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Do-It-Yourself
If you are looking for free advise, you came to the right
place. We love tile, its what we do.
"Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in
your life." - Confucius
It still feels like work at the end of the day, But we love it.
If you have any questions on your project just call or e-mail us at the links below.
I use a web site called "Tile your world" for researching its a good place to get different views from around the country for everything to do with tile.
Ceramic Tile Advice Forums - John Bridge Ceramic Tile
The best place to get free advise is where you buy your
tile. They will have all the info about what setting material to use what sealer is the best for that tile or stone.
This is where you get the free advise. Ask all the questions you need to, don't be afraid of wasting their time or asking a stupid question. There are no stupid questions just stupid answers, and if that all you getting ask for someone else or go some where else.
I have been around long enough to know there are 4 basic steps.
Planning
This is the most time consuming step. Don't rush it! Go to as many tile places you can. If you go to a home Improvement store you may find the tile you like but its hard to find trim or an accent to match. Get the samples you are interested in and go to other places, you don't have to buy all your tile in one place. Don't worry about "Is this tile too big or small for my room" its your room get what you like. One thing to remember about tile is that you will get tired of looking at it before it wears out. Make sure its something you can live with for a long time.
Preparing
You should always use the proper backer board and thinset or mastic for the project, and the sale person will know what that is. Make sure the area is clean and there is no movement in the walls or floor. If its squeaking today it will be cracking tomorrow.
Dry lay the tile out before you start to get the best look. Remember that tile is like a big Jig Saw Puzzle only you get to make the pieces, so the bigger the pieces the better it will look and faster it will go
Performing
You should really take your time until you get the hang of it. Only mix enough thinset to do a small area. If the thinset get hard or dry up on the floor scrape it up and throw it away. Its not worth the time or money to try and save it. Use every tool you can to get the best results. Spacers are cheap and easy to use to keep all the joints the same size. Use a level to keep it straight and flat. Keep it clean, it is easier to clean the joint of thinset while it is still wet. If you wait until the next day you will have to use a knife to cut it out. When you get frustrated or feed up take a break. Remember this ain't no rocket surgery, but a little common sense and patience can go a long way.
Protecting
You may think this is the last step, but it is something you have been doing all alone. Buy using the proper setting materials and backboard you know that it will be around a long time. To keep it looking good use a good cleaner and sealer recommended by the tile manufacture. Cover the floors until all work is done, drywall dust is the hardest to get off some tile.
I don't know everything , I just pretend to. I love to do research, so if you have a question just ask and some one
will try to help you out. I would love to see your work so send me an a-mail brian@daveytile.com . Good luck
"Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in
your life." - Confucius
It still feels like work at the end of the day, But we love it.
If you have any questions on your project just call or e-mail us at the links below.
I use a web site called "Tile your world" for researching its a good place to get different views from around the country for everything to do with tile.
Ceramic Tile Advice Forums - John Bridge Ceramic Tile
The best place to get free advise is where you buy your
tile. They will have all the info about what setting material to use what sealer is the best for that tile or stone.
This is where you get the free advise. Ask all the questions you need to, don't be afraid of wasting their time or asking a stupid question. There are no stupid questions just stupid answers, and if that all you getting ask for someone else or go some where else.
I have been around long enough to know there are 4 basic steps.
Planning
This is the most time consuming step. Don't rush it! Go to as many tile places you can. If you go to a home Improvement store you may find the tile you like but its hard to find trim or an accent to match. Get the samples you are interested in and go to other places, you don't have to buy all your tile in one place. Don't worry about "Is this tile too big or small for my room" its your room get what you like. One thing to remember about tile is that you will get tired of looking at it before it wears out. Make sure its something you can live with for a long time.
Preparing
You should always use the proper backer board and thinset or mastic for the project, and the sale person will know what that is. Make sure the area is clean and there is no movement in the walls or floor. If its squeaking today it will be cracking tomorrow.
Dry lay the tile out before you start to get the best look. Remember that tile is like a big Jig Saw Puzzle only you get to make the pieces, so the bigger the pieces the better it will look and faster it will go
Performing
You should really take your time until you get the hang of it. Only mix enough thinset to do a small area. If the thinset get hard or dry up on the floor scrape it up and throw it away. Its not worth the time or money to try and save it. Use every tool you can to get the best results. Spacers are cheap and easy to use to keep all the joints the same size. Use a level to keep it straight and flat. Keep it clean, it is easier to clean the joint of thinset while it is still wet. If you wait until the next day you will have to use a knife to cut it out. When you get frustrated or feed up take a break. Remember this ain't no rocket surgery, but a little common sense and patience can go a long way.
Protecting
You may think this is the last step, but it is something you have been doing all alone. Buy using the proper setting materials and backboard you know that it will be around a long time. To keep it looking good use a good cleaner and sealer recommended by the tile manufacture. Cover the floors until all work is done, drywall dust is the hardest to get off some tile.
I don't know everything , I just pretend to. I love to do research, so if you have a question just ask and some one
will try to help you out. I would love to see your work so send me an a-mail brian@daveytile.com . Good luck
