(08-28-2016, 07:30 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: I was a tile man for 20 years.  I wouldn't recommend leaving mortar spread on the floor for any length of time, before setting a tile on it.  You may get lucky, and the tile sitting (likely) higher than the rest will be hidden, but if it's not you'll be kicking yourself in the ass for not doing it right.

(09-01-2016, 06:52 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: Follow up questions...

I had never used pre-mixed grout before, but the salesman gave my girl some pitch about it and she insisted that we were going to use it.

When I was applying it, it was maybe a little thicker than I like it, and it stuck to the tile a little tighter than I would like (requiring more pressure with the sponge to wipe it off), but I did not notice anything unusual in the application.  The gaps looked filled and nice.

Now that it is dry, it seems like the gaps are only filled about 7/8 of the way to the top.  Is it safe to add more grout on top to fill the remainder?  It is a bathroom, so I don't want low spots of standing water.

Second question, the only ever bathroom I have ever tiled, I put grout between the tiles at the tub line, but not between the tile and the tub.  There I used a silicone caulk which matched the tile.  For the life of me I can't remember where that concept came from, but I did it again in this one.  Does it seem like that can create a problem?

Thanks folks!

(09-01-2016, 07:58 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Yeah, all those premixed products suck, when it comes to the application of them.  If you filled the lines tight, no need to reapply any more.  Chances are that the layers wouldn't bond together well, and you would have the top layer scaling off in a short period of time. 

You did well to use the grout caulk along the seam of the tub and tile.  It will remain flexible and watertight for a good number of years.

(09-02-2016, 09:42 AM)jfkbengals Wrote: Yeah, they are filled wide, just not as deep as I expected.

That's a relief that I don't need to add more.

I was already bracing myself for a reply that I need to remove it all and start over.  That would have caused this  

(09-02-2016, 11:07 AM)WeezyBengal Wrote: I bought the pre mixed stuff one time and it literally took 3 days to dry, not kidding.

Very convenient, but a pain in the ass to use.

(09-02-2016, 11:59 AM)WeezyBengal Wrote: Hey Sunset while were at it...

Just got a quote to demo/replace existing tile in my shower. He is also doing the plumbing and shower door and tiling the floor and shower walls. Its a small shower, standard 3x5.

Guy gave me an estimate of 1500 for labor.

That sounds pretty reasonable?

(09-02-2016, 12:05 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: For all of the tasks you have listed?  That's not bad, and you only have to deal with one crew.  How are his references?

(08-28-2016, 07:07 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: So I have been tiling the half bath floor today, and naturally I've had TV on in the other room so I could listen to the preseason games in the background.

So I hear them say that Palmer threw a pick, and had to stop spreading mortar and go take a look...

When I came back I laid down the next tile and went back about my business, but something just didn't feel right in the back of my mind.

About 10 minutes later it dawned on me...I never finished dragging the trowel notches through the mortar before I stopped to watch that replay, and I just laid the down the next tile when I got back.  It's not back-buttered, as I only do that around the perimeter (and I only do it there so that I don't get mortar on the walls or trim).

So my question to any tile specialists out there, should I be concerned about this missed step on a single tile?  (For the record, I'm almost positive the new vanity will sit on top of it)

(09-13-2016, 07:55 AM)HarleyDog Wrote: Holy bejeebus- our tile guy just gave us a estimate of $15, 000 to tile the dining room/hallway/family & living room.

(09-13-2016, 07:56 AM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Seems a bit high.  Is that with you purchasing the materials separately?

(09-20-2016, 08:21 AM)HarleyDog Wrote: Yes. Includes Materials.

(09-20-2016, 02:26 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: What is that, about 1000 sq. ft.?  Unless you are going with some exotic or pricey materials, with a complicated design, I still say that is quite high.  If I were doing the job, I could get you some really nice tile, set it on a diagonal pattern, remove the existing flooring, etc., all for less than $9/ sq. ft.