DIY Network

Contemporary (Pt. 2 of 4): Cutting Tiles and Grouting From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-103

	In this week 's episode of Kitchen Renovations, host Paul Ryan and homeowners Marshall and Jeanine convert this "old" kitchen ...
	into an eye-catching contemporary beauty!

In this final segment, host Paul Ryan shows the homeowners how to use a wet saw to cut porcelain tiles, and they finish the flooring by grouting the tile.

Materials:

For the In-Floor Heating --

Gloves and eye protection
In-floor heating kit
Scissors
Wires
Connectors
Sealant tape
Terminal boards
Transformer
Crimpers
Stapler
Thinset
Bucket and sponge
Trowel
Cement backerboard
Power nailer
Galvanized 1-1/4" roofing nails

For Tiling --

Tiles
Gloves and safety glasses
Tape measure
Chalk line
Tile or wet saw
Porland-based thinset
Bucket and sponge
Drill with mixing paddle
1/4 x 3/8" deep square notched trowel
Sanded grout
Float

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Ryan inspects the grouted tile, and in the next episode will continue the renovation of this kitchen.
	As a fun teaser, here are a couple of different views of the new kitchen when it's done. This one features the new kitchen island on the left ...
	and in this one you can see the sink and new cabinets on the right.

1. Cut tile for the corners and other areas with a tile or wet saw (figure A). The water does a couple of things: a) cools the blade and b) reduces the dust when the tile is cut.

   Note: You can rent a tile or wet saw from a local rental retailer for approximately $50 to $75 a day.

2. The secret to cutting with a wet saw is "not" to force tile through or apply too much pressure or the blade will bind and give you a bad cut.

3. When you have to fit small pieces of tile along a wall or in a corner, it can be difficult to apply thinset to the floor. In this case, just apply the thinset to the back of the small tile piece.

   Grouting

   Note: Grout is a major design component in any tiling job and there are a ton of different colors (figure B) from which to choose. The homeowners for this project went with a mocha shade.

4. Wait 24 hours before grouting in order to let the tile set up.

5. Start the grouting by using sanded grout to add body to the mix. Stir the grout mixture to about the same consistency as the thinset you mixed for he underlayment.

   Tip: Grout dries quickly, so don't mix too much at one time.

6. Use a float for this job. Hold it at a 45-degree angle (figure C) and then spread the grout across the tile. The float gently forces the grout into the seams.

7. Remove most of the grout on the first pass.

8. Let the grout set for a few minutes until it starts to set up, then go back over it with a sponge. If you sponge over wet grout too quickly, you can pull it right out of the seam -- so go at a slow, even pace.

9. Let the grout dry over night before you walk on it.

The new kitchen renovation is starting to take shape. In the next episode, Ryan and the homeowners will install beautiful cherry cabinets.

RESOURCES :

Skil
Robert Bosch Tool Corp.
Website: www.skiltools.com

Stanley Tools Information
Stanley Tools/Works
Website: www.stanleyworks.com

Fiskars (Bucket Boss Division)
Fiskars Bucket Boss Division
Website: www.bucketboss.com

Makita Products
Makita USA Inc.
Website: www.makita.com

Paslode Nail Guns
Paslode
Website: www.paslode.com

Wolfcraft Products

Wolfcraft Inc.
Itasca, IL 60143
Phone: 630-773-4777
Fax: 630-773-4805
Website: www.wolfcraft.com

Radiant Floor Heating System

Brand name: STEP Warmfloor
Suggested retail price: $10 per sq. ft.
Where available: Call 877-783-7832 for distributor in your area or go to www.warmfloor.com

Miscellaneous Product Information:

• STEP Warmfloor is easy to install and can be cut to length on the job site.
  
• STEP Warmfloor is self-regulating, maintaining the ideal temperature.
  
• STEP Warmfloor is approved for use with any non-conductive floor covering, including natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles, hardwood and laminates, resilient and carpet.

Electro Plastics, Inc.
Website: www.warmfloor.com

Porcelain Tile

Brand name: Stong
Model #: VS105
Color: Nero
Where available: Crossville Poreclain Stone website, information below.

Crossville Porcelain Stone
Website: www.crossvilleinc.com

GUESTS :

Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.

Monica Irgens
President
Electro Plastics, Inc.
4406 St. Vincent Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-781-2121