Holes in Ceramic Tile Question #1: Tim, how in the heck do you drill a simple hole into ceramic tile? I’ve been trying to do it for the past half hour and nothing is happening except the drill bit is getting red hot. I just grabbed my husband’s cordless drill and put a bit into Read More »
Backer board is a term used to describe a drywall-like product that goes behind ceramic tile. Cement backer board was developed first to replace the cement mud and metal lath systems installed by real craftsmen. Tile backer board now comes in all different types from cement to specialized gypsum-core products that are faced with fiberglass. Installing cement backer board is easy if you have the right tools.
Ask the Builder Podcast 11 Highlights: Bruce's new blacktop drive needs support at one edge Jack's brick home leaks in driving rains Diane has crumbling concrete steps Tim shares a story about new ceramic tile bubbling up off a floor! NOTE: Transcript of this story below. CLICK to LISTEN to Tim's AsktheBuilder Podcast 11. Podcast Sponsor: Read More »
Rock Retaining Walls Question #1: Tim, I read a column on your website about rock retaining walls. I’m having a hard time believing you can build a lasting wall and not use mortar between the stones. I’d love to just build a wall and not have to use mortar. What’s the real secret? Karen - Read More »
Ask the Builder Podcast 1 Highlights: Tim calls Jill and they discuss the best way to repair wood kitchen flooring Cutting out damaged area and installing an inlay different species border is an option Greg asks Tim about porcelain tile vs hardwood flooring in his new San Tan Valley, AZ home Hardwood presents many challenges on Read More »
How to Remove Patio Tiles Video You can remove patio tiles in a flash using a cordless rotary chipping hammer. For one thing, your back is going to love you. A power tool with a 3/4-inch flat chipping chisel can remove full tiles in seconds if you get under the tile. Related Links Demolition Gloves Read More »
Install Mexican tile? You bet you can do it. It's much easier than you can imagine. Install Mexican Tile On Smooth Slabs Mexican tile is soft because it's not fired long in a hot kiln. The concrete slab under the tile needs to be very strong so the tile doesn't crack. The concrete slab should Read More »
How to Grout Mexican Tile Video Grout Mexican tile - it's a simple job if you do it in the right conditions and understand how water is both your friend and foe. Mexican tile is a unique product that by its very nature absorbs water very fast. If too much water leaves the grout too Read More »
Yesterday my good friend Steve Loyola and I got some expert advice from Pepe Corona. Pepe works the counter at the Daltile showroom and supply house in north Los Angeles just off the 2 Glendale freeway. I was out in LA taping home improvement videos at Steve's house. One video showed how to repair a Read More »
Pebble Shower Floor TIPS Rounded pebbles massage better than flat ones Pebbles come in sheets for easy installation WATCH installation video below Set pebble sheets in thinset for permanent bond CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter DEAR TIM: I stayed at a rental home that had a pebble shower floor. The pebbles Read More »
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