Ultimate Guide to Ceramic & Stone Tile: Select, Install, Maintain Book

Ultimate Guide to Ceramic & Stone Tile

Table of Contents

Introduction...8

Chapter 1

TILE BASICS...10

A Short History of Tile...12

Firing Tile

• Glazing Tile

• Modern Tile

Tile Characteristics...14

• Firing & Glazes

• Water Absorption

• Tile Selection

Tile Sizes & Shapes...16

• Single Tiles

• Sheet-Mounted Tiles

• Pregrouted Tile Panels

Trim & Specialty Tile...17

Ceramic Tile...18

Porcelain Tile...20

Stone Tile...22

Glass Tile...24

Terra-Cotta Tile...26

Decorative Tile Borders...28

Painted Tile...30

Mosaic Tile...32

Room Prep: Structure...34

Stripping Drywall

• Removing a Wall Stud

• Adding Studs & Braces

Room Prep: Baths...36

• Removing a Sink

• Removing a Toilet

• Sanitary Sills

Room Prep: Kitchens...38

• Installing Lights & Switches

• Removing Old Vinyl

• Tiling to Wood Trim

Patterns & Working Lines...40

• Basic Tile Patterns

• Establishing Working Lines

Chapter 2

TOOLS & MATERIALS...42

Layout & Prep Tools...44

Cutting Tools...45

• Cutting Irregular Shapes

Setting Tools & Materials...48

• Mixing & Spreading Adhesive

• Tile Spacers

• Embedding & Leveling Tiles

Finishing Tools...50

• Grout Tools

• Striking & Jointing Tools

Basic Materials...51

• Cement Backer Board

• Waterproof & Isolation Membranes

Mortar & Adhesives...53

• Thickset

• Thinset

• Portland Cement Mortars

• Dry-Set Mortars

• Latex-Portland Cement Mortars

• Organic Mastic Adhesives

• Epoxy-Based Mortars

Grouts & Sealers...54

• Grouts

• Sealers

Chapter 3

TILING FLOORS...56

Design Basics...58

• Size • Shape • Color • Texture • Pattern • Finish

Planning the Layout...62

Preparing the Floor...66

• New Construction

• Reinforcing the Subfloor

• Underlayment

• Tiling over Concrete

Installing Floor Tiles...72

• Cutting Partial Tiles

• Applying the Grout

• Tooling & Sealing Joints

Installing Slate Tile...78

• Preparing the Floor

• Install Underlayment

• Laying Out the Tile

Laying Slate Tile...80

• Grouting

• Sealing

Design Ideas: Floors...82

Chapter 4

TILING WALLS...86

Design & Layout...88

• Patterns & Unique Designs

• Cutting Tiles

• Planning for Materials

Preparing Walls for Tile...91

• Wall Strength

• Existing Wall Surfaces

• Walls in Wet Areas

• Patching Drywall

• Preparing & Repairing Plaster

• Repairing Outside Corners

Installing New Drywall...98

Installing Wall Tile...100

• Establishing Working Lines

• A Tiling Sequence

• Cutting Tiles

• Applying Adhesive

• Laying the Tile

• Finishing

Design Ideas: Walls...104

Chapter 5

TILING COUNTERTOPS...108

Planning the Layout...110

Preparing Countertops...112

• Strengthening Cabinets

• Strengthening Counters

• Counter Options

Making a Sink Cutout...114

Laying the Field Tiles...116

• Establishing Working Lines

• Laying the First Course

• Finishing the Field

Partial Tile & Edging...118

• Overlap Measurements

• Cutting Around a Sink

• Installing Edge Tiles

Installing a Backsplash...120

• Installing Backer Board

• Installing Plywood

• Installing Plywood & Backer Board

• Planning Backsplash Tile

Backsplash Design Options...122

• One Tile & Cap

• Multiple Rows & Cap

• Multiple Trim Strips

Finishing a Backsplash...124

• Applying the Grout

Installing a Mosaic Tile Vanity Top...126

• Mosaic Tile Layout

Design Ideas: Countertops...128

Chapter 6

TILING TUBS & SHOWERS...132

Preparing the Site...134

• Removing Old Tile

• Fixtures

Planning the Job...136

• Tiling a Shower Pan

• Closing off the Shower

• Designing the Enclosure

Installing Prefab Pans...138

• Framing Support

Installing a Mortar-Bed Floor...140

• Framing Details

• Flexible Membranes

• Drain Fixtures

Setting Tub & Shower Tile...142

• Greenboard & Backer Board

• Working Lines

• Applying Adhesive

• Installing Tile Supports

• Tiling Sequence

Installing Accessories...146

• Soap Dishes & Grab Bars

• Shower Seats

Framing & Tiling Tubs...150

• Floor Framing Support

• Platform Framing

• Tiling the Platform

• Forming Custom Tubs

Design Ideas: Tubs & Showers...152

Chapter 7

INDOOR PROJECTS...156

Fireplaces...158

• Selecting Materials

• Hearth Design

• Face-Wall Design

• Setting the Tiles

• Tiling a Face Wall

Woodstoves...162

• Basic Safety Considerations

• Reducing Clearances to Tile

Range Hoods...164

• Range-Hood Materials

• Hood Tile

• Hood Dimensions

• Tiling a Hood

Stairs...166

• Design Considerations

Design Ideas: Indoor Projects...168

Chapter 8

OUTDOOR PROJECTS...172

Tiling Existing Concrete...174

• Testing the Surface

• Preparing the Surface

Building a New Concrete Base...176

• Basic Slab Design

• Excavating the Site

• Forming the Slab

• Estimating Concrete Orders

• Finishing a Slab

• Laying the Tile

Tiling Entry Steps...182

Tile the Steps

Tiling a Pool Deck...183

Design Ideas: Outdoor Projects...184

Chapter 9

REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE...188

Routine Cleaning...190

• Removing Common Stains

• Hard-Water Problems

Routine Maintenance...192

• Sealing Grout & Unglazed Tile

• Optional Waxing

Maintaining Tub Surrounds

Fixing Broken Tiles...196

• Dislodging Tiles

• Setting Replacement Tile

Fixing Trapped Tiles...198

Appendix: Tile Installation Specs...200

• Tile Floors Over Concrete Slabs

• Tile Floors Over Wood Subfloors

• Tile Floors Over Radiant Heat

• Tile Walls

• Tile Ceilings, Tub & Shower Walls, Countertops, and Tile-Over Tile

   Renovations

Resource Guide...212

Glossary...216

Index...218

Photo Credits...223