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Mortar, an adhesive, is different than grout, which is a filler. Mortar isn’t traditionally used in place of grout because it dries differently and can crack or allow leaks. Check the manufacturer’s label before using mortar for grout. The wrong product can compromise the integrity of a tile floor.
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The standard distance between countertop and upper cabinets is 18 inches. But depending on user height and personal preference, this distance can be customized.
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The process of removing and replacing a shower drain is essentially the same whether you're working with a plastic shower pan or concrete slab. All you need are some basic tools to quickly and easily replace the drain.
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If you want to install tile in a bathroom that has been previously drywalled, you have to remove the existing drywall and replace it with cement backer board.
Read MoreBeveled edge tile installation is the same as installing any other type of tile except in two ways. The first is that beveled edge tile corners need to be mitered so that they fit together properly. Second, grouting requires extra attention to detail to form a strong bond between tiles.
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Wood-burning stoves date back centuries, used not only to heat the home but also cook and heat bathing water. Modern variations tend to be purely functional for heating purposes, and they always are built up on top of a stove pad or hearth.
Read MorePorcelain tile is a man-made material used in both floor and wall applications in homes and offices. It comes in glazed and unglazed formats, but the difference doesn’t affect the overall structural integrity of the material, merely the color and surface style.
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While you can technically save drywall compound for years in the right conditions, the reality is that most of the time the shelf life on drywall mud is far shorter. Manufacturers have a specific date of recommended shelf life on their brands, which is basically the point beyond which any warranties are null and void.
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Power nailers are available in different styles to match different needs, from framing nailers for construction work to power staple guns for upholstery work.
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While some types of plywood can be used in certain types of tile installations, use of the material has limitations. It is more important as a subfloor than anything else.
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Concrete is one of the oldest man-made building components in existence, and to this day it is one of the most common materials used in construction around the world. The ratio of sand to cement along with water depends on the type of concrete blocks you are installing.
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Concrete is a careful combination of cement, sand and water. When it comes to the ratio, the mix is crucial to ensure the proper humidity level and moisture content for curing the cement; and if this is off or something happens during the curing process, your cement might start cracking.
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There are a few basic elements to any quality tile or natural stone installation, with the most important being the stability of the installation, so the tiles do not crack or pop up from the installation area.
Read MoreRegardless of how meticulous a flooring installer you are, there are bound to be moments during a ceramic tile or natural stone installation when you get thinset mortar on the faces of your new tiles. In many cases, it'll be a while before you'll have time to clean it.
Read MoreWhether you are dealing with excess thinset residue left on the face of an installation or the thinset that has bonded to the back of the tile and stuck with it even after removal for a remodel project, there are a variety of ways you might remove thinset from porcelain tiles.
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Installing ceramic tile and natural stone is a common way of sprucing up your kitchen or other areas when remodeling. And while there are a variety of acceptable substrates that can be used to install tile, you can also use existing surfaces in certain circumstances.
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Whether it's a few extra left over after a project or you specifically ordered more that need to be stored for later use, sometimes you may have ceramic tile that needs storage. While you can store tile regardless of the elements, proper steps in storing the tile will ensure it remains intact over the years.
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While traditionally flagstones are set in a bed of compacted sand and gravel over raw dirt, they can also be installed on top of an existing concrete surface.
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Installing ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles is a process that involves a combination of mandatory guidelines and recommended installation procedures.
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Most marble tile installations rely on a tile wet saw or an angle grinder to make cuts in the stone. However, for circular cuts made to fit around pipes and other appliance fittings you need to use a drill to cut through the stone.
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While the colors of natural stone are often highly visible immediately after an installation, over time they can fade because of residue buildup on the face of the stone, as well as scuffing from foot traffic over the years.
Read MoreWhile the term is more commonly used in reference to applying drywall mud to a surface in preparation for finishing, skim coating is also used in concrete work, as well as with ceramic tile and natural stone installations.
Read MoreWaterproofing is used in a variety of areas, mostly as an underlayment layer between the substrate surface and a ceramic tile installation.
Read MoreSteel braided hoses are identical in almost every way to regular garden hoses used by homeowners across the nation. The only difference is the steel braiding that adds additional support to the hose.
Read MoreUnderground wires are buried to protect them from exposure. While it is rare for underground wires to suffer damage, from time to time activities such as digging for a new fence, planting a tree, gardening, or even the activity of pets and animals can cause tears and ruptures in buried wires.
Read MoreWater leaks in concrete are common in basements that have begun to age. Using expanding polyurethane foam is one of the best ways to stop water leaks because the foam will expand into the cracks and help prevent future leaks.
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With such a wide variety of products available, knowing which tools to choose when it comes to cutting cultured marble can be somewhat confusing. Beyond simply choosing the tools themselves, there are a variety of ways to cut cultured marble, depending on where it will be installed.
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