Bathroom Tile Installation -- Do not Make This Mistake
by Guest Post on Feb 24, 2010
Bathroom tile installation is a natural upgrade for any bathroom. Though ceramic tile is usually left to the pros, a handy person can easily do tile work. One trap that can get you through, especially with bathroom floor tile, can turn your project to a disaster.
Ever noticed cracks in ceramic tile floors? That's a common sight and it usually has the same cause. The common cause is taking a shortcut at the very start of a tile project. After the shortcut, the project is doomed to failure. What's the shortcut?
It's simple. Many people don't take the time to build a solid foundation for a tile floor. You know that especially in bathrooms, you often have water damage to the floors. With water damage comes rot and then spongy places. Now if you just cover up a floor that moves with ceramic tile, it'll look great at first. But that floor still is going to move.
When it moves the tile or tile joints will crack. There's no way around it. Now comes the constant filling of cracks, regrouting, and caulk. All these short-term measures are doomed to fail. But is there a way to avoid all this?
The best way to assure a solid foundation for ceramic tile is to use cement board as a base. Of course not over concrete and the cement board needs a fairly sound surface to fasten to. But the cement board is rigid and is an excellent base for tile adhesives too. The usual product is the Hardi-Backer board.
Cement board is easy to cut and can be scored and broken too. It's heavy though so it's not too easy to move around. Then you fasten it down with special screws. Working with this material is much like working with sheetrock. It solves the poor foundation problem when laying tile.
A good foundation is a must when doing bathroom tile installation. The best way to guarantee a solid foundation in most cases is by using a cement board for a base coat. This is just one of the many tricks that tile setters use. Some of the tricks you just about have to see to understand.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
82743 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
68655 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
66215 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
45425 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
27898 Views
Latest Articles
Innovative Materials in Modern Rainscreen Systems
In today's world of architectural advancements, the materials we use to protect and adorn our structures have evolved dramatically. Within this...
on Aug 25, 2023
Benefits of Aluminum Windows for Homeowners
Aluminum windows have emerged as a popular choice among Australian homeowners, offering a compelling combination of energy efficiency and modern...
on Aug 10, 2023
Investment Tactics for Premium Condominiums
Singapore continues to be a magnet for property investments, with its robust economy, political stability, and appealing real estate market acting...
on Aug 3, 2023
10 Essential Questions to Ask During a Sunroom and Lanai Consultation
When considering the addition of a sunroom or lanai to your home, a consultation with a professional lanai contractor is crucial. This initial...
on Jul 24, 2023
Creating Beautiful and Low-Maintenance Coastal Landscapes in Tropical Areas
Living on the coast in tropical areas offers homeowners the opportunity to enjoy stunning ocean views and a unique coastal lifestyle. To make the...
on Jul 7, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Innovative Materials in Modern Rainscreen Systems
on Aug 25, 2023
Windows / Siding

In today's world of architectural advancements, the materials we use to protect and adorn our structures have evolved dramatically. Within this...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 262
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 196
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
4 Benefits of Power Washing
People who tried this method say that power washing is one of the greatest methods in which you use water under the high pressure generated by...
The Importance of Drainage in the Landscape
Drainage problems can be caused by seasonally high water tables, ponding of surface water, poor soil permeability or a combination of these...
Effective Methods for Eliminating the Slipperiness on Marble Floors
Marble is a very popular material when decorating. You will find marble work surfaces, tiles, and even flooring. In fact, most houses have some...
Fixes that Need to be Made Before You Put Your Home Up for Sale
Your job may have relocated to another area or you need to move closer to family. Whatever your case may be, it is time to start the process of...
Down and Dirty - Understanding Your Soil
The very first consideration in new landscaping should be the condition of the native soil; the most beautiful design and efficient planning will...