recommendations please

[Merlin]

O.K. we have done the tile on the kitchen floor. Spectralock chocolate truffle grout and it was a breeze to do. The micro fiber cloth was an added bonus because it cut cleaning time down to nil. The color was a perfect match with the color chart for those still in doubt. The cabinets are in and we are doing the ply counter layers right now. I've got a Kohler cast iron sink to put in and I'm a bit worried about the support because it weighs a ton. Should we do something more than the two layer ply with backerboard set up before I tile?
I've learned most everything through reading searches and it was my understanding that most of you guys don't care for mastic and Versabond would do a fine job on the backsplash. I've got the Versabond for the counter and I was just going to run it up on the backsplash also. I've made some pebble tiles (because I wasn't going to spend $15 a sq.ft. for a tile I could make ) They are made from 10mm. thick river rock and I used a small bead of silicone caulk to adhere them to fiberglass screen pieces in 6"x6". They weigh approx. 12 oz. each so I really don't think weight is an issue. I've already sealed the top portion of the rock for a better finished look. Boy was that a pain in the backside. I'm not sure how to post a pic. so I'm including a link to my tile pics.
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailsh...rue/t_=3024629
In case that didn't work then here's a direct pic.
http://www1.snapfish.com/slideshow/A...629/t_=3024629
I'm now questioning the Versabond because I have had so many people tell me that you use mastic on a backsplash and that Versabond will not work and to ask some experts and they will agree. Well, I'm asking but not the experts they recommended. I will be grouting with Spectralock all the way. I really like this stuff.
Oh, and the biggest question of all. Do you think there will be a problem with my fiberglass and silicone caulk being accepted but the Versabond (or whatever I end up using)?
Thanks for any input you guys offer!

[hbrothberg]

If you want to insure compatibility ... use a thin set adhesive manufactured by the same people who manufacture the SpectraLOCK grout. (disclamer, that's me)

Call the SpectraLOCK manufacturer's technical support line: (800) 243-4788 ext 235 and they'll provide recommendations for the thin set for your backsplash and for your countertop.

You'll then get "Single Source Responsibility" and guaranteed compatibility.

Thin set is a better choice than mastic for your backsplash.

Henry

[Shaughnn]

Hi Tracey,
All disclaimers aside, Henry's giving good advice straight from the horse's mouth. Where I'll go a step further is that your mosaic is going to need a bit more "hang" than a normal mosaic as the footprints of each stone are relatively small compared to their mass. I would actually recommend a "no sag" formula over a simple modified thinset. For that though, you'll have to visit a tile supplier instead of a Big Box store.
A word of caution about using SpectraLOCK on over-large wall joints like the one's you'll have. You have to be patient and wait for the grout to firm up or you WILL wash out the joints. It's a delicate balance between waiting for the grout to become firm and falling behind the eightball, so keep that in mind.
Best of luck,
Shaughnn

[Scottish Tile and Stone]

Hey, Henry I just read about in stone world.. Congrats..


And what they said.. ^^^

[Merlin]

Well I have yet to get the backsplash done but I did finally get the countertops tiled. We have had way too many setbacks with cabinet installation, leveling and plumbing leaks. My husband says that cast iron sink I bought didn't help matters any. I believe we have finally made it over the big hurdle and now it should go a little smoother. Hopefully.
I added a pebble strip to my countertops to avoid small tile slivers. (At leasts that's what I told my husband. I really just wanted to do it. ) I used Rialto Nonce tiles in a 6"x6" and 12"x12" combo pattern with my pebble accents. (I'd love to post pics. but I can't figure out how to do it. Is there a how to thread anywhere?) I used Spectralock grout so I got to get the feel of it before hitting the backsplash. I now understand about letting it set up and such for vertical surfaces. It's a good thing this grout will survive in the freezer for spot applications because I think I'll be doing a lot of those with the backsplash.
I have searched for a silicone caulk that matches my Hemp colored Spectralock with no luck and it isn't an option on their site. All the colors that are in the beige/tan range look awful and stick out like a sore thumb. Is there some way I can color some caulk or find a company that could possibly get me a decent match? It has to be silicone caulk because "been there, done that" with the latex caulk and never plan to revisit.
Also, we are getting ready to put marble on one of our bathroom floors. I'm pushing to replace the toilet since the sink is already going and everything has to match . My husband wants a toilet that will flush a bowling ball so he doesn't have to snake it out anymore after the kids leave the bathroom. I told him to check into a Toto toilet because I've read so much about them here. He's never heard of them and says I spend too much time reading here. LOL! Does anyone have any recommendations I can pass on to him?
Thanks guys!

[Brad Denny]

Hiya Tracey,
I'll try to get my Laticrete chart after church today and for a Latasil color close to Hemp. The online color thing is hard to see. I'll also check your tile color because sometimes it's good to match that with caulk. Is the Rialto Noche what you will be caulking next to? And, yes, you must get the Toto. They have a comfort height that we used in our restrooms that are great. Steinhouse Supply in Nashville is where we got ours. They have these awesome lids that close real slow so you do have slam shut if you drop it. Have a blessed Sunday.

[Merlin]

Thank you Brad! The Rialto Nonce is so close to the hemp grout that they blend perfectly. Yes, the caullk will go at the back of the countertop between it and the backsplash. I don't want the back to become a focal point which is why I hope to find a color that is close to the grout color. An off color will draw the eye from the tile/pebble design to a nasty ole grout line that doesn't match.
I'm sold on the Toto but the big question still hasn't been answered. Will it flush a bowling ball? Maybe not that extreme but we're tired of having a plunger as an extra appendage.

[John Bridge]

The Toto is a fast flusher, maybe only a que ball, though.

I recommend it, and so does my buddy Terry Love.

http://www.terrylove.com

[Brad Denny]

Believe it or not, they have displays on hand at Steinhouse. I don't remember if they had bowling balls on those displays, but a sales person can give you an awfully good pitch on all the products they have. Didn't get a chance to go by the shop for a chart today, we have many moms in our family . I'll try to check manana.

[Lazarus]

My wife works for a major plumbing supply house and is VERY familiar with TOTO. In her opinion, you just can't go far wrong with them.

[ddmoit]

The TOTO I installed in my downstairs bathroom back in November remains "undefeated" vs. my two teen children.