That's our Motto...

In order to get best results we follow certain procedures. In a sense, we need to BE SQUARE. Being square doesn't necessarily mean being "close minded" or boring, it can also mean having discipline and being straight forward. 

Every project we start by finding a straight wall to base our tile installation from. We make sure the tiles are SQUARE with that wall, and that way we can achieve symmetry. Symmetry is a keyword when it comes to tile installation. It's something we always strive for. We also strive for considering other aspects of the project, including plumbing, level of floor and walls, and most importantly meeting our clients expectations. 

There were many instances where I was called to check up to possibly fix other people's work. It pains me to say that there are a lot of "tile installers" out there deceiving homeowners. I feel really bad because most of the time they only realize that they have been deceived after the fact, when there's water damage on a shower install project for instance. 

Being SQUARE is in our DNA as a business and it's how we make a difference in our community. 

Are you thinking about upgrading your bathroom? Going marble might be just the way to go. The classic timeless look is one of its many advantages.

Nowadays most customers are opting for the modern, porcelain more of a straight look design on their bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes but I for one am always in awe of a Marble Bathroom stunning look after it's done. The project in the picture was concluded last Christmas and my customer was kind enough to send me pictures after the tub and fixtures were installed and am I amazed by it.

It's very important to keep all the tiles clean and dry as much as possible during installation. That might prove to be a difficult job because most of the tile cuts are done with a wet saw which, by definition will get the tiles wet, but once it's done it's important to dry them all with a rag or towel during installation, that will guarantee a strong bond and avoid stains.

On a side note it's important to remember that marble is a natural type of stone which is the cause of its tone and shade variations but it is also one of its charms and reason for uniqueness of character.

Another important thing is to properly apply good sealer after installation. Check with manufacturer if it should be done before and/or after grout, some marble require sealant before grouting.

Corners should be kept clean as much as possible to avoid build up of minerals as it's gets used over the years.

One of the big positives of having a marble tile bathroom done in my opinion is that most of the times it ages well. Marble tends to take a lot longer to look dated, specially if you go with a more neutral look and color.

I have heard plenty of stories of how difficult it is working with family. I sure have a lot to add on that front, me and my dad have been working on and off together for almost 20 years. It is rough, I tell you that much. I grew up hearing I'm the spitting image of him, no one can dispute I'm not his son and so forth but on the other hand, I'm so not like him. Personality wise we don't have anything in common. He is funny, I take things too seriously, He doesn’t fret, I stress a lot, He's too subjective, I'm too objective... In other words He's light, I'm heavy. I tend to come out too strong in the way I express myself and he tends to be too sensitive about my way of being, instead of understanding what it is I'm saying.
And I think over the years these differences have been made even bigger, it's like we inhabit disparate worlds of thought and we don't know which words to use to understand each other. Can you imagine how difficult that would make our day to day activities at work?

By being the way I am have closed off the door for big growth opportunities and I will tell you why: Throughout the years I have been able to deliver above average satisfaction to all of my customers, building a strong reputation and exposing my brand to a certain limited level. My experiences in life though have made me choose to build a shield around myself where my trust tolerance level is very low which presents itself as a huge barrier when it comes to leadership and makes it impossible for me to delegate new people to be part of this journey that is Davie Mac Tile. Another thing is is the fact that, by being so meticulous and serious about my work I tend to expect the same level of effort out of other people that would eventually work with me which I realize is unattainable and... At the end of the day I also realize it might be kind of unbearable to work with me... Well, my dad has been dealing with all that this whole time.
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He's been there. We've had horrible fights over the years but he's been present whenever I needed it. He's been there with his powerful lightness. Sometimes I wonder what's going to be when won't be able to be together anymore, how would we carry on? I hope that in my case, if he goes on first, I have had finally passed on to me how to be there for someone like he is there for me: regardless of anything.

As you can see these are only 10 of tile patterns we can choose from and have an infinite of unique ways of decorating your home. The amazing thing is that with color, shapes and formats we can create something only you will have and to me that's one of the most appealing reasons to have tile installed at our homes.

​A kitchen remodel should represent 10 to 20 percent of your home's value.

Add style with lighting, tile and hardware. Granite is resistant to stains, but a sealant should be applied to minimize absorption.

Stainless steel is the most sanitary of the major kitchen materials.

Cabinets typically amount to half the cost of a kitchen remodel.

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Survey indicates that you can recoup 88% of your investment in a minor kitchen remodeling.

kitchen island = 32" minimum space between cabinets. 42" is preferred

Preserve the "triangle" design - sink, refrigerator and stove


6 Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid

1. Measure Properly for appliances: Width, Hight and Depth

2. Evaluate Cabinet Strength: Wiggle the drawer a little bit; Put on a little weight while you push them close;

3. Take samples home with you: Play, throw some wine on it

4. Order Attic Stock: extra material that you keep on hand

5. Think about your sink: One sink don't do all, one for food prep another for cleaning

6. Work with a professional

We are working on this project remodeling a master bathroom this week and I just could not get over how sexy this design for a bathroom is. First this mosaic for the floor is so sleek and modern and to my taste simply amazing. What a great choice by the designer to go with something so unique like a basket weave design which it does not feel like a basket weave at all. At least it doesn't look like the basket weave mosaics we have done in the past, which I think it's great! It's not often that tile manufactures come up with things like that and I just love when that happens: It's something but it doesn't look like that something we name it after, so... it's something else! Something new, something no one has seen it yet. A new star is born! Thassos Marble with Gray inserts

Now, what really impresses me is how well it pair with a linear drain by Quick Drain USA. People should really get on board of this train. Even if we do it we a curb it still looks like "OF Course!" How didn't we think of this before? It makes so much sense. I don't know if maybe I'm only really excited with this one pairing so well with the mosaic but it just makes so much sense. That's why I felt inspired to write this post since it's been so long I haven't posted anything.

The process of installing this is really straight forward but very meticulous with making sure waterproofing is well done.

1. We pack the floor with cement making sure the drain is level, straight and well supported.

2. We apply a first coat of HydroBan by Laticrete

3. Add an extra layer of security with Laticrete Waterproofing Membrane. With it we cover everything, including the drain.

4. Then add another rich coat of HydroBan to the whole spectrum.

I Like to apply waterproofing material vigorously, 4 to 5 coats of it. Once it dries it creates 1/8 to 3/16 of inch thick impermeable waterproof membrane, which I like very much.

The next day I have a little trick using blue tape that actually is very helpful for laying mosaics in a smooth manner. Check it out on this little video I made.

Beautiful Thassos Marble with Gray inserts

This is what have done so far, Still waiting on the stones to be delivered so we can finish the curb and the niche, which always bring every else together. Stay tuned!

More often than I would like to I encounter Homeowners frustrated with bad work done by contractors whose present themselves as professionals. They usually have a sad demeanor and a lost look. They think something is off, but they can't really put their finger on it. How come we end up with something so different than what we saw on Houzz?

Well, as a tile setter myself let's say it's a tiled shower stall project they had going on and they're suspicions about. Then they call another contractor to check it out and this is where I come in when I get the call.

The urge to make a face is contained by my subpar sense of etiquette as my eyes gaze upon such unbelievable work of art (not). The look of disbelief once on the Homeowner pales in comparison to the look I'm trying to hide. As someone whose they seek a solution/opinion from, I need to be thoughtful and try to alleviate the situation by restraining my impressions to a brief comment and jump to solutions right away. In regards to tiling the problem might aways be worse than it looks. In a bathroom tile installation project for example aesthetics it's only 50%, the other 50% it's its functionality, its ability to make water go down the drain only and preventing moisture from getting inside the walls. 
It seems to me tile setting requires steady hands like no other trade and - here comes the catch - being clean.
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This goes for every trade, really, but if you find yourself in a situation where you suspect something is off, pay attention to Cleanliness! I can't stress this enough. Good professionals will be mindful of your home as a whole, not just the area they're working on. If you want to spare yourself of further problems, don't double down and keep on betting on a loose horse. If you notice the contractor is not clean and organized, take action and cut your losses.

Let’s talk tile floors for a moment, here. Tile floors provide that clean, beautiful, natural feel for any room. They’re popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms because they protect the floors from water damage, keep the floors from becoming slippery, and there are plenty of stunning options available for every taste and style. But tile itself is only a portion of the luxury that awaits your new floors.


What is Radiant Flooring

Radiant floors are on everybody’s remodel wish list lately. Radiant heating, in the case of bathroom flooring, is a layer of heating beneath the floor that amplifies the heat from a heating source and distributes it across an entire floor. Examples of these systems can be found from NuHeat and from Schluter. As a result of this wonderful heating system, your bathroom floor is as warm as summer beach sand every time you walk on it. In other words: no more frozen feet in the mornings!

Aside from being a treat every time you walk into your bathroom or kitchen, radiant heated floors have other benefits as well. For one, they’re warmer than normal flooring, therefore they help keep the floor dry as they help the water evaporate faster. Beyond that, radiant heated floors are also an eco-friendly approach to heating. According to energy.gov, “It is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because it eliminates duct losses. People with allergies often prefer radiant heat because it doesn’t distribute allergens like forced air systems can.”


The Difficulties of Radiant Flooring and Tile

There are numerous ways in which people use radiant heat in their home. It can be used in walls, floors, with carpet, and more. But by far, the most common way that radiant heating is used is underneath ceramic tile in the bathroom. Ceramic tile is a popular choice to use with radiant heating because it works well as a conductor for heat (meaning you save energy and have more heat) and actually stores some of the heat so it doesn’t require the heater to continuously run. It’s also a popular choice for the variety of styles, shapes, and aesthetics, as well as for its durability and ability to protect the system below. For the most efficiency and best payoff, ceramic tile is the best bet.


However, installing a radiant heating system in the floor and tiles on top of it isn’t a walk in the park for the Do It Yourself-er. There are numerous reasons why people shy away from taking this task on themselves. For one, there is a laundry list of steps to take to ensure that the system is installed correctly. Any misstep can result in an equally long list of problems, such as appliances and fixture sinking, uneven heating, and leaking, that will likely require replacing the entire floor and heating system. There are also specific products and instructions that need to be obtained, and some of those products like priming and mesh aren’t easily found at local hardware stores. Tile and radiant heated floors are a wonderful combination, but the installation is best left to professionals.


Go with a Pro

When in doubt, it’s best to go with a pro. This is especially true for tricky, detailed projects like radiant floor heating coupled with tile. While it might be above budget for your renovation project, or might bring it close, it’s a lot cheaper to hire a professional who’s going to do it right the first time. The cost of ripping up your new flooring when something goes wrong and needing to get the supplies to do it all over again can over double your project cost. If you’re gifting yourself the luxury of a heated tile floor in your bathroom or kitchen, you deserve to give yourself the luxury of making the installation process somebody else’s responsibility. Life’s a lot easier when you go with a pro!