Tile is often chosen for color, size, or pattern, but the visible surface is only one part of a durable installation. A successful remodel also depends on the substrate, waterproofing or uncoupling layer where needed, mortar, grout, movement accommodation, layout, transitions, and the order in which different trades complete their work. Those details matter in […]

Reviewed by the Tile Pro Depot Technical Team, drawing on TCNA Handbook methods, manufacturer installation guides, and day-to-day questions from tile contractors and DIY remodelers we work with. Last updated September 2026. Tile is usually the most visible part of a bathroom renovation, but most of the decisions that determine whether the finished room actually […]

Every bag of thinset says “thinset” on the front, but the answer that actually matters is on the back label: the ANSI number. That number — not the marketing copy — tells you whether you’re holding modified or unmodified mortar, and it’s what your tile manufacturer’s spec sheet, membrane manufacturer, or inspector will reference. Here’s […]

Quick answer: The best sealants for pool screen enclosure bases are 100% neutral-cure silicone or hybrid elastomeric formulas specifically engineered to resist chlorine, UV exposure, and constant moisture. Top options include Maxisil Swimming Pool Silicone Sealant, Laticrete LATASIL, and Laticrete HYDRO BAN Adhesive & Sealant. The base of a pool screen enclosure takes a beating […]

When the Client Hates the Tile Color: How Refinishing Saves the Job (and the Relationship) Every contractor has a version of this story. The tile was specified, approved, ordered, and installed. The homeowner signed off at every stage. Then the grout dried, the room came together, and somewhere between the final walkthrough and the client […]

A bathroom renovation is rarely about a single surface. New tile goes on the walls, and suddenly the tub looks ten years older by comparison. A refinished tub transforms the focal point, but the floor tile still reads as 1994. The shower surround gets replaced, but the surrounding wall tile doesn’t match the new grout […]

So, you are thinking about tackling the shower pan installation for your new tile shower? It is a big job, and honestly, it is not for the faint of heart. Get it wrong, and you will deal with leaks and water damage down the road, which is a massive headache. This guide covers how to […]

Hiring someone to work on your basement is not the same as hiring someone to paint a room or replace a faucet. Waterproofing involves your foundation — the structural core of your home — and the decisions made during that work will affect your property for decades. Get it right, and you’ll never think about […]

Walk into a hardware store with a damp basement and you’ll leave overwhelmed. There are sprays, membranes, sealants, crystals, cements, and paints — all promising to fix your water problem for good. The truth is, some of these products are genuinely excellent. Others are overpriced temporary patches. And a few of them will make you […]

So, you’re wondering, how many square feet does a 25 lb bag of grout cover? It’s a common question when you’re getting ready to tile something. You don’t want to run out halfway through, but you also don’t want a bunch of leftover grout gathering dust. The answer isn’t a simple number because a few […]