Shower Niches...

Schluter-Kerdi-Board Shower Niches

Having niches in your shower are perfect for storing your soap & shampoo bottles.

They are a prefabricated shower niche made up of kerdi-board that can be installed in both schluter-kerdi & kerdi-board wall assemblies.

They feature a 1/2" thick by 2" wide integrated bonding flange and is available in 12"x6", 12"x12", 12"x20" and 12"x28" sizes.

Waterproof & vapor retardant and can withstand all chemical stresses that typically occur in conjunction with ceramic tile coverings. 

Installation:

1. Determine desired location and trace around the outside of the Schluter^®-KERDI-BOARD-SN flange, making sure the lines are level and plumb. Cut and remove the wallboard such that the niche will be supported on both sides by the studs or other wall framing.
2. Insert the niche and fasten to the studs. When installing adjacent to KERDI-BOARD, use wood or metal screws and KERDI-BOARD-ZT washers, placing the fasteners along the seam between the KERDI-BOARD and the niche. When installing adjacent to gypsum board or other tile backers (e.g., CBU), use wood or metal screws only (i.e., no washers), placing fasteners approximately 1/4" (6 mm) from the edges of the niche. Fasten all corners and limit fastener spacing to 12" (305 mm) o.c.
3. Connections between the niche and walls are made using KERDI-BAND or KERDI. When installed adjacent to KERDI-BOARD, seams are most easily constructed using KERDI-BAND. When installed adjacent to gypsum board or other tile backers (e.g., CBU), seams are most easily constructed by continuous application of the KERDI membrane. The membrane is applied up to the niche opening. Once the niche is sealed to the wall assembly, tile can be installed immediately using unmodified thin-set mortar.
4. When using the prefabricated shelf, determine the desired height of the shelf and mark with a level line. Set tile using unmodified thin-set mortar up to that line on the back and sides of the niche. Butter the sides and back of the shelf with unmodified thin-set mortar and solidly embed it in the niche, resting on the previously installed tile. The shelf may be raised at the back to create a slope, or the tile may be set on a slope during installation, to prevent water from pooling in the finished application. Continue setting tile using unmodified thin-set mortar.

Click on the link below for additional installation tips:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIGFSVgAhpA

Niches available by custom order in store.

Leveling Clips...

QEP LASH Leveling Clips

(Level, Align, Space & Hold)

These tile leveling clips are designed for quick tile installation that virtually eliminates tile lippage on the floor surface. These clips help adjust the height of the tiles and evenly holds their edges throughout the curing process of the setting material.

Benefits:

- they are perfect to use with all tiles including large format, rectified porcelain, thin porcelain tile, marble and stone.

- durable nylon construction for a secure installation.

- high visibility yellow wedges that are easy to distinguish on a job site.

- specially designed break off points on clips for swift removal.

- produces 1/16" joint spacing.

- can be combined with regular spaces for wider joints up to 1/4".

- reusable.

Advantages for the Installer:

- easy to learn how to use.

- minimal effort to install and remove.

- virtually eliminates floor lippage.

- prevents tile from moving during install.

- speeds up tile installation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUBAnbAm3AI

Is a vinyl floor right for you...

If you are looking for a durable low maintenance floor then vinyl is a great option for you to consider. It offers many options that will fit into every budget & design scheme. Vinyl planking & tiles provide both style & durability. Vinyl resists scratches, dents & stains when properly installed. It is also very user friendly in the sense that you can install it yourself. 

Vinyl flooring is resistant to moisture, it will not warp or peel. It can stand up to heavy traffic & stains. You can install it in every room of your home.

Benefits of Choosing a Vinyl Floor:

1. Wide variety of colors & design options.

2. Easy to maintain - sweep regularly & use a damp mop with the recommended cleaner for a deeper clean.

3. Affordable: budget friendly, a great option for rental properties.

Vinyl flooring can be installed in every room of your home. We recently completed an addition and installed a vinyl plank floor throughout. With a teenager playing hockey & an 80lb house dog it is standing up perfectly. It is very easy to maintain & looks great all the time. Every home & business owner should consider vinyl flooring when building a custom home or renovation.

You can install vinyl flooring over both concrete & wood subfloors. If you are needing a subfloor, it is recommended to use a good one sided plywood or u-lay. You can install over a lino floor if the existing lino is still in good shape & not lifting anywhere. For prepping you will need to use plani patch to do a scratch coat over any seams and screw holes. This allows a very even flooring surface to install the vinyl to. From there you simply require the adhesive, proper trowel and a sharp knife for install.

If you are not wanting to tackle the install yourself, we have professional installation available. See in store for samples, pricing & design advice.

Do you need an underlayment...

EasyMat Tile & Stone Underlayment

If you are require a sound or crack prevention underlayment, Custom's EasyMat might just be what you need. With it's peel and stick option this underlayment makes for an easy installation. Some of it's benefits include:

- no mechanical fasteners are required, it cuts easily with a utility knife.

- peel and stick version is available.

- it is approved for use under floating & hardwood floor systems.

- the mortar locks in to form a bonded crack prevention system.

- will not shrink, rot or absorb water.

- has the highest level of impact & sound reduction. It reduces floor transmitted sound by up to 20 decibels.

- up to nine times lighter than other sound reduction mats.

The picture shown below shows each layer of products needed for your tile installation using the EasyMat underlayment.

1. Any acceptable subfloor including concrete, plywood & primed OSB.

2. Custom polymer modified mortar

3. EasyMat

4. Custom polymer modified mortar

5. Polyblend or Prism grout

6. Tile or Stone

This is a great product to use for apartment & condo living when sound prevention is necessary.

"NEW" Schluter-Ditra-Heat....

"Ditra-heat is the only electric floor warming system that directly incorporates uncoupling technology to ensure floors aren't susceptible to cracked tiles & grout."

Advantages of Using Ditra-heat:

1. Warm floors - you can combine the beauty of tile with the comfort of an electric floor warming system. This is a great feature for every room in your home.

2. Crack resistant - ensure your tiled floor will not crack by using Ditra's uncoupling technology combined with the electric warming system.

3. Customized heating zones - using Ditra-heat gives you the advantage of placing cables in the mat wherever heat is desired. You can heat the entire floor or customize it for a smaller section of the floor.

4. Quick & simple installation - installation of the Ditra-heat is designed to be simple without the use of clips or fasteners. Tile can be installed immediately after the cable has been placed without the use of self leveling compounds.

5. Minimal height thickness - Ditra-heat minimizes the assembly thickness making for easier transitions to other floor coverings.

See below for a quick look at installation:

Ditra-heat is available in both 120 & 240 volt options. Programmable & non-programmable thermostats are also available.

We offer professional installation as well in store advice for tile, laminate, vinyl, hardwood & stone projects. 

For more information on Schluter's Ditra-Heat please feel free to contact us or click on the link below.

schluter ditra heat

Tile...

Do tiled floors need to be replaced?

Sometimes we have clients in the store who have had a bad experience with tiled floors. They explain that they have tiles that have loosened or cracked over time and their grout has become quite discolored.

Experiences like this should not occur with a proper tile installation. A properly installed tile floor should last a lifetime.

Things to consider prior to Tile installation:

Reinforce the subfloor:
In order to prevent cracked tile or grout you may need to reinforce your floor. If using a plywood subfloor, it would need to be a thickness of 1-1/8". Another option is using an uncoupling membrane such as Ditra (Schluter Systems).


Choose the proper cement:
We never recommend using mastic on the floor. Choose a latex-modified thinset for installing over a wood subfloor. When using Ditra you may need to use a combination of both a latex-modified and non-modified thinset depending on the substrate you are tiling over. We can offer a more detailed process in-store.


Grout:

Do not overwater the grout. If you add too much water to the grout mixture it will wash out the portland cement which will weaken the grout.


Concrete:

Make sure to inspect a concrete floor for any signs of cracking prior to installation. If you notice some cracking it is recommended to install a crack-isolation membrane. These membranes separate the tile from the concrete surface.


Caulking:

Oftentimes if you grout an area where the floor meets the tub it can eventually expand and crack. To avoid re-grouting these areas consider caulking them with a color that matches your grout.


We offer professional tile installation.
For more information don't hesitate to give us a call.

Tiling Tips...

Tiling Tips

Preparing the Surface

-  Apply Redguard for waterproofing and to protect against cracks, depending on the type of tile installation you are completing.

Setting Tile

-  The notch trowel size depends on the tile type & size. Large tile requires a deeper thin-set bed to make-up for the minor adjustments in flatness of floor & tile.

Trowel Guideline:

3/16" - 1/4" V notch - used for mosaic tiles & wall tile up to 4.5"

1/4" x 1/4" U or Square notch - for tile 4"-8"

1/4" x 3/8" U or Square notch - for tile 8"-16"

1/2" x 1/2" U or Square notch - for tile 16" or larger

-  Check for complete coverage of thin-set mortar by pulling up one tile: it should cover at least 80% of the back of the tile.

Grouting

- Clean out as much mortar from grout joints as you can.

-  Prevent grout staining and remove grout residue easily by pre-sealing porous stone or tile before grouting.

-  Use clean water & a grout sponge, changing water frequently. Minimal clean-up water should be used to ensure proper grout curing & maintain color uniformity.

* Keep these tips in mind for your next installation project. We have great advice available in-store. *

Nuheat Floor Heating System...

Keep your toes warm all year round with the nuheat flooring systems.

 These systems are easily installed, energy efficient 

& 

can be controlled by various thermostat options. 

Nuheat flooring systems provide warmth 

to many types of flooring such as tile, stone, granite, laminate

 & 

engineered hardwood.

There are three options when using the nuheat system.

 They include:

- standard mats: you can use just one, or a combination of different sizes to heat an entire room. They come in either a square or rectangular size format. Available in both 120 & 240 volt formats.

- custom mats: when the standard mat sizes just don't work for your floor space (ie. angled walls), you can order custom mats. With the custom mats a detailed drawing of the room with measurements is necessary to determine the custom mat sizing.

- cable system: with the cable system you can easily adjust the cable for optimal floor coverage. This system can also be used in wet areas such as shower beds & benches and even saunas.

Thermostats:

- there are three options when it comes to thermostats.

- the SOLO is a revolutionary "all-in-one" dual-voltage programmable thermostat suitable for tile, stone, laminate and engineered wood floors. Its sleek design and easy programming make it suitable for any electric floor heating system. 

- the Harmony Thermostat is an energy efficient 7-day programmable floor sensing thermostat that mounts flush to the wall and can be fitted with any decora-style faceplate. 

- the Tempo is a digital non-programmable thermostat with floor sensing capabilities for the Nuheat electric floor heating system.

Watch the video below for detailed instructions on the nuheat mat installation with tile or stone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew5Hzvwqqsg

Watch the video below for instructions on installing the nuheat cable system with tile or stone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBUCd0_S8js

* Remember to always use a certified electrician to hook up the wiring to the thermostat. Also, do not turn on the nuheat system until the thinset

 & 

grout have had time to cure. *

Pop in today & we can order the nuheat system that's right for you!

Ditra...is it for you?

For centuries, builders have relied upon the uncoupling principle to lay tile. Unlike today's direct bond installations in which tile is bonded directly to the substrate, an uncoupled installation allows independent movement between the tile covering and the substrate, neutralizing differential movement stresses between the substrate and tile covering. This is particularly important with the use of today's thinner, larger-format tiles and lightweight building materials.

We have used this product very successfully in many installations including exterior decks to various interior floors. It allows for tile installation on various types of substrates. There are two types of ditra which brings about the question of which to use in certain tile installations?

How Do I Choose Between DITRA and DITRA-xL?

Schluter uncoupling membranes provide the four essential functions for successful tile installation over a wide range of substrates, including plywood/OSB, concrete, gypsum, heated floors, etc. The choice between using DITRA or DITRA-XL depends on the nature of the particular project or application. The following points will help differentiate between the two products.

DITRA

• Minimizes tile assembly thickness and reduces transitions to lower

surface coverings (e.g., carpet, engineered wood, and vinyl)

• Only 1/8" (3 mm)-thick – provides the thinnest possible assembly

without sacrificing performance

DITRA-xL

• Allows for ceramic tile application over single layer plywood/OSB

subfloors on joists spaced at 24" (610 mm) o.c.

• 5/16" (7 mm)-thick – creates an even transition between typical

5/16" (7 mm)-thick tile and 3/4" (19 mm)-thick hardwood flooring

Once you have chosen the appropriate ditra product the next key step is using the proper thinset for ditra installation. Click on the link below for the proper instructions on ditra installation.

http://www.schluter.com/media/DITRAHandbook-ENG-2013.pdf?v=201308291706

 Ditra aids in the absorption of movement before it reaches your tile which would eventually result in your grout & possibly your tile to crack. It's not for everyone but in most cases the benefits outweigh the costs. Click below to watch a video on the installation:

For further info contact us for any other questions you have regarding Ditra.

Lets talk about water....

Water can be your enemy. When installing tile in a shower/wet area it is CRUCIAL to have the proper substrate and waterproofing membrane before you begin. There are a few different methods of waterproofing and everyone has their favorites, but for us we like to use a product from Custom Building called RedGard.

RedGard can be installed with a roller, paint brush, trowel or air sprayer. Typically we use a small 2" brush and paint roller to apply it. Make sure that any gaps you have between your backerboard are sealed using drywall tape or mesh, this gives the RedGard something to stick to in larger seams. RedGard is more the consistency of pudding than paint so don't be afraid to put a heavy coat on your roller. Once your area is prepped it is time to start applying the RedGard. It is hot pink in color and when it dries it turns a dark red. It will dry with a rubbery texture so try not to leave any clumps anywhere as this will lead to unevenness when you are ready to apply your tile. We also like to mark about 1" INSIDE of where we want our tile to end. This allows us to go close enough to the edge but not out to far. If this gets on your painted wall you will have to paint over it, so we try and save ourselves the hassle and mark our area first. Make sure when you are applying that you get good coverage in any screw holes you may have, roll all your walls as close to your guide lines as possible. Once you have rolled everything, that is when we use the small paintbrush which works good for all your seams, don't be afraid to get a lot on the brush and go into your corners and seams. You want to make sure that the RedGard forms a tight seal over all of the gaps you have. Once your done, we typically let it dry overnight and then start our installation! Check out this video from custom to give you some more info: