Tilework - Fine Homebuilding FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Main Menu Subscribe

Tilework

There must be something in the house you can’t tile, but the list of surfaces that respond beautifully to ceramic and other types of tile is very long indeed. Tile is a top choice for kitchen and bathroom floors, for kitchen countertops, mudroom floors, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, and tub and shower enclosures. The reason is pretty simple: Few materials are as longwearing and available in so many patterns and colors as tile.

Materials used in setting tile are deceptively simple. There’s the tile itself, the stuff used to glue the tiles down, and the surface the tiles are installed over (what installers call the substrate). In reality, the variety of materials is very broad, adding a layer of complexity to any planned tile installation. How big should the tile be? What kind of pattern will look best in a long, narrow room? What kind of grout will be the most durable? What the heck is a “coefficient of friction” and why should I care about it? Should the tile be installed over cement backerboard or a specialized decoupling membrane?

A professional tile installer should, of course, know the answers to all of those questions. But one of the appealing things about tile is that working with it successfully is an accessible skill for builders and homeowners alike.  An uncomplicated installation — a small pantry floor, for example, or a kitchen backsplash — is completely within reach when good advice and good materials are readily at hand. And that’s where Fine Homebuilding comes in. Got a question? One of our articles or videos will have the answer.

  • Shower niche

    Interior Finishes for a Cabin in the Woods

    Watch remodeler Josh Oduin show off his tilesetting skills throughout his personal cabin project.

  • Waterproofing system

    Shower Waterproofing

    Watch remodeler Josh Oduin demonstrate how to embed premade corners and banding in thinset to waterproof a new shower before tiling.

  • Sound Wave tiles

    Scientifically Designed Tiles

    The Sound Wave series uses frequencies of sound to create unique designs silkscreened onto the ceramic.

  • What’s the Most Durable Grout?

    A former remodeler wonders why more people aren't using polyurethane grout in their kitchen and bath projects.

  • prep for tile bathroom

    Prep for Tile

    The high quality substrate that you install behind your tile is what ensures that it will be durable and look great for years to come.

  • how to remodel bathrooms

    Bathroom Remodeling Guide

    Get the most out of this hardworking room with advice on efficient bathroom layouts, quality material choices, and top-notch construction techniques.

  • The Future of Tile is Big

    Full-wall porcelain panels offer the seamless look of stone with less cost and maintenance.

  • Frank Lloyd Wright–Inspired Art Tiles

    These period-inspired, handcrafted tiles make ideal accents.

  • Tile Setting

    Installing Large-Format Tile

    In this episode of Job-Site Diaries, watch remodeler Josh Oduin prep and place giant tiles for a custom curbless shower.

  • Can You Install Tile Over a Porch Floor?

    Tiling over decking is challenging, but creating a stable, waterproof surface with proper tile installation offers the best chance at success.

Page 1 of 17
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 17
Next

Most Popular

  1. 1

    Cladding Details That Last

  2. 2

    Straight-Hole Jig

  3. 3

    Radiant Heating and Cooling

  4. 4

    Podcast 311: Fresh-Air Seeker, Grow-House Rehab, and Getting off Gas

  5. 5

    Podcast 313: Pony Studs, Cold Floors, and Hiding Foundation Insulation

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 297 - February/March 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls
  • Issue 293 - Aug/Sept 2020

    • A Practical Guide to Fall Protection
    • Installing Frameless Cabinets
    • Make Any Tablesaw Safer

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

    All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 52%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in