I got a call a few weeks ago from a customer who wanted to spice up their kitchen and wanted to do a tile backsplash. They have only lived in the home for a few years and were relocated here from another state. They have been putting off doing a backsplash but thought it was about time they did something to add value and elegance the homes kitchen. After looking at a few different types of tile they came to the conclusion they wanted a tumbled marble travertine backsplash to go with the decor of the home and the Granite counter tops. They selected a 2″x4″ tumbled Chiaro travertine set on sheets in a brick pattern.
I had already been out to measure the job and give the homeowners an estimate for the installation of the backsplash which they agreed on and gave me the go ahead to schedule a start date. I knew the square foot and pretty much how I was going to do the installation so all materials were ordered. I selected the Laticrete 255 MultiMax modified thinset since it’s an excellent non sag thinset for this type of marble installation. When I got to the job the day of the installation the homeowner had everything cleared off the counter tops out of the way and removed the under cabinet lighting which is a great help.
After opening the wrapped sheets of travertine to inspect for any tile that was set crooked on the sheets or wasn’t of the same shade I stacked them and got them ready for the installation. I took off the outlet covers and loosened the main screws and pulled out the outlet some so I could tile around the box and behind the outlet ears that hold the outlet down on the tile later on. I also put my drop cloth over the part of the granite counter top area I was working on. I used my level to make sure the granite 4″ backsplash was level so I could run my starter row off it. Using the Laticrete 255 MultiMax non sag thinset was great. It helped me place the travertine sheets and not have them slide or need to use spacers or wedges to hold them up.
I centered the layout on the main backsplash and was able to lay it out to get full tile and halves with my soldier row of tile as the edging type bullnose finish piece. I also centered the stove area backsplash and it was 4″ shorter which would still allow me to achieve a full and half tile layout. I then mixed my Laticrete 255 thinset and started the installation using a 1/4″ x 1/4″ notched trowel. As I was putting the sheet into the thinset I embedded them by using my rubber grout float to set the travertine into the thinset and create a good bond. The 2×4 Chiaro travertine was set on the sheets pretty straight, but even some irregular set ones will look good and add to the rustic stone look when grouted. Some have small pits and divots and some even have corners missing during the tumbling process.
After setting the main cabinet side back splash I cut in around the outlets and then filled in the top row under the wall cabinets. The cut worked out to be a half cut which is a good layout and looked great. I finished setting that side and moved my tools over to the stove side back splash area. First I covered the glass top stove with my drop cloth to protect it from tool or tile I have setting then during the install. The stove side went easier then the cabinet side since it was a slightly smaller and had I already did one side. The only difference was it had a small short return side wall but that was easy to do also. I finished cutting in around the outlets and also filled in the top row under the wall cabinets on this side.
After the thinset dried I prepped for the grouting process by wiping the travertine down with a damp sponge to remove and dust or powder created during the installation process. Some say to pre seal before grouting but since they selected a matching colored sanded grout there was no need to. The grout selected was Laticrete #40 Latte sanded grout. The sanded grout filled the grout joints, pits and divots nicely and matched the travertine perfectly. I final washed the travertine and left the final job clean for the owner. They decided to seal with a penetrating sealer and not use the enhancing sealer like most use.
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Enjoy the pictures of the installation……
I recently did a Porcelain Plank tile floor in Wesley Chapel, Florida which is just a little North East of Tampa. The homeowner wanted a harder floor then real wood and also didn’t want the noisy cheap floating laminate floor look and loud sound when walked on with shoes. I showed them a rectified porcelain tile plank from one of my tile distributors in Tampa and they loved it. The planks were 4 1/2″ x 18″ and had a realistic wood grain pattern look to them, nice shading & coloring too. There are also a bunch of different sized porcelain plank tile from different tile manufacturers like 4″x24″, 5″x24″, 6″x18″, 6″x24″, 12″x24″ and even 4″, 6″ and 9″x35 1/2″.
Porcelain tile excels in the area of being resistant to all kinds of wear, acid, and everyday abrasions caused by foot traffic. With a slip resistant surface, wood porcelain plank tile also has safety as well as beauty and longevity. Most of the plank tile is PEI 4 rated, acid resistant, abrasion resistant, slip resistant, can have a slightly textured, matte or slightly embossed surface, tile thicknesses are from 3/8″ to 1/2″ and is a Green Building Material. Each porcelain plank manufacturer has a different look and style and plank tile can be installed in different sized rows to achieve a realistic vintage wood look. This makes porcelain plank tile flooring an excellent design choice for homeowners wanting a warm, rustic wood look with durability and beauty.
Once we delivered the tile to the job we started ripping up the carpet and tack strip. The homeowner had already moved all furniture out of that room prior to us getting there. After prepping the floor and applying a liquid crack membrane over some small cracks we measured the room and did our layout. With these types of porcelain plank tile you need to make sure you don’t have a repetitive pattern so close attention should be paid when starting each row. On this project we used Laticrete 252 Silver modified gray thinset to set the porcelain planks. We went around prior and undercut the door jambs and made sure the tile slid under to wood baseboard. This would allow a perimeter moment joint that is not grouted and would stop possible later tenting. The concrete substrate was nice and flat which helped. We used a chalk line and snapped all of our control lines and started setting plank tile with intermittent sized tile at each row.
Once we set the entire floor it dried for the time required by the thinset manufacturer which is usually 24hrs. We then washed any thinset or job dust on the tile and cleaned any thinset in the grout joints prior to grouting. On this job we used Laticrete PermaColor #43 Chocolate Truffle sanded grout since it offers the maximum performance available in a cement-based grout, provides a consistent color and has Microban to resist stain causing mold and mildew. This grout is also ideal for floors and walls with grout joint widths of 1/16″ to 1/2″. The grout joints we had installed were an 1/8″ due to the sides of the plank tile that had 1/8″ lugs that helped with the spacing on the side of the plank. After we washed and cleaned the grout from the tile with a sponge we let the grout do it’s initial set which is when it firms up. We then did a towel drag of the full floor with clean water to remove any grout dust residual and also stops an ugly grout haze from showing when dried.
here are some pictures of the install……
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Here is a Granite tile counter top project we completed as part of a full master bathroom remodel in Orlando, Florida. The old shower tile was removed and ripped down to the metal studs, the shower floor tile and mud bed was removed, the main floor tile was removed, cabinets, mirrors, lights, old counter top and toilet all removed. Everything in the bathroom was removed except the drywall. We tiled the shower walls and shower floor along with the main bathroom floor the week prior. Now that the new cabinets were installed, mirrors up and paint done we can proceed with the last bit of tiling…… the counter top and back splash.
We Installed new 3/4″ plywood as the base for the counter top install and we glued and screwed it into the cabinet anchoring it firmly. We elected to use Schluter Ditra instead of cementboard for this install as our tile substrate since we had some leftover from a bathroom floor install we did. Schluter Ditra is an uncoupling membrane that will allow the tile to move slightly with thermal changes. It is also only an 1/8″ thick, if we had used a 1/4″ cementboard a small part of the plywood would have shown under the granite counter trim we were using. We installed the Ditra with 1/4″ notched trowel rather then the suggested 3/16″ notch and used a Modified thinset called Versabond from Custom Building Products.
We first installed the 3″x 30″ granite counter trim on the edge first. It took only 3 pieces with each side cut off a little on the wet saw. We did the layout and decided to centered the first tile since the side cuts would be about 3/4 of a full tile on each side. We used the same modified thinset to set the tile even though Schluter wants you to use a Un Modified. This is so the thinset can hydrate properly and cure, a Modified thinset needs air to dry and really cant between the tile and the Ditra. But we were giving it a few days to dry over the weekend before we caulked and grouted it. The homeowner wanted a sanded grout joint so we used 1/8″ wedge spacers, this and the micro bevel on the granite tile once grouted would give you a nice 3/16″ grout joint.
Once the Granite tile on the counter top was done I started on the back splash with the mosaic tile and a mixture of tumbled 1″x2″ travertine and 1″x1″ aqua opaque glass tile. We sent the homeowner to one of our local tile distributors called Floor & Decor and had them pick out the tile selection. They have 6 locations in Florida and 3 are close to me in Tampa/Brandon, Clearwater & Orlando. They were happy with what they picked out and gave us an idea of what they wanted and we installed it. I decided to install the mosaic as a stacked pattern and not the zig zag it was designed for. We used the same style in the shower as the accent band and the homeowner liked the look better since it was different. They also purchased a 3/4″x12″ travertine dome liner to be installed at the top of the small splash it would give it a matching finished look.
Once the thinset was dry from sitting through the weekend we grouted the travertine & glass mosaic and the granite tile with a grout from Custom Building Products called Antique White #10 Polyblend Polymer-modified, sanded Portland cement grout. We also used the matching sanded Polyblend caulk at the change of horizontal plane and in the corners as a soft joint for movement. Sanded grout would crack over time from slight movement if used in the corners. Once the grout was dried the owners applied a couple coats of TileLab Matte Sealer & Finish. This would seal the travertine & grout but not enhance the color of either. This sealer is also a “Custom Green Product” and has low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). 220 grams of VOC per 1 liter. And to complete it they had 2 half inch thick glass bowl sinks installed on the granite top with brushed antique brass contemporary faucets.
I hope you like the pictures below and the final shots of the counter top and shower.
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I just wanted to post this link to the video documentary that the homeowners emailed me of them and their child. After seeing the documentary I am very happy to have done this special tile job and shower waterproofing for them and Caleb. I worked my hardest to give them what they wanted and tried my best to make it perfect.
An Unexpected Gift
This was the accessible shower I built for them…..
I was called out by the customer for an estimate to look at a handicap shower redo, waterproofing & tile work in Dade City/Tampa, Florida. The existing shower had a one piece style plastic shower unit. They also had a laminate type wood look floor installed in the bathroom when the home was built which was a big mistake with the moisture and water in a bathroom. There was mold present under the laminate flooring and under the foam padding and also a partially rotted sub floor. The one piece tub was cut and removed along with tearing up e water damaged laminate flooring and foam padding. The mold was cleaned up using a mixture of 1/2 gal. white vinegar, 1/2 gal. hydrogen peroxide 1 cup boric acid. We mixed it, put in a spray bottle and applied it to the moldy area’s.
Once everything was removed and cleaned we installed the blue board in the shower area and room. We are using the Schluter Kerdi waterproofing membrane and they approved of this being used in the shower behind their membrane. We also had to cut the joists down an 1 1/2″ since this was going to be a roll in barrier free shower and had no curb. We decided to cut the joists rather then using cleats. Laying the plywood across the joists would give us stronger support of the mudbed. Then the new shower sub floor was installed, glued and nailed. The joists were also sistered on both sides for extra support and less possible deflection. We then installed tar paper, wire mesh lath and the lowered/depressed area. Then cut the drain pipe and installed the Schluter Kerdi drain. We packed a lose mixture of floor mud and thinset under the Kerdi drain flange to support it while working in the shower. We started to install the Kerdi waterproofing membrane on the walls with TEC Specialty Full Set Plus. Depending on where we purchase the the at we also use Laticrete 317/MegaBond or Bostik/Hydroment DitraSet. All 3 are quality Un Modified thinset mortars required to be used by Schluter with the Kerdi membrane. And dont get mixed up with a cheap un modified thinset like Customs Custom Blend which is a good economical thinset to set pavers, saltillo & quarry tile but is too sandy to use behind Kerdi.
Once the Kerdi was installed on the shower walls we packed the shower pan with a mixture of sand & portland and created the pitch to the drain with the damp packed mud bed mixture. We then installed the Ditra on the main floor of the bathroom with a modified thinset since it was on a plywood sub floor and also installed the Kerdi on the shower floor and waterproofed the Ditra seams and Kerdi shower corners with the Kerdi-band. With the Kerdi-band we made sure to keep the required 2″ overlaps to ensure our waterproofing membrane will work. We also elected to pre fill the Ditra waffles the day before setting so we don’t have to mix and move around too much thinset the day we set the 13×13 porcelain floor tile.
The next day we did our layout on the wall tile in the shower area and the 4′ wainscot around the bathroom wall. The owner wanted a brick joint pattern in the shower and walls so layout was done with the largest cuts in the corners. It laid out to be full tile and half tiles in the corners and edges which worked out well. A 3×13 matching bullnose was used on the edges and corners. After the shower walls and wainscot was set we started to lay the shower floor 1×1 porcelain tile. The square Kerdi drain with the 1×1 tile worked out well with full tile around the drain grate. Since this was a curb less barrier free Handicap shower the 1×1 mosaic floor tile will set an 1/8″ lower then the 13×13 main floor tile, this with the pitch will stop and water from the shower going onto the main floor. Also the waterproofing of the Kerdi & Ditra will stop any water over spray or drying off water absorbing into the sanded grout and stopping it from doing any damage. We then set the main bathroom 13×13 porcelain floor tile.
We grouted the 13×13 porcelain wall & floor tile and the 1×1 porcelain mosaic tile with TEC Accu-Color XT stain proof sanded grout. We used it due to its impressive stain resistance properties. Also since we were able to purchase the tile, waterproofing, thinset & grout all from on tile store.
A letter from the homeowners:
Dear Brian,
Thank you so much for a job well done!
We were impressed with your work from the time we found your website,
during the process, and upon completion.
Your attention to detail and craftsmanship were evident throughout.
You are a true professional.
You ensured quality and integrity, and we believe you delivered.
It was truly a pleasure to meet you and work with you!
Sincerely,
Scott & Tammy Hutchison & the little cookie monsters 
With glass tile becoming more popular the use of it in bathrooms, pools and on back splashes I have seen quite an increase of installations over the years here in Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando & this project in Winter Haven, Polk County Florida. Glass tile is pretty much endless in colors, sizes and shapes. There is a wide variety of glass tile finishes to choose from like glossy, iridescent, etched, metallic or printed, and textures like flat, rippled, relief or dimpled. Also the tile sizes range from 1″, 2″, 4″, 5″, 6″, 8″ and even large sized glass tile 12×12 up to 24×24 in size. There are quite a few good glass suppliers out there selling nice glass tile like Modwalls.
This backsplash I am going to talk about was actually purchased from Modwalls and was the 1×2 Recycled Viridian Glass Brix tile in color Cotton in a mini subway tile pattern. You could use this tile for indoor and outdoor installations, commercial and residential, wet and dry applications, walls, showers, pools, counter tops and back splashes. It’s also suitable for floors with light foot traffic. Made of 98% recycled glass, this gorgeously Green Product is as kind to the environment as it is beautiful to the eye. Eco-Friendly and sustainable surfacing product derived from reclaimed glass building windows and manufacturing pieces from windows and windshields. Besides looking great you will also feel good about using this recycled glass tile in whatever area you tile.
This install went great and the final product came out even better. The homeowner first ripped out the old cabinets and counter top and had new white cabinets installed with a new black granite counter top. They also had new drywall installed where the back splash was and I wasn’t to pleased with how the drywall guy did it. I used mesh tape and thinset to fill the gaps between the sheets of drywall. I wanted to make sure I did the floating prep work to ensure a smooth flat glass tile install. After the mesh taping was done I measured the glass tile sheets and did my layout. It was great to see that the sheet measured 12 1/4′ high and the bottom of the cabinets to the top of the granite counter top was 18 1/2″. This would allow me to get full tile at top and bottom allowing for a grout joint at top and bottom.
I checked to make sure the granite counter top was level and it was. This gave me a good level starting point to set the glass tile and work my way up to under the cabinets. Before starting I also protected the counter top with my drop cloth and also used a drop cloth on the kitchens wood laminate flooring in case my tools, bucket or sand could scratch either of them, Being clean and careful is always good thing when doing Residential remodel construction. I started by making a level line mid way up for reference while setting the glass tile sheets. The thinset I decided to use is one of my new favorites from Laticrete called 4XLT. It’s a thin bed, medium bed and non-sag all in one thinset and I highly recommend the non-sag properties to use with glass tile so the sheets stay in place and don’t slide. It’s always best to follow the glass tile manufacturers thinset recommendations. Some clear, opaque or iridescent glass needs a pure white thinset since it might show through the glass tile. Always do a small mock up installation to test that and the grout to see if it scratches the glass tile. The small glass mini brick tile were set on the mesh backed sheets pretty straight. The tile were slightly irregular which added to the beauty of this recycled glass mosaic mini Brix subway look.
The glass tile doesn’t come with a bullnose tile so I elected to run a soldier course vertical to create a border edge. The tile is slightly rounded so this was a good way to terminate the 1/2 tiles at the back splash edges. This is also common when doing regular 3×6″ ceramic subway tile. The tile cut easily with my glass tile wet saw blade without chipping or cracking, I was able to cut the glass tile all in one shot still mounted on the sheet since the mesh backing was strong and held together even when wet. I used a 1/8″ notched trowel to set the glass tile and I also flat troweled the drywall substrate to burn/key in a thin layer of thinset and get a good bond. When setting the sheet I use my rubber grout float to lightly tap the glass tile into the thinset to ensure they are embedded in the thinset. Once the glass tile was all set I caulked the corners and the change of plane with a matching Laticrete sanded premium acrylic caulk. I let the thinset cure for 24 hours and then grouted it with Laticrete’s 1500 sanded grout in color #44 Bright White sanded grout.
I picked up my drop clothes, cleaned my tools, final washed the glass tile, cleaned the counter top and turned over the new glass tile back splash to the owner.
You should have seen how happy they were ! 
If your looking to install glass tile in Tampa, Florida
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With the elegant look of travertine tile back splashes I really don’t think the love for them will die down anytime soon. The only thing that I see replacing them in the future is glass tile, but it is considerably more costly and very temperamental to install. Glass tile takes a very good tile installer to do a good installation. The good thing about travertine tile is that it’s a natural stone and very hard to reproduce on a ceramic or porcelain tile. It has a look of it’s own, very rustic, very natural, very classy. The natural crevices/divots on the surface makes it also have a beautiful texture.
Marble and stone tile are in a class all by themselves. Natural travertine stone tile require more care in selection and installation of these materials and is more labor intensive requiring a greater degree of skill and know-how to install them. Prices for stone materials are typically higher than ceramic or porcelain tiles and installation costs reflect the degree of difficulty to install them. Stone tile bring nature into your Florida home and adds a feeling of luxury and permanency. With granite counter tops in a kitchen combined with a tumbled marble back plash it makes for a classy look and feel.
The tumbled travertine back splash we just completed in Wesley Chapel, Florida was a classy simple design. A 4×4 Noce on a diagonal on the main area with a 1×2 brick joint travertine mosaic as a 2 row border outline behind the stove with the inside set with the 4×4 tumbled travertine in a brick joint. We used Laticrete 4XLT thinset to set the tumbled marble since it is an excellent non sag thinset and the tiles didn’t move after we set them. Once the thinset dried we grouted it with Laticrete 1530 sand beige sanded grout. A few days later we came back and sealed the travertine and grout with an enhancer sealer so the colors of the travertine would stand out and also make behind the stove a little stain resistant.
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