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 - […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Repair Wall After Removing Ceramic Tile TIPS Wall must be flat & smooth or tile will telegraph defects Do NOT use cheap pre-mixed spackling or drywall mud for repair WATCH repair videos below Patching compound MUST BE waterproof CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: We’re in the home stretch of […]
Tub Tile Grout Repair TIPS Try to repair grout in valuable one-of-a-kind fixtures Deep clean grout first to get perfect color match WATCH step-by-step grouting videos below Use a vibrating multi-tool to remove old grout CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: I’ve got a unique partially sunken tub and shower […]
How to Floor Grout Video Tim CarterTim built custom homes and did ultra-custom remodeling for 20+ years before launching his Ask the Builder media presence. He was selected as one of the Big 50 by Remodeling magazine in 1993. This award gave birth to Ask the Builder in October 1993. Tim also operates https://DrawPlumbingPlans.com. His […]