DIY Network

Tile and Stairs From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-402F

	In today's episode hosts Lynda Lyday and Brad Stagss answer questions concerning tiles and stairs.
	Figure A

Hosts Brad Staggs and Lynda Lyday get right into the tiling questions --

Cutting Tile Around a Curvature

Problem: A caller left a voicemail asking about cutting tile around a curve?

Solution:

• Use a curvature tool or contour guide to press against the curve and transfer to the tile.

  
  

• Another option is to use a compass to trace the curve onto a template.

Problem: How do you level tile around a tub?

Solution:

• Use a leveled ledger (figure A) as a guide.

  
  

• Cut the bottom of the tile so the bottom line goes with the tub and the top line of the tile is level, even if the tub is not.

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Figure B

Using Extra Adhesive Glue on Self-Stick Tiles

Problem: How can you make adhesive tiles (figure B) more adhesive on concrete?

Solution:

• If the self-adhesive tile is installed properly, there's no need for more adhesives. The correct process is to --

  
  

  1. Clean the concrete using TSP or similar degreaser, scrub well and allow the area to dry well.

     
     

  2. Once it's clean, do a moisture test to see if a concrete sealer is needed.

Figure C

Repairing Water Damaged Tiles

Problem: How can you repair tiles that have been damaged by water (figure C)?

Solution:

• Check to see where the leak is coming from, which most likely could be from behind the faucet.

• Remove the damaged tiles and kill "any" mold area with one part bleach and four parts water.

• Patch the drywall if needed.

• Clean the original backing of the tiles and reinstall.

Figure D

Changing Tile Grout Color

Problem: How do you change the color of tile grout (figure D)?

Solution:

• Grout colorants, stain or grout removal are all good options.

  
  

• To remove grout, use a grout saw or a rotary tool with a special bit.

  
  

• Just make sure the tile is still adhered.

  
  

• An easier method, provided the grout is still in good shape, is a grout dye.

  
  

• Clean and damp the grout, apply colorant -- and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Tile Tips:

• When tiling floors, keep in mind that they require more strength and harder glazes than wall tiles. A woman weighing 125 pounds in high-heel shoes exerts 500 pounds per square inch of pressure on a floor.

• A piece of tile that is the same size as the rest of the tile you are laying, but has a finished edge, is called a "bullnose". If it has the finished edge, but is rectangular in shape, it's then called a "cap".

• You can make scratched and worn tiles look great again by placing them in a kiln and re-firing them at approximately 1,120 degrees C. This will melt the glaze slightly and dissolve superficial scratches and chips.

Updating a Cast-Iron Staircase

Problem: I need to know how to update the wrought-iron railing on my cast-iron staircase?

Solution:

• You can add plastic railing.

• You can wrap it with a wood veneer.

• Or you could paint it with a faux finish.

Figure E

Removing Carpeting from Stairs

Problem: Can you remove carpeting from stairs (figure E)?

Solution:

• You can, but it depends on what's underneath.

• If plywood is underneath, you can add other wood elements to give it a finished look.

• Use poplar for the rise and oak for the treads.

Measuring Angles for Building Attic Stairs

Problem: What is the best way to measure angles for building attic stairs?

Solution:

• Use a "dummy stick -- a spare piece of wood to make your marks.

• Because garage floors are uneven for drainage, you have to measure both sides.

• With your dummy stick right next to the bottom part of the attic stairs, mark the top and bottom.

• Use a bevel square to get the measurement of the stair and the floor.

Fixing Squeaky Stairs

Problem: What's the best way to fix squeaky steps on my stairs?

Solution: Be sure to check for any loose nails first.