Everything a do-it-yourselfer needs to know about tiling floors, walls, counters, patios, and more can be found in Ultimate Guide to Ceramic & Stone Tile. Design and planning information helps readers prepare the site and select the right tile–ceramic, stone, vinyl, glass, and more. Chapters on tools and materials feature how-to photo sequences so even novices can tackle tile projects successfully. The emphasis is on solid, durable installations that can stand up to years of use in kitchens, baths, and other areas. The book also covers exterior applications, and includes a practical and complete guide to repairing and maintaining existing tile.

Table of Contents for Ultimate Guide to Ceramic & Stone Tile: Select, Install, Maintain

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 • Fi
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
• 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

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