Good tiler

As I previously posted, I had problems with the laying of a mud bed.No matter how unhappy I am with the job I accepted it and it doesn’t appear that I have much recourse.  I would appreciate any recommendations for an expert tiler who could lay a proper mud bath in my second bathroom and possibly re-do the job I am not happy with.  Thank you

odyssey

in Tile 13 years and 9 months ago

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CGmodern | 13 years and 9 months ago

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We’ve just completed a full gut renovation of a our kitchen and an adjoining bathroom in our 1901 townhouse.
and  i’m excited to spread the good word on a true gem who did alot for us include tons of amazing tiling…
Mentor Frangu  / Altina Tile Care – 917-692-6234

i blogged the whole renovation…you can check out more photos and more details there. feel free to ask for more info! i’m glad to share it and get some great people more business.
http://designsmitten.blogspot.com/2011/04/k-i-t-c-h-e-n-o-l-d-n-e-w.html

masterbuilder | 13 years and 9 months ago

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jkoster is correct.  Level surfaces are a human invention.  We will be pouring 1200 SF of “self-leveling” cement based material in a garage soon, and the contract even specifies that the material will be up to 3/8″ thick in areas.  If we have to pour more to obtain a more level surface, it will cost more.

greenmountain | 13 years and 9 months ago

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I would be happy to discuss an alternative method with you,  aaron@gmcandd.com.  If you (or anybody) would like a call back, provide your phone number.

I only install “dry-pack mortar beds” in rare and particular situations where elevating the finished floor is desirable or necessary.  I do not attach the tile directly to the mortar bed, so it is not technically a “mud-set.”  When I use this method, typically, I install a waterproof membrane between the tile and the substrate, such as for drainage in a laundry or shower.  I rarely do what your last guy did, but what you got is a common practice.  Still, he may have attempted to overcome some defect in your concrete substrate.   I would have to see it, but in any case, elevating the floor would not be my solution.

I am a trained and experienced installer of Schluter products (schluter.com).  Their system for installing coplaner, load-bearing tile surfaces is reliable and has been used in Europe for decades.

jameskoster | 13 years and 9 months ago

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Dear Odyssey:

I read with interest your previous post, but it seemed like you already had gotten the bad news.  Now that you have revealed the possibility of a future project, I’ll try to provide some info. that MIGHT help:
1\.   Old houses sag and warp, so a tile setter often needs to add quite a bit of material just to get a level enough surface to lay the tile.
2\.   Even if the plank subfloor is relatively level, it will still deflect under load (you, your tub full of water) and this deflection WILL cause tiny cracks in your brand new floor unless a setting bed of adequate rigidity is provided.  Generally speaking, this reinforced bed of mortar or “mud bed” is akin to a thin reinforced concrete slab approximately 2 inches thick.  Sound familiar?  I’m not seeing your installation, but it sounds to me like your tile setter might have done the right thing to protect your floor without adequately describing the ramifications.
3\.   If you really want your next tile floor to be flush with the adjacent wood floors, the only way to achieve this is to recess the substrate for the mortar below the existing subfloor.  I’ve heard this called “deefening,” although I haven’t been able to confirm the right spelling.  This involves the removal of the plank subfloor in the room and installing new blocking for a new plywood subfloor below the tops of your floor joists.  This technique and a little reinforcing are usually enough to conceal the 2 inch mud bed you need without a raised floor.

This solution may sound pretty involved, but I have detailed this solution many times and seen it carried out all over the region.  You’ll need a better-than-average tile setter or a good carpenter or possibly someone like me, an architect.

Good luck!

jigman | 13 years and 9 months ago

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We recently hired a tiler and were very pleased with his work.  Only downside is that he is not very prompt and will sometimes “start” his day on your job around 2pm.  If you are away from your home during the day, he may not be the right option for you. 

All in all, though, he knows his stuff.

Name is Andrei and he can be reached at 718.812.6189