Ceramic and Porcelain Tile installation Slip Resistance

Is installing ceramic tile on steps a good process?

ANSWER #1 - You can install ceramic tile on interior steps. The ceramic tile needs to be slip resistant enough so it is not unsafe when wet. The best installation is to install over…

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installation Pool and Spa Wet Areas

What thinset, grout to use when installing new tile in a spa?

ANSWER - I will assume the spa surface will be a plaster material.  You mentioned something about wood, but never install directly over wood in a wet area.  Whether you are tiling the whole spa…

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Ceramic and Porcelain Tile installation Standards

Any issues with Installing Ceramic Tile on a Counter Top?

ANSWER - No, there should be no issues with a counter top type of installation if installed correctly and per industry standards, such as: a. This design or assembly can be found in the Tile…

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installation stone

Can travertine tile be installed directly to laminate countertop?

ANSWER - It is possible to bond stone to a plastic laminate top if you use the appropriate type of thin-set adhesive. The laminate would have to be scarified in preparation for the tile installation.…

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installation Movement Joints selection Standards

Sealant/caulking for tile near woodstove withstand high temperatures?

ANSWER - AccuColor sanded siliconized acrylic latex caulk does not meet industry standard ASTM C920, per TCNA EJ171 Movement Joints, and should not be used in tile or stone installations. It is commonly used in…

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installation Movement Joints Standards Wet Areas

What size backer rod should I for tub and wall tile?

ANSWER - The polyethylene backer rod is not likely the cause of your cracking at the tub to shower wall transition, but if there is room for it in that joint, then you should use…

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Exterior installation selection stone

Ok to install stone tile over a crawl space?

ANSWER - Stone that is freeze thaw stable can be used under the freezing conditions you mention. Normally that means the absorption rate of the stone should be 1% or less such as some granites,…

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Grout installation Repairs

Add more Grout over Shallow Grout Joints?

ANSWER - Generally speaking you would need to first cut out the grout joints with a diamond blade saw and then re-grout the joints after they joints are fully open and clean. If you don't…

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failures installation Stains

Ring shaped spots of moisture in Basalt

ANSWER - I'm not sure what type of product Mapei Isolatic is. Since it is being added to Kerabond it must be a latex additive. The ring shape spots of moisture suggest to me that…

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installation

Is it possible to tile wood stair case without issues in a few years?

ANSWER - It is always best to attach ceramic tile or stone tile to a concrete substrate that is very structurally sound and with little deflection. It is possible and legitimate to bond tile to…

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