Tech Talk – Louisville Tile

Featured Product Videos

Louisville Tile — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 14:09:15 +0000

Stellar

The Stellar Series by Sonoma is their signature collection of handcrafted tiles in an extensive selection of classic and modern field tiles, decoratives and trim pieces in 108 beautiful colors.

Mood Wall

Mood Wall presents limitless options for both sophisticated creative projects. The white tone aligned reliefs of Highway make the ceramic tile a minimalist choice, but full of personality.

Trilogy

The Trilogy collection mixes a refined selection of the most sought-after white marbles quarried from the most renowned sites in the world: Italy and Greece.

Marmi Classico

Luxury, timelessness and boldness express the diversity of marble. Marmi Classico is a selection of unique marbles, balanced by different chromatic proposals. The perfect combination between beauty and nature.

Marvel Dream

Interior design rediscovers the wonder of marble-look porcelain tiles and wall tiles dressed in a contemporary, refined character that is never conventional. Marvel Dream is dedicated to one of the most beautiful, noble and durable materials, capable of enhancing every space with elegance and architectural character.

Bianco Bello

Simplicity is key to everyday design and Bianco Bello white marble mosaics will be your new best friend. Available in a variety of shapes for multiple applications, the collection features easy style in natural stone at a fantastic price point.

Eden 3x11

Eden is a timeless style told in a beautifully crafted 3”x11” reclaimed brick tile. Distressed effects and sophisticated tone-on-tone color variations reveal new stories to be told every day. Eden is a combination of vintage style and contemporary moods, salvage and innovation, designed to provide attractive effects and natural forms.

CEU: Large Format Wall and Floor Tile: Design Challenges and Solutions

Louisville Tile — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 15:53:13 +0000

Program: Architecture, Design and Building Science

Today’s designers are increasingly preferring large format tile for the monolithic appearance it provides. However, when the tiles become larger, special precautions need to be taken to prevent problems both during installation and throughout the life of the application. Wall applications can be particularly challenging. This course addresses these challenges and provides recommendations for how to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and long lasting installation with large format tiles.

Why Choose tile

Louisville Tile — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 16:08:20 +0000

Why Choose Tile

You’ve made the leap and decided to build a home or remodel your existing space. You are now faced with thousands of decisions that need to be made, and millions of options to choose from. One of those choices, which we think is an easy one, is “what kind of flooring should I choose?” Just like every other decision on your list, you’ve got many options when it comes to types of flooring. So, of all of those choices, why should you choose to use tile?

The reasons to choose tile are almost as endless as the design options it provides. From traditional marble looks, to trendy patterned tile, you are sure to find a look that matches your style. On top of just looking great, tile is durable, easy to clean, eco-friendly and comes with a long history of creating timeless spaces.

Endless Design Possibilities

At Louisville Tile we believe that your home should be as unique as you are. Because no one person has the same taste, no home, bathroom or kitchen backsplash should be exactly alike. Tile offers looks to compliment any style, colors to match any space, and the possibilities to bring any project to life.

Whether you are looking for a rustic wood look for your country house, or a subway tile to complete your new kitchen remodel, Louisville Tile has you covered. Each of our showrooms offer free design consultation with our experienced designers. Schedule your appointment today and see the design possibilities that tile can offer. Get a head start by looking at our in-stock tile and viewing our residential inspiration galleries.

Durable and Easy To Clean

Tile is the perfect choice for anyone that wants a low-maintenance flooring solution, and who doesn’t? Stop worrying about stains and life’s every day messes by installing tile. Most messes don’t require anything more than water to clean! Take a look at our care and maintenance guide to learn more about how easy it is to maintain your tile for years to come.

In addition to being easy to clean, tile is also water resistant, scratch resistant, fire resistant and resistant to bacterial growth. This all adds up to a durable product that will stand up to everyday life.

Steam Shower Installation

Louisville Tile — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 17:35:43 +0000

Steam Showers

You’ve probably heard the term “steam shower”, but what is it? And more importantly, how do you properly install tile in your steam shower? We will first look at what exactly makes a shower a steam shower, then go over the various installation products that you’ll need to ensure proper installation of tile and waterproofing.

What is a Steam Shower?

As the name implies, what sets a steam shower apart from a standard shower is… the steam. Steam showers use a small steam generator to turn your shower into your own personal steam room. Digital controls in the shower allow you to control the generator, which boils water to create the steam that comes through the steam head.

Steam showers have many benefits in both the commercial application and in a home. Steam showers create a great place to relax, the steam can be good for your skin and muscles, and even help clear stuffy nasal passages.

The Basics of Steam Shower Design

The first, and most basic, thing to remember when designing your steam shower is that it should be completely enclosed. This ensures that the steam being pumped into the shower stays in the shower. You’ll need vapor tight light fixtures, watertight shower doors, and double-pane windows to help prevent the steam from escaping the shower.

The next thing to consider is size. The purpose of most steam showers is to give you a place to relax, so you obviously want it large enough for you to sit in and unwind. But, you don’t want to too large that it uses too much power to generate the required steam. Because steam rises, a lower ceiling is usually best. A good rule of thumb is to not exceed a ceiling height of 8 feet.

If a steam shower is place for relaxation, you’ll likely want a place to sit while in the shower. You can use either a built-in bench, if you’ve got the space, or a folding seat option. If you go with a built-in bench, you’ll want to make sure that it is slightly sloped to allow the water to run off.

Tiling Guidelines

The TCNA has guildelines for installing tile in steam showers, which should always be followed. For steam showers that will see continuous use, both commercial and residential, follow SR 613. For a residential steam shower that will receive intermittent use, refer to SR614.

Choosing Tile for Your Steam Shower

Before installing any tile in a steam shower application, you’ll want to check with the manufacturer to ensure the product is recommended for steam shower applications. Remember that a steam shower created more vapor than a standard shower, so just because a tile is recommended for a shower doesn’t necessarily mean it can be used in a steam shower.

As a general rule, natural stones are not a great choice for steam showers. Natural stones are very porous, which makes them unable to handle the added moisture and vapor created in a steam shower. They will absorb the steam, which can create problem with the stone and even darken the appearance. So while natural stone may still be a great option for other areas of your bathroom, you’ll want to avoid it when choosing a tile for your steam shower.

A lot of porcelain and ceramic tile options are perfectly suited for steam shower installations. They are more durable and less porous than natural stone, which means they can stand up to the added moisture. There are so many options and looks available in porcelain and ceramic tile that you are sure to find something you’ll love. Take a look at our GO2 collection to see what tiles we have in stock and ready to be installed in your steam shower! Or, schedule an appointment with a designer and they can help design the perfect relaxation space for you.

Steam Shower Membranes

Choosing the right membrane for your steam shower installation is crucial. While the glazed tile is vapor impermeable, the grout is not. In fact, cementitious grout easily transmits water and vapor. It is highly likely in a steam shower assembly, that vapor can pass through the grout, making a membrane a necessity.

It is important that that the waterproof membrane you use has a perm rating of 0.5 or less. Louisville Tile recommends:

Laticrete: Hydro Ban (requires use of vapor barrier behind the substrate),

TEC: Hydra Flex (requires use of vapor barrier behind the substrate),

Schluter: Kerdi DS, Kerdi, Kerdi Board (for residential use only).

Steam Shower Thinset

When choosing a thinset for your steam shower installation, it is important that the product you use meets or exceeds ANSI 118.15. These “Improved Modified Dry-Set Cement Mortars” offer a higher 28 day shear bond strength, making them ideal for steam shower installations. Louisville Tile offers many compliant thinsets for several manufacturers:

Laticrete: 254 Platinum, 257 Titanium, Tri Lite, 4-XLT

TEC: Super Flex, Ultimate 6 Plus, Ultimate

Schluter: All Set

Steam Shower Grout

The cement grout used for steam shower installation should meet or exceed ANSI 118.6 standards. These standards establish minimum performance levels for compressive strength, flexural strength, shrinkage, and water absorption. Louisville Tile recommends the following grouts:

Laticrete: Perma Color, Perma Color Select

TEC: Power Grout

Steam Shower Sealant/Caulk

To seal/caulk your steam shower, you’ll want to use a 100% silicone sealant. Louisville Tile recommends:

Laticrete: Latisil 100% Silicone Sealant

TEC: Accucolor 100 100% Silicone Sealant

Installing Tile over Existing Tile

Louisville Tile — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 20:13:38 +0000

Benefits of Installing Tile Over Tile

Installing a new tile job over existing tile is a great way to update the look of your room without having to remove the old floor. It saves money when compared to paying someone to pull out the old tile. Or, if you are doing it yourself, it will save a ton of time and possible frustration. Doing so will only raise the height of the floor 3/8″-5/8″ on average- depending on the size of your tile.

Read the tips below to see if your project is a good fit for tile over tile. There are a few things to keep in mind before deciding to go this method with your installation. But if tile over tile is an option, you are sure to save both time and money.

Acceptable Existing Flooring Types

Like with any installation, starting with a proper substrate is absolutely key. When it comes to tile over tile it’s not enough to know you have an acceptable type of floor, you also need to make sure that it is well bonded to an approved substrate underneath.

Below is a list of flooring types that are acceptable when doing a tile over tile installation

Ceramic Tile
Porcelain Tile
Terrazzo
Natural Stone (NOT Marble)
Sheet Vinyl (non-cushioned)
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)
Linoleum
Plastic Laminate (interior counter tops only).

Preparing your existing floor

Floor prep is integral to ensuring a successful tile over tile installation. Since the new floor is only as strong as what it is bonded to, it is imperative that the existing flooring is well bonded to a proper substrate. Any loose flooring needs to be removed before installation can take place.

Next, to insure the bond of thinset is appropriate , properly clean the existing flooring removing all surface contamination (i.e. grease, wax, soap, cleaning residue, etc.). You’ll want to make sure you are using a high quality modified thinset that meets or exceeds ANSI 118.15. For grout, choose a high-performance product that provides built in stain resistance (like TEC Power Grout or Laticrete PermaColor Select).

Since the new floor will be elevated slightly, transitions to other existing floor areas may be needed. Utilize Schluter profiles to accommodate these areas.

Important Notes

Make sure the existing floor is acceptable for a tile over tile installation
Ensure that the existing floor is properly bonded to an appropriate substrate
Properly clean the existing floor to ensure a solid bond
Use a high quality modified thinset that meets or exceeds ANSI 118.15
Use a high-performance grout with built in stain resistance

Tile Leveling Systems and clips

Louisville Tile — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 20:08:38 +0000

WHAT IS A TILE LEVELING SYSTEM?

While the process of installing tile is a complicated one, the desired result is pretty simple: flat tile. The inherent nature of the tile itself present challenges in accomplishing this, as does the substrate you are installing over. Usable on both walls and floors, this is where leveling systems come into play.

There are different kinds of systems out there, but they have the same basic components: a spacer that locks in below/between adjacent tiles and a component that pushes down from the top. Basically it creates a system that pulls the tile from below AND pushes it from above, limiting lippage from one tile to another. While these systems can help reduce lippage, it is still important that you are installing on a flat substrate.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SYSTEMS

As we mentioned above, there are a couple of different types of leveling systems, which all aim to give you the same end result. The concept behind each is the same, the process of using them is just a bit different. Louisville Tile carries both the wedge (Raimondi) and screw systems (B.O.E.).

Traditional Wedge System

The traditional clip and wedge system consists of 2 parts… the clip (fig.1) and (you guessed it) the wedge. (fig. 2) The clips come in different widths depending on your grout joint, and are placed under and between 2 adjacent tiles. The wedge is then pushed into the clips, putting pressure on the tile and helping to reduce lippage (fig. 3). The wedge system is made even easier with the Raimondi pliers, which speed up the process of inserting the wedges. The wedges are reusable, and are universal across the various clip sizes.

cap System

The cap system consists of 2 parts, much like the wedge system. You have the clip (fig. 4) and the cap (fig. 5). Just like the wedge system, the clips (which is threaded) come in different widths depending on your grout joint and go under and between 2 adjacent tiles. The cap is then finger twisted on and tightened down to reduce lippage (fig. 6). The caps are reusable, and are universal across the various clip sizes.

REMOVING THE CLIPS

Regardless of which system you choose, removing the clips is the same. Once the thinset is dry, simply go through and hit the side of the clips and they should break off below the tile edge. You can use a mallet, hammer, or even your foot. Then all you have to do is sweep up the wedges/caps (which are reusable) and you are ready to grout.

For larger jobs, the Clip Dozer is a great way to speed up the clip removal process. Just run the Dozer along the grout lines, and it will leave you with a perfectly hidden break every time without the need to bend over. See a demonstration below.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SYSTEM

While there are slight advantages between systems, it really comes down to personal preference. The wedge system, generally speaking, is slightly cheaper to get started with and easier to use. Even though the cap systems can be a little more expensive, it also requires fewer pieces per job (because 1 piece placed in the corner can reach all 4 tiles). The wedge system is also a faster install compared to the caps, especially if you plan to reuse the caps (since they have to be “unscrewed”) So, while there are small benefits to using each system, it really does come down to personal preference. Give both systems a shot, and see which better fits your needs.

Disclaimer

These systems are engineered to aid in the installation of ceramic tile, and are not a replacement for high quality workmanship and recognized installation procedures. With any tile application, all industry standards (for tile installation and surface preparation) must be followed. Utilizing these systems, in combination with industry standards, will help insure a high quality / aesthetically pleasing application.

Cement Tile Installation and Maintenance

Louisville Tile — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 19:54:53 +0000

LILI CEMENT TILE

Cement tile has become very popular as of late, and for good reason. The unique style and vibrant colors offer endless design possibilities that can work in any space. Lili Tile is the most popular cement tile manufacturer Louisville Tile offers. While it looks great, it is important to know the installation challenge that come with installing cement tile and how to overcome them.

INSTALLATION GUIDE

– Tile must be installed on a level, clean, dry surface. Humid subsoil can cause deposits on the surface of the tiles.

– Do not let the boxes get wet. You should store the material in a dry area. Moisture can cause staining.

– Cement tiles are products of of natural materials; therefore, slight tonal variations may be present from tile to tile. It may be necessary to vary tiles during installation in order to disperse the slight variations.

– If the tiles are to be laid on a concrete slab, ensure the slab is completely cured to prevent white efflorescence spots from appearing later on the surface as water evaporates through it.

– Adhesive must be applied evenly on the floor or wall surface evenly and thoroughly using a large toothed trowel.

– Lay the tiles without hammering, leveling them using hand pressure. If you choose to install with space, leave a thin gap- joint of 1/16″ thickness between the tiles for grouting.

– Cement tile must only be cut with a wet saw.

– Installed tiles should be left to dry for 48 hours before sealing.

– After installation, wash floor with a neutral detergent. Any extra residue or mortar should be removed immediately.

– Make sure to seal with an impregnating or penetrating sealer (Dry Treat Stain-Proof Premium Impregnating Sealer), after the installed material is dry and after cleaning and before grouting. Do not dip the tile in sealer prior to installation. Seal tiles with several coats until the tiles are no longer absorbent. Make sure all excess sealer is wiped off before the next coat of sealer. Allow 2 to 3 days for sealer to cure. This acts as a grout release to prevent the tiles from getting stained by grout.

– Do not use dark color gout as joint filler, dark color pigments have been proven to stain cement tiles.

– Use only unsanded grouts.

– Laticrete PermaColor, PermaColor Select, and TEC Power Grout are not suitable for grouting cement tile.

– It is NOT recommended to use standard grout, which contains color pigments that have been proven to stain cement tiles. Please only use one of the below grouts:

TEC InColor Advanced Performance Grout
Laticrete Ready-To-Use Grout

– Fill the joints between the tiles using a fine plastic scraper without spreading the grout on tiles. Use a rubber grout float for clean spreading.

– Any extra grout must be cleaned immediately with a wet sponge.

– After waiting for 24 hours for the grout to dry, it is recommended to seal once more after grouting.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

– Tiles should be regularly mopped with clean water and when necessary, neutral cleaner.

– Tiles can be buffed with a soft white pad.

– Extremely heavy foot traffic or outdoor installations may require additional maintenance.

– Tile may be refinished, much like hardwood floors, to restore the tiles to their like-new finish.

– Never use acids to clean the tiles as they will damage them.

– Use walk-off mats near entries to avoid entry abrasion.

– Sweep regularly.

– Cement tile is a handmade product, surface scratches are to be expected.

– Do not allow water to accumulate in areas. Excess moisture can stain, pit and crack the tile.

– Over time, a natural patina will occur as the floor is maintained and naturally wears- creating a truly one of a kind look.

STAIN REMOVAL TIPS

– Most stains can be removed using all-purpose pH neutral cleaners.

– 220 grit sandpaper can be used to remove tough surface stains.

CEMENT TILE ALTERNATIVES

Want the look of a cement tile without the installation challenges and additional upkeep? Louisville Tile now offers porcelain tile that mimics the look of cement tile! MLW Stone Nola, Nola Black and Artista are all great options for those that love the look of cement tile, but also want something easier to maintain. Louisville Tile stocks several of the MLW series, see your local showroom for more information.

Care and Maintenance with Fila Solutions

Louisville Tile — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 19:40:42 +0000

CLEAN, PROTECT AND CARE

Tile and grout are going to get dirty, it’s inevitable. Luckily, cleaning it, and keeping it clean, doesn’t have to be hard. Fila Solutions has a product to clean up just about any scenario, and Louisville Tile carries them all. Every material needs a specific treatment that protects and enhances surfaces phase-after-phase. From pre-treatment to maintenance, the Fila System will keep your surfaces looking like new. We keep stock in most of these products to ensure you can keep your tile looking as good as the day you bought it.

POST INSTALLATION CLEANING

After floor renovations or the purchase of a new home, it is essential to properly wash the surfaces to remove any cement, concrete and glue residue leftover from installation. Unfortunately, post installation cleaning is often ignored or carried out using products not specifically designed for this purpose. Over time, this can lead to staining and surface discoloration. With Louisville Tile and Fila, you can avoid these issues by properly cleaning after the installation is complete.

Grout Haze Removal Guide

First Clean for Stone

PROTECTION

Protecting surfaces against stains and humidity is imperative for maintaining their technical properties and aesthetic appearance. It is important to choose the right product based on material, location (inside or outside), type of protection (water repellent or stain proofing) and desired look (natural or color-enhancing).

Sealing Porcelain Tile Guide

Stone Sealing Guide

Maintenance

Ordinary maintenance is nothing more than everyday cleaning. It removes dirt and fingerprints and reinforces the protective layer. Fila cleaners are created with simple, everyday cleaning in mind! Every once in a while, extraordinary maintenance is required, for instance: to remove stains or old layers of wax and to restore the polished finish of a dull surface… FILA offers a vast range of cleaners and stain removers for the maintenance of floors and tiled surfaces.

Routine Maintenance Guide

Grease Removal Guide

Benefits of Large Format Tile and how to install it

Louisville Tile — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 19:02:30 +0000

POPULARITY OF LARGE FORMAT TILE

Large format tile is considered to be any tile with one side longer than 15″. Since their inception into the tile world, large format tile has not only grown in popularity, but also in size. From 24×24 all the way up to 40×120, larger tiles are all the rage (including popular wood-look plank tiles). Popular manufacturers like Crossville, Florida Tile, American Olean and Atlas Concorde have all gotten on the large format bandwagon.

While they introduce their own installation hurdles, large format tile also comes with benefits you won’t get from smaller sizes.

Cleaning and Maintenance

By it’s very nature, large format tile covers a bigger surface area per tile. In return, you get fewer grout joints on the floor and walls compared to smaller sized porcelain and ceramic tile. Fewer grout joints means less time scrubbing cracks, and less room for mold and mildew to build up. At Louisville Tile we stock tile cleaning and maintenance products from FILA and StoneTech. Both manufacturers offer products to clean, maintain, and seal porcelain tile, ceramic tile or natural stone. Using these products, and using them properly, is key in getting the most out of your large format (or any other) tile.

Versatility

Large format tiles come in a variety of styles, patterns and colors. From concrete, to marble, to polished porcelain to stone, you can find just about any look in large format. Larger tile and fewer grout joints adds an elegance to any project and even helps expand your space. Large format tile has always been popular when it comes to floors (wood-look plank tiles continue to gain popularity), but recently they have gained more traction when it comes to wall tile options as well.

INSTALLING LARGE FORMAT TILE

Large format tile, while beautiful, can present it’s own set of installation challenges. Like any installation, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions. That being said, below we will provide some tips and tricks to help your installation go a bit smoother.

proper substrate

Obviously a larger tile is heavier than smaller subway or mosaic tiles. What people may not realize is that a heavier tile requires a stronger substrate. Just as important as having a strong substrate, it is also crucial to have a flat floor when installing large format tile (with smaller tiles, this can be masked easier).

It is required that the variation for 10 feet of installation not exceed 1/8 of an inch. For floors that are not level, consider using a skim coat, patching or self-leveling system from TEC or Laticrete. You also may want to consider a crack isolation membrane, which are also offered by both TEC and Laticrete. Crack isolation membranes come in 3 types: sheeting, liquids and trowel-applied.

It is a great idea to purchase a complete installation system from one of our vendors. Both TEC and Laticrete offer systems that include crack isolation membrane, thinset and grout. Purchasing your tile installation system from the same vendor ensure the products work well together, and they can improve the warranty offered by the chosen vendor.

Not ensuring a flat substrate may create a condition where an edge of the tile is higher than the adjacent tile. This created an uneven and unsightly appearance, as well as a tripping hazard. This is call lippage. ANSI and TCNA handbooks list allowable lippage at 1.75mm or 1/32″.

proper adhesive

TEC and Laticrete both offer an extensive range of cements, mortars and epoxy’s designed for specific uses. Choosing the right product when installing large format tile is essential. TCNA recommends medium med mortars with full coverage on the back of the tile. It is strongly recommended that you float the adhesive onto the substrate with the notched side of the trowel, as well as “butter” the back of the tile to achieve maximum coverage.

Louisville Tile offers products from TEC and Latricrete designed specifically for large format tile:

TEC

Good- TEC Ultimate Large Tile Mortar

Best- TEC 3N1 Performance Mortar

LATICRETE

Good- Laticrete 4-XLT

Best- Laticrete 255 MULTIMAX

Again, it is recommended that you purchase an installation system from either of these great vendors.

Proper Offset

Laying out your large format tile prior to installation is important. It can help determine the pattern that best suites your project. For large format tile, it is important to use a 1/3 (33%) offset opposed to the more traditional 1/2 “brick” pattern. The 1/3 offset helps to prevent lippage and cracking, while still creating a beautiful end result.

Glass Tile and How to Install It

Louisville Tile — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 17:21:54 +0000

WHY USE GLASS TILE?

Glass tile offers a unique visual appeal that can’t be achieved with standard ceramic or porcelain tile. Color options are almost limitless, and glass tile mosaics come in an array of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. This allows for a limitless amount of design possibilities and combinations to make your project truly stunning. Given the reflective nature of glass tile, it also helps to brighten up your space and give the illusion that it is larger than it actually is.

Glass tile is very low maintenance and super easy to clean, making upkeep a breeze. Regular glass or window cleaner and a cloth is all it takes to keep your glass tile and mosaic installation sparkling like new. This makes it great for showers and backsplashes where soap and dirt buildup occurs more frequently.

Each of our showrooms has designers that would be happy to help you pick out the perfect tile for your project. Check out our pre-visit flyer for ideas to help prepare you for your appointment.

INSTALLING GLASS TILE

Glass tile, while beautiful, can present it’s own set of installation challenges. Like any installation, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions. That being said, below we will provide some tips and tricks to help your installation go a bit smoother.

Cutting Glass Tile

After you plan out the layout and design of your glass tile project, the next step is cutting the tiles to fit that plan. There are a few options when it comes to equipment for cutting glass tile; a wet saw or a tile cutter (also known as a “snap cutter”). A wet saw is great for larger installations, as tile can be cut much faster. It will also leave a much softer, more finished looking edge. In addition to the saw, you’ll also want to get a good glass blade to ensure the best results. Louisville Tile carries several options for wet saws and glass blades.

Louisville Tile carries 2 brands of tile cutters; B.O.E. and QEP. Tile cutters come in various sizes, giving the ability to cut larger format tile in addition to glass tile. If you are only cutting glass, a smaller size will work in most cases. The process, as you’ll see below, is to score the tile first, then use the handle to apply pressure and snap the tile. When it comes to glass tile, anything larger than 4″ will require a wet saw.

Tip: for glass tile, a washable marker can be used to mark the tile before scoring.

Choosing the right adhesive

Once you’ve got your tile cut, it’s time to install. Choosing the correct thinset/mortar is important with any tile, and glass tile is no exception. It is important to use a mortar that is designed specifically for glass tile. A standard mortar will eventually shrink, leaving the possibility of cracking in your glass. The other factor to consider is the color of the mortar. Since your glass tile will be translucent, it is important to choose a white thinset so that the true color of your tile can show. Laticrete makes a product specifically for glass tile, Laticrete Glass Tile Adhesive, which is stocked by Louisville Tile. It is formulated in a way that will limit shrinkage, provide a consistent ultra white color across the installation area and has superior non-sag properties.

Choosing the right grout

Choosing the correct grout is important in any tile installation, but maybe even more so when it comes to installing glass tile. Sanded grout contains course grains of sand that could scratch the surface of a glass tile, making it unsuitable in a glass tile installation. Unsanded grout is a good option, in some installations, since there isn’t sand that can cause damage to your tile. In some cases, TEC Power Grout or Laticrete Permacolor are the best option. While they still contain an aggregate, the shape of the pellets is rounded, making it safe to use with glass tile. On glass tile with a wider grout joint Power Grout or Permacolor will be your best options, as unsanded grout won’t fill the joint well enough.

Is Glass Tile a DIY Project?

While tile installation (glass tile included) has been made easier through product development, not every job is suitable for your average DIY’ers. While it’s possible to install glass tile on your own, we’d be remiss if we didn’t recommend you hire a professional to help bring your project to life. Glass tile equipment and installation products are expensive, and the slightest mistake can result in an unsightly final product.

Each Louisville Tile location can provide you with a list of preferred installers in your area. These are people that we’ve worked with and trust, but aren’t associated directly with Louisville Tile. If you’d like to find a professional to complete your project, give your local branch a call. We also have designers at each location that can help take your ideas and turn them into reality. Appointments are encouraged in the showroom so that our designers can give your project the time and attention it deserves.