How to layout and set 1'x2' tile for a tub surround

[@Shad0wC0mpany2]

Thank you very much for your sharing this with us, brother. Great work!

[@tomanson1098]

Love the music in the background. It brings everything together nicely and makes the video feel smooth. Thank you for the video, I have a small section like you had and was trying to figure out if a small piece of tile there would look alright. Looks great based on your video. Thank you for sharing.

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hello there Mr. Anson. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I've gotten a relentless amount of negative feedback from the background music. :) It's my style of music so I guess that's why I've been confused as to why other folks don't like it. I'm glad that you found my video helpful! -Mat W/1T

[@marcopoulin1897]

First time i saw decent video bravo

[@ThomasGapinski]

Nice job! I’m working on my tub surround now. It has a 18x25 window, so I appreciate seeing your technique. Thank you.

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hey Thomas, thanks for watching and the comment! I checked out your channel too. I had a band up until last year as well. I'm more into Outlaw though. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions regarding your project. I'd love to help you out if I can. The window on this tile job was almost the exact the perfect width of the tile which made things easier. IMO, the minimum sliver I want to cut and set is 2" if possible, and I try to bury them in an inconspicuous spot. If you can avoid anything smaller than that, I'm sure your project will shine. Lastly, if you are using larger format (not rectified) I highly recommend 33% running bond. Thanks again for watching! Good Luck!

[@ThomasGapinski]

@@Mat-W-1TFandF thank you very much. I ended up framing in the window space so it’s smaller. I installed a new 18”x25” vinyl window. Now I have to get the hardie backer up. 60” tub in 61” alcove, so I need to shim the walls a bit. Definitely learning a lot since it’s my first bathroom remodel.

[@robjeffrey7544]

Thank you for more sedate background music. Wish others would stop using 'techno' silliness.

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hello there Mr. Jeffrey. Thank you so much for your positive comment regarding the music. I have to say, if you read through the thread, I get hammered a BUNCH regarding my background music. My taste isn't really the same as everyone else. Just trying to add some entertainment value to the videos and if I can teach or help someone out, that's even better. My future videos and the last few I've made have had the same style of music but at a much lower volume. Thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment. -Mat W/1T

[@tomacquilano1304]

Nice work!

[@scottsachs2547]

Looks Fantastic!! Great Job!! I come from a family of tilers!

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Thank you so much for the comment. I strive to make my lines somewhat seamless. Seems like every job I do has a different layout that I have to be aware of. Thank you for the comment!

[@AMM0beatz]

Thanks Tom Cruise!

[@realdogful]

Thank you very helpful.😊

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hey realdogful. Thank you for watching and the positive feedback. The whole reason I made this channel was to help folks. Your comment is validation! Thanks again! -Mat W/1T

[@johng9562]

The whole reason this job is so technically difficult is because it's a very old bathroom that was designed for small 4" tile. So installing 12x24 tiles (which were never used for walls when that bathroom was built) simply does not compute. Additionally, setting in a brick pattern with a 50% offset is not recommended by any 12x24 tile manufacturer because large tile tend to be "cupped" or bowed in the middle which causes lipping. I do think the spin doctor does help, but it's a fight that's not worth having in the first place. Just use smaller tile which is faster, cheaper, easier, and looks way better in small spaces.

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hey John, thanks for the comment. This room was a complete remodel. They had reduced the size of the long wall to accommodate the new modern tub. (reduced the wall length about two feet) The framers put zero thought to layout. If I were to frame this room, I'd center the window and put a bumpout on both walls centering the tub. That would have also made the flow of the room better. Alas, I was only contracted for setting the tile. That being said, it was the customer who chose the tile format. The customer also chose the 50% running bond offset (brick pattern as you say). As an installer you know; the customer gitz what they wantz. Yes, Lippage is a problem with larger tile. The American National Standards Institute have set guidelines. ANSI A108.02 s4.3.8.2 Running Bond/Brick Joint Offset: ..."If an offset greater than 33% is specified, specifier and owner must approve mock-up and lippage.". Additionally, ANSI A108.02 goes on to state that the acceptable lippage is 1/32" (approximately the width of a credit card). In essence; the home owner approved the tile format and layout. They accepted that there will be some lippage. With regard to tile levelers and spacers; I've gone through a number of different systems. Levelotion, box store wedges and now Spin Doctors. The Spin Doctors are remarkably strong, easy to install and can be cranked down very tight bringing the tiles onto plain. I really like them because they don't require another tool to keep track of while setting. I would wager to say that the lippage encountered (I'll admit there was some) in my layout was installer error instead of the tile leveling system. What irregularities were present were acceptable and within ANSI guidelines. As far as not worth it, I disagree. Large format tile is trending in my area. I do recommend a 33% running bond due to the cupping on large format tile. Then again, at the end of the day, it's the customers decision. The customer is very happy and satisfied with this tub surround install. To me, that means it is a successful install. Thanks again for watching! And thank you for the comment. It's a great discussion.

[@wasntme3651]

Haha since when do they design a bathroom around the tile?

[@johng9562]

Large tile was basically non-existent back then, so all design was with smaller tile.

[@wasntme3651]

@@johng9562 You can eliminate pretty much all lippage with a good leveling system even @ a 50 split running bond pattern with large format tile. I do it all the time the job I’m on now is three walk In Showers that with 12x24 tile on a 50 split. Did roughly 15 last year. There’s the occasional one but that’s with any tile. In the end it comes down to experience, if you do something a lot and take extreme pride in what you do then odds are in your favor that you should be really good at it after 20 or so years.

[@johng9562]

It has never been possible to "eliminate" lippage when installing a brick pattern with 12x24 tile. It can be passable for lower level jobs, but can't do it on any home worth over $700,00 ~ won't fly, ask me how I know.

[@Methodical2]

Prep is 95% of the work, afterward it's just like stacking bricks. Man, I do the same thing...flip tile upside down and mark cut line, except I don't transfer measurement to another tile, I just cut the marked tile upside down. I get all tiles cut to make sure all is level before I start tiling and masking tape and wedge spacers are my friends during this process.

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hi there Methodical2. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. Yes! SO MUCH prep. I have had people help me on the job site that cannot wrap their heads around prepping. I think of it as envisioning each tile layer from floor to ceiling. Thinking in advance toward several rows up and where the lines will fall. Sometime it's the better part of a day getting layout correct. I transfer the line to the front of the tile and cut it face up because my tile cutter seems to cut better that way. I suppose it doesn't matter considering that I clean up the edges with the grinder and polisher anyway. Lots and lots of dry fitting! And I ALWAYs dry fit every piece in a niche box. Spacers, spacers, spacers, wedges and tape. Thank you for taking the time to write a positive comment. Thank you for watching. -Mat W/1T

[@Methodical2]

@@Mat-W-1TFandFSounds like me...anal with getting layout correct. Measure 4x and then cut, haha! Forgot, those wedges are great friends and should be in all tilers box.

[@RAPTOR8ASDF]

Enjoyed your video. What brand and name of thinset mortar did you use to install the 1x2 ft tiles on the Kerdi board?

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hello RAPTOR8ASDF. Thanks for watching and the comment. I almost exclusively use Schluter-Set and Schluter-Allset. It costs a little more than other unmodified thinsets but it does have benefits. It is a good product and designed for Kerdi products by the manufacturer. I believe in using it for piece-of-mind for the warrantee as well. I have used the Mapei uncoupling membrane thinset on floors just to save a couple bucks but at the end of the day it's not that much cost savings. I typically pick everything up for the job from the same dealer anyway. I appreciate that you enjoyed the vid. Thanks for watching! -Mat W/1T

[@RAPTOR8ASDF]

@@Mat-W-1TFandF Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately Schluter thinset mortar is not available at the orange or blue big box stores in my area. So I'll have to use a substitute thinset mortar. Thanks again.

[@briha3142]

On that Metabo Grinder (I also have that model, and love it!), what blade do you have on there? Just the grinder blade that came with the tool? Great video! Thanks for posting!

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hey there Bri! Thanks for watching the video. I use a RUBI VIP Turbo mesh on the grinder. The RUBI VIP is super thin and virtually no chip-out when cutting. It's been super durable and has lasted through two back splashes, two floor installs, A tub surround and a corner shower. I even used it to cut a concrete curb for drainage. I'd absolutely recommend it, and will be buying it again. On my wet saw, I've got a Pearl P4. Also an amazing blade and has gone through even more installs than the RUBI. I love my Metabo HTP grinder! Actually, all my Metabo tools have been wonderful. I especially love the cordless 18 Ga. Finish nailer (I've had . I've been considering upgrading to Milwaukee, but the Metabo HTP tools keep working (I did burn up two Hitachi/Metabo drills a few years ago, but I was doing WAY more than any cordless could handle. Thanks again for watching! I have several more videos shot. "In the can" so-to-speak, but haven't had the time to edit them. Please stop back!

[@ceedub7374]

Can you tell me why some boxes of 1' X 2' tiles say they do not recommend tiling horizontal in a brick pattern. If you install horizontal do 1/3 offset ?

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hi there Cee Dub. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. My apologies for taking so long to respond. Yes! The reason tile manufacturers do not recommend using a 50% running bond (50% RB for our purposes), aka 50% offset aka brick pattern is because most large format tile has a slight bow in the middle. This is called the crown. When you use a 50% RB it has the potential to cause lippage. Lippage is where the plane of the neighboring tile is significantly different and forms a high spot. with a 50RB the edge of the tile (which is the lowest part of the tile) is placed right at the center of the crown (which is the highest part of the tile). This can cause an unacceptable difference in the plane. The bigger the tile, the bigger the crown. I have installed 1x2 in a 50RB. I use a spacing/leveling product called "Spin Doctor". This is one of the better products that I've used in controlling lippage. The consumables are relatively inexpensive and the caps seem to hold up really well. The product can be used with or without anti-friction collars. With the collars I have the ability to put a lot of torq on the caps to bring the neighboring tiles onto plane. I can get most 1x2 tile to flex into plane. In my mind, this puts a lot of stress on the tile. If the thinset adhesion and coverage is poor, this could potentially make the tiles susceptible to cracking if the tile were to be bumped by a hard/solid object. Especially on a floor. I most often install large format using a 1/3rd offset (33% RB). I still use the Spin Doctor system when installing this method too. Installing in this manor causes it's own unique difficulties when going from wall to wall. I'm currently in the middle of installing a single shower. I have been documenting as I go. Hopefully will be able to start uploading new videos in a month or two. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I really appreciate ya. Hope I answered your question albeit late. - Mat W/1T

[@chewar7537]

Sure wish there was no background music!

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hi there Cheri W! Thanks for watching. I apologize for the loud music. To be honest I'd love to go back and adjust the levels a little. Unfortunately, this is one of my best performing videos. If I take it down, my count would start all over again. The music will be much lower in future videos. :) Thanks again! And, thank you for taking the time to comment. -Mat W/1 T

[@chewar7537]

@@Mat-W-1TFandF I don't watch videos with music, it is like watching TV with a radio on. Just not good. But thank you for the reply.

[@milosadventures7420]

garbage music, unwatchable. Repost without garbage soundtrack

[@Mat-W-1TFandF]

Hi there Milosadventure. Thanks for taking the time to comment and attempting to watch the video. The music in my future videos has the music volume substantially lower. Those old videos were my first ones. I've gotten a lot of feedback very similar to yours. I appreciate the constructive assistance. Thanks again, -Mat W/1T