How to grout a tile floor

[@RustyCas999]

Folks, don't waste your time watching tile videos by anyone else. Sal is the man. Period.

[@tomkristman1456]

You don’t like star tile?

[@richardvoyageur]

@@tomkristman1456 I can't tell if you're joking or not. Starr Tile is terrible and just does whatever he wants without regards for manufacturer's directions (or TCNA).

[@atkgrl]

Thank you for the information! I appreciate you answering my questions.

[@SalDiBlasi]

You are so welcome!

[@mard7569]

Thank you sir! I’m saving your video. Im doing a closet for the first time cutting ,laying and grouting tiles. I’ve never done any projects like this before but thanks to people like you who makes it possible .

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad I could help

[@thebareessentials]

Finally found someone with grouting skills. Thanks Sal

[@gipiac]

Why 14 dislikes ? Man is trying to teach you something Fantastic work! Thank you for posting

[@MStar10]

Just Haters

[@Z-Ack]

Other tile companies not getting any business..

[@SoSo-li6dn]

because he didnt use a drill to mix the grout.

[@sololegit]

For those asking why it looks so easy for him to get all the grout off. As a fellow installer, I can say you have to be VERY strong and press down very hard with the float to get it as clean as he gets it. He's been doing it so long, it probably doesn't feel very hard to him but yea. You also have to have a lot of stamina if you're talking about a big job. It wears you out pressing the float down to get it that clean.

[@SalDiBlasi]

+sololegit you got that right 😊

[@scottschaffer6084]

Awesome man. I've been watching a bunch of your stuff about shower installation, tiling, and grouting, and I have to put a big thanks out there. Your videos are very informative and helpful. Thumbs up.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching.

[@mostmost1]

Completed my first grout job!!!! Followed this technique and it looked much better than i thought. Small floor however.

[@happypink6913]

Love the high speed effects. You make it look to easy. Smile

[@rufusTfirefly67]

Great video. I found the tips with regard to washing the tile to be particularly helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@atkgrl]

What a beautiful coloring in that tile

[@brownwise]

Your the best Sal! Thanks for the awesome instructions keep it up!

[@SalDiBlasi]

🙂

[@kophiland4896]

job well done sir!! floor grouting is more harder than wall grouting... you are awesome ^^

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@westonlee9778]

Outstanding thank you

[@LordBLB]

Most important part of this video? The knee pads. Learned it the hard way.

[@atkgrl]

I bought his $90 and $35 pair to help but it’s 330 and I’m still up with knee and leg pain even after 6 Vicodin’s.

[@atkgrl]

Did I mention the wrist pain…. Thank God for men. Now I need a few for labor… lol

[@matthewwilloughby2594]

Man that's perfectly mixed grout right there

[@eee3400]

does it matter whether caulking of perimeter is done before or after grouting?

[@whatburnout]

Sal you do excellent work .at lease you go buy book. Not like other tile guys on u tube (Starr tile ) he give his theory .he live on red guard. I wish tile guys do more mud work in shower ,float walls.then waterproof.am sure you seen his videos. Keep up good work from one tile guy to another.been in the trade since 1978. Still doing it the old way.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Don't get me started with that guy, we have had our disagreements, he asks for proof, and when you give it to him he says it is irrelevant. If you are on Facebook you should ask to join "Tile Geeks"

[@absolutemalmaute9592]

If I’m doing a grout job here in IL where it’s cooler how long should I wait to wipe the grout the 1st and then the second wash? Also does the Aboost additive change the grout color slightly?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Just keep an eye on it, type of tile and ambient conditions have a big effect.

[@atkgrl]

What perfectly aligned tiles, it looks so perfect like a fake vinyl print. How can you fix lippage even after you use a tiling system but you don’t see until the next day when removing the wedges?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Tear out the tile and put in a new one.

[@scottramsay2832]

Hi Sal, your work is amazing - thanks for sharing! Do you use grout sealer, or do you find the grout boost gives a long lasting finish against stains without the sealer?

[@scottramsay2832]

Sorry, read through the comments below and answered my question. Thanks again - great work!

[@atkgrl]

Sal how did you lay this tile close enough or under the wood baseboard and how much expansion space did you leave? I’ve been ripping off baseboards worried they will mop and rot the wood. How about spacers and long cut tile pieces for baseboards?

[@SalDiBlasi]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKTJdmSDocpnkMU

[@atkgrl]

Do you have a video on cleaning grout lines? Even if clean while laying once I tighten my wedges I have mortar filling the spaces ahhhh. Too much mortar, I have to backbutter!

[@SalDiBlasi]

There's an idea for a video. Thanks

[@mosconi4539]

Hello maestro,I need an advice. I finished grouting with Mapei ultracolor plus 110 manhattan. I still have a white layer on the tiles and joints that I wiped with a sponge and a clean cloth but I still haven't completely managed to remove it. Do you have any advice to remove that layer from tiles and joints? thanks.

[@dany1danashxxx]

Great stuff man, very informative and I can tell you really care about what you do.

[@rdy4trvl]

Do you seal the grout? I've seen lots of your very informative videos but haven't heard you mention sealing grout.

[@SalDiBlasi]

These days most modern grouts do not need to be sealed.

[@jefftopping5542]

Hi Sal. I have pretty large room, hallway into a half bath that i tiled with 8" tiles so there is a lot of grout to fill (1/8" joints). It may take me longer than 30 mins to get all the grout into all the joints. Is it OK to come back and start cleanup after spreading ALL the grout? Or should I do this in sections (grout, clean, grout clean)? thanks.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Depends on the grout, probably best to do a section at a time so it doesn't set up in the joints before you can clean it. Do a section, check to see if it is firming up, if it is go back and start clean up. If not spread a bit more. Keep in mind that it will also take time to clean up while the grout is firming up in the joints.

[@buckn9679]

Sal, I mixed grout boost into my thin set instead of water. Is that going to cause problems? I don't know what I was thinking. Please help? Do I have to rip up the floor and do it over? Thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

I am guessing it will be fine, but best to call Tec technical support and ask them.

[@littlebeebs1]

This video is awesome ! I plan to use your technique when we grout our 12x24 tile . We will be using Mapei Flexcolor CQ . I know we should do smaller sections and clean as we go with that type of grout . I’ve watched one helpful video by Home Tudor on how to use the product. Do you use it in any of your videos? I’d love to see your technique with that type of grout . Do you like Flexcolor CQ ? I’ve seen mixed reviews . One man shows how he can stick a screw driver through it and pull it right out 3 months after installing. Now I’m a little scared to use it . Thanks so much for your helpful videos. I’ve installed every type of flooring except tile . Your videos have been a tremendous help 😊

[@SalDiBlasi]

Follow the direction for the Mapei Flexcolor CQ. it is a good grout, I have not used it yet, but have used similar products from other manufacturers.

[@littlebeebs1]

Sal DiBlasi We used the Mapei Flexcolor CQ . We followed the directions to the letter. It has turned out GORGEOUS!!! Although we had to be very thorough with the cleaning and do smaller areas at a time , it was quite easy to use. It looks so smooth in the grout joints and the color is perfectly consistent throughout. It seems as if it will hold up beautifully. We have zero lippage , thanks to the Spin Doctors . We are so proud of our floor ! Thanks again for your videos and replies to my questions. We learned so much from you . I think you'd be impressed if you could see it 😊

[@SalDiBlasi]

Great, being happy with the end result is a great feeling.😀

[@Robert13732]

Nice video 👍

[@notforever123]

Thanks for your time, great job

[@wendyfowler1954]

Fabulous

[@strifesde]

Hi Sal, great video. I'm looking for a white grout recommendation for a shower that doesn't mold. Any suggestions?

[@atkgrl]

Sal I only see your Mug in the store. Even in browse store, where are all your tools? I want to try the soft sponge grouter

[@SalDiBlasi]

saldiblasi.myspreadshop.com/ sals-8.creator-spring.com/

[@atkgrl]

@@SalDiBlasi great websites! Lots of variety. Now, third party pay options- which will allow faster checkout which helps with the decision timeline factor. If I have to input all my data plus separate shipping then go find my credit card info it’s too much and opps time has passed and I’ve changed my mind and on to something else. So try to get already templated data with one touch purchasing like Apple Pay, Shop Pay, Google, Stripe, Venmo, cash app you have a 13-20 sec window so make it as easy as possible. Or not.

[@sonofthe80s]

thIs way seems best because you don't leave a lot of grout behind, this is the key to easier cleanups and a better, easier, faster job. My amatuer cheat is a third pass after the second wipe down (grout is dry) and before haze buffing with a Costco microfiber cloth clipped into a 360o mop handle (the hdwd floor type) and misted to damp with 1/2 denatured alcohol and 1/2 distilled water.

[@atkgrl]

You only need water and a good tiling sponge

[@vanderhoff66fu]

On my Box of unsanted grout it said after grouting wait 10 minutes remove the haze then wait 2 hours and then remove the haze again

[@frob24]

This is the best tile grouting video I've seen on youtube so far and I've watched a bunch. Thank you for that! One thing I noticed is that your grout looks much, not sure if this is the right word but, dryer than I've seen in other videos and when you wipe it away with the flout it seems to come off a lot easier than the wetter ones I've seen. Is there a benefit to having a little less moisture in the grout or I'm I seeing this wrong?

[@SalDiBlasi]

+frob24 Must be just how it looks in the video, the grout is mixed properly and not at all dry. Grouting Technique plays a big roll in how clean the tile is as the grout is spread.

[@dbeaulieu9730]

What is the purpose for the grout boost?

[@noahkrietsch5983]

Sal, question: when I'm removing the grout haze with a sponge, it seems like my water gets too dirty too quickly, and I'll end up spreading more grout haze than I'm removing with the sponge. So I end up having to change the water in my bucket many times. But when I watch pro tile installers, they're not changing their water? Maybe I'm using the wrong kind of sponge, I'm not sure

[@SalDiBlasi]

Don't go backnand forth with the sponge when you wipe to clean, pull in one direction, flip and use the other side. Here is a video that might help kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZvSl4xjlNt9bsU

[@sergeyyuminov8577]

Thanks a lot! Very informative!

[@frob24]

One other question. You do the first run with sponge to to form the grout lines and the second to clean the tiles. Most of the videos I've seen say to wait 5-20 mins before the second sponging to clean the tiles to let the lines harden a little. What are your thoughts on this?

[@SalDiBlasi]

+frob24 Depends on the grout, and the temperature etc. but most times by the tie you have spread some of the grout it is almost time to start cleaning, there are so many different types of grout that here i am trying to show how to grout, wait times will very as i said, review the directions of your grout to ascertain how soon you should start to wash.

[@jakespeers6835]

Hey Sal, another great video! One question for you I can't seem to find the answer to. Am I suppose to seal polished porcelain tile before grouting? I would have thought the box would tell me but it doesn't, and can't find anything online for them. They are enigma polished porcelain tile High Definition tiles. And is it okay to use sanded for polished? I have 1/8 grout lines but worried it would scratch the polish. Thanks!

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Jake Speers yes polished porcrlain is supposed to be sesled before grouting, the grinding and buffing process during polishing opens microscopic pours in the porcelain, that can take a stain. I would think sanded grout should be fine, but if you have doubts check with the manufacturer. miraclesealants.com/products/seal-protect/511-porcelain-ceramic-tile-sealer

[@brianfink4519]

As with almost all of the others here thanks for the great work Sal. I am almost done with my master bath remodel thanks to all ur videos. My next question is do u recommend sealing the grout inside and outside the shower in a bathroom

[@SalDiBlasi]

Really depends on the type of grout you used, for advanced grouts it is not needed, for standard grouts yes, do seal the grout after it has been given time to cure.

[@brianfink4519]

@@SalDiBlasi thanks one more question. I have mixed and applied grout per instructions why is my grout coming out two very different colors . Dark and very light. I bought the mixer made for this type of work with low speed I didn’t get grout real wet when cleaning it off. The light color is what it is supposed to be! I’m using the mapei keracolor grout

[@SalDiBlasi]

@@brianfink4519 That is a Cement base grout, so you will need to seal it. Color inconsistencies is caused by improper mixing or excess water while washing the grout, or not waiting long enough to start washing or any combination of those. These grouts are very sensitive to water.

[@brianfink4519]

@@SalDiBlasi any way to fix it without cutting it all back out? And do u recommend maybe a different grout

[@SalDiBlasi]

@@brianfink4519 Yes, let the grout cure first then use this amzn.to/2MeznK0

[@tonyfabiano1937]

Hi Sal. Big fan of your work. Question about grouting. I'm installing white 5x12 subway in the shower and a dark gray 3x3 in shower floor and same color gray large format on bathroom floor. My question is how do I handle the joint where the walls meet the shower floor. I know you always recommend chalk. Do I go dark or white chalk and what are steps to get a clean line and not have it bleed from one to the other. Keep up all the great work.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I will usually do the floor color, if you use silicone, tape the tile off to prevent smearing the caulk on the tile, or put in a bead, spray lightly with an ammonia free window cleaner or dishwasher/water soap solution and tool with caulk profile tool, however this takes skill and must be done in an order to not contaminate an untreated joint with the solution or the caulk will not adhere, Usually bottom to top. Or just use a siliconized, acyrlic latex caulk, and clean with water.

[@rrjones6667]

Another great video Sal. Could you recommend a grout line thickness for a 6”x36” wood look tile? I will be using the tlock leveling system you recommend.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes, absolutely For rectified tile 1/16, for calibrate tile 1/8. First dry lay some tile to check that it will work. If you have trouble move up to 3/16. I like to keep them as tight as possible with plank tile. Watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3SqmICKf9ikfas

[@markperry1241]

Sal, I have learned so much from your. I have a question about grout width, I haven't seen it addressed yet, nor found it via search. I'm using 12x24 tiles, floor and walls. What width do you recommend? I get a different answer from everyone I ask. Thanks.

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Mark Perry Depends on how even the tiles run, if they are very uniform in size the you can go with 1/8" or even 1/16" however the more the tiles vary the wider the grout line needs to be. Check your tiles and then decide.

[@jevaunnybarton2986]

Whats that u put around the corners is it silicone sealer?

[@SalDiBlasi]

yes

[@yorowichid8839]

If grouting a tub/shower surround, how long after grouting can you allow showering? Thanks for the vids

[@SalDiBlasi]

Depends on the grout, most are between 1 and 3 days, some are as long as 10 days

[@davedellis185]

What grout sealer do you recommend? Ive watched several of your videos and haven't seen you use a sealer yet. Ive not had good luck with big box store brands.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I don't use grout sealers, I prefer to use stain resistant grouts.Usually Tec grouts with Boost additive, which makes the grout very stain resistant. There are many other choices for grouts that will stay clean, you will be hard pressed to find them at a big box stores, and anyone there that would be able to give you correct advice on the product you should be using.

[@fencerider1492]

Sal do you always use sanded caulk where the baseboard meets the tile? Thanks for responding to my questions in the past, im halfway done laying my tile. Putting some 18x18. Im using the Tuscan seam clips too. Not to impressed with them, but i bought 1000 of them so im just gonna use them up. Im gonna try the ATR system for my bathroom. BTW my knees are killing me dont know how youve been doing this for 30 yrs.

[@SalDiBlasi]

debhl7w If you use sanded grout, then use sanded caulk, unsanded grout use unsanded caulk, match the texture of the grout. ATR would not be my first choice, I would suggest ether T-Lock or Proleveling. Knees are fine, everything else is falling apart.

[@jayhilton5429]

Thanks for the video... how long should the grout sit (if at all) before washing?

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Jay Hilton Can't tell you that, it all depends on what kind of grout, and there are quite a few different types ranging from cement based to urethane to epoxy and a host in between. Temperature and humidity and the type of tile as well as many other factors will play a roll in how long you should wait. Keep an eye on it and make a judgement.

[@colbybud]

what is your opinion on acyrlic grout? specifically flexcolor and fusion pro

[@SalDiBlasi]

Mapei Flecolor CQ is good stuff, Custom Fusion I don't know, I don't use Custom products.

[@colbybud]

thank you. its good to know because the product would fresh unlike cement grout at major chains being old and expired.

[@unclepabs]

Thanks Sal. Great vids with awesome concise instructions; which of course is exactly what is required for such a precious job. What is generally the maximum length of time you could leave the grout haze before / between washes? Also, what is the liquid you use to mix the grout with? Thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

+unclepabs time you leave the grout to set really depends on a lot of factors, type of grout, temperature and humidity, kind of tile, type of substrate, air circulation and more, so the thing to do is to just keep an eye on it and work accordingly. The liquid i used was boost, which is an additive to mack the grout stain resistant, these days i like to use Power Grout.

[@minervayllanes3440]

What color of grouts you recommend for hexagonal marble Carrera floor.

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Minerva Yllanes Has to be a light gray or a white grout.

[@WM-xd8zc]

Sal, how long can the grout sit on tile before you run into issues of it permanently sticking to the tile?

[@jddeefo1022]

I would like Sal to give the time frames between trowelling the grout into the joints and starting the first sponge wipe.

[@KECarter]

Me too- how long did you wait with this grout after floating it in the joints until you started sponging it clean? And how long did you wait between the first sponging and the final sponging?

[@ryanjazdzewski9464]

Do you ever struggle with tile that is not the same size? Or tile that has bows in it? Especially with large format tile

[@SalDiBlasi]

+Ryan Jazdzewski All large format tiles will have some mount of bow in them, it is the nature of the tile, that is one of the reasons a lippage system is often used to set these large tiles.

[@AlanMcCarthyguitar]

hi Sal , I have to pick your brain again !.what do you do when you have a big area to grout and must use 2 or 3 bags of grout therefore different mixes , how do you ensure consistent shade once all dies out ??

[@sonofthe80s]

dry mix all grout together into one large batch before adding any liquid, then make smaller batches from that mix. I just made the mistake, hope the batches are close enough

[@SalDiBlasi]

What Sonofthe80s said

[@AlanMcCarthyguitar]

+sonofthe80s thank you !

[@garrettbeezy2680]

So is that caulk color matched to your grout

[@SalDiBlasi]

Garrett Beezy yes. Same company as the grout.

[@garrettbeezy2680]

Sal DiBlasi Ok thanks for the response love your vids. You are a maestro my friend best tile work I have seen

[@cr1spy79]

Great video Sal. You are truly a pro. How do you like Epoxy Grout. More specifically Laticrete Spectralock. I'm thinking of using this in a shower I'm wrapping up. Thanks for showing it done right!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Use it plenty of times, follow the directions and you will be fine. Ardex makes an epoxy grout that is even easier to use.

[@cr1spy79]

Thanks for the quick response. I was also recommended TEC power grout

[@jeje1020]

cr1spy79 did you try the Power Grout? I can find little info on it in the contractor forums and I am leaning towards using it.

[@raptureready9502]

@@SalDiBlasi have you ever used tec power grout? I just tiled 1600 sq ft and bought the power grout

[@jeffs5129]

How many sq ft of floor tile should someone be able to grout per hour?

[@SalDiBlasi]

there are a lot of variables, and it is not a race, so i don't know how to answer that.

[@ramstafar]

He wants to know that way he can pay his employes

[@raptureready9502]

One guy spreading another guy cleaning usually 1000sq ft 2 hrs

[@found989]

you are good and you know what to do. thanks a lot

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks

[@regibson23]

What size grout lines were those?

[@aaroncuriak9190]

probably 3/8

[@richardvoyageur]

Hi Sal, great video as always, but I have a quick question. If i'm looking to grout my porcelain shower, 12x24" tiles and not worry about staining and a lot of cleaning, would you suggest epoxy grouts? I'm looking at Tec Power Grout, Mapei Opticolour and Laticrete Spectralock for example. Am I on the right road with these and which would you select, personally?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes, I use Power grout very often, epoxy can be trick, try looking into Mapei Flexcolor CQ

[@Phen0mable]

What knee pads are you using?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Phen0mable had these for years, i couldn't even tell you where i bought them, and it is time for a new set.

[@Phen0mable]

***** I'm 6'2'' and rather fat... Is very hard for me to find good knee pads.. I think I loose my weight faster than find good knee pads ;-)

[@SalDiBlasi]

You need to get some proknees proknee.com

[@raptureready9502]

@@SalDiBlasi any tricks in using power grout?

[@jamesstufano1504]

Hi Sal - grouting a large floor area - I’ve been watching your videos and you use different types. What is the float you use with the roller bucket that has a handle ? Looks like you’ve used it a lot. Also your store has the red and blue rubber type float - can you let me know a couple good floats to look at please. Thank you

[@SalDiBlasi]

Here are a couple of links, the Wash bucket is the more expensive one they don't have the cheaper one in stock amzn.to/3npJydW This float is the kind I use amzn.to/34TCWOF

[@TopTierRenovationsPickering]

Hi Sal, thank you for the video! I see that you were using Tec Accucolor grout in the video (I assume sanded). Can you comment on the color consistency of the Accucolor grout? I have used Custom Polyblend sanded grout and Mapei Keracolor with somewhat disappointing results with their darker colors, with respect to color consistency, even while making sure not to mix with too much water or overwash. Tec Accucolor is available in Canada where I live but I have not used it yet, and was wondering if you were happy with it overall as a regular sanded grout. Thanks!

[@CharlesMartel676]

If your tile installer doesn't have a last name that ends in a vowel, FIND SOMEONE ELSE!!!! Thanks, Sal!!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@foxtrot35]

Hi Sal, I have a friend who had shower redone about 3 months ago. They used hexagonal tile on floor and the tiles seam to have sharp edges, and seams like not enough grout. Can more grout be added or what do you suggest? Second, they grouted at the wall and floor joint and around drain, both of which now have a crack. Is this a problem? Suggestions on both issues?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Most times more grout can not be added on top of what is already there, usually you have to scrape out at least some of the existing grout to make room for the new. Anywhere tile meets a dissimilar material or there is a change of plane, there has to be a soft joint to allow for movement, this could be the reason for your cracked rout, but it could also be any number of other reasons.

[@foxtrot35]

Thank you! Appreciate your input! Sure enjoy your videos!

[@carlagarrett3244]

Never seen another grouting video that a person caulked the edging. You didn't mention why.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Look up EJ171 in the TCNA Handbook .

[@skybox3550]

Why does everyone else say to sponge in circles but he doesn’t. Seems conflicting.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Just take it from a guy that has been installing tile for over 35 years, and it is not everyone else it is just those that tell you how to do something that have little experience in actually doing it. Since this video was made, a multitude of new and improved grouts have been developed and put on the market many of which have very specific mixing and grouting instructions. here is a newer video kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHaqqKhppatsh8U

[@Amopower]

Hi Sal - I went to Amazon to check out that grout booster you are using, and it has horribel reviews. Most say that unless your grout is white, dont use this because it WILL turn white. Are those comments true from what you have seen? (i know some Amazon reviews in the past could have been made by people who didnt even buy the product - i.e. competitors defaming their competition). www.amazon.com/Grout-Boost-Stain-Resistant-Additive/product-reviews/B001DY610U/ref=dpx_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1

[@SalDiBlasi]

I use this grout boost very often, read the directions and follow them, light colored grouts will definitely be More forgiving, but dark grouts must be mixed and applied according to directions or you could have a problem. You must also let it cure for ten days after it is installed. If you have any doubts use another grout, also not all grouts are compatible with grout boost, make sure that jf you intend to use it, it is the correct type of grout, better still use it with Tec grouts, Boost is made by Tec.

[@Amopower]

***** Ok thanks, I trust your advice more than some random reviews which may be biased. My significant other ordered some grout today from Mosaic tile company. I did some research on the part number and it sure seems like the exact same thing as Polyblend #19 that Home Depot sells. They charged her almost double though. I am seriously considering having her get money back and go for the Tec, Would you agree or are you not familiar with the PolyBlend?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Scott Amoroso I never use Custom products, just Mapei, Tec and Laticrete. so I can't speak to that. If you have a local tile store other than HD, you might get better info and better Products, I buy nothing related to tile at those big box stores.

[@Amopower]

***** I would not have thought the local tile store would be passing off the same brand one can get at HD. All i have in front of me is the part number and description, and it suspiciously matches the HD one in more ways than one, yet double the price. I will wait and see what they sold her. Even at double the price ($25.33/25lb bag), it still seems alot cheaper than the Tec stuff, so it makes me wonder about the quality.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Scott Amoroso A product can meet a technical specification, like a thinset that meets ANSI A118.4 and A118.11 and can still be crap. If you are using a polymer modified thinset, Mapei Ultraflex 2, Tec Fulflex, Laticrere 253 gold are good qualitg thinsets for setting porcelain tiles, I don't use Custom, ever, so I have no idea what the equivalent would be. When the big box stores have Tec, Mapie, and Laticrete bands, they are labeled differently than in a tile store, I could never figure out what is what, or if they are lesser versions. For example Tec has Sturdiflex, which is inferior to Fulflex. I would not buy Sturdiflex for my installs, but often use Fulflex.

[@robertdoyle240]

Can’t understand what your saying sometimes