For questions generally relating to stone or ceramic tile, including selection, preparation, installation, maintenance, cleaning, and removal.
5
votes
1answer
2k views
Can I put fresh grout over grout that was done less than 48 hours ago?
We had bad light when rinsing last night and today the grout seems uneven in the lines. If I mix grout tonight can I fill in some of the problem areas? Or do I have to dig out all the grout first?
6
votes
1answer
2k views
How do I put up a travertine tile backsplash?
I'm trying to put up a tile backsplash in the kitchen (approx 25 sq ft) and I'm having trouble deciding between mastic and thinset for putting it on the drywall. For that matter, is it OK to put the ...
7
votes
4answers
8k views
How do I install transition molding between my new hardwood and existing tile floors?
I have ripped out some old carpet and am preparing to install a new solid hardwood floor myself. In several places, the floor transitions to an existing tile floor. The hardwood floor guys told me ...
4
votes
3answers
752 views
What is a good barrier between grout and wood?
A side of a tile flooring project abuts a strip of wood. How should I handle the side where the tile meets the wood so the wood won't absorb all the water from the grout?
8
votes
3answers
1k views
What kind of backing should I use for a glass mosaic backsplash?
I want to install a glass mosaic backsplash. These are a bunch of small square tiles of different colors on a mesh. Each meash measures 13 x 13. They are so thin, that I want to put some plywood or ...
8
votes
2answers
8k views
Where should I start tiling my bathroom wall?
The bathroom I'm about to tile has a complex layout, and I've never put tile on a wall before. Let me see if I can paint a verbal picture...
The room is approx. 6'("short side") by 10'("long side"). ...
4
votes
2answers
476 views
How do I fill a gap between wall tile and acrylic shower base
The bottom row of a newly installed tile wall has a gap with the shower base that is about 1/2 inch wide, too wide to caulk. How can this be filled in a way that will not crack, will make a water ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
What is the practical difference between cement board and greenboard?
When installing tubs I've mostly used cementboard. I find it a bear to work with though.
A guy I know uses the water resistant greenboard; he claims that for home applications it is entirely ...
3
votes
3answers
166 views
Is it a problem that my toilet flange is 3/8" below the surrounding tile?
My tile setter had to elevate the tiles around the toilet hole in order to make up for some unevennesses. As a result, the toilet flange is approx. 3/8" below the surrounding tile. Can that be ...
3
votes
2answers
389 views
Should I use mastic or thinset for ceramic tile backsplash in kitchen?
I am about to install a tile backsplash in our kitchen, using these tiles, in 2" x 4" "mosaic" sheets.
When I tiled my bathroom I used thinset (unmodified on the floor and modified on the ...
3
votes
3answers
14k views
When should a waterproof membrane be installed for shower tiling?
For what kinds of wall structure - tile type combinations a waterproof membrane should be used between walls and tiles?
3
votes
3answers
6k views
How should I tile under kitchen cabinets?
I currently have tile on the floor of the kitchen that just butts up to my cabinets. I plan to change the floors and also change the cabinets. Is is best to rip out all the cabinets and tile, and ...
