Bad tile job. The bad and the ugly, and the replacement done right. all in this video

[@seanmellows1348]

I’ve been tiling a bit shy of 20 years yet, but people love my work. My callback rate is nearly 0. I’m not this good. Also, I realize that I cheat on expansion joints quite commonly, only because it pleases people to look at. I’ve got to be more careful going forward. Very happy to be able to learn from this. Thanks, Sal.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@hhouser9783]

Watching this was extremely impressive the previous floor you can tell the individual tiles and see the errors. I didn't think that your floor would look that much different but your floor is completely seamless and looks like one piece absolutely astounding.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@josephr1170]

Hi Sal. You’re channel is the best thing I’ve ever found on KZbin. I remodel bathrooms and do a lot of tile work. The amount of information I get from your videos is unmatched. I know I’m giving the customer the best quality job possible that’s done right.Thank you!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Wow, thank you!

[@daytonpyro]

i like that nifty move he does on the edges so that a way he doesn't have a lot to clean out of the grout lines

[@WXSTANG]

Wow... it looks exactly the same... nice work.

[@myb7922]

Lol

[@familymanof6169]

I believe I would have stayed with the other floor with the flaws if it were sound. They just didn't use the little spacing thing a ma jigs that you did. Don't get me wrong you are a professional and I appreciate and respect that especially since I'm getting ready to attempt my own bathroom floors and around the tub and you are my teacher before I move on to the OJT!

[@decksmartconstruction3930]

A great example of a true craftsman at work.

[@RobertLinthicum]

I can't believe someone paid to rip all of that out and have it done properly. I have seen much, much worse in Europe. I have actually tripped on tiles. They/we live with it. That said, very thankful you are here to show how it's done.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I would never allow work like that to stay

[@John-e4p1x]

This is very weird. I guess the guy has money to burn and no hobbies.

[@bradleyb.425]

​@@John-e4p1x The previous tiles were barely stuck to the floor, and there was no uncoupling membrane either. See how Sal caulked all the edges? That accomodates movement which happens with all floors. You NEVER grout the edges, because that prevents any movement. The previous floor had no ability to move - which causes the grout to break and disintegrate, as well as tile to break and/or pop out when not properly set. The previous floor would barely last a year or two, if that. It truly would've been a disintegrating mess, on top of the fact that it had lippage everywhere and looked like 2nd rate crap. Sal and the homeowner did the right thing.

[@reeseoroni]

i don't know anything about this subject but love this video and the rest of your channel

[@mangore623]

Wow, mate, what a spectacular transition from the previously done crappy job. Truly impressive!

[@mwrcrft]

Great job Sal your reference in other videos about how to measure floor deflection and the appropriate materials to use dependent on calculated results has been a great tool.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blakesweeney1023]

Great job as usual. Your time lapses are always enjoyable to watch.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you very much!

[@juliediehl7544]

I'm a Carpenter delving into the tile world. I found a True Craftsman to learn from. That caulking trick... Soapy water??? Awesome work Mr Sal🔨🔨

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@c_mac7773]

He is the best to learn from by far. I use the soap the same way but on the wood side I also put down some tape then pull it immediately after

[@nevinkuser9892]

Looks amazing. The real color of the tiles is showing now.

[@christopherswain1735]

Sal I can already tell from your year's experience you definitely know what you're talking about thank you for your education

[@SalDiBlasi]

I appreciate that

[@57mailman]

I’m one of those guys who made a mess of tiling my shower-four years ago; lipage, uneven walls, I did it all. Now to try and repair this crappy job.

[@elifire4147]

Sals like a bulldog when he sees a bad tile job lol. Love it!

[@carlbrown5317]

Sal is a professional. I'm sure his price is higher than the 2500.00 cost for the original improper demo/install. Sal is also the sole contractor involved. By the time the original installer got paid after the 2 subcontractors that he was working for got their cut, he probably ended up with around 1200.00 to do the actual work.

[@CuauhtemocVasquez-ld8cn]

I'm subscribing. 🙂👍🙏. Thanks Sal.

[@joseperezpaz9986]

Used sals advice to install my floor and came out amazing!! Thanks again Sal!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Fantastic!

[@cameronknoechel9767]

Maybe I missed it, but I'd like to know what the homeowner paid for the first floor.

[@parisamarashi2935]

2500😊

[@heidiwilliams2730]

Absolutely gorgeous! Well done!

[@jragonwriter6316]

Sal, you're a Miracle Man!

[@jasminegoin5006]

Sal, Sal, he's our man. If he can't tile it nobody can!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@JeannetteRyland]

Yall got Sal fucked up! Sal work is the truth! He backs it up with results and video proof. I fucks with you Sal. keep doing your thing brother. Fuck the haters.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍 Thanks for that

[@carloschavez9090]

I am also an installer, and I know that when you install yourself as an installer you know when something does not look the way it is supposed to, but this has several reasons why it does not fit, number one the quality of the material is also a factor, second is the floor level and third and very important, when you work for a subcontractor they ask for speed and sometimes the clients also have a lot to do with it, and something very important is a point in Sal's favor that he is his own boss and can take the time what the job requires

[@tonygonzales8250]

Sal is GORGEOUS 😍😍😍😍

[@charlespelletier9621]

Hi Sal, love your videos extremely informative. When you were.laykmg this floor you were kneeling on tile.you just installed. Could that cause lippage issues or am I mistaken.

[@Koolicyde]

Was wondering the same.

[@centraconsultants3420]

will have been day two

[@misterfee6467]

Yes and no he didn't wait a day or two. It wasn't the best idea but sometimes depending on the room and pattern you don't have a choice. I think he could have avoided most of it

[@micharris1761]

I have a question why did the grout damage the finish on the tile and leave a ghost-like haze on the tiles like a foggy look. and can it be fixed ????

[@edk4376]

Another beautiful job! Thanks for the info and for sharing the video.

[@ajducey1868]

Hi Sal, I want to install natural stone/pebble tile on my bathroom floor. I have a single 3/4inch plywood over tongue in groove redwood on a raised foundation. I was going to use the laticrete self leveling compound then tile over a layer of hydroban. shoud I still try to use two layers of plywood? I think that'd be too much height to the floor...

[@user-ly1ty8hy8q]

Great job. Very clean.

[@UniqueMechanics]

No more hardy back over the plywood?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Uncoupling is a much better choice.

[@ladamadenadie1658]

Well, I was planning on doing my own tile work, Saltillo on my bathroom and kitchen floors but now that I see this video and the previous before this one, I'm glad I found your channel. Hope to learn much as I browse through your videos. And whether I decide to do it myself or hire someone else, I will know what to look for and ask them to do a good job. Thanks.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jhbrown53]

I sure do hate laying herring bone but damn it looks good. I laid very similar to that but was not rectified, good times.

[@jorgesanchez-tb3jl]

Thank you for sharing master.👍

[@jesuslovesyou8280]

Great job Sal. Many Blessings to you and your family. Robert

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you kindly

[@liamjenkins82]

What's the idea in sticking orange waffle board ( schluter?) Down with adhesive, to then stick tiles on top with adhesive? Why it go straight on with tile

[@SalDiBlasi]

It is an uncoupling underlayment membrane. An underlayment of some kind is required, the best type is uncoupling.

[@liamjenkins82]

@@SalDiBlasi I've never seen it here in Aus. Always seems the tiles are on screed floors. Cheers. I'm not a tiler though

[@WOLVERGRIZZLY]

Hello sir, what are you spraying into the caulk to help smooth it. Thanks!

[@2Drezik]

wow, thats so nice and satisfying

[@naddiamusic]

Hi Sal!! I love your videos. I watch you from Buenos Aires Argentina.. you are a pro! I learn a Lot from your videos. Down here dime stuff does not exist for your job and nos ir Is being impossible to voy 'cos the economy and politic moment.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@indyford3531]

I like this tile better than the first one!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@georgevalenzuela2489]

You did an incredible job! What a difference!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@jeremywood1342]

How you can tell they’re a professional? If they’re wearing new balance then they’re legit!

[@jmar2229]

LIKE WATCHING AN ARTIST PAINT HIS MASTERPIECE!

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Ah, shit! I think if forgot to wet my subfloor before I put my Ditra down 🤦‍♂️ I’m working on my shower now and found this video and now I’m worried my floor will tent or crack. 😂 DIY turns to DIY again. Thanks for sharing all this valuable information Sal!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Will probably be just fine as long as you used the correct thinset.

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

@@SalDiBlasi I used the more expensive Schluter brand thinset, came from the same Schluter dealer here locally. Thanks for replying to me as well, you are impressive and kind to let me know!

[@pascalgrondin6095]

Grouting over spacers??

[@shawncote3110]

Sal, what are you spraying on the caulking joint?

[@theresavelazquez6548]

Im very curious as to the slippage you kept mentioning, and the placement of tiles next to walls with trim & entry door? Why is the barrier required? Ive never done that step except showers. Im about to put in an expensive 2x4 tiles in an 8x12 entry with shifting floors & trying to figure out how to put down at door entrance so its not cracked when the house shifts in mid summers!

[@SalDiBlasi]

The tile trim is to protect the tile edge, especially if the hardwood or carpet is installed after the tile. Those guys often damage the tile.

[@MattLeFaitMusic]

Beautiful as always Sal! 👌🙌

[@ericwalters3426]

What was the re do charge?

[@giovannifilangeri1179]

Beautiful job I like the fact that you use white grout to make pop out the beauty of the tiles !

[@SalDiBlasi]

It will also highlight errors if they a present, so job has to be done right to make it look good.

[@empanada7]

How you expansion joints on that pattern?

[@michaelz6870]

I'm a sucker for natural products, but I dare say in the end the porcelain looks better than original stone. 👌

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@arncj18]

the spacers from the edges get pulled out also?

[@crichmond1813]

Good stuff ... Love watching and learning from your videos .

[@SalDiBlasi]

Awesome, thank you!

[@bseant420]

so did this cust ever get done right by the box store and previous installer or was he just sol?

[@alfredmedina9398]

What are u spraying on the caulking before u tool it ??

[@SalDiBlasi]

Water with a few drops of dish soap.

[@jorgecruz8665]

What’s better ditra or hardie board?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Any uncoupling membrane over any backer board, not even close.

[@reverendsonhouse]

Beautiful work, sir! You are a master! I saw that you used Ditra XL over the plywood. What is your criteria for using Ditra XL over regular Ditra? Question . . . I'm going to use Schluter Ditra over a prepped concrete floor in a small bathroom. I haven't decided on the tile but I'm wondering as it relates to the tile I end up choosing, why would I use Ditra XL over the regular Ditra?

[@UniqueMechanics]

What would you do to determine if the plywood was even or not wouldn’t it cause issues?

[@TonyVM775]

If the floor is very uneven and unlevel then a self leveling compound should be used. There are a bunch of videos on how to use it.

[@flawedrevolver967]

Nice work Sal! 👍

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks 👍

[@jantipinto98]

@@SalDiBlasi I love your videos. Can you use 1/4 ×1/4 inch trowel on the floor and back butter the tile? Thank you. Blessings

[@rocket9580]

that fast camera action on the final finish was a little strange..and not much better..I hope they put some extra baseboard molding down..terrible!

[@anitagoodsleep5330]

Hey Sal hope your well….is ditra ok put down on top of plywood/floor boards?i thought it had to go on top of cement board!

[@bobmiller6708]

Are you working on top of the tile with the thin set not set?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Next day

[@bobmiller6708]

@@SalDiBlasi Thanks Sal!

[@BamaBreeze]

Really appreciate your instructional manner to help people. Your attention to detail is mark of a true craftsman. Curious about what’s in the spray bottle after caulk at the transition? Is that a top secret to a smooth line?

[@SalDiBlasi]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXvUi2qvgdmrh6c

[@BamaBreeze]

Sal, thanks for replying to my question. Enjoyed the video link you shared about the denatured alcohol.

[@shathanmccoy8945]

Just cleaned the subfloor with water?

[@tomg9242]

timestamp what you're referring to. if it's towards the end he's cleaning the excess grout off the tile

[@bradleyb.425]

Sal, you're the master of tile setting, but I don't understand AT ALL how you're kneeling on the tile you just set, in order to set more tile ahead of you, without badly screwing up the ones you're kneeling on! Please tell me, what am I missing? E.g. 12:00.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Was not fresh, it was the next day.

[@bradleyb.425]

​@@SalDiBlasithanks for responding.

[@davidhicks7802]

I suggest getting an installer to redo your botched shiplap

[@shanelong5544]

Hey there bud im a big fan of your channel and the work u do what is the pattern method called that u are laying down on this video please let me know thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

Herringbone, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJTIoGiGlK-sa8U

[@XCBen]

Are you using the XL here in place of two layers of plywood? I heard you speak of it in the first video. Thanks Sal.

[@batman-mv7cp]

Will be doin my own in a couple o weeks. Wanna do it right .Thanx for the info.

[@kaloosh2639]

Hi im new,non of those natural stone tiles were able to be salvaged? To maybe be reused?

[@SalDiBlasi]

No point saving them. Trash

[@thomascolliins]

Do you flat coat the back of each tile for better adhesion

[@moneyfornothing3264]

Looks great!!

[@luly8083]

Would back butter be preferred? Or only for bigger pieces. Thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

Not needed for smaller tiles.

[@luly8083]

@@SalDiBlasi thank you for response Sal. If you don't mind me asking at what sizes would you start back butter. Thanks again

[@SalDiBlasi]

@@luly8083 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWa1oq2FdtOSqsU

[@rodneybeckham540]

Nice job Sal!

[@Michael-wq6dg]

I'm confused. I thought he said there was supposed to be 2 layers of plywood? Did he add another layer or did the membrane replace it?

[@SalDiBlasi]

No, used porcelain instead of natural stone

[@Blackdog4818]

What is the white Ditra mortar you're using? Is this the white polymer liquid mixed with mortar? Other videos they were using a gray membrane mortar.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Color has no importance as far as type goes.

[@nightwolf666mwhatthehell5]

Absolutely beautiful. Love your work.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you so much!

[@ohokayofficial]

Interesting too that the previous installer did the herringbone layout in that format. It looks amazing and precise, once you got it installed 🙏🏽💪🏽 I wonder if he did the original herringbone layout in a block pattern to make his cuts/math easier? I know all herringbone doesn’t have to be “angled”, but it just crossed my mind haha

[@SalDiBlasi]

Its how they wanted it, I offered to do it on Diagonal

[@ohokayofficial]

@@SalDiBlasi I completely understand!! 🙏🏽 I meant the first installer, but you’re right - the customer’s preference comes first Really cool to know that you were thinking of diagonal as well and even offered! 😎

[@kaivil1328]

Nice job, made it look simple. But that's all experience

[@Justforfun-ek7et]

Is that soapy water you spray on the silicone? This job looks fantastic and I can definitely see how much better a job you did than the previous person. Incredible!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes! Thank you!

[@stevec1379]

Natural stone tile are the hardest to install even for the experience installer ... the old school installer in order to find out how good of an installer someone is .there would ask how many square feet of granite can you install in a day ? If the answer is 40-60 average 65-70 good and 70-100 really good.

[@JChamberlin]

A new tile job done right looks terrific.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@milaimmaxhuni7707]

How mach you charge for the job

[@JoseVazquez-zm2tz]

Didn't see any back butter, did I miss it? Your thoughts on back buttering. Thanks!

[@SalDiBlasi]

With smaller tiles it is not always require or even needed kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWa1oq2FdtOSqsU

[@dacyphaa]

Natural stone tiles always require back buttering, usually after the tile has been sealed, all prior to being installed... not the case with small format porcelain, which I assume the customer went for 2nd time round here?

[@jamesmartin1101]

Your A Master Sal

[@donnamurphy5698]

Please forgive my ignorance, but why did you not start in the corner of the alcove and work your way out? Do you have a video for absolute beginers with no experience or tools?

[@wesmostdope1724]

It was a messy work, but an all right installation. You need to work on not letting the motor go through the joints While installing. it will prevent you from wasting time.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, I am new at this, only been 40 years.

[@javierc.salazar512]

Very nice job brother. Stay safe

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, you too!

[@cirilogonzalez2642]

Are tile levelers not necessary here when leveling this tile?instead of doing it by feel

[@SalDiBlasi]

Tile levelers are not needed for smaller tiles.

[@madcowusa4277]

White grout on a floor? Hope they like scrubbing floors or like the look of discolored grout in high traffic areas.

[@ny2la2day]

I find it extremely funny that you made a 15 minute video about showing what someone else did wrong but then you only spent less than four seconds showing your finished product. To be perfectly honest it looks extremely similar

[@ninjaacoos]

Devil is in the detail. Sal's job is a more professional finish from start to finish that includes his prep work, set out the way he's fixed the tiles with no lippage and his grouting is superior.

[@centraconsultants3420]

have you never seen a Sal DiBlasi video before? his work cannot be questioned. of course, someone who doesn't know better and viewing from a computer screen with an untrained eye will see the two jobs as "similar" but a heck of a lot of work went into this job to give it that perfect final result. Those tiles will last a lot longer than me and you, friend.

[@david7384]

That's like saying a Gucci and a Chinese fake look similar LOL

[@heros.1843]

It really all depends on how much people charge. Sal most likely charge more. As you heard him say that the old tiling job was 2500 and its herring bone. 2500 is cheap so the home owner got what he paid for.

[@mick16345]

You can look at the finished job as long as you want if you hit pause. Then you can take a screen shot and zoom in until you are completely satisfied.

[@berniemac8413]

Is there no need to back butter these tiles? Also, I didn’t see a level. How are you able to attain zero lipage during installation? Is it that the tiles are small enough to contour with the floor if it’s not completely level? I did notice the small piece of tile you used to rub over the installed tile to check if there was lipage.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Floor was flat, small tiles, 36 years in the trade.

[@berniemac8413]

Sal DiBlasi if the floor isn’t completely flat, how do you get it level?

[@WillyDrucker]

Sal, I did a test with ARDEX X 77 and Ditra Heat on plywood. The ARDEX X 77 bonds great to the plywood, but I find it's not bonding the Ditra fleece well. Is this common? Suggestion for better bond to fleece?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sometimes the light weight and LFT thinsets with Thixotropic properties will not transfer well to the fleece of an uncoupling membrane, I haven't seen any documentation on this, but have had personal experience where transfer is not great. Always mix the thinset to the high end of the water recommendation, maybe even a bit more, but thinset still needs to be able to hold a notch. Always to use a regular ANSI A118.11 or higher mortar.

[@WillyDrucker]

@@SalDiBlasi Thanks!

[@rayraybhai6089]

Sal can you make a video or can you give me an explanation on how you decide to start laying this pattern and from where in the room. I am doing a small bathroom and deciding between 90 degree herringbone and 45. The bathroom i am doing is only 25 square feet 5x5

[@SalDiBlasi]

For that small a bathroom, dry lay some tile, take some measurements and go from there.

[@rayraybhai6089]

Thanks sal!

[@rbarr1200]

Does using ditra make the thin set be workable for a longer period of time compared to laying straight over concrete ? I lightly sponged the concrete on my tile install but it seems like it’s dries out faster than yours.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Concrete will suck the moisture out of the mortar, ditra is basically plastic so it absorbs nothing.

[@rbarr1200]

Sal DiBlasi thanks Sal !

[@joncastle2546]

No subfloor primer.. WOW bud🙄 1/2" trowel to install uncoupling..WOW bud🙄 Layout..WOW bud🙄 😂😂😂😂I'm playing, Sal is a true professional 👍. Done right!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Had me going there.😀

[@goblin103187]

Why use that type of backer? Seems to me that material could compress causing the grout and or tile to eventually start cracking. The stiffer the base the better.

[@Dorazs]

Beautiful job Sal!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you! Cheers!