Q:currently have vinyl tile glued to concrete on grade. Want to install bamboo floor / engineered wood. Can we go on top of existing vinyl?

Possibly. The vinyl tile must be well installed (not coming loose or bubbling or open seams, etc.). If the vinyl tile is a no wax or smooth surface, it may still need to be prepped with a palm sander and 80 grit just enough to give it some tooth. And finally, make certain to contact both manufacturers' reps or technical services to make certain that the new glue is compatible with both the vinyl and the bamboo... and to make certain that this endeavor will not void your warranty. Good luck.

Q:We're remodeling our bathroom and looking for tile. Thanks in advance!

if i was you i would first go to a tile shop ...many shops ..and find the tiles you really like first ..take down their number and batch number ..they vary a lot in shade ..then see if you can get the same on the net ..in my experience ..you can do as well in the shop as on the net ..they are all so easier to deal with if something goes wrong

Q:We‘re putting in new porcelain tile floors in the kitchen and bathroom. Should the tile go under the refrigerator? Should tiles go in before or after the new vanities in the bathroom? Any other general tips for a first-time tiler?

Well, please take my advice as I used to work at a popular Australian tile franchise. Number one - make sure the porcelain you are laying is pre-sealed, as porcelain is a natural stone and is 'porous', so harsh staining can will occur if they are not sealed. If they are just 'Glazed Porcelain' tiles, they don't need to be 'sealed' as they are on a ceramic biscuit and just have a glazed protective coating, which are quite 'hardwearing'. In which they are 'ceramic'. Number two - YES!! you must fully take out all fixtures to lay in the bathroom and kitchen, tiles will almost usually be there many years more than a vanity or a fridge. If you replace your kitchen cabinetry, well all floor space should be tiled. Many people run into problems of the 'previous owner' not doing the job properly, and down the track they wan't the same tile.....well the life of a tile is around 4 years then they become extinct., even if you can get the same tile, it will not be of the same batch/shade. Trying to fix up half-hearted jobs isn't as easy as some people think!!! So please tile ALL floor area and order enough so you have a couple of spare boxes left over, for future repairs. Because you will never get that same tile batch/shade ever again!! You'll also make it easier for the next person who lives there. Also, if you find out that if it is true polished porcelain and there not pre-sealed, buy a 'reputable' tile sealer and seal them before laying. As when you grout the tile (if there not sealed) you will create a grout haze around all your joints and will be a nightmare to remove and your lovely porcelain won't look so 'lovely'!! HAVE FUN......

Q:Anyone know if that type of ceiling tile has asbestos? Unsure of the year built. It has a texture to it which is why I‘m worried about it.

I don't know that they made ceiling tile out of that but if your that worried then call a Professional to test it. That stuff will kill you don't take unnecessary chances.

Q:i need to cut a hole in ceramic floor tile. i have tried many things such as dremel with different ceramic tile cutting attachments and a carbide hole saw.what should i try next?

In the plumbing section of most hardware stores a cable saw can be found its used to cut pipe in hard to reach areas. some will cut tile. In the drill bit area find a Glass/ Tile bit big enough for the cable and go to it. a coping saw may work other thought. use tile bit to start and nippers, files will work as well use water as a lube. I hope someone else has a better Idea for you.

Q:Can anyone tell me what type of tile this is? Name?

Sure is a ceramic tile. Could be a porcelain bodied tile with a glazed surface but they are all classified as ceramic. Ceramic with a slightly beveled edge for a bit different look. Getting the name is almost impossible unless it came from a magazine where you can get it or at least the brand name of the manufacturer. Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar and check my qualifications there. GL

Q:I‘m looking to replace a ceramic tile floor in my kitchen with a different style ceramic tile. The contractor says I have two options. He can either lay the new ceramic tile on the old, which will be cheaper than bringing up the old tile but then the floor will be raised 1 to 1 1/2 above current level. Or, he can take up the old ceramic tile but then he‘d have to remove the old layer of plywood and put down a new layer, which will be more labor-intensive and expensive. Is there any other issues regarding these two scenarios that I should take into account?

The largest advantage to taking up the old floor and replacing the sub floor is that you get a chance to see if there are any underlying problems (i.e. rot, unevenness, cracks). When I had my floor tiles removed and replaced, it was found that the original sub floor was improperly installed, was rotted by the kitchen door, and was hiding some structural issues. Sounds scary I know, but I would rather find out about these things and fix them before laying a new floor than having to rip up said new floor later to fix them.

Q:I‘m going to be putting in a tile floor in my kitchen (all cabinets and appliances removed). I have done my research and have a good idea of what I will be doing - beef up the subfloor with plywood and lots of screws for rigidity; use cement based self leveler to correct a mild slope; install backerboard or decoupling membrane (not sure which yet) followed by the tile.I have a plan, but plans tend to fall apart after their first run-in with reality. Has anyone run into types of problems they don‘t talk about on DIY network? The types of problems complete the following kinds of sentences: are you f***ing kidding me? You have to do ____ before ___? or dammit, why don‘t they tell you you need [insert name of specialized gadget] on a product that cures in 10 minutes? or boy was I an idiot for doing/not doing [insert critically important but not obvious tiling procedure here].?Much obliged, and thanks for the responses.

Before okorder /. You'll find video tips about tile installation as well as lots of useful information especially if you're installing kitchen glass tiles. Good luck!

Q:Following on from my previous question about tiles... I had asked if it's better to remove them or tile over the top. At that time, I thought they were bedded in the same stuff as the bathroom tiles were upstairs which was a very fine and compacted sandy stuff that was not set.However, after trying to remove a couple of the mosaic floor tiles in the kitchen, it seems they are bedded in the actual concrete floor itself !!! and instead of being able to remove them, it just chips the tile and breaks off the surface somewhat. They're extremely difficult to remove so: Will my new tiles be completely ok if set on top of these? can you please let me know how to prepare them and what to look out for?Height-wise it doesn't matter, I'll simply order shorter doors. I'm really concerned about the long term strength because it's a kitchen that will get a lot of use / humidity/ etc...Thank you

You can set tiles over tiles . You ll need to get a thin set that is modified to do this. Check on the back of the bag it will tell you . The price will give it away too lol.Tiles must be clean and oil free of course.The one step some people don t do that I do every time I do this. You must wait a day or two extra before going in and walking and grouting these tiles. The thin set needs extra drying time since moisture in thin set can t go any where. If your doing it your self no problem. If some one else does it ask them to do it on a friday and grout on monday. Or if that can t be worked out , have them do it and possible go do another small job and come back in a couple days to do it. Any questions you can e mail me GL

Q:We just had tile intalled in our home. What products do you use (or recommend) to clean tile? On a regular basis? Spill/Accident basis?Also, can anyone recommend a good cordless sweeper (for tile of course)?

i don't know but i got 2 points