There are many different types of tile products and within each group there are different levels of quality.
In this HowTo we will cover the wide range of tile and tile like products from high fired porcelain decorative tile to 4’x8′ sheet tile board.
The first thing you have to do is define where the tile will be installed. Products that are made for walls are not usually durable enough for walking on or to be used on countertops and other high …
Many people finish their basements to add a playroom for the kids a recreation room for the family or even another bedroom for family and guests.
When converting your basement to a finished living space there are many considerations including whether to put insulation in the walls, whether to drywall or add a drop ceiling and what type of flooring will make that drab underground area feel comfortable to live in.
If your home has a …
Whether its on your wall or floor there are times when you will need to replace a broken tile that has been chipped or cracked.
Chips in the glaze come from direct impacts but cracks in tile can happen from both impacts and a flexing subfloor. This is why you often see the tiles in front of refrigerators cracked from rolling out the fully loaded appliance to clean behind it. The weight of the refrigerator …
Whether you are installing a back splash surround or a new tile floor in your kitchen one of the most important jobs is cutting tiles to fit within the area you are working on.
There are basically four grades of Tile Cutters. Hand Tools that can cut full tiles in half or on angles, Electric wet and dry diamond saws that can cut straight lines and in slightly intricate shapes, Gasoline or large tile saws that also can be used for …
Because Asbestos products can be a danger any removal of flooring products should only be performed if you are sure that the tiles or sheet goods contain no asbestos fibers.
In this HowTo it is assumed that the floor you are removing was installed after 1980 when asbestos was banned in flooring or you have taken all the precautions to have your flooring materials analyzed by a licensed professional.
Preparing the Work Area
To prepare the work area, remove all movable objects from …
Flooring is a very personal and decorative part of any home. Products that work in one house may not be right for others no matter how much you fall in love with a look.
Other important aspects are wear and comfort. Although stone and tile are your most durable products they are cold to your feet and not nice to lay on in front of the television. Carpet will last you only a set number …
Depending on the age of your home and the extent of your bathroom remodeling project you may or may not have to remove the drywall or plaster lath that make up the surfaces for your walls.
If your home was built before 1960 and you will be doing more then just replacing a vanity and toilet then you should probably consider a total remake of …
When remodeling your Bathroom or Kitchen it is likely that you will want to replace or add wall tile. Ordering the correct type and number is important because supply centers that do not keep stock on hand at all times may run out or your selection could be discontinued.
Tile Firing Lots
In addition to availability there is the consideration …
Cast Stone was first developed about 800 years ago but it did not get widespread use in residences until the 1920’s.
The main benefits of cast stone is the ability to provide a natural stone feel with intricate details as found on fireplace mantles while keeping the cost down.
Castings can be made for everything from decorative lamps, Countertops, and Architectural Details used both inside and outside but the pieces themselves can not be made as …
No matter how nice you are to your cabinets, floors and furniture there is going to come a time when you cause some damage that needs to be repaired.
The first thing you need to keep in mind when repairing damage is… no matter how well you do the job your in-laws will walk into your home and directly to the repaired object and stair at it throughout their visit.
Another consideration is whether the repair …