DIY Network

Tiling and Storage From "Talk2DIY Home Improvement" episode TTD-422F

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

Tiling Countertops

Problem: My kitchen has Formica countertops and I would like to tile over it -- is that a possibility?

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Figure A

Solution:

• Formica is not a good substrate for tile, so you would need to remove the Formica. Removing Formica is not hard to do.

• Substrates vary -- most include backerboard and plywood.

• Some backerboards are scored (figure A) to provide you with guidelines.

Painting over Tile

Problem: We want to paint over the tile in our bathroom. How do we go about doing this?

Solution:

• First, you need to clean the area very well.

• Use a good bonding primer with a foam roller so that the paint will bond to the tile.

• Apply epoxy to the paint and roll over the tile.

Shrinking Grout

Problem: What can be done about shrinking grout in the bathroom?

Solution:

• Moisture can get behind shrunken grout and will pop your tiles off.

• You need to remove the old grout with either a grout saw or a rotary tool with different cutting heads.

• Replace grout if you want to keep the tile; if you want to replace tile eventually, seal the joint with caulk.

Figure B

Removing Decorative Tile

Problem: I want to replace decorative tiling and want to know the best way to do that.

Solution:

• Remove the grout surrounding the tile.

• Break the tile out from the center of the tile itself, if it is in a field of tiles (figure B), so that you do not remove the tiles you want to keep.

• Scrape the adhesive off.

• Re-install the new tile.

Figure C

Tiling Over Tile

Problem: Is it possible to tile over existing tile?

Solution:

• It is possible -- you could go tile over tile, but it would be best to remove all of the tile.

• You will have a lot of leftover adhesive if you choose to remove the tile.

• Use a leveler to fill in the rough adhesive areas instead of trying to remove the adhesive, but be sure to figure for the height difference (figure C).

Figure D

Turning Shelves into Drawers

Problem: Can you give me ideas on turning shelves in a cabinet into drawers?

Solution:

• First, take your measurements and determine how deep your drawers should be. Remember to make them a little bit shorter than your cabinets so you can close them and the doors can close.

  
  

• Many options are available: wire drawers, baskets (figure D), etc.

Figure E

Suspended Shelving

Problem: How can you make suspended shelving in a garage?

Solution:

• Screw and bolt 2 x 4's into a shelf.

• Use eyebolts (figure E) to attach the chain.

• A turnbuckle will help to adjust the height.

• Use a lockable link to attach the chain to the eyebolt.

Installing Storage Underneath Stairway

Problem: What is the best way to utilize the space under my stairs for storage?

Solution:

• If the wall is already there, you will have to remove one stud and then you can frame out the area for a door.

• After you have framed out the door, you can add shelving with castors to pull in and out of the area.

Broken Shelf Supports

Problem: How can I remove shelf supports without creating more damage to my wall?

Solution:

• Over time, plastic shelf supports can become brittle from wear and tear.

• Use a 1/6" drill bit and drill it into a plastic peg -- pull out the drill and the peg should come with it. If it doesn't, screw in a screw a couple of threads and it will pull the peg out.

• The metal pegs may be bigger, so you may have to widen the original hole.

Using Old Meat Locker for Extra Storage

Problem: We have an old meat locker and want to use it for storage. Any ideas on the best way to accomplish that?

Solution:

• Slowly take the locker apart piece by piece.

• If you have moisture problems, kill the mold and mildew with a fungicide.

• Use a moisture barrier before you add drywall.

Removing a Rusted Bolt

Problem: How can I remove a rusted bolt from my toilet?

Solution:

• Spray a rust eating spray on the bolt to eat through the rust.

• A lubricant won't eat through the rust, but would help a saw blade if you want to cut off the bolt.

• Or, you could use a reciprocating saw and cut through the bolt.

Extra Home Improvement Tips:

• Add some pizzazz to your tile with tile appliqués. Just peel and stick your way to an easy new look.

• Freshen up your backsplash without re-grouting. Using a grout pen, just paint the grout lines. It is like coloring in a coloring book.

• Large floor tiles can be used when tiling a countertop, shower walls or ceiling. You will have more tile surface and fewer grout lines.

• While you are organizing your garage, make a storage container for your circular sanding disks. Cut an inexpensive aluminum pie plate in half and fasten it to the wall of your work area -- neat, organized and out of the way!

• An attractive and easy way to keep track of all your kitchen gadgets is with a pegboard. There are several different sizes and shapes of hooks you can use to accommodate different utensils.

• To make a string holder for your garage, basement or laundry room, take an empty plastic peanut butter jar, drill a hole in the bottom and pull the string through. Attach the lid to the wall and screw on the jar. It is easily accessible, and tangle free.

RESOURCES :

Big Book of Home How-To
Better Homes & Gardens
0696217287
(October, 2003)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Meredith Publishing

Aqua Lock Paint
Insl-X
50 Holt Dr.
PO Box 694
Stony Point, NY 10980
Phone: 845-786-5000
Fax: 845-786-5831
E-mail: customercare@insl-x.com
Website: www.insl-x.com

Craftsman
Website: www.craftsman.com

GUESTS :

Paul Wilson
CTC
Ceramic Tile Institute of America
12061 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90230-6219
Website: www.ctioa.org

The Tile Doctor, Inc.
3845 Holcomb Bridge Rd., #400
Norcross, GA 30092
Website: www.thetiledoctor.com