile with a 1" slate dot for a bathroom floor ...
A: The stone sounds like a very nice combination. If you are going to use it in a bathroom choose ...
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| tile installation | 2/12/2008 |
Q: travertine - installing,let set over night and I am ready to grout. I noticed a few tiles that at ...
A: If the tiles are loose then it simply means the bond between the thinset and tile is broken. No ...
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| Ceramic Flooring | 2/10/2008 |
Q: We are getting ready to tear out the bathroom and we are not sure what kind of flooring to put back ...
A: There is no valid reason why ceramic tile cannot be installed over a crawl space. It’s installed ...
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| granite over tile | 2/6/2008 |
Q: Can I install granite countertops over tile countertops for cosmetic reasons? The tile is in fine ...
A: Yes granite tile can be installed over tile countertops. My question to you is have you considered ...
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| choosing a color of grout | 2/6/2008 |
Q: i have a very light color tan almost looks white but not white ceramic tile and i want to know the ...
A: Your question treads into a very deep and murky area. Color choices are very individual and ...
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| Tile installation on a lanai | 2/5/2008 |
Q: Reviewed your prior answers, but would like to ask for a few tips before I start my Florida condo ...
A: 1. Be sure and provide expansion joints around the perimeter. The painted surface will present a ...
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| porcelin tile install | 2/4/2008 |
Q: Carlin, Thanks in advance for the information. Now the1950's Cape.Kitchen floor to be tiled. Not ...
A: Let’s stop doing any more work before a few things are clarified. 1/ Level and FLAT are not the ...
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| Subway tiles in matte white | 2/3/2008 |
Q: We are trying to find white subway tiles in either 3x6 or 4x8 in a matte white, but have had no luck ...
A: I think either Dal tile or American Olean manufacturer what you are looking for. You can access ...
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| Ceramic Tile Foor | 2/3/2008 |
Q: Do you have to always put down a sub-floor before putting down a cermic tile floor? My current ...
A: The answer to your question is: It depends on what the floor is now and what it will be when ...
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| tile floors | 2/2/2008 |
Q: we put tile floor in our dinning room, I was wondering if the table and chairs will scratch the ...
A: In order to answer your question regarding if I thought the table and chairs in your dining room ...
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| porcelain tile and standing water | 2/2/2008 |
Q: We are planning to have porcelain tile installed on our screened in porch floor. We live on a crawl ...
A: Based on the description of the front porch I have to say there is one major problem. The standing ...
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| floor tile | 2/1/2008 |
Q: Jim, I am having all porcelain floor tiles replaced in my home because many are loose with grout ...
A: Lets start with the fact that porcelain tile is a ceramic tile. According to ANSI 137.1 the ...
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| underlayment | 1/31/2008 |
Q: What are the differences among Cement board, Concrete backer-board, Hardi backer-board, Rhino board? ...
A: It’s not necessary to use a waterproofing membrane where you’re proposing to install tile. What I ...
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| ceramic tile installation | 1/31/2008 |
Q: What is the proper way to install ceramic tile in a kitchen over a floor with 12 OSB I beam joists ...
A: The first thing is to verify the size of your “I” joists with the manufacturer. They will need the ...
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| Porcelain Floor over Crawl Space | 1/30/2008 |
Q: My wife and I are installing a porcelain tile floor over our crawl space. The house is approximately ...
A: Based on what you have said regarding your floor, the joists should support ceramic tile but not ...
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| underlayment | 1/30/2008 |
Q: What are the differences among Cement board, Concrete backer-board, Hardi backer-board, Rhino board? ...
A: Concrete backer board is non existent. Some people think that cement and concrete are the same ...
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| cermaic tile flooring with wood mixed | 1/27/2008 |
Q: I was wondering about putting a mixture of ceramic tile and angling it with wood strips and putting ...
A: When any wood gets wet it is good for it since it has a tendency to swell. Before you decide on this ...
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| tile | 1/26/2008 |
Q: Concerning tile installation, I have been told the work I do is better than some professionals even ...
A: You have asked the 64 million dollar question! I’m sure you do great work and are extremely ...
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| sealing travertine tile | 1/26/2008 |
Q: I have purchased some 2 by 2 travertine tile to use on the face of my new gas fireplace. When I ...
A: The simple answer is no you don’t have to seal the stone, but I would seal it. Sealing will help ...
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| Installing Heavy Tile on a Wall | 1/25/2008 |
Q: Jim, I am using some stacked stone tiles to surround my fireplace on the wall and have it go to ...
A: I would never take any sales persons advice until I checked with the manufacturer of the product ...
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| Porcelain Tiles | 1/25/2008 |
Q: I have Porcelain Tiles on my floor that were laid 4 months ago . The sales man told us that they ...
A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Based on what you are telling me, it sounds like it is the sealer ...
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| water proofing wall tile | 1/24/2008 |
Q: I have started to install a tile shower in our house. About 3'x4' all ceramic. I did the floor and ...
A: I am totally confused about what is in the shower. Start with what the components are on the floor ...
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| Schluter Ditra and Kerdi | 1/23/2008 |
Q: Jim, I am completely renovating my bath in our 1938 cape cod and have a few questions about tile ...
A: Floor: A/ ¾” plywood that is rated EGP (Exterior Glue Plywood) B/ If you use Ditra then cement board ...
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| Marble Tile, 50's bathroom | 1/23/2008 |
Q: So I've been torturing my wife destroying our 1952 bathroom. It had literally 2" thick cement walls ...
A: You’re OK on the ¾” plywood. Be sure and follow the cement board manufacturer’s written instructions ...
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| Need help with traventine and wood mix | 1/22/2008 |
Q: The tiles are 18"X18"X1/2" traventine...and they need to be installed in a grid pattern. each tile ...
A: Sandman, My suggestion is to call the manufacturer direct and talk with their technical rep. Since ...
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| travertine | 1/22/2008 |
Q: My wife, a decorator, was all set to use travertine for our kitchen floor, but was told that it ...
A: Travertine is a very beautiful product and will enhance your home if installed correctly. Yes ...
|
| Tile Flooring | 1/21/2008 |
Q: My wife and I recently bought and renovated a house that is 25 years old. We hired a flooring ...
A: If you are going to use a 4x4 then the posts will need to be spaced closed at around 6 feet. The ...
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| Tile Flooring | 1/20/2008 |
Q: My wife and I recently bought and renovated a house that is 25 years old. We hired a flooring ...
A: If the data that you gave me is accurate, your floor does not meet the minimum requirements to ...
|
| Ceramic tile installation | 1/19/2008 |
Q: I recently had ceramic tile installed. The installer advised me that because of the age of my home, ...
A: The industry standard for lippage is ANSI A108.02 Workmanship. This states lippage refers to ...
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| transition | 1/18/2008 |
Q: Porcelain tile has already been laid in kitchen. Where the tile meets the carpeting is the problem. ...
A: How big of a gap is there between the carpet and tile? Have you had a carpet company look at it? ...
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| crack in cement prep for ceramic tile | 1/18/2008 |
Q: I lifted old tile from the concrete and found a large crack across the floor. It's approx. 1/4 " ...
A: What was your old tile that you removed? Is the crack straight like it was put there or is it ...
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| Tile installation Gone wrong | 1/17/2008 |
Q: I want to first tell you the situation. We purchased a newly built house the end of June of '07. ...
A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Let’s start with the fact that when you walk on the floor there is ...
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| Travertine | 1/16/2008 |
Q: We are installing a new travertine floor, our concrete is fine there are no cracks. We have never ...
A: Before I could start to give you an answer of any validity I will need more info. I know you are ...
|
| Porcelain Floor Tiles on Painted Concrete | 1/15/2008 |
Q: We are planning to install porcelain floor tiles in our basement family room. The concrete floor was ...
A: If there is a sealer on the market that will do as you described, I am unfamiliar with it. I do know ...
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| porcelain floor tile installation in foyer | 1/12/2008 |
Q: We are trying to have porcelain tile floor installed in our small foyer (71 square feet). We will ...
A: You could have the tiles placed on cement backer board over the wood. Now that I have answered your ...
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| Concrete Floor and Ceramic Tile | 1/12/2008 |
Q: Our house is 30 years old. We renovated our basement and have an entrance from the garage that leads ...
A: Yes it is common to use electric floor warmers on top of a concrete slab. You say you want to keep ...
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| Hardibacker or Concrete Float? | 1/10/2008 |
Q: . I'm hoping you can help w/a delimma. I've got conflicting info from varying contractor about the ...
A: Let’s see if I can be of some help with your dilemma. Hardi backer board or any cement board is the ...
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| installing slate over knotty pine wall | 1/9/2008 |
Q: My family room has knotty pine on the walls, I wanted to install slate around the fireplace from ...
A: It is not advisable to install slate or any tile directly onto the knotty pine. This is the ...
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| installing granite tiles over marble fireplace surround | 1/6/2008 |
Q: Can I install 12x12 granite tiles over a marble slab fireplace surround. I have access to a grinder ...
A: Sure you can install 12” tiles over a marble slab. I hope you want to do this simply for cosmetic ...
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| Flooring for new kitchen | 1/5/2008 |
Q: My concern involves the preparation of the floor for installing new cabinetry and of course tile. ...
A: No apology necessary for your concerns as they are valid ones. Let’s start with the possibility of ...
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| backerboard | 1/4/2008 |
Q: Happy New Year... Here is my dilemma: the backerboard and ceramic tile together will be too high for ...
A: Cement backer boards are made in two thicknesses, ¼” and ½”. You need to determine if you in fact do ...
|
| Travertine bathroom vanity top | 1/3/2008 |
Q: I had travertine installed as a bathroom vanity top with undermount sinks. I do not know if it was ...
A: Checking if it was sealed is as simple as placing drops of water on the stone, if it beads up and ...
|
| shower wall tile | 1/2/2008 |
Q: What is the proper tile for shower walls. Do I need vitreous or better? I want to use nominal 4x4 ...
A: I have enclosed the four basic types of tile with their water absorption properties. What you are ...
|
| epoxy grout | 1/2/2008 |
Q: I have installed tiles over the bath area and have purchased epoxy grout but never used it .do you ...
A: Epoxy grout is entirely different than cement based grouts. They are handled, installed and cleaned ...
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| Laying tile | 1/1/2008 |
Q: I am getting ready to lay ceramic tiles in my third floor condo, that has some foundation problems. ...
A: First and foremost is the fact there are foundation problems with your condo. That is enough to stop ...
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| grout | 12/31/2007 |
Q: we had new ceramic tiles put on the bathroom floor and in the shower area well its been a week and ...
A: It is impossible to give a definitive answer to your problem without actually seeing the situation. ...
|
| Outdoor tile on concrete pad | 12/31/2007 |
Q: I am planning to install stone(?) tile on a concrete patio. The original concrete patio is 10'x10' ...
A: Are you in a freeze thaw climate? Is the concrete slab attached to the house? Is there room for the ...
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| Tile and Baseboard | 12/29/2007 |
Q: I need to remove the baseboards adjacent to the tiles. The challange that I face is that the ...
A: I think this is a workable solution. If the old baseboards are being replaced with new ones, then ...
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| Installing Travertine Tile on Concrete Floor | 12/28/2007 |
Q: I want to tile a foyer that extends in to a powder room on the first floor. The floor base is a ...
A: Let’s start with the definition of level and flat. Level is just what it says, Level. You don’t ...
|
| slanted floor | 12/28/2007 |
Q: In a house I'm considering buying, the floor slants down about 15 degrees for about a foot to the ...
A: The simple answer to your question is yes you can. I wonder and hopefully you are also wondering why ...
|
| bathroom floor drain over radiant | 12/22/2007 |
Q: Jim, I want to create a whole-floor shower pan in a 6x8 bathroom that will only occasionally be used ...
A: What you are describing is commonly called on this side of the pond a Eurobath. My good friend Tom ...
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| Travertine Flooring | 12/22/2007 |
Q: We are remodeling our home and trying to decide what type of flooring to install. We love the look ...
A: The look of Travertine is unmatched and extremely beautiful. As with any stone product, there are ...
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| Pasco Liner & 1 | 12/21/2007 |
Q: Jim, I will truly appreciate your time, if you can address this dilemma - My installer placed ...
A: Paul, You mentioned the 12" tile having nothing behind half of it. Another requirement is for the ...
|
| White Dap Bathroom Caulk turns green | 12/21/2007 |
Q: I am remodeling my old house in order to sell it. I applied Dap bathroom caulk between bathroom ...
A: I'm afraid I can't help you except to suggest calling Dap Technical Dept direct. It seems to me that ...
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| Pasco Liner & 1" Backer Wall | 12/20/2007 |
Q: Jim, I will truly appreciate your time, if you can address this dilemma - My installer placed ...
A: I did a Google search for a Pasco liner since I am not familiar with the name. You do have some ...
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| Travertine installation | 12/19/2007 |
Q: I'm about to installed travertine flooring into my kitchen ( 18 x 18 ) the old floor had vinyl ...
A: That is not unusual for the slab to have hills and valleys. The first thing to do is see if the slab ...
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| Travertine | 12/19/2007 |
Q: We are building a new home and would like to install travertine in the kitchen, dining, and central ...
A: My best advice I can pass on is for you to contact your architect that drew the plans or have an ...
|
| glass tile kitchen backsplash | 12/18/2007 |
Q: We have ordered some 2x2 opque glass tiles on a 12x12 mesh backing for our backsplash. We have a 10 ...
A: Yes you can cut glass tile with a wet saw. Most diamond blades will chip the glass. There are ...
|
| Tavy Thin Skin | 12/17/2007 |
Q: How do you rate the Tavy Products and also Schulter Rondec countertop trim. Thank Kathyrn
A: I have not used the Tavy Thin Skin so I can’t render any opinion. I do use his spacers and tile ...
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| Squeaky Kitchen Floor | 12/17/2007 |
Q: Had tile laid 5 years ago. Floor now squeaks. Can I remove a tile square or 2 and screw through the ...
A: The simple answer is yes you can. The more complicated answer has a lot of cautions attached. First ...
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| Hallow Porcelain tiles. | 12/15/2007 |
Q: Please help me! Either answering yourself or advising me what I need to do. I had 1200 square feet ...
A: I’ve read your question and problem several times and each time I question something different than ...
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| installing porcelain tile over existing ceramic tile | 12/15/2007 |
Q: Can new porcelain tile be installed over existing ceramic tile? The old tile is in good shape and ...
A: The simple answer is yes, but I don’t recommend it because the bond holding the new tile is only as ...
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| Marble Tile Grout | 12/14/2007 |
Q: What kind of grout can I use with 12 x 12 polished marble tile? I am tiling a small bathroom. The ...
A: Any polished stone will require non sanded grout. This is for the simple reason that sand will ...
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| tile | 12/14/2007 |
Q: I am going to be laying tile in a kitchen that is the first room in the house. When you walk into ...
A: Wow, you’ve given a very tall order to yourself. I need more information to give you a somewhat ...
|
| marble tile grout flaking | 12/12/2007 |
Q: We purchased a new townhouse within the last year and the grout has been flaking and coming out to ...
A: You failed to tell me some very important items . The size of the grout joints, type of grout used, ...
|
| Tiling Dishwasher Area | 12/11/2007 |
Q: I'm trying to figure out if I have to do anything special when tiling the area underneath a ...
A: There are two schools of thought on this one. THE First school is to install the Ditra,tile the ...
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| installing tile on second floor | 12/8/2007 |
Q: We are remodeling a 25 year old house. There was an additional room built over the garage years ago ...
A: Talk with the code enforcement officer in your town or city. I can’t believe it won’t support the ...
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| glazed porcelain tile on basement concrete | 12/7/2007 |
Q: I have "layed out" my tile in a basement bedroom and let the tiles sit for awhile against the ...
A: Some moisture can be inherent in a concrete slab. Excess is a problem. From what you are describing, ...
|
| New floors... | 12/6/2007 |
Q: I am looking to put new floors into my place. I measured the width x length and have a rough ...
A: In answer to your original question, yes I think you probably could do the job. In response to the ...
|
| Installing travertine over ceramic tile | 12/6/2007 |
Q: I hired a contractor to install travertine over tile in two bathrooms. The travertine keeps coming ...
A: From what you have described, indicates why I am not in favor of installing tile over tile, even ...
|
| Carpet to tile | 12/5/2007 |
Q: What is your opinion on safetstrip for carpet to tile? Thanks, Hank
A: The first I heard of "Safe t strip" was in your question. I did go to their site and it seems that ...
|
| Tiling over existing hardwood floors | 12/4/2007 |
Q: I plan on tiling over my original hardwood floors. The floors are 40 years old and nailed to ...
A: Let’s start with the fact of installing Hardibacker or any cement backer board directly over ...
|
| waterproofing 4 tile decks | 12/4/2007 |
Q: Was doing a google on waterproofing and saw your answer to the tile deck waterproofing ...
A: I have a tendency not to send people to the TCNA as they are simply the Secretariat for ANSI ...
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| sub-floor / underlayment | 12/3/2007 |
Q: Jim, I'm laying marble and have verified my joist spacing and span give me L/720 or less deflection. ...
A: I’d put ½” EGP Plywood installed per standards followed by Ditra made by Schluter Systems and the ...
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| How and When to Handle Baseboard Prep | 12/3/2007 |
Q: Jim, I'm back again already! I wrote you about removing the mud base and tile in my foyer and ...
A: Jerry, 1. Talk to a cabinet maker or finish carpenter in your area. 2. You have to remove the base ...
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| groutless tile | 12/1/2007 |
Q: I am buildng a deck with a 16 x 18 ft room that I wanted to tile. I have heard of a groutless, ...
A: There cannot be a groutless tile system because how do you keep the debris from entering. There is ...
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| How and When to Handle Baseboard Prep | 12/1/2007 |
Q: Jim, I'm back again already! I wrote you about removing the mud base and tile in my foyer and ...
A: Jerry, When you pull the nails out through the back, throw them away. Do you have a air gun that is ...
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| How and When to Handle Baseboard Prep | 11/30/2007 |
Q: Jim, I'm back again already! I wrote you about removing the mud base and tile in my foyer and ...
A: Welcome back Jerry, The baseboards really need to come off. I know, there’s a chance they can get ...
|
| ceramic tile over luan | 11/29/2007 |
Q: Jim the situation I have is a home built in the mid 50's the sub flooring consists of 3/4" x 6" t & ...
A: Let’s start with the Lauan plywood. All cement and adhesives manufacturers advise against using ...
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| Multi-Room Ceramic Tile Job | 11/28/2007 |
Q: I’ve read what seems to be a countless number of the questions that have been sent to you and Perry ...
A: Jerry, I did use a roller at one time, in fact it was a 100 lb’er. The top guy from the technical ...
|
| tile marker | 11/28/2007 |
Q: What can I use to mark a straight line on ceramic tile before running it thru my wet saw (free hand ...
A: Normally I use a pencil made by Staedtler. It is Omnichrom 108. It is a water-soluble colored ...
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| White ceramic tile | 11/27/2007 |
Q: About 8 years ago, my husband redid our shower with all white ceramic 4x4 tiles. The tiles on the ...
A: The wall tiles are Ok since they don't get the amount of water on them as do the floor tiles. I have ...
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| Multi-Room Ceramic Tile Job | 11/26/2007 |
Q: I’ve read what seems to be a countless number of the questions that have been sent to you and Perry ...
A: I commend you for doing your homework and being extremely thorough in the descriptions of the ...
|
| Smelly grout seal | 11/26/2007 |
Q: I used a product containing petroleum distillate called "Tile Pro - Speed seal", which was several ...
A: I don’t recognize the brand name of the sealer. I suggest calling the manufacturer direct and ...
|
| travertine tile | 11/25/2007 |
Q: a couple of ? first this house has a real nice wood floor about 2 1/2 in strips and on an angle of a ...
A: To answer your first question, it depends on the type of crack. Is it a control joint or one that ...
|
| Water proof tile deck | 11/25/2007 |
Q: I am building a new home and want to create a waterproof deck (out door living room below the deck) ...
A: Randy Hi Randy, In general terms, what you have described will work. However there are many details ...
|
| installing marble tile over ceramic tile | 11/24/2007 |
Q: I plan to install carrera marble tiles (12x12) over my dated ceramic tiled bathroom floor. The ...
A: The most important thing to do is clean the floor and be sure to rinse it several times to remove ...
|
| Setting 1/4" decorative tile atop one another to match Satillo tile | 11/22/2007 |
Q: Jim. I'm laying saltillo tile and want to incorporate some talavera tile as insets. Problem: they ...
A: You are thing outside the box! I can’t say it will or won’t work for several reasons. One being I ...
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| Travertine Tile Backsplash - Grout Help Needed | 11/21/2007 |
Q: This weekend I am having a Travertine Tile (Noce color) backsplash installed. The tile has holes ...
A: Use non-sanded grout to fill the holes on the tile. If the joints will be 1/8”, use sanded grout. If ...
|
| Stain on vitrified floor tiles | 11/19/2007 |
Q: A long black thick line has been created on my drawing room floor. Happened when the interior ...
A: This is a problem that is not easily solved, especially without seeing it first hand. I have tried ...
|
| White ceramic tile | 11/19/2007 |
Q: About 8 years ago, my husband redid our shower with all white ceramic 4x4 tiles. The tiles on the ...
A: Sorry to hear about your problem. From your description of the 4 inch tiles sounds like they are the ...
|
| Travertine Installation in a bathroom including Shower Floors and Walls | 11/18/2007 |
Q: We are installing 18"x18" travertine tile in our bathroom floors, including the shower floor and ...
A: 1. Yes you can install travertine or any ceramic tile over an existing shower floor. That’s the ...
|
| Granite Tile Installation | 11/17/2007 |
Q: I am looking at installing granite on the floor of an elevator. How thin of a tile do you think I ...
A: We need to clarify a few things. I misread your original question. I thought you wanted to know the ...
|
| grout removal | 11/17/2007 |
Q: the tile installer left a huge mess of excess grout at the joints . it appears he did not wipe up ...
A: The first thing to do is stop payment. If the installer is an independent, then complain directly to ...
|
| Granite Tile Installation | 11/16/2007 |
Q: I am looking at installing granite on the floor of an elevator. How thin of a tile do you think I ...
A: Granite tiles are usually 3/8” in thickness. Since you mentioned the use of epoxy as a setting bed, ...
|
| flooring | 11/13/2007 |
Q: I have a 100 yr old house with oak flooring in most of the house and want to install pex tubing ...
A: Your questions raise some very important issues that I cannot answer. Actually, I don't think anyone ...
|
| Drilling a hole in tile | 11/10/2007 |
Q: What do you use to drill a 1/4" hole in Noce Roman Stone Ceramic Tile? I have tried carbide tip ...
A: I only use diamond drill bits for today’s hard and dense porcelains. Try Midwest Trade tool or ...
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| Porcelain Tile Installation on Kitchen Floor that has a "crown" | 11/9/2007 |
Q: I am getting ready to install 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 Impronta Italgraniti porcelain tile on my kitchen ...
A: This helps me tremendously in being able to visualize the situation at hand and thus give you ...
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| bathroom tile | 11/9/2007 |
Q: Can you tile over a fiberglass tub/shower surround or do we have to take out the surround first and ...
A: The fiberglass surround will not support ceramic tile. The main reason is the fiberglass surround ...
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| selecting the correct tile size | 11/8/2007 |
Q: Can you provide me with guidelines of what porcelain tile size I should select based on room size?
A: To the best of my knowledge there are no set rules for tile size based on room size. I have ...
|
| TILE OVER RADIANT HEAT | 11/7/2007 |
Q: I have a new 20x35 addition in which I would like to install tile on the floor. The floor consists ...
A: Congratulations on choosing radiant heat. There are many elements that will have to be incorporated ...
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| polishing travertine tile edge | 11/6/2007 |
Q: We are installing polished travertine tile in our shower. I was wondering is polishing the edge ...
A: Polishing the edges of the travertine can be accomplished by a DIY’er. The least expensive way is to ...
|
| Tile toe kick | 10/29/2007 |
Q: We have installed tile on our floor and would like to replace the ugly black rubber toe kicks under ...
A: I suggest applying a layer of ¼ in hardwood underlayment over the existing toe kicks and then ...
|
| ceramic tiling | 10/27/2007 |
Q: I recently took down a wall that seperated the family room and the kitchen. So now I have two rooms ...
A: Start by measuring the distance between parallel walls and use these as your starting points. Find ...
|
| Laying tile over irregular concrete sidewalk | 10/25/2007 |
Q: We had a concrete pour gone disastrously wrong (98 degrees, dry concrete, not enough manpower). Now ...
A: Caroline, Flat -vs- Level issue Yes you are correct in you understanding of the terms flat and ...
|
| Polished Porcelain Tile Floor | 10/24/2007 |
Q: My husband and I have just gotten a polished porcelain floor installed in our kitchen and foyer. ...
A: Your question presents a major dilemma. If they are indeed from metal, upon a closer look it will ...
|
| Tile color sealer and enhancer | 10/24/2007 |
Q: I recently tiled a shower stall and floor in a bathroom. I used 6x6 noce roman stone for the shower ...
A: Let’s start with the porcelain tile. Color enhancers will not work! You cannot change the glaze or ...
|
| epoxy grout | 10/22/2007 |
Q: We getting a shower enclosure and bath surround upgraded and the contractor says he wants to install ...
A: Epoxy grout is the closest thing to stain proof that modern man has invented. Notice I said CLOSEST ...
|
| difference in tile thickness ? | 10/22/2007 |
Q: I am adding a mosaic tile border to the tiles I just laid down. The 1"x2" mosaic tile sheets are ...
A: If you are going to build up the area for the mosaics, use a Cementitious product. The “white stuff” ...
|
| Laying tile over irregular concrete sidewalk | 10/21/2007 |
Q: We had a concrete pour gone disastrously wrong (98 degrees, dry concrete, not enough manpower). Now ...
A: It might be possible to use an uncoupling membrane and tile or stone. There are certain thing that ...
|
| tiling a fireplace surround and raised hearth | 10/21/2007 |
Q: My husband and I would like to cover our brick fireplace surrounds and raised hearths. We've laid ...
A: Most of the time when I’m resurfacing a brick fireplace, I skim the surface to make it smooth and ...
|
| replacing tile floors (follow up) | 10/20/2007 |
Q: I have tile floors that I want to replace and I want to know if I need to remove old tile or can we ...
A: I can visualize this now. The tile can be removed with a electric hammer made for such a task. These ...
|
| replacing tile floors | 10/19/2007 |
Q: I have tile floors that I want to replace and I want to know if I need to remove old tile or can we ...
A: Robyn thanks for getting back to me. Does this room have a closet or is there someplace out of the ...
|
| replacing tile floors | 10/19/2007 |
Q: I have tile floors that I want to replace and I want to know if I need to remove old tile or can we ...
A: I assume the old tile is ceramic and not vinyl or some other type of soft flooring. I also am ...
|
| travertine around pool | 10/18/2007 |
Q: We have new travertine (filled, smooth)around a pool in Hawaii and were told it could be roughed up. ...
A: I'm not sure what it is you want to do to the surface. From the fact that it is around a pool, i ...
|
| tile over ca=oncrete and linoleum | 10/17/2007 |
Q: in my basement there is a concrete floor. 25 years ago they laid linoleum on the concrete floor and ...
A: The standard answer according to industry standards is to remove the existing material and prepare ...
|
| floor grout | 10/16/2007 |
Q: should you expect floor grout to be coming out with two dogs that are labs, three adults and the ...
A: In answer to your question, no you shouldn't expect grout to be falling out of the joints. That's ...
|
| backer board with thinset on plywood | 10/7/2007 |
Q: when one lays backerboard on plywood with thinset, why does the water in the thinset not be absorbed ...
A: The plywood does in fact absorb some of the moisture from the thinset as does the cement board. ...
|
| Travertine tiles on shower ceiling | 10/6/2007 |
Q: I'm having an 8' x 4' shower tiled in 16"x 16" travertine tiles. The front of the shower is enclosed ...
A: Mold and mildew will not be prevented by the use of tile or stone. Maintenance will however help to ...
|
| water intrusion and ceramic tile | 10/4/2007 |
Q: we are a water mitigation company based in West Palm Beach Florida. My question today is the effect ...
A: Standing water generally will not affect ceramic tile, what will have a detrimental effect is how it ...
|
| Exterior tile application in cold weather | 10/4/2007 |
Q: I am an experienced interior tile setter, but am looking at my first exterior tile job (over painted ...
A: The manufacturers of thinset have set the temperature limits for installing the tiles. The low range ...
|
| Vitrified tile Issue cuurently faced by us. | 10/3/2007 |
Q: I have a query regarding stains appearing on the surface of vitrified tiles. Whenever we have ...
A: Unfortunately, without personally seeing the situation, I would have no answer for you. Have you ...
|
| ceramic tile | 10/3/2007 |
Q: I had a ceramic tile floor installed in march of 07 and in july of 07 there were some tiles that ...
A: Yes water can travel as much as 10 feet and beyond. Cement board is cement and does in fact wick ...
|
| natural ungauged slate tile used inside fire pit | 10/1/2007 |
Q: I BUILT A FIRE PIT ABOUT 2 1/2 FT IN DIAMETER AND USED SLATE TILE ON THE OUTSIDE, TOP & 1FT DOWN IN ...
A: You are very lucky that you or anyone else did not get injured. I do realize that there are ...
|
| installing ceramic tile | 9/30/2007 |
Q: I plan to install ceramic tile in a second-floor bathroom. To make the flooring match up with the ...
A: There is no easy yes or no to your question. I do understand what you are attempting to accomplish. ...
|
| Rug pads on travertine | 9/29/2007 |
Q: Will rug pads do any damage to travertine stone over time?
A: Yes rug pads can do damage if left in place for long periods of time. Those rugs that have a foam or ...
|
| travertine installation | 9/26/2007 |
Q: Jim, we are having 18" travertine stone installed in a 200 sq. ft. bedroom on a second floor in a ...
A: I’m not familiar with Duraflake strand board and did some research. What I found is that it is a ...
|
| stacked stone | 9/23/2007 |
Q: I have a new home being built and Id really like to have a stacked stone looking shower. What are ...
A: The term "Stacked stone" has me baffled. Lets assume you are referring to what is called wall stone. ...
|
| Flagstone pad under wood stove | 9/22/2007 |
Q: we have a cement pad under our wood stove that is approx. 4'X4'. We have thin Flagstone to cover it ...
A: You failed to mention if they are all the same size. If they are the same size and honed then it is ...
|
| CERAMIC TILE OVER CONCRETE | 9/21/2007 |
Q: My utility room is about 10 x 12. It is a reddish/brown color. It is in in good shape, no gouges or ...
A: In my opinion, with the present condition of the floor, I'd be tempted to leave it as is. By having ...
|
| durock floor tiles | 9/19/2007 |
Q: I was watching holmes on homes on t.v. the other day. They installed a new flooring product called ...
A: The only product I am familiar with that has the same name of Durock is a cement backer board that ...
|
| porecelain tiles failing? | 9/18/2007 |
Q: We completed a major renovation of our home about 6 months ago. No structural changes were made. ...
A: Jelena, In order to help you I need specifics of the project. Size of joists, length of unsupported ...
|
| Mosaic tile over sheet vinyl | 9/17/2007 |
Q: I have a 5x7 basement bathroom which has vinyl glued directly to concrete slab (no cushion or vapor ...
A: I don’t recommend going directly over vinyl. There are two means of removal for the vinyl. The first ...
|
| tiles on levelcrete | 9/8/2007 |
Q: We are doing renovations and had a handyman do some work. He put something called Level Crete down ...
A: I found 2 data sheets for a product called Levelcrete. There are two different companies for the ...
|
| granite floor/thinset drying time | 9/8/2007 |
Q: We have laid a 9 x 12 area with granite 12 inch square tiles. Where the hardibacker boards were ...
A: The versabond is the type of thinset that uses water as the catalyst in curing. When water is ...
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| installation of porclean tiles on cracked and uneven cement floor, outdoor area | 9/7/2007 |
Q: I have 35 sq.m. of outdoor multi used area in front of our semi house. This area is used for walked ...
A: In terms of making the area flat, I mean to bring it to within 1/16” in 12’ or 1.58mm in 30.48cm. ...
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| granite floor/thinset drying time | 9/7/2007 |
Q: We have laid a 9 x 12 area with granite 12 inch square tiles. Where the hardibacker boards were ...
A: Does the Hardibacker have thinset under the board? What type of thinset did you use for the tiles ...
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| Ceramic Tile over asbetos mastic | 9/6/2007 |
Q: We are in the process of remodeling a house to sell it. We started pulling up cheap stick on vinyl ...
A: If you are describing what I believe you are, then the black glue is not asbestos laden. It actually ...
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| installing travertine | 9/5/2007 |
Q: I am getting ready to install 20" travertine tiles with a 16th" grout line throughout my friends ...
A: 20” Travertine or anything that big will require a FLAT surface. The standards for such a surface ...
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| installation of porclean tiles on cracked and uneven cement floor, outdoor area | 9/5/2007 |
Q: I have 35 sq.m. of outdoor multi used area in front of our semi house. This area is used for walked ...
A: Question #1 can best be answered by a local expert. This person will have to see the condition of ...
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| Outdoor travertine tile | 9/4/2007 |
Q: We just bought a 4x12 inch tile which we plan to install in our patio. The area we are tiling is ...
A: Franklin, Thanks for getting back to me. The polymer sand you are referring to is the grout. Even ...
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| Outdoor travertine tile | 9/4/2007 |
Q: We just bought a 4x12 inch tile which we plan to install in our patio. The area we are tiling is ...
A: Let's see if I understand this correctly. Is the tile a ceramic or porcelain tile? Are you proposing ...
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| My travertine bathroom floor is cracking up!? | 9/3/2007 |
Q: My contractor installed two bathroom floors for me with 12" X 12" Travertine. He has a 3/4" Sheet ...
A: Chris, does the floor have to be level? Flat is the only requirement. 1.5” is OK considering 1 ...
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| Tile over concrete slab | 9/2/2007 |
Q: The finished basement in my 10 year old home (1/2 underground basement)recently flooded with 3" of ...
A: Kevin, The concrete will have to have the sealers removed, otherwise the thinset will not bond. A ...
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| uneven tile | 9/2/2007 |
Q: just put in tile in kitchen, dinning room, 2 halls dinning room is great so is one hall. but the ...
A: Peggy, is it tile or stone? If stone and unsanded grout was used, then it could be ground by a ...
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| My travertine bathroom floor is cracking up!? | 8/31/2007 |
Q: My contractor installed two bathroom floors for me with 12" X 12" Travertine. He has a 3/4" Sheet ...
A: This is going to be long, so bear with me. Everything I’m telling is in very general terms since I ...
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| EPDM and tile installation | 8/30/2007 |
Q: Jim, your response to another regarding the incompatibility of Mortar and EPDM was exactly the info ...
A: Kevin, You have asked a great question! EPDM when used as a wall doesn't come into the same amount ...
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| Remodeling stand up shower | 8/29/2007 |
Q: "Hi Jim, I am currently getting bids to redo my upstairs master bathroom stand up shower (there is ...
A: It sounds like you have been handed half truths and myths. This can be a long dissertation in the ...
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| Cutting openings in marble tile | 8/28/2007 |
Q: Can you tell me the best method to cut out the openings for electrical outlets and holes for ...
A: Steve, Mark the tiles for the outlet etc. I use a dry diamond blade on a Rotozip to cut through the ...
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| Confusion in Laying Vertified tiles or Marbles | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I am from India, I am currently constructing a new house and I am in a dilemma whether to go for ...
A: Vitreous tile and marble are far apart on the scale that it is very hard to compare the items. But ...
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| tumbled tile | 8/25/2007 |
Q: We are redoing our bath and are putting 18x18 travertine tiles on the wall but wanted an accent, a ...
A: That's a new one on me. I suppose it is possible to stain the stone, but just how it holds up to the ...
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| installing slate on an outside porch | 8/24/2007 |
Q: I would like to install slate on both my front and back porch. Both are concrete. I live in Illinois ...
A: You have every reason to be concerned about the weather and tile. First, is there a pitch on the ...
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| travertine installation guidelines | 8/24/2007 |
Q: I am getting ready to install some 18" x 18" x 1/2" travertine tiles in the entry way and the master ...
A: 18" of any type of tile, either stone or ceramic, requires a FLAT surface for the the to be applied ...
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| Travertine Install | 8/23/2007 |
Q: We hired a crew to lay 18-by-18 travertine tile, they used 1/8 spacers, and prepared the floors by ...
A: Debbie, The "toe kickers" you are referring to are actually "lippage". This is when there is a ...
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| laying a slate tile floor over vinyl | 8/22/2007 |
Q: I am going to lay a slate tile floor in my kitchen. There is currently vinyl flooring in the ...
A: Matt, Make the floor flat. To make the floor level could cause problems with height restrictions. ...
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| laying a slate tile floor over vinyl | 8/21/2007 |
Q: I am going to lay a slate tile floor in my kitchen. There is currently vinyl flooring in the ...
A: Let's start with the fact that you can install the tiles over the vinyl as there are thinsets made ...
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| size and type of joint for a shopping centre | 8/20/2007 |
Q: What size, frequency and type of joint would you recommend in a high-traffic zone (shopping center ...
A: I'm surprised that the architect or designer for the shopping mall have not specified them. Most ...
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| Stained Grout Under Toilet | 8/10/2007 |
Q: my grout is badly stained blue from my use of the blue tablets you drop into your toilet tank to ...
A: The following is from the Tile Council Of North America: "Cementitious grout, as you may have ...
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| tile around fireplace | 8/9/2007 |
Q: What is the purpose of grout and grout lines. Can I install tile around a fireplace without grout ...
A: Grout is a joint filler period. Because they are modular in size there will always be joints. The ...
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| Stained Grout Under Toilet | 8/9/2007 |
Q: my grout is badly stained blue from my use of the blue tablets you drop into your toilet tank to ...
A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Stains are very difficult to remove from cement grout. I assume ...
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| holes in travertine | 7/31/2007 |
Q: Seven months ago I had approximately 1500 sq. ft of 24x24 filled and honed polished travertine ...
A: Katherine, sorry to hear about your problem with the travertine. Cracked tiles are NOT to be ...
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| New grout, old tile | 7/30/2007 |
Q: I was called in by a customer that had deteriorated grout in a shower pan, the tile is cultured ...
A: It sounds like the slab is holding water. This could be from the weep holes being plugged or not ...
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| subflooring | 7/30/2007 |
Q: i want to install ceramic or Porcelain tiles in my small galley kitchen. i removed the old laminate ...
A: The total thickness should be 1-1/8". The best thing to do is to investigate the existing conditions ...
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| Tumbled Marble Tile | 7/29/2007 |
Q: We are considering installing Tumbled Marble tile in the tub/shower enclosure in the bathroom we are ...
A: Good Morning Gabrielle, Installing tumbled marble isn't any different than working with most stone ...
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| numb thumb and finger | 7/27/2007 |
Q: my hand feels like it is asleep every since i layed my new tile floor in the living room is it ...
A: Martin, there is nothing in the thinset that would cause you to loose the feeling in your thumb and ...
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| Installing Porcelin floor tiles | 7/25/2007 |
Q: I have hired an installer and I bought the tiles. The installation quote includes the installation ...
A: I think what you are getting for info is 1/2 tainted with people meaning to be helpful and adding ...
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| honed travertine & tumbled marble fill & seal | 7/23/2007 |
Q: Should I seal the honed travertine and tumbled marble before I fill it? As I understand it, the ...
A: Good Morning Mary, Fill the holes prior to install on the top surface only. When that is cured, seal ...
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| "Hump" in floor already tiled | 7/23/2007 |
Q: We added a room on and the contractor did not leave an even joint where the two rooms join. This ...
A: Janie, Good Morning. I'm having a hard time picturing this area. So lets do the 20 question thing. ...
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| white polished marble tiles | 7/21/2007 |
Q: Brand new installation of the above, floor & wall. Perfect looking,,,sealed two weeks later...HMK ...
A: Rhoda, when I said to contact the manufacturer direct, I was referring to the sealer manufacturer, ...
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| existing mud floor | 7/19/2007 |
Q: We are redoing our kitchen and have a 30 year old floor with over an inch of mud underneath. Can I ...
A: you will need to get under the mud bed then pry. The mud bed is just laying there and not bonded to ...
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| existing mud floor | 7/19/2007 |
Q: We are redoing our kitchen and have a 30 year old floor with over an inch of mud underneath. Can I ...
A: Paul, you can do either providing the mud slab is still in good shape. I actually find it easier to ...
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| Laying ceramic tile upstairs | 7/18/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of removing all sheet vinyl and carpet upstairs and want to put ceramic tile ...
A: The particle board will have to be removed. Particle board is just wood fibers and glue that would ...
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| grout appearance gritty, no pigment | 7/18/2007 |
Q: Jim-some background: we have installed a 1-inch hexagon ceramic tile floor, using a white sanded ...
A: Robin, there should not have been a chemical reaction unless you had used a chemical cleaner in the ...
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| Laying ceramic tile upstairs | 7/17/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of removing all sheet vinyl and carpet upstairs and want to put ceramic tile ...
A: Diana, I will need more info before I can possibly help. 1./ What is your floor made up of? I ...
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| slate tile- protruding corner | 7/12/2007 |
Q: OK, hopefully you might have a good tip for me. I was feeling particularly ambitious one Sunday and ...
A: Good Afternoon Emily, Thank you for a great description of your project. I do have to disagree ...
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| Travertine Tile | 7/11/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am installing Travertine in both of my baths and would like to know if the Tile must be ...
A: Welcome back mike, I prefer the 1/16" grout joints and this will require non sanded grout. The 1/8" ...
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| Travertine Tile | 7/11/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am installing Travertine in both of my baths and would like to know if the Tile must be ...
A: Good morning Mike, Travertine like any stone should be sealed. There is a common misconception ...
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| ceramic tile in Hawaii | 7/9/2007 |
Q: I am going to pick out ceramic tile for my condo on Wednesday. I live in Waikiki and get the direct ...
A: Aloha Neva, I've always wanted to be able to say that to someone. There, now that that's out of my ...
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| Laying tile in Brick Pattern | 7/7/2007 |
Q: Howdy and thank you for your time!!!! We are getting ready to lay ceramic tile (13x13) and we want ...
A: Simply snap 2 chalk lines. The first will be for the center of the room and then offset half of the ...
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| Uneven Backerboard | 7/6/2007 |
Q: I read the post from the person who had installed cement backerboard unevenly, and the tiles ...
A: Good Morning Renee, Before the backer board is installed there are a number of items one has to ...
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| tile over painted brick | 7/3/2007 |
Q: I want to install tile over my painted brick fireplace - I've started sanding the paint off with a ...
A: Merrie, The more brick surface that is exposed, the more bonding surface you'll have. From what you ...
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| detecting loose tile | 7/3/2007 |
Q: We have a newly constructed home and some of the ceramic tile popped up and also had a lot of cracks ...
A: Good Morning Jennifer, There is so much to cover with your question. First let’s start with the ...
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| Installing travertine tile | 7/1/2007 |
Q: We layed 12*12 travertine floor tile in our laundry room floor. We used acrylpro ceramic tile ...
A: Nina, Sorry to hear about your problem. I pulled their Data Sheet and am sending a link for your ...
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| Floor waterproofing before tiling Bathroom | 6/30/2007 |
Q: We are renovating our bathroom in an old house. We have put 3/8 plywood screwed down on to the old ...
A: Mark I understand that you’re on a budget, but what you are proposing to do won’t work and here’s ...
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| repairing travertine | 6/28/2007 |
Q: I have had 90m of travertine installed on the ground floor of a renovated property. The existing ...
A: I have had 90m of travertine installed on the ground floor of a renovated property. The existing ...
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| slate tiles in bathroom | 6/26/2007 |
Q: I am in the process of remodeling a bathroom. When choosing tile for the floor and shower walls, I ...
A: Anne, Your biggest concern is if the slate is of the soft and porous variety. These are not meant to ...
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| travertine tile, grout and caulking | 6/26/2007 |
Q: I am getting so confused trying to do research on travertine installation. I need help!!! ...
A: 1. That’s a new one on me, I didn’t know that epoxy grout was available in non- sanded”. Non sanded ...
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| porcelain tile | 6/23/2007 |
Q: when putting down the backer board , the ends lifted up to where the tile rocks when placed over the ...
A: Good Morning Tony, Thanks for sending the job info along with your question, as it helps me ...
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| flooring | 6/22/2007 |
Q: I'm almost ready to start the renovation of my restaurant. my question is about the floor tile.in ...
A: I cannot answer your question because I don’t know where in the country you live and I’m not ...
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| Wine stain in Tile grout | 6/20/2007 |
Q: Jim, We recently had a red wine spill on our Travertine tile floor. The wine ran along the tile ...
A: Dave, I have good news and bad news. The bad first. Because you have a stone floor, you don't want ...
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| installing traventine | 6/19/2007 |
Q: my home is only 4 years old and i have linoleom on the floor now. should it pull up the linoleum to ...
A: Travertine is a very pretty stone and costly. I can answer your question regarding linoleum. Remove ...
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| Grout Discoloring | 6/18/2007 |
Q: I just had my old tile ripped up and brand new glazed porcelain tile (Emzer Antica Venezia- ...
A: From your description of the grout it sounds like any one of many things could have caused this. ...
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| travertine tile installation | 6/17/2007 |
Q: six years ago when I had a new shower built,I bought two boxes extra of polished travertine tile. ...
A: sorry to hear about the shower leaking. I'm having difficulty understanding a few things. A ...
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| Exposed slate tile instalation | 6/16/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am building a tiled flower box/fountain to border my patio, and am using slate tile from ...
A: Chris, the planter sounds great! First, I assume the slate will be bonded to something that actually ...
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| Hollow sounding ceramic tile | 6/13/2007 |
Q: Jim, We have just purchased a new home in a planned community and everything is great but there is ...
A: A hollow sounding tile is not good, it could be a sign of future problems, and it can also be ...
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| porcelain vs. ceramic floor tile | 6/12/2007 |
Q: I am having ceramic tile installed in my partly finished basement. It is slightly moist down there ...
A: Good Morning Carol, I’m impressed with your knowledge of the absorption rates of Impervious, ...
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| Cleaning Tile After Grout is Dry | 6/11/2007 |
Q: Jim, my wife and I had our sons entire house tiled because of my grand daughter medical problem. ...
A: Bill, Without physically seeing the installation and not taking a sample to be tested, it is ...
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| tile job | 6/10/2007 |
Q: I have a question and it may seem miniscule but I am sure you have an answer. I am doing a tile job ...
A: Good Morning Jon, The proper way to finish the transition you describe is to remove the tack strip, ...
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| Removing Tile Under Cabinets | 6/9/2007 |
Q: We would like to replace our tile floor in the kitchen, however, we have discovered that it was ...
A: Good Morning Jennifer, The first item to consider is the condition of the existing floor. You said ...
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| Porcelain tile | 6/5/2007 |
Q: I have just had Italian porcelain tile installed in my home, minus the bedrooms. The installation ...
A: It is better to clean grout with an alkaline cleaner (Spic and Span, Mr. Clean, etc.) than an acid ...
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| installing saltillo tile over VCT on slab | 6/3/2007 |
Q: We have a playroom floor that is commercial Vinyl Composition Tile (12x12) over a concrete slab. ...
A: Ben, Let me start with the simple answer to your question and then continue on from there with my ...
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| re-grouting a shower floor | 5/30/2007 |
Q: My Parents have an old shower floor that has had two grout lines caulked in the past. Can I remove ...
A: You can make it easier on yourself by buying a grout saw at a big box store. These have carbide grit ...
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| Follow up question about liquid on ceramic tile | 5/25/2007 |
Q: Jim, What type of "someone" should we call to come to the house? I don't even know what kind of ...
A: Miriam, Thanks for the follow up. I'm thinking a private lab that will do testing for construction ...
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| Ceramic Tile | 5/22/2007 |
Q: I would like to install ceramic tile in my kitchen. Unfortunately when my house was built the floor ...
A: Vern, Thanks for the response. In the interest of saving myself a lot of typing, I highly recommend ...
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| tile installation | 5/20/2007 |
Q: I want to lay tile in a basement bathroom. It previously had linoleum which I pulled up but the ...
A: Kim, Purchase a razor blade type scraper at a big box store. These are usually in the paint aisle ...
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| Wet spots in grout from unknown source | 5/17/2007 |
Q: We have a ceramic tile floor laid over a cement slab in our sunroom. The room was an addition to ...
A: Miriam, you need someone to visit your home and evaluate the situation. My first thought was a water ...
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| Tile Grout | 5/16/2007 |
Q: I installed a tile floor in a bath. I put down hardie board and used a thin set mastic to attach ...
A: There can be many reasons for this to happen. You failed to mention the type of grout you purchased ...
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| Travertine Vs Ceramic | 5/14/2007 |
Q: I am thinking about installing travertine or ceramic tile in my house. We will be installing it ...
A: Diane, Ceramic is man made and is easily maintained while travertine is natural and has some ...
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| uneven backerboard joints | 5/13/2007 |
Q: We are installing ceramic floor tile and we put in cement backerboard. The joints are not even and ...
A: Some backer boards are wrapped with fiberglass mesh to keep it in one piece. So sanding is out of ...
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| Grout Color Selection | 5/12/2007 |
Q: I am getting a new backsplash in my kitchen. I am little confused about the grout color I should ...
A: The best way to select the grout is how you want the finished product to look. One color throughout ...
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| Floor for screened porch | 5/11/2007 |
Q: Our 18 year old screened in porch must have the sub floor and tile replaced. We live in upstate NY ...
A: Jeannine, 1. Any tile that is rated as frost proof. This includes Porcelain and MOST Quarries. 2and ...
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| dried grout on acrylic shower pan | 5/11/2007 |
Q: We just bought a house where it looks like the previous owner tiled the bathrooms themselves and did ...
A: Congratulations on your new home. Try a grout film remover. It also is for grout haze. This is ...
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| Proper travertine floor tile expectation | 5/11/2007 |
Q: We had 720 ft tiled in 18x18 sq edged travertine tiles from an installer who claimed to have much ...
A: I'm very glad to hear you have contacted your attorney. The maximum variation in a surface that is ...
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| Saltillo tile vs Ceramic tile | 5/11/2007 |
Q: I am making plans to put new flooring in my home (entry hallway, living room, kitchen, and a ...
A: Saltillo is a soft tile made from unprocessed clays. There can and often are deposits of lime in the ...
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| Tile Installation | 5/10/2007 |
Q: When I pulled up the old toilet, I realized the vinyl "tiles" around it were saturated with water ...
A: Most of these questions are difficult to answer because it depends on the individual company or ...
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| Concrete substrate prep | 5/10/2007 |
Q: I am installing 18x18 ceramic tile throughout the downstairs of my townhouse. My substrate is ...
A: Melanie, Nobleseal CIS is a very good product. If it was my floor, I'd do the whole floor. The ...
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| marble floor removal & salvage | 5/10/2007 |
Q: My sunroom, approx. 14 x 21 ft and constructed on a built-up slab, is paved with irregular flags of ...
A: Kim, I think you have all the tools you need. If you can dig a hole large enough to use a hammer and ...
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| Thinset drying slowly | 5/9/2007 |
Q: Three days ago I installed 12X12 honed travertine over wonderboard using the premixed Acrylic Pro ...
A: Craig, I searched Custom Building Products data sheets and found your problem. The data sheets say ...
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| Proper travertine floor tile expectation | 5/9/2007 |
Q: We had 720 ft tiled in 18x18 sq edged travertine tiles from an installer who claimed to have much ...
A: Laurel, Sorry to hear about you problem. Based on what you have described, it sounds like the floor ...
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| Travetine Tile Grout | 5/9/2007 |
Q: Good evening Jim, I have a question related to the grout. I am using travertine tiles in a ...
A: Welcome back Phil, Since you have large grout joints, you will have to use a sanded grout. To fill ...
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| removing floor granite for reuse | 5/9/2007 |
Q: I need to remove, withouth breaking, a 20x20 inch piece of 1/2 inch thick granite tile from the ...
A: Bill, I don't know any procedure to remove the slab without breaking. Here is a very long shot to ...
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| Travertine tile (18x18) installation | 5/8/2007 |
Q: We are getting quotes on installing 18x18 travertine tiles on a 27 year old concrete slab in ...
A: Nader, The list below starts with the best and works itself down from there. Price has not entered ...
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| travertine natural stone | 5/8/2007 |
Q: What type of thin set mortar to use for travertine natural stone, and if theres anything I need to ...
A: Marvin, Use what is called a "medium bed" mortar. This is usually made for stone. In order to answer ...
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| Travertine install | 5/7/2007 |
Q: I am planning to install 16 x 16 travertine on to my kitchen floor. Approx floor size is 150 sf. I ...
A: Michael, I'd go with the 3/4" plywood over the boards. The metal mesh is what's fondly called in the ...
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| chronic cracking grout!! | 5/7/2007 |
Q: we just reinstalled new grout on our ceramic tile floor last night. the first time we installed the ...
A: Sarah, sorry to hear about your problems with the kitchen floor. I've read and re-read the question ...
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| porch tile install; which underlay to choose | 5/7/2007 |
Q: I plan to lay slate tile on my covered screen porch. Subfloor is 3/4" OSB on 2x12 joists spaced 16" ...
A: Welcome Brice, Lets start with the fact that the deck will need to be pitched since it will get wet ...
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| grout | 5/7/2007 |
Q: I've gotten mixed answers on my question so I will ask an expert. I just put ceramic tile in my ...
A: Gary, Thanks for the compliment, but I'm not an expert. I just have a whole bunch of knowledge ...
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| Edge Tiling | 5/7/2007 |
Q: I was wondering what options there are for edge tiling (for example on a countertop where the top ...
A: Great question you have posed since this is a common problem today. There is a company that make ...
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| ceramic tile over tar paper over ? linoleum | 5/6/2007 |
Q: We are putting ceramic floor tile in a converted lanai (Florida) It looks like they had tar paper ...
A: Fran, The simple straight forward answer to your question is yes you can install tile over existing ...
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| travertine tile installation | 5/6/2007 |
Q: I have recently had a company in to tile my bathroom out they recommended a travertine tile 16 x 24 ...
A: Welcome Nick, The first thing I'd start with is have them back to correct the problem since you ...
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| Ceramic Tiling | 5/6/2007 |
Q: I have bought a unit built circa 1970. The floors are concrete laid with very small tiles. I believe ...
A: The straight forward answer is yes you can install over existing ceramic tile. It is a system that ...
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| can we lay tile floor over epoxy painted floor | 5/6/2007 |
Q: We plan to put ceramic tile down in the future on our slab cement floor house, but need a temporary ...
A: Welcome Rosalind, Lets start with the fact that I do not like the idea of idea of having another ...
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| Tumble Marble Pregrout before Sealing | 4/18/2007 |
Q: Please help I installed tumble marble on our backsplash. I grouted before sealing, how can I ...
A: Tom, I have bad news for you and unfortunately it doesn't get better. It will take a acid solution ...
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| ceramic floor tile | 4/18/2007 |
Q: I’m leaving for vacation tomorrow, but when I return I need to lay ceramic floor tile (8x8-inches or ...
A: Welcome Randy from MA, Good to see another New Englander here. I hope you survived our little storm ...
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| Travertine over terrazzo | 4/17/2007 |
Q: I have just bought travertine flooring for my home, and upon talking with a tech guy at the marble ...
A: Alan, I wouldn't do it either. I would use a uncoupling membrane on top of the terrazzo and the the ...
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| subfloor prep for tile installation | 4/17/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am planning on installing ceramic tile in the kitchen at our house. The existing floor is ...
A: Tim, I do see problems with what you are proposing. The simple solution is to remove the existing ...
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| travertine tile | 4/17/2007 |
Q: jim,i am installing travertine over a concret floor in a bathroom in my basement would like to know ...
A: Welcome John, If the tile is up to 12", then maximum variation is 1/4" in 10'-0". If the tiles are ...
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| grout on shower floor | 4/16/2007 |
Q: I installed tile and grouted our shower. No problems, except that on a 16 X 16 section on the floor ...
A: Sorry about the delay in responding, I can blame this on Ole Mother Nature and the good old fashion ...
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| travertine tile | 4/14/2007 |
Q: i am useing 12x12 travertine tile was wondering what the recomended grout joint size should be and ...
A: John, the size of the grout joint will be determined if the tile is tumbled and has a radius edge or ...
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| Travertine Flooring | 4/12/2007 |
Q: I have been looking at travertine for many months now, I love the look. I have had an extension ...
A: I'm confused about the asphalt on top of the concrete. Is this a liquid applied as in what we call ...
|
| Ceramic Tile cracks following an indoor flood | 4/12/2007 |
Q: We had a hot water flood from a faucet attachment that leaked down to the kitchen and basement. A ...
A: Roxanne, I question that the cracks are due to a substandard floor. Without seeing the situation, it ...
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| floor prep for tile | 4/11/2007 |
Q: I stumbled on this site and figured Id take advantage of your expertise since I have none! In the ...
A: Welcome back Tracy, Glad to hear your doing fine. I think I understand the problem. You will need to ...
|
| Installing tile outdoors | 4/9/2007 |
Q: I want to use ceramic 12X12 field tiles around my pool deck. The deck will be made of treated ...
A: Brenda, I apologize if I offended you. The terminology used "pressure treated and "wood decking",led ...
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| Installing tile outdoors | 4/8/2007 |
Q: I want to use ceramic 12X12 field tiles around my pool deck. The deck will be made of treated ...
A: Brenda, I understand loud and clear that you will tile! So with that in the forefront of my mind, ...
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| marble installation fees | 4/8/2007 |
Q: Jim - I have asked some marble installers to take on a side job wherein they would be installing 16" ...
A: Carl, Your installer is correct that the painted columns are not a good thing. I don't recommend the ...
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| Outdoor tile | 4/6/2007 |
Q: I had my deck tiled with a frostproof tile as we have extreme winter conditions. It was fine - ...
A: Patricia, I don't completely understand the situation. First the white chalky substance is most ...
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| marble installation fees | 4/5/2007 |
Q: Jim - I have asked some marble installers to take on a side job wherein they would be installing 16" ...
A: Good Morning Carl, Unfortunately there is no simple straightforward answer. I can say yes to all ...
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| Bathroom tile | 4/4/2007 |
Q: I have done some tile work before as a do-it-yourself home owner. I would like to do my bathroom ...
A: I noted the original floor was installed around 1950. This is where I make my math teacher proud. ...
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| Travertine Tile Installation | 4/4/2007 |
Q: We are going to lay travertine tile throughout the living room, hallway, dinning room and kitchen. ...
A: Ed, Sounds like you are well on your way to a new floor! Where the old thinset remains and is less ...
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| floor prep for tile | 4/4/2007 |
Q: I stumbled on this site and figured Id take advantage of your expertise since I have none! In the ...
A: Good Morning Tracy, Thank you for the accolades. I'll pass on some words of wisdom, The "tiling ...
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| tiling on a plywood floating floor | 4/3/2007 |
Q: Im about to lay 100 x 100 mm marble tiles on a ply floating floor small area 3 m2 . the ply is brand ...
A: I'm sorry but I am not familiar with a plywood floating floor. I can you with all certainty that ...
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| floor prep for tile | 4/3/2007 |
Q: I stumbled on this site and figured Id take advantage of your expertise since I have none! In the ...
A: Tracy, I'll try and answer in the order that you asked, OK. 1/ It will reduce not eliminate any ...
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| Grout Discoloration | 4/3/2007 |
Q: We had new ceramic tile installed last week. The grout chosen was a "Linen" color (med to light ...
A: Let me start with the statement provided by all grout manufacturers. "Notwithstanding an ...
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| floor prep for tile | 4/3/2007 |
Q: I stumbled on this site and figured Id take advantage of your expertise since I have none! In the ...
A: Tracy, Welcome and thanks for the concise question. I understand you wanting to use Travertine, as ...
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| Travertine | 4/2/2007 |
Q: I am installing travertine with a friend that has experience installing tile. Neither of us are ...
A: Mario, Thanks for the question. Don't butt the tiles up to each other. There has to be grout ...
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| Grout Preimeter Joints? | 4/2/2007 |
Q: My wife decided to take on the task of laying Tile while I was traveling for business. My mistake ...
A: Joey, The simple and straight answer to your question is to allow expansion on all perimeters of a ...
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| Depth of grout on travertine tile | 3/30/2007 |
Q: We have just had a travertine tile floor installed in our bath room. the spacing between tiles is ...
A: Jim, If the travertine has a cushion edge (slight bevel or indentation) then the grout should be at ...
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| Travertine Tile Installation | 3/29/2007 |
Q: I am installing 5,000 ft of travertine tile over a lightweight concrete slab on two floor with hot ...
A: Bernie, Since you are getting conflicting reports from different people, I strongly suggest to call ...
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| Getting Latex Paint off Grout | 3/28/2007 |
Q: My painter recently painted over the colored grout on our glazed porcelain tile. I found out by the ...
A: Kim, Try a razor blade to scrape the largest part of the drips. There is a product called Goo Gone ...
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| installing ceramic over particleboard floor underlayment | 3/28/2007 |
Q: I just removed carpet and am planning on laying 13 x 13 tiles -- there is a particleboard floor ...
A: Michelle, Thanks for the question. The simple answer is no you cannot tile directly to the particle ...
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| ceramic under kitchen cabinets | 3/28/2007 |
Q: Jim, we are about to replace our existing ceramic tile in our kitchen (with porcelian tile). The ...
A: Ed, I'd leave the tile under the cabinets. Use a cold chisel to break the tile away from the cabinet ...
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| saltillo tile | 3/27/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if I could install saltillo tile in my double wide mobile home?The subfloor is ...
A: Kimberly, I don't know how the mobile home is constructed. That is what are the framing members and ...
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| Grout on natural slate | 3/27/2007 |
Q: I made a rookie mistake and allowed grout to dry on my natural slate tile before clean-up. I'm ...
A: Jimmy, I understand the problem you face. We have all been there at one time or another. (we just ...
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| cracking grout | 3/23/2007 |
Q: Shortly after having 12" ceramic tile installed in kitchen, powder room & foyer, the grout began to ...
A: Karla, Sorry to hear about you problem. When you say the installer used 3/8" backerboard, I am ...
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| ceramic tile on vinyl or laminate | 3/23/2007 |
Q: Just bought an older house and the had vinyl on the floor in living room. I would like to put down ...
A: Stacy, If you remove the vinyl until you find a seam from the plywood, one could use a pry bar and ...
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| ceramic tile on vinyl or laminate | 3/23/2007 |
Q: Just bought an older house and the had vinyl on the floor in living room. I would like to put down ...
A: Stacy, The vinyl and board need to be removed. The condition of the concrete slab needs to be ...
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| slate over old tile | 3/22/2007 |
Q: I've been told i can just put a new floor over my old one as ripping the tile would be a huge task ...
A: Richard, As I've said in the past, I'm not a big fan of tiling over tile. The new tile is only as ...
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| Tile re-installation | 3/22/2007 |
Q: I spoke to you a while back about my marble tiles starting to discolor. I'm looking into redoing all ...
A: Rich, I'm not a huge fan of tile on tile. This simply The installation is only as good as what it is ...
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| Installing glass and subway tile | 3/22/2007 |
Q: I am doing a tile shower with 4x8 subway tile in the field with 1 x 1 glass tile accents bordering ...
A: Kris, I usually tile both sides of the glass tile area. Then spread some thinset in the glass area. ...
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| Travertine Tile Installation | 3/21/2007 |
Q: Good afternoon Jim, I've finally got my backerboard down and have sanded some high spots. I’ve ...
A: Phil, If that is all that's available, then it will have to do. I'd suggest to hold the trowel at a ...
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| tile preparations | 3/21/2007 |
Q: How do I prepare the shower floor for tiling. I just have the fraiming done and the drain is there. ...
A: I've attached a web site that should answer all your questions. There is so much to tell and these ...
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| Installing travertine on the bathroom walls | 3/16/2007 |
Q: I have some ½” travertine tile 9” x 9” and am planning on installing on the bathroom wall. I will be ...
A: Mike, I think I now understand. Your intention is to have the tile slide into the corner and have ...
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| Installing travertine on the bathroom walls | 3/15/2007 |
Q: I have some ½” travertine tile 9” x 9” and am planning on installing on the bathroom wall. I will be ...
A: Mike, Sorry about that. If you are removing 1/2" Sheetrock and replacing it with 1/2" cement board, ...
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| Installing travertine on the bathroom walls | 3/15/2007 |
Q: I have some ½” travertine tile 9” x 9” and am planning on installing on the bathroom wall. I will be ...
A: Mike, 1/4" backer board is for floors only. It has to be bedded in a layer of thinset and then ...
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| shower floor issues | 3/15/2007 |
Q: In your opinion, would this design that the builder has asked me to tile have any chance of ...
A: Ken, The simple straight honest answer to the question of it functioning properly without the liner ...
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| shower floor issues | 3/14/2007 |
Q: I Have a 2 part Question I hope you can answer. I am licensed tile contractor in Fla. with contracts ...
A: It sounds like you have what is called a "Eurobath" which is popular on the other side of the pond. ...
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| tile over old basement concrete floor. | 3/13/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am remodeling a 100 year old house and we are planning on tiling the basement floor which ...
A: Dan, Sounds like you have set quite a task for yourself. The problem with houses that old and older ...
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| Tile over slumpstone fireplace | 3/13/2007 |
Q: I want to tile over a fireplace made with "slumpstone" bricks. These are the concrete bricks that ...
A: Mike, A very unusual question to say the least. I think I can visualize the slumpstone bricks in my ...
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| tlie fireplace hearth | 3/10/2007 |
Q: What (if any) concerns are there for using slate or ceramic tile for a fireplace hearth and ...
A: Scott, I can't think of any concerns, so I mention the pros. It is fireproof,appealing,acts as a ...
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| Travertine Tile Installation | 3/8/2007 |
Q: Good afternoon Jim, I've finally got my backerboard down and have sanded some high spots. I’ve ...
A: Phil, I'll answer your questions in the same order as asked. If the cement board manufacturer ...
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| tile | 3/7/2007 |
Q: My son put ceramic tile over vinyl tile( covered the tile with 1/4 in. plywood) and the grout is ...
A: Joe, Sorry to hear about the tile problem. It sounds like there is too much movement in the floor. ...
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| Subfloor prep for ceramic tile | 2/26/2007 |
Q: I'm installing ceramic tile in my kitchen. Before installing tile, I need to install a plywood ...
A: Roger, When installing plywood as the underlayment leave 1/4" space around the perimeter of the ...
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| tiling over existing ceramic tile set on concrete | 2/19/2007 |
Q: I would like to retile my bathroom located on the second floor of my 1960's High Ranch. The existing ...
A: Is the existing tile floor showing any cracks or are there any loose tiles? Although it is not a ...
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| Existing Tile/Floor Support | 2/18/2007 |
Q: I moved into this house 3 yrs. ago. Ceramic Floor Tile was already in the kitchen. Problem now! ...
A: Gail, Sorry to hear about you problem. First, the 2x8 joists with a unsupported span of 13 ft. are ...
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| Cost | 2/18/2007 |
Q: does it cost more to lay travertine versus porcelain? my contractor says that it will cost 3k more ...
A: Sherry, Yes it does cost more to install travertine,or any stone, as compared to ceramic tile. The ...
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| Cerami tile to carpet transition | 2/16/2007 |
Q: Our flooring contractor installed a "shluter Schiene" transition strip instead of a "Reno-v" between ...
A: Chuck, The Schluter Schiene is used when both surfaces are at the same level or reasonably close. ...
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| Travertine installation | 2/15/2007 |
Q: We are having 600 sf of 18x18 noce honed & filled travertine installed on a slab. Please advise as ...
A: Vanessa, First, if there is a sealer on the slab it will need to be removed. Secondly, the dips in ...
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| Porcelain floor tile | 2/12/2007 |
Q: Is there a minimum thickness for floor tile? We have found the porcelain tile we like, bit it is ...
A: Ben, There is no standard stating a minimum thickness of tile. Tile is usually 1/4" to 5/16" thick. ...
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| tile in the winter | 2/11/2007 |
Q: What is the minimum temp. outside that you can tile a screened porch. Would the thinset be affected ...
A: Jim, The minimum temperature to do any tile installation is 50 degrees. That 50 degree is not the ...
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| denshield ?? | 2/10/2007 |
Q: Is denshield any good? I was wanting to use in a shower and it does not seem sturdy enough for a ...
A: Jim, I cannot answer the question because I have not used the product called Denshield. You have ...
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| Travertine Tile Installation | 2/8/2007 |
Q: It's not what I wanted to hear, but I do want a proper foundation before laying the tile. The ...
A: Phil, Your correct in the assumption of installing tile is the same. Use the North South method that ...
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| Reinstalling tile | 2/6/2007 |
Q: Ok, so there are several tile that are lifting, I've cleeaned and prepped all the flooring and ...
A: Yes it is necessary to remove all the old thinset from the back of the tiles. The reason is quite ...
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| floor prep and tile installation | 2/5/2007 |
Q: I asked Perry a question and he is on vacation for a follow up questions, so I was wondering if you ...
A: Laura, Remove the lino,1/2" plywood, etc. Take everything down to the floor boards. Repair any floor ...
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| Travertine Tile Installation | 2/5/2007 |
Q: After some thought I decided to move forward with my first tile project. The project consists of ...
A: Phil, The height difference is going to cause problems for you if not corrected. Lay a long straight ...
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| tile over cracked aesbestos tile? | 1/31/2007 |
Q: We had to remove carpeting in an area approximately 35 sq. ft. Underneath the carpeting that was ...
A: Stacy, Asbestos fibers become airborne when the surface is abraded or sanded. I don't recommend ...
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| Grout at edge of tile | 1/30/2007 |
Q: I'll look for that grout colored caulk, but if I don't fing it, white which will match the tub color ...
A: What type of thinset? Is it unmodified, or modified? If it is the type that you have mixed the ...
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| Grout at edge of tile | 1/29/2007 |
Q: My question is about grouting at the edge of a bathroom tile floor where it meets the wall and or ...
A: Andrew, I'm very glad to hear that you have the gap around the perimeter of the room. Since the ...
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| grout darkened after getting wet | 1/29/2007 |
Q: The grout does not go back to the original color after it dries. So, I have sections in the floor ...
A: I guess we have to play 20 questions. Is it a shower or tub ? How high up the wall is the darker ...
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| grout darkened after getting wet | 1/28/2007 |
Q: I have a new tile floor in the bathroom. The tile and grout was sealed. Some areas of the grout ...
A: Tamra, I understand about the grout getting darker when its wet, but does it go back to the original ...
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| silicone and/or grout in corners | 1/26/2007 |
Q: I have a customer who wants grout in the corners of their shower. I have told them that this will ...
A: James, The jury is still out on this hot topic. Grout or caulk inside corners. The official stand is ...
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| Concrete slab preparation for tile | 1/25/2007 |
Q: I recently ripped up about 80 sq ft. of old tile floor in the entrance way of an 1890 row house. ...
A: Jason, You could do a mud base and the the tile to be flush with the hardwood floor. The other ...
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| grout and bleach | 1/25/2007 |
Q: I work in a hospital as housekeeper. Some areas of the hospital have dirty grout in restrooms they ...
A: Lavonne, Acidic cleaners should never be used for routine cleaning! Products such as vinegar, ...
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| Installation of tiled shower stall | 1/24/2007 |
Q: I will certianly use this system. I have a followup question. I want to (after shower is complete) ...
A: Patrick, I'm confused when you say seamless, do you mean frame less? First check with your local ...
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| Installation of tiled shower stall | 1/24/2007 |
Q: I have a shower I am wanting to upgrade (do it yourself) by replacing the fiberglass insert with a ...
A: Patrick, Installing ceramic tile for a kitchen or bathroom floor is a good way to “cut your teeth” ...
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| Marble Tile Discoloration | 1/23/2007 |
Q: I had my bathroom remodeled in August of 06 using 12 x 12 Carrera tiles. You helped me recently by ...
A: Rich, From your description it sounds like minerals in the water. The following came from the ...
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| Tile Floor preparation | 1/22/2007 |
Q: I am replacing linoleum in my 50 sq ft bathroom with 12" square ceramic tile. Single story home age ...
A: Andrew, I’ll answer the questions in the order you asked them. 1. No. The reason is twofold; first ...
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| tile color | 1/20/2007 |
Q: I just tiled my bath and I don't like the grout color, can I make the grout darker someway?
A: First, the answer is yes it can be re-colored. One of the products is made by Aqua Mix and is an ...
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| Stripping a natural stone floor | 1/20/2007 |
Q: Since you responded so well to my last question. I thought I would ask you this first. Finally ...
A: Deanna, Thank you for the very kind compliment. Unfortunately I won’t be much help except to have ...
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| grout for shower | 1/19/2007 |
Q: Within 30 days after install the grout in the shower started to protrude out of the joints only ...
A: Ron, Mapei premixed grout is not to be used in wet areas. Actually anything premixed from any ...
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| tiling over lanolium | 1/16/2007 |
Q: My wife and I are going to tile the laundry room. There is enough room to tile over the existing ...
A: Ron, If it was my floor and I’m going to spend my families’ hard earned money, I'd spend it ...
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| travertine tile backsplash | 1/12/2007 |
Q: When grouting the 6" tiles, how should I treat the holes? I've read on some sites that I should ...
A: Try the web address for the grout release product. Its on the right side of the page as a link ...
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| ceramic tile | 1/11/2007 |
Q: Yes, what is the grid system and how is it used? Also what is the laser system? ThanksOn ...
A: Joe, The grid system is simply to snap lines in a grid. If you are using 12" tiles then snap a grid ...
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| ceramic tile | 1/11/2007 |
Q: On installing ceramic tile(12in floor) I noticed that the corners of every tile are perfectly square ...
A: Joe, I think the trick is the rubber crosses. If they are the ones I'm thinking of, then they are ...
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| Travertine instalation | 1/10/2007 |
Q: My wife has volunteered me to install a traverine floor in our kitchen. My only tile experience is ...
A: Bob, I'll attempt to answer your questions in the same order as presented for clarity. #1 Grout ...
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| resetting loose tiles | 1/10/2007 |
Q: eleven years ago I replaced the tile floor in my bathroom. It was a mud job but cracked badly. I ...
A: Brian, A hand grinder with a diamond cup wheel will make short work of the removal. Remember it is ...
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| installing toilet flange on top of travertine tile | 1/10/2007 |
Q: I just installed a new travertine floor and my tile cuts were sized to the floor opening, not the ...
A: Michael, Travertine is a soft stone, so you can use a carbide masonry bit of the correct diameter. ...
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| Crackle tile | 1/9/2007 |
Q: Do you recommend installing crackle tiles (Sonoma Tilemakers, Wesminster Ceramics) in a shower wall? ...
A: Yes I have seen it happen, I believe it was only once though. I understand the manufacturers have ...
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| travertine countertop | 1/7/2007 |
Q: I am setting 18x18 1/2" thick filled travertine tile on a bathroom countertop. When applying the ...
A: Erik, When you say "mastic" I hope it is a generic term that you are using. Mastic is a premixed ...
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| marble flooring | 1/6/2007 |
Q: I am wanting to put marble tiles in my kitchen and breakfast area. I have a large island in the ...
A: If the marble tiles are honed or polished then they should have a grout joint of 1/16". If it is a ...
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| tile in the bathroom | 1/5/2007 |
Q: I have just installed tile in my bathroom and have wood trim where the walls meet the tile. I am ...
A: Perfect timing on your part, as I was sitting here pondering that very same question. "Which adult ...
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| Ceramic Tile Sealant | 1/5/2007 |
Q: I do not want grout in the "pock marks" in the tile. Is grout release the same as grout/tile ...
A: Diane, Since you do not want the grout to remain in the holes or depressions, it seems to me that ...
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| underlayment | 1/5/2007 |
Q: Jim, Thank you very much for your reply. I’d appreciate your consideration of some additional ...
A: Mike, The best direction from this point is to go to the individual manufacturers for their ...
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| Ceramic Tile Sealant | 1/4/2007 |
Q: Is it necessary to seal the tile before installing the grout or can I just seal in the tile and ...
A: Diane, If you have a glazed tile with a smooth finish, then it is not necessary to seal before ...
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| underlayment | 1/4/2007 |
Q: I am involved in a historic restoration project as an owner's representative. Included in the scope ...
A: Mike, The simple answer is to remove the existing hardwood strip flooring down to the subfloor. ...
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| TRAVERTINE FLOOR DISASTER | 1/3/2007 |
Q: I JUST HAD 18X18 TRAVERTINE TILES INSTALLED IN MY KITCHEN. THE INSTALLER WAS NOT EXPERIENCED WITH ...
A: Rick, Very sorry to hear about your disaster. Without seeing it myself,I can tell you most stone ...
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| OUTSIDE CERAMIC TILE | 1/2/2007 |
Q: MY SIDEWALK HAS EXPANTION GAPS , DO I COVER THEM WITH MY THIN SET AND LAY THE TILE OVER THE GAPS OR ...
A: Jay, Do not tile over the expansion or control joints. These are there for the sole purpose of ...
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| installing tile in upstairs bathroom | 1/2/2007 |
Q: I need some suggestions how to install tile in the masterbedroom bathroom that is located upstairs. ...
A: Mark, There is so much info missing to this question that it will be difficult to answer. So, with ...
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| Flooring material selection | 1/2/2007 |
Q: I am in a fix about selection of flooring material for my apartment, need to make a selection ...
A: Sanal, If your choice is marble, then pick a harder and denser stone. Either a marble or a tile are ...
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| Caulking marble tiles | 1/1/2007 |
Q: What about keeping the caulk clean. Will silicone still be better than latex? What should I use to ...
A: Silicone is a better product over latex caulk since it doesn't re emulsify and is not a food for ...
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| Tile | 1/1/2007 |
Q: Jim, My wife and I are considering tile in our bathrooms but we are concerned about the how to ...
A: Jason, the stuff in between the tiles is called grout. The most common type is cement based. A ...
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| Comparison of Marble & Vitrified tiles | 1/1/2007 |
Q: Sir, by strength i mean to say that if the installation quality/workmanship is same than how ...
A: Pawan, Thanks for clarifying your two previous questions. As far as surviving an impact, my guess is ...
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| Caulking marble tiles | 1/1/2007 |
Q: I had my bathroom remodeled about 5 months ago. I used 12x12 marble tiles. The grout between the ...
A: First, the tile mechanic is correct regarding the caulking being used between the tub and the first ...
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| discoloration in newly installed grout | 12/29/2006 |
Q: I will try to answer your questions the best I can as we had a contractor install the floor. The ...
A: Cliff, The new info starts to narrow it down. Acrylpro is a premixed adhesive. The data sheet states ...
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| Retiling Bathroom Floor | 12/29/2006 |
Q: My wife wants to retile the bathroom. I'm just looking for an idea of what I'm letting myself in ...
A: Chris, The question is a very hard one to answer. Everything depends on how well the old floor was ...
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| subfloor question | 12/29/2006 |
Q: We are having our ceramic tile floor in the kitchen ripped out because of cracking. The pattern ...
A: Rhea, pay attention to the details of how your old floor was installed as this will tell you what ...
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| Comparison of Marble & Vitrified tiles | 12/27/2006 |
Q: How do you compare marble & vitrified tiles in terms of beauty, strength (w.r.t. falling articles as ...
A: Pawan, You have posed some very good questions. This would take several chapters to answer in a ...
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| travertine floor | 12/22/2006 |
Q: I'm going to be installing a honed travertine floor in my kitchen. when are you suppose to seal it? ...
A: You seal the stone prior to grouting and again after the grout has cured, sealing everything. ...
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| Installing travertine tile | 12/22/2006 |
Q: Well Jim...I have made my decision. Thanks for the assistance. I have demoed the narrow oak strip ...
A: Kelly, I'm very glad that things are working out for you. One item to consider, which you probably ...
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| ceramic tile to existing carpet | 12/21/2006 |
Q: We just had our carpet replaced in master bath with ceramic tiles. It looks great except at the ...
A: Kay, Is the tile higher than the carpet? When this happens then depending on the height difference, ...
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| Installing travertine tile | 12/21/2006 |
Q: Jim: Thanks for the detailed information. I do appreciate it. Just a couple more points: There ...
A: Kelly, Thanks for the reply, it is much appreciated. I will attempt to answer in the order it was ...
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| Installing travertine tile | 12/20/2006 |
Q: Jim: I am getting ready to install a 12x12 travertine tile (about 65-70 sqft) in a bathroom. I ...
A: Kelly, lets start with your 3/4" white oak. This is a very big no no. Tile or stone cannot go over ...
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| overlaying glazed ceramic tile | 12/20/2006 |
Q: the floor had no sealer, it was bull floated smooth with no crack, sinking, or recessed pockets. It ...
A: Ron, There is no "rule" book to quote from regarding which thinset to use. Only the manufacturer ...
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| overlaying glazed ceramic tile | 12/19/2006 |
Q: We recently hired a chain store to do a tile install with glazed ceramic tile 2x2 inch gold dust ...
A: Ron, sorry to hear about your problem. Simple answer is, no it is not a common practice!!!!! First, ...
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| flooring | 12/19/2006 |
Q: i am shilpa agarwal from India & a fresher in the field of interior designing. i would like to know ...
A: Shilpa, My expertise is in the mechanics of installing the stone or tile. Unfortunately, this also ...
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| Subfloor materials | 12/17/2006 |
Q: My husbad is installling 18" porcelain tile and wants to know if he can install 1/2" backerboard ...
A: In order to answer your question, I'll need more info. 1.---Total thickness of the existing ...
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| tiling | 12/15/2006 |
Q: Jim. I forgot to ask, he did not seal grout! I know enough that it needs to be sealed or stains and ...
A: Yes the floor should be sealed. If the sealing was part of the quote or contract, then He needs to ...
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| foyer flooring | 12/15/2006 |
Q: i have some not so attractive ceramic tiling from the 70s in my foyer. i want to replace it. given ...
A: Let's address your concern regarding slipping and dropping stuff on the tiles. These are valid ...
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| tiling | 12/15/2006 |
Q: had new floor done by someone who said they were contractor. Had old tile removed and wanted new ...
A: Patricia, sorry to hear about your problem. There are standards that apply to the installation of ...
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| Grout Colors are Different | 12/14/2006 |
Q: I just installed ceramic tile in my kitchen, I had to do it in half segments, the grout ended up ...
A: Tony, before you go the route of re-coloring the grout,try and scrape the surface of the lighter ...
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| Rectified Porcelin Tile | 12/13/2006 |
Q: Do you have to have a grout joint when installing rectified porcelin tile? I thought the whole ...
A: Rectified porcelain tile is a tile that has been re sawed after it is made. This allows the tiles to ...
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| tile floor and moisture | 12/11/2006 |
Q: My house built in 1972 is on a concrete slab, and may be situated on top of or in the vicinity of an ...
A: Ceramic tile is the best choice for a new floor. The problem is your excessive moisture. Yes the ...
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| marble tile buut joint or grout line? | 12/11/2006 |
Q: Jim, I am a "weekend warrior" and have tiled many bathrooms. I am planning to install 12 x 12 marble ...
A: Angelo, You are correct in your theory of using a grout joint. Polished marble should have a 1/16" ...
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| porcelian | 12/9/2006 |
Q: what size trowel for 16"or 18" on concrete slab 3/16 grout line
A: Start with a 1/2" trowel. Always flat trowel the back of the tile to fill in the waffle grid. Use a ...
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| slate tile/exterior steps | 12/9/2006 |
Q: I'd like to install 16x16 slate tile on exterior steps. The carpenter cover the entire area (15 ...
A: Alex, A mortar base and a mud bed are basically the same. A mud bed consists of mason sand and ...
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| slate tile/exterior steps | 12/8/2006 |
Q: I'd like to install 16x16 slate tile on exterior steps. The carpenter cover the entire area (15 ...
A: Alex, I guess the best way to start the answer is to say I see major problems with the way your ...
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| installing marble tiles | 12/7/2006 |
Q: I've used levelcrete before and it has a tendency to run to the lowest point, which is good in some ...
A: Mitch, Look into a Custom leveling patch. I mention Custom because it will stay in one family. ...
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| tumbled marble backsplash | 12/6/2006 |
Q: My installer suggested not using grout or sealer on the tumbled marble in my kitchen. We did not ...
A: Roberta, First off, if you wanted something different than what is there, then I would positively be ...
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| installing marble tiles | 12/6/2006 |
Q: Jim, I'm Installing 18" marble tiles (crema marfil) on a concrete slab. I've done a few 12" tile ...
A: Mitch, The cost saved by using thinset to fill in the low spots will be quickly lost in the amount ...
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| laminated marble tiles | 12/6/2006 |
Q: I am installing a product called ThinSheet on an elevator floor. It is a 3mm marble laminated to a ...
A: Steve, sounds like you have quite a dilemma on your hands. There are many new products on the market ...
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| Marble tile install | 12/3/2006 |
Q: Thanx for response Jim. What about using clear silicone between tiles, since it is such a small ...
A: I would still stay with the grout. Reasons are grout is cement, not affected by heat, etc. Silicone ...
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| Marble tile install | 12/3/2006 |
Q: I want install marble tiles on the hearth and surround of my fireplace. The hearth will be raised ...
A: Set the tiles at 1/16" joint and use a non sanded grout. Non sanded grout is the consistency of ...
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| grout bleeding | 12/3/2006 |
Q: My husband tiled our bathroom in regular plain white tiles. He used deep blue grout and he sealed ...
A: I'm very puzzled over your situation. Grout bleeding is something new to me. Have done some research ...
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| ceramic tile installation | 11/28/2006 |
Q: I recently cleaned a new ceramic tile installation using an acid cleaner (restore). The color of ...
A: Did you scrape the surface to see if the white substance is just sitting on the surface? Always try ...
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| How to proceed with marble installation | 11/28/2006 |
Q: I am in the process of laying honed travertine in my home. All the floors are concrete slab except ...
A: When you say sand or sand bed, do you mean a mud bed? It sounds like you have or had a mud bed for ...
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| tile installation prep | 11/27/2006 |
Q: We are getting ready to install tile in our bathroom. The floor looks like it what 1/2 in wood ...
A: Well lets start with sorting through what you presently have in place. It looks like the floor is a ...
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| laying travertine tile | 11/27/2006 |
Q: im a DIY and am gonna be laying about 1300 sq feet of travertine tile. it will be layed on a cement ...
A: Yes you need to seal the travertine. There are two schools of thought on this-to fill the holes or ...
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| price | 11/27/2006 |
Q: what is the going price per sq ft for tile inst. walls / floors putting down cement board also i do ...
A: That's a very good question Anthony. Lets start with the fact that pricing is different throughout ...
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| Scratches on ceramic tile | 11/26/2006 |
Q: I have installed shiny 4x4 ceramic tiles on the wall and used a sanded grout to finish. The grout ...
A: Are you sure it is scratched? If so, I'm afraid that there is nothing to remove them from the glaze. ...
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| travertine | 11/26/2006 |
Q: I have just installed travertine in my house and am not sure if I need to seal it prior to grouting. ...
A: There are two installation techniques to consider. First is a 'Antique Fill'. This is when the grout ...
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| Tub wall 'subway tile' DIY woes! | 11/26/2006 |
Q: ! I believe we put our tiles on with mastic, not thinset (aha and, boohoo). Most of the tiles are ...
A: Brenda, Your hunch is right RE: silicone around each individual tile. It will create a huge mess. ...
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| Tub wall 'subway tile' DIY woes! | 11/25/2006 |
Q: After our contractor gutted our old-house bathroom,roughed in our tub enclosure with Wonderboard and ...
A: Brenda, sorry to hear about your problem. Anything that is done along the lines of painting etc. is ...
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| laving ceramic tile | 11/25/2006 |
Q: We have a cement floor that originally had linoleum. We installed peel and stick over top. Can we ...
A: You will need to remove both the linoleum and peel and stick layers. I realize it is difficult to do ...
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| individual tread of carpet on spiral stairs | 11/25/2006 |
Q: They are open stairs, and my idea was to wrap carpet around them. Do you think carpet could be ...
A: No I've never seen it done. I think Velcro is a excellent idea. Attach the Velcro to the underside ...
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| individual tread of carpet on spiral stairs | 11/24/2006 |
Q: I have put in stone steps on my spiral stairs. They are fine for me, but I have small dogs that ...
A: Is this a spiral staircase with open treads so that a carpet could be wrapped completely around the ...
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| tiling an uneven outdoor foyer | 11/24/2006 |
Q: We want to lay porcelain tile in our foyer (8' X 8' screened in)but the concrete is uneven (very ...
A: You are correct about the proper drainage required. In order to give you a solution, I'll need more ...
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| Porcelain tile | 11/24/2006 |
Q: I am in the middle of a kitchen tile project and need help. I've already tken up old linoleum and ...
A: Sorry to hear about your predicament. Try using a straight edge over the seam to determine if the ...
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| ceramic or porcelain tile resembling marble | 11/22/2006 |
Q: Do you have a specific recommendation as to manufacturer and product for a ceramic or porcelain tile ...
A: I'm sorry to tell you that I don't have any specific manufacturer to recommend. There are so many ...
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| chipped tile floor grout | 11/22/2006 |
Q: Approx. 4 years ago we updated our bathroom and put in a ceramic floor tile. It was laid by a ...
A: Mona, I assume it is cement grout you are referring to. The fix should have worked the first time. ...
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| ceramic tile | 11/22/2006 |
Q: Our front door entry puts one right into our living room (there is no foyer). We have a very small ...
A: You are right that a high shine will show any and all imperfections especially when light is ...
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| High Gloss Ceramic Tile Grouting | 11/22/2006 |
Q: With 12" High Gloss Tile spaced at 3/8" which grout should I use, Sanded or Non-Sanded. I am tiling ...
A: Ted, The type of grout to use is based on the size of the joint to fill. Unsanded grout is used for ...
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| Choosing of tiles for flooting | 11/22/2006 |
Q: Our house is a west faced. Hence need light coloured flooring. We have old persons and also a small ...
A: Let's begin with the fact that all three are suitable for flooring. Next lets separate these three ...
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| fireplace tile/stone | 11/21/2006 |
Q: I have a fireplace in my house that is made out of the same brick as the house which is not ...
A: Corey, The short answer is Yes you can tile over existing brick fireplace. First, I assume that the ...
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| sealing an existing porcelain floor | 11/21/2006 |
Q: We are the cleaning contractors for a newly built auto dealership. They installed a white, matte ...
A: Wow, you certainly have a dilemma on your hands. First, as you already know, a solid white floor is ...
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| changing the color of unglazed ceramic tile floors | 11/21/2006 |
Q: I wanted to know if unglazed ceramic tile kitchen floors could be stained. My floors are very light ...
A: Not that I'm aware of. Any stain applied would be topical and therefore wear off from use. Have you ...
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| uneven grout lines | 11/20/2006 |
Q: I am building a home and the builder just installed my 18 in ceramic tiles. I requested tight grout ...
A: First, Tiles are packaged by caliber. This means they will all fall within a specified size range. ...
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| tile | 11/20/2006 |
Q: when i install a porcelain floor can i install it on top of plywood (stroge)or most i do a mud job? ...
A: Michael, yes you can install porcelain tile onto plywood. This should be a minimum thickness of ...
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| minor grout repair | 11/20/2006 |
Q: I have a floor that has been installed for approximately 1 year, and I noticed a very small hairline ...
A: Yes you can purchase a grout saw at a big box store and remove the grout to about 1/8" below the ...
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