Archive for December, 2009

Tiling the Mantle of a Fireplace

Dec 8

Posted by TileGuy in Howto, Subway Tile | No Comments

Black Subway Tile Fireplace

Adding subway tile to a fireplace can give it that brick look with a unique flare. The subway tiles can be installed over wood, brick or marble and is a relatively easy project.

Tools and Materials:

  • Drop cloths
  • Sander and sandpaper
  • Thin set with acrylic additive
  • Trowel and Float
  • Spacers
  • Grout Sealer
  • Applicator brush
  • Rags
  • Sponge

Step 1

To get your fireplace mantel for the tile, you will need to sand its exterior, whether wood, marble or brick. The sanding will put off a lot of dust,  so if possible, remove all furnishings from the area. If you are not able to remove them, you will want to cover furniture with drop cloths and place cloths around the floor at the base of your fireplace.

Step 2

If you will be tiling a wooden or marble fireplace mantel, sand the surface with sandpaper that is thirty grit. If you are tiling over brick, gently use a grinder to remove any dirt and loose material and to roughen the surface of the brick so mortar will adhere. In all cases make sure to vacuum the dust after sanding or grinding, and wipe down the surface with rags.

Step 3

You will want to verify the layout, pattern and spacing of your tile by placing it over the mantel in the design you plan to use. Doing this will alert you to any changes, cuts or need for more tile before you begin mixing mortar.

Step 4

Thin set is the mortar used to attach the tiles to the fireplace mantel surface. Mix according to manufacturers directions, using the acrylic additive in place of the water for added strength. After mixing, let the mortar rest for about 10 minutes.

Step 5

Working from the center of the fireplace mantel out toward the edges, start laying mortar with your trowel, spreading it to ¼ inch thickness on the mantel. Lay the tile, applying your spacers as you work. Press the tile firmly into the mortar. Allow the tiles to set for 24 hours before continuing. Remove the spacers.

Step 6

Mix your grout, following package directions, and allow to sit for 10 minutes prior to grouting the tile. Use a float to apply the grout evenly, working it into the spaces between the tiles. After grout is applied, wipe the tiles with a damp sponge to remove excess. Allow the grout to cure for 3 days, or per package instructions.

Step 7

Use grout sealer to seal your tiles and grout. Apply with an applicator brush and allow to dry completely before using your newly tiled fireplace mantel surface.

Article source: http://www.doityourself.com

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Picking The Right Bathroom Tile

Dec 2

Posted by TileGuy in Bathroom Tile | No Comments

Picking the correct bathroom tiles is a very important decisions to get an elegant look for your bathroom.  According to market studies, there are 2 rooms in the house wide which return you a positive return on your investments, the kitchen and the bathroom.  Being a guest in a new home, you are always eager to have a look at the bathroom and kitchen. The style and the choice of the bathroom tiles can put your house at the top or at the bottom if done wrong. You have multiple options to select the tiling for your dream bathroom.

Ceramic Tiles may be the most economical choice for majority of house owners. These ceramic tiles are very cost effective but not without their problems. You need to use cation while finalizing a choice for ceramic tiles as some of the ceramic tiles are slippery and may not be suitable for bathroom.  These type of tiles can be damaged very easily if you get cheap ones and are very susceptible to water damage.

Glass tiles are pieces of glass in uniform shape. They are more durable than ceramic tiles when you buy ones with the right thickness. You may also use these tiles in kitchens. Glass kitchen are more reliable than any other tiles because the glass tiles are moisture resistance.

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Advantages of Glass Subway Tile over Ceramic

Dec 1

Posted by TileGuy in Subway Tile | No Comments

Although Subway Tile has been around since the early 1900’s over the past few decades a transition in style has been occurring from ceramic tile to glass subway tile.  This change has been driven by the strong advantages of glass as a building material.

The first key reason that glass is superior is the visual; glass offers a depth and clarity that ceramic tile cannot match.  The brilliant colors of glass subway tile cannot be replicated even by the finest ceramic tile.

Another key advantage is the durability of glass.  Glass is much more impervious to moisture which makes glass subway tile an ideal building material for wet areas such as bathroom and showers.

Last but not least is that glass subway tile is much more renewable and safer for the environment.  Glass subway tile is made from recycled material and the process to create them is very energy efficient when compared to making ceramic tile.

If you have made the decision to install subway tile you should definitely go with glass as it will be a timeless addition to any décor and will last for many years to come!  Due to advances in manufacturing glass subway tile is far superior to ceramic and is also easily affordable for any homeowner looking to change the appearance of any room for the better!

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