Posts by Kim
Cleaning Grout
Many people with new tile installations think that they only have to use water to keep their new grout on their new floor clean.This is not true. A neutral soap should be used in the daily/weekly cleanup process. Another common mistake is to use chemically infused disposable mop heads on tiled floors. Disposable mop heads have some sort…
Read MoreHardiebacker Installation Under Tile Floors
Lately in my travels, I’ve come across many improperly laid Hardiebacker board floors. Installers are skipping important steps. The most common indicators of improperly installed backer board are that the tiles are bouncing loose/and cracking and grout is coming out as well. The installers are not following the manufacturers’ instructions. First when cutting the boards,…
Read MoreI Can’t Believe It’s Not Wood!
This plank tile has the look of real hardwood with the durability of ceramic tile. Imagine never having to re-finish your floors! This tile is also scratch, stain, chemical and frost resistant. This is the medium dark tile called “Saddle”. There is one more darker option called “Spice”. These tiles are made in the USA…
Read MoreI Can’t Believe It’s Not Travertine!
These ceramic tiles were actually finished with a digitalized printed glaze; they look just like real travertine stone. No two tiles were alike due to the offset printing of the pattern. Real travertine stone is a poor choice in a wet environment. It is soft and porous, allowing water to penetrate and remain trapped in the stone, which causes mildew, stains,…
Read MoreVintage kitchen transformation
Do you think I can bring this kitchen back to its former classic self? The homeowner wanted to retain this kitchen’s vintage style. The exact size of the existing box trim on the counter edge was no longer available so I had to remove all 22 trim tiles. Also, most of the quarter rounds surrounding…
Read MoreOutdoor shower mural
The homeowners ordered hand made tiles from an artist. While waiting for the hand-made tiles to arrive the homeowners used paper cutouts to help decide on a layout. When the artist heard the tiles were going outside she double-fired them to make them more durable for temperature changes. Once the deco tiles arrived we played with the field…
Read MoreCladding over an old brick fireplace
This fireplace will soon have a new gas insert. The original marble mantle and wood surround will be replaced with vintage-looking tile. The existing mantle and surround didn’t match the 1930’s styling of the rest of the house. I found two different types of brick when we removed the mantle and wood surround. To build up the…
Read MorePenny Round Tile
Here you can see a beautiful example of penny round tiles trimmed out with stone chair rail at the top.
Read MorePratt and Larsen craft tile
A husband and wife team of artists , Pratt and Larsen began creating hand made craft tiles over 30 years ago to fill a void in the American market for vintage and artistic tiles. Their company manufactures tiles entirely in the United States. This company has grown to 130 employees in downtown north east Portland, Oregon…
Read MoreSpecial problems with setting thin mosaic glass
Click to enlarge This kitchen backsplash was tiled in ultra thin 4mm glass mosaic. The tile was difficult to work with for a variety of reasons. Following the manufacturer’s instructions I used a 3/16″ v-notched trowl to spread white thinset. I was then instructed by the company to knock down the ridges with the flat…
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