How to find quality tile setter? Irvine, CA (Orange County) - Ceramic Tile Advice Forums

msv · 04-20-2015, 10:30 AM

I've been lurking around the forum for a while, and have been renovating my master bathroom. I had it in mind to do all the work myself, but decided I'd really like an experienced tile setter to do the actual tile work. All the construction is done and it's ready for tile, but I have no idea how to find someone I trust. Unfortunately, I've seen some pretty awful work first hand and don't want to be on the receiving end. I figured that this would be the best place to ask for recommendations.

Bathroom is fairly small, approximately 55 sq-ft on the floor. Shower enclosure is all Schluter, with kerdi-board on the walls, kerdi-line drain, sloped shower base, etc. Ditra-XL is on the floor. Tile will be honed venato carrara marble, 12x12 for the majority, and 2x2 mosaic on the shower floor. I have 8 bags of ditra-set mortar.

Pictures attached of the current state of things, and images with my desired tile layout. Any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

Mark

msv · 04-20-2015, 10:31 AM

A couple more pictures.

RichVT · 04-20-2015, 05:02 PM

My only suggestion is to add a piece of Kerdi band to the joint between the curb and the Ditra as shown in this video:

msv · 04-20-2015, 06:56 PM

Thanks. Was planning on that too. Just installed the ditra yesterday so need to mix up some unmodified to put that piece in.

Eschbach · 04-20-2015, 06:59 PM

Clean work Mark.Nice job

msv · 04-21-2015, 10:23 AM

Thanks! It's good I don't have to pay myself by the hour though!

jondon · 04-21-2015, 01:19 PM

Hi Mark

Nice work on your shower project, and nice SketchUp. I used a rendering by the customer on my current job and it really makes the job easier.

I have a good friend in Costa Mesa and waiting to see if he is available or not, as far as trust I would put my name on the line for him. Not that he needs it, he has been setting tile out there for 30 years. He might be too busy though.