Rolly's Bathroom Remod

[bbcamp]

I am surprised it had pebbles in it that prevents you from using it setting your tiles. That could mean it was a old bag. I am very surprised you used it to build your preslope and setting beds. Apart from being sticky and clinging to your tools, making it difficult to form the proper slope, it won't drain as easily as deck mud.

[eagle0001]

I hear ya Bob. It was a real pain in the butt. I intend to return the remaining unopened bags and purchase VersaBond thereafter. My gut told me I should not have bought the install products at the place I bought my tiles. I was assured that the Superior products were as good and better than the products sold at HD. Sucker born every minute! At least I can return most of it.

Thanks!

[eagle0001]

I wasn't aware that gravel/pebbles or something similar should be place around drain before installing top layer of mortar bed to keep weep holes from getting clogged. To make sure the weep holes aren't blocked, would a valid test be to pour water on the mortar bed around drain and wait to see if the mortar dries competely with no sign of residual water?

If the above is not a good test, what are my options?

Thanks.

[Houston Remodeler]

Block the upper part of the drain before adding water to the shower pan.

[eagle0001]

I noticed that the travertine chair rail I bought has a narrow metal rod going through it. Is this normal? To give it strength? If so, won't it dull my wet saw blade by cutting through it?

Please advise. Thanks!

[Houston Remodeler]

1- yes its normal, and nice to have

2- Yes it gives it strength

3- it will shorten the life of the blade but so minor I wouldn't lose sleep over it nor try to cut it another way

[eagle0001]

Please advise regarding the following:

1) What's the best way to cut natural stone chair rail at a 90 degree angle that is being used to frame mosaic tile? I'm referring to the "L" shaped pieces. I've tried using scaps but the sides don't line up nice and even.

2) When cutting the pieces, should they be standing up or laying flat?

3) Should I plunge cut or run through?

Many thanks!

[cx]

1. Sounds like you're interested in cutting a 45 degree angle rather than a 90 degree. Is that correct?

[eagle0001]

Oops! I meant 45 degree angles. Regardless, disregard my question on this topic because I figured it out on my Dewalt D24000. I only thought the 45 degree miter cut setting was for cutting inside and outside corner miter cuts. I discovered that I can also use that setting for cutting "L" frame cuts by standing the piece of chair rail up against the fence. Worked like a charm! I'm happy again.

[eagle0001]

Any recommendations on which brand of unmodified thinset to use under Ditra? I've read that Versabond is not the best choice.

Thanks in advance for responding.

Rolly

[cx]

To what are you fixin' to adhere the Ditra, Rolly? Best I can tell from your thread it's likely plywood. That not the case?

[eagle0001]

To answer CXs question, yes, I am installing the Ditra on top of plywood.

Hope that helps. Please let me know.

Thanks!

[cx]

For that you must use a modified thinset mortar meeting ANSI A118.11 standards.

You should go to the Ditra portion of the Schluter website, download the Ditra Installation Handbook, and make yourownself familiar with all the installation requirements of the product.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[eagle0001]

1) Should travertine be sealed before or after grouting?

2) Is 1 application of sealant enough?

3) What is an appropriate sealant applicator? (e.g., spounge, rag, etc.)

Thanks in advance for responses.

Rolly