Davie Mac Tile
  • Home
  • Portfolio
  • Contact us
  • Tile Blogger
  • Videos

Penny Round Tile Challenge

11/4/2017

1 Comment

 
Davie Mac Tile - Penny Tile Installation
Davie Mac Tile - Penny Tile Installation
This week I have come across more penny tiles than I can count. Mostly I have done as a accent border across a shower walls but these last couple of days I have been installing them on floors. My  biggest challenge was to make them look seamless between sheets of what it felt like thousands of pennies. But besides that, cutting was a real treat too, If a wet saw used and the brady brunch of tiles get wet, in 5 seconds they all fall apart, piece by piece. At that moment I wondered if it would be feasible to install one by one... Ever wonder how to turn thousands into millions? Yup, I have. Nah, I guess that's out of the question. The  straight cutter steps up to the plate and is up to the task if we pair it with the infamous nipper, which turned out to be the best way to do it. I have placed some blue tape across before scoring straight cuts to prevent chips as I was chipping away. It kind of worked.
Davie Mac Tile - Penny Tile Installation
Davie Mac Tile - Penny Tile Installation
Davie Mac Tile - Penny Tile InstallationDavie Mac Tile - Penny Tile Installation
But then again, how to make seamless transitions? First and most important rule: Keep it square. Make sure you have a perfect 90 degrees angle with the two chalk lines you draw. But the trick thing is that these pennies in a mesh are too flexible, they feel more like some type of fabric which expands and contracts, it's almost impossible to keep them straight. I guess it might be a good option to draw a bunch of perpendicular lines on the floor and go by them, these sheets are not trust worthy.

But the worst thing in my opinion is that you can't tell for sure if they're seamless until you grout. It's very frustrating because you tweak here and there paying really close attention to the joints, making sure they all have the same distance and still after you grout you can tell where one starts and the other ends.
The only thing I would advise is this: If you like this tile, you fell in love with the design and you think it's going to look great on your floor, get really good quality well manufactured tile and - of course it goes without saying but I'm going to say it anyway - get really good experienced tile installers to do it because you can be sure of one thing it really bothers me when I don't get a good quality result and I will strive my best to be happy with it.

Amazon.com: Amir Wide Angle Lens for iPhone 7

1 Comment

The Transformative Power of Tile

10/9/2017

0 Comments

 
Davie Mac Tile12x24 Carrara Marble
Everybody wants a beautiful home without footing the price of a beautiful home. Does this sound familiar to you? If you’re a home owner, I’m willing to bet it does! We all want to feel comfortable and refreshed in our own homes, and the best way to do that is by having a home that is decorated and designed to resonate with those who live in it. But redecorating or remodeling costs a fortune. So, we’re all wondering what changes we can make that will pack the biggest punch without spending an equally large sum. What’s the secret?

There is a secret. It’s tile. Tile is mainly used in bathrooms and kitchen because the furniture is (mostly) stationary, thus there’s not much risk of scratching or chipping. But there are other reasons, too, aside from tile’s water and mess resilience: it’s absolutely gorgeous. 


Tile is a simple way to create a massive impact on the aesthetics of your home, primarily your bathroom. Oftentimes, our bathrooms are an afterthought when we’re considering how we want our home to look and making those changes. But the bathroom is a massive part of our lives. So massive, in fact, that in an average lifetime, men will spend a whopping 855.8 days (or two years and 125 days) in there, and women will spend slightly less at 770.8 days.


So, we’re practically completing an associates degree in our bathrooms. It’s worth it to have it be a place of beauty and comfort then, right? Sure, “beautiful” is not the first word I think of when I think “bathroom”. And it’s not a word that comes to mind for anybody until they’re visiting a bathroom that truly is beautiful.


The best bathrooms I’ve visited had a few characteristics that stood out. The first was space. Sinks with a lot of countertops, especially those with dual sinks, and a big mirror are the obvious thing. Then, the features stand out. There should be ample space to store things on hooks and in drawers, good lighting, and of course, a fancy bathtub separate from the shower is a massive plus, too. But for many families, obtaining that ideal is simply not feasible. The average cost of a full bathroom remodel is upwards of $18,000. Money isn’t the only concern, either, as many bathrooms simply can’t accommodate the ideal.


It’s not bad news if you have a small bathroom, or don’t have over $10,000 to spend on a bathroom remodel. With tile, you can still get a gorgeous bathroom that is a pleasure to spend 855.8 days in (just… not all at once, okay?). Tile floor stands up to the rigors of daily bathroom use better than that of laminate and wood because tile isn’t as porous and has a coating that makes it impenetrable by moisture, stains, and puddles. It’s a flooring and wall covering that is easy to care for, clean, and will protect your bathroom.


There are nearly unlimited options for tile styles, making it a great option for a custom bathroom. But choosing tile isn’t so simple, which is what turns a lot of homeowners away from installing it on their own. Tile installation is best left to a professional anyway, as getting the grooves straight is imperative to tile that accents as opposed to tile that distracts. Plus, a professional tile installer has been around a time or two and knows the best tile type for your specific needs, and may even be an asset in helping with the design process. A tile installer knows how to take your bathroom from drab to beautiful with just a simple material. Of course, with home renovation, DIY is always an option. You should evaluate the pros and cons of going the DIY route, as well as see what’s required for the task, so you can decide if a professional is right for you. 


Even if you decide to go with professional tile installation, the cost of sprucing up your bathroom with beautiful tile is miniscule compared to that of a full remodel. The cost of having a tile job done on your bathroom varies greatly from bathroom to bathroom depending on a number of factors, so it’s best to call for an estimate to see if it’s within your budget. But even still, you’re getting a great bathroom at a fraction of the cost!


We all want gorgeous, inviting homes. Even if you’re not the host-type, there’s still no greater feeling than stepping into your home as you want it to be when you get home from a long day at work. Treat yourself and your home to something beautiful that will help with longevity in the long run, and get your bathroom some nice tile and a tile installer to lay it for you. Your 855.8 days will become that much more pleasant in your new, beautiful bathroom.

Keywords: Tile Installer, Certified Tile Installer, Tile installation, professional tile installer, DIY, CTEF
0 Comments

7 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional Tile Installer

9/11/2017

2 Comments

 
Herringbone Backsplash - Davie Mac Tile
Carrara Herringbone Backsplash - Davie Mac Tile

When I was much younger, I had a choleric uncle who seemingly sees all skills and craft as “that’s simple, we don’t need to call a professional to get this done”. Any maintenance or fixing work around the house that needs to get done, that needs nothing larger than a drill – he discards it as “simple”. I looked at him with the same fascination one shows a dinosaur – someone with extinct ideas. Why are statements a bad idea? Let’s consider what separates a professional tile installer from DIY tile installer.


What is tiling?

Tiling, according to the Mariam Webster dictionary website, is defined as “the action or work of one who tiles”. In my view, that is a rather simplistic way of defining something that is much more complex. Tiling is an engineering endeavor, an art and a science all wrapped into one. It is an engineering endeavor because it is a profession closely linked to the construction industry. Some of its tools are also used for other construction purposes. It is an art because it involves a sense of aesthetics that is often associated with the arts. And it is a precise science because the other definition of tiling is about “Euclidean space and geometric space”. Sorry about the weak joke, but tessellation is a concept used in tiling as well.


What is professional tiling?

It might sound like embellishments to some people, let me dive in. A professional tile installer doesn’t just “fix tiles”. Let’s take a look at some key points:

  • The first and foremost is that the tile installer is certified by a standards organization, association, skills acquisition company or body. Ask any one in any profession what certification mean and you would understand. It is not your usual piece of cake. Certification delves into the depths and explores the width, searching all nooks and cranny of what tiling entails. This is where you learn that esoteric bit of knowledge that separates the usual (DIYs) from the unusual (professional).

  • Second is the experience. Knowledge on its own is often just tried and tested data/information. It’s the work hours one has spent putting the knowledge into solving real-life scenarios that count. You can often tell the difference between the expert who has only tiled his own house (where he can “manage” the results) and a true professional tile installer. The experience of tiling with ceramics, porcelain, natural stone, mosaic, and others cannot be acquired by doing in-house DIY projects only.

  • Then there is licensing. This is a profession, not a hobby. The professional tile installer should a member of an appropriate association. This way he/ she is exposed to the latest information, practices, products, tools, training, and workshop available.


Why professional tiling?

At the end of the day, for anyone ordering a tile installation, the standard of the finish is what counts. The best option for any tiling project is to get a professional tile installer for the reasons below.

  • Get your tiling project done right the first time around: I will surely not be the only one to have come across tiling eyesores - tiling projects went wrong. Nowadays, tile installers get calls to come and fix tiling installation that’s gone awry. And it doesn’t take much for that to happen. A mispositioned tile can throw off the pattern and grout line. Use the wrong adhesive or sealant and water seeps through - ruining framings, ceilings and finished walls. I shudder to think what will happen if it comes in contact with electrical wiring found in places like kitchens. Save yourself the time and hassle and get a tile installer to do the tile installation once and for all.

  • Best result at your budget cost: People who choose NOT to call professional tile installers often cite cost as the major consideration. I think that’s “horse manure”. It is financially smart to get a professional to do it for you. There is a direct relationship between the nature and quality of the product required and the payment made by the customer. A professional tile installer is also a businessman/woman who would want repeat customers and good referrals. The concept will be well planned, the best tiles (color, texture, size, pattern, adhesive, sealant, tools etc.) will be chosen and the plan executed to the last square inch. As with any other profession, a tile installer will give you the best bargain at the price you have in mind. And what more, you would sometimes get a discount. Remember, a bungled tile installation can be expensive to fix. Penny wise or Pounds foolish? You decide.

  • Specialization: It's common knowledge that there are specializations in every field. There are also specializations in tile installation. Jack of all trade, master of none – that’s the DIY style. Tile installers often have specializations - bathroom and laundry renovations, tiles of ceramics, mosaic and natural stone on walls, floors and staircases in houses, commercial, industrial and public buildings, churches, swimming pools, outside installations and façades, the list goes on.

  • Confidence: Appropriate certification, relevant licenses, experience, carefully planned concepts, attention to details, neat accurate and precise finish. That is what you get from a professional tile installer. This is a solid foundation for assurance that your tile installation will not be botched.


Conclusion

It can be really tempting to jump right into a tile installation project with the full confidence of my choleric uncle (he learned his lesson after a plumbing/tiling “fix” of the lower half of his shower stall sloughed off). It can easily backfire for the minutest of reasons.
We are a tile installation specialized company certified by a third party assessment of installer skills and knowledge recognized by the Tile Industry – the www.ceramictilefoundation.org Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF). Contact us for your next tile installation and let us help actualize your goal from concept to finish.
Keywords: Tile Installer, Certified Tile Installer, Tile installation, professional tile installer, DIY, CTEF
2 Comments

Trust only a Certified Tile Installer

8/18/2017

0 Comments

 
Certified Tile Installer
Certified Tile Installer doing mosaic work
Tile installation might seem like a simple task that involves little to no complication, but in fact it is a challenging endeavor which ought to be left up to the experts. Davie Mac Tile is a company that has stood the test of time and irrespective of the problems which come our way, we always deliver top class work. There are indeed many clients which place their trust in unreliable companies and they end up regretting their decision at a later point in time. Yet those who have invested in us have been thoroughly impressed by all they have seen and experienced.

Here are some of the main reasons why working with a certified tile installer like ours is a great idea:

We have a distinct plan of action
As a certified tile installer, we know exactly what we are doing. At no point in time will clients find us plunging headlong into a task without having a distinct plan of action.

We get the job right the first time
Unlike many “Jack of all trades” tile installation companies which people encounter on a regular basis, we are a certified tile installer that never messes up a task. On the contrary we always do the job right on the very first attempt.

Excellent work force
To top it all we have an excellent work force which is made up of a diverse cross section of people. These employees are not merely knowledgeable but exceptionally practical.

​Swift work
We have excellent client reviews thus is owing to the fact that we always do the tile installation very swiftly. We have all the infrastructure and technology to the any tiling work done in a timely manner. Keeping up with the changing times is something we take very seriously and this is something our clients really appreciate.

These are simply some of the few reasons why clients that work with us are thoroughly impressed by all that we are able to do. We do not believe in making tall claims, on the contrary we pride ourselves on letting our work speak for itself. Those who have worked with us and availed of our services in the past have been very impressed by all that they have seen as well as witnessed. Working with a reliable brand involves such little trouble and that is why it is always a preferred option.

0 Comments

Roof, Shower and a compelling argument

7/7/2017

0 Comments

 
Rooftop should withstand rain
Average rain on a 1,500 sqft rooftop = 28,000 gallons/year
Mold behind wallMolded walls being treated
About a month ago I was in a workshop for tradesman in Tile Installation when I met this guy who was very experienced in the area. We began talking about how to present to the customer the idea of having a shower waterproofing system installed in the bathroom walls. It seems very logical that's the very reason why we put tiles on walls, to make.it waterproof. But as we come to find out through out the years, that's not enough. We need to make the walls before tiling waterproof with good prep work and materials. Of course, that means an increase on the customers budget, which is not always welcome, to say the least.

That's when this guy I was talking to told me: Did you know that on average shower walls and floor takes as much water a year as a regular house rooftop? It's around 28,000 gallons of water a year.

Time and time again I get calls from people having to deal with water leaking from the shower floor down the to floor below. It's a big hassle. Even bigger when someone other than the customer, hence the neighbors are the ones getting their head wet. Not to say when there's no sign of a leaking problem but water it's been making it's way to the back of the wall, causing mold and all kind of nasty things.

Fixing it's always more expensive than preparing and doing it right the first time.

Keywords: Waterproofing membrane, Schluter Systems, Laticrete, Kerdi, Wedi, Nobleseal, Tile installation, Roof, Water

0 Comments

Being out there

6/29/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Now days we're experimenting a shift in the marketing world. We have been in business for a long time and aside of "word of mouth" we need to make our presence on the web to reach people with tile installation needs. Our focus is to provide the best quality, professional and courteous service there is and as result of that we've been getting great reviews. It's personally very satisfying when I see a smile and a genuine comment from someone I had just finished a job for.

We strive to deliver the best possible final product, from the day we met as I am introduced to the job to the day we put away our set up and clean up the job site. It's extremely important we leave a good impression on people's mind because that's how we're going to be remembered for.

On the other hand, as part of that same philosophy, I would like to extend an olive branch to those that in some capacity haven't been totally satisfied with our services: Please don't hesitate to let us know; give us the opportunity to make it up to you.

We like to say to our customers: "Your satisfaction is our biggest asset." and it is indeed.

Tile Shower installation, Waterproof solutions, Backsplash installation, Fireplace, Glass Tile, Marble, Porcelain, Schluter Systems, Radiant Flooring Heat, Tile repairs, anything related to tile, we're here for all your tile installation needs.
0 Comments

Backsplash Wonder

5/5/2017

4 Comments

 
Marble and Glass Mosaic Backsplash
3x8 Herringbone Backsplash3x8 Herringbone Pattern
Modern day home owners are more exclusive in creating every corner of the home to match their personal style and needs. Today, the world of interior designing and decorating has seen a revolution with a wide array of options, choices and possibilities making its way into homes. Be it the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom; every room and each corner of the house deserves special attention and care in making it absolutely beautiful and stylish, while also achieving the desired purpose.

The kitchen is probably one of the most important rooms in a house. However big or small a house may be, it’s never truly complete without a kitchen. It is also the most widely used and serves one of the most critical purposes in a house. The kitchen thus deserves a little extra effort and attention. A kitchen backsplash has become the most ‘in demand’ and ‘trending’ style to create a stylish and artistic look. A kitchen backsplash can be achieved using various materials, with tile being the most popular. The best part about using tiles is the great appearance it provides, along with easy maintenance, durability and quality. 

We undertake tile kitchen backsplash installation services and help our clients achieve the look they desire. Our team of experts and professionals have the skill, tools, knowledge and understanding to make the right recommendations and do their job with complete perfection and professionalism. We respect individual tastes and understand that every client has a unique choice and needs; we offer tailor made solutions to cater to your exact needs and requirements. 

It is important to get such an important task done from the very best, as it requires technical understanding. Working with a reliable service, such as ours, will make it a pleasurable experience for you. A quality tile kitchen backsplash installation services will not just offer the best services but also use high quality material that will ensure a better result. A professional will give you quality, timely services, reliability, durability and a complete package that makes up for complete customer satisfaction. It’s not something you get done every day, it’s always recommended to trust only the very best and skilled. A kitchen backsplash installation is a valuable investment to your home, working with a good service will only enhance the value, while working with a bad one will make you burn a hole in your pocket! Get in touch with us, for the most reliable and beautiful kitchen backsplash for your home.

4 Comments

Character and personality

5/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Humans have a tendency to put name on things. Well I think it's in the very nature of speaking creatures. We need to identify objects, feelings, people, etc. The first thing we do or even before a child is born is think of a name for the little one. A name that will mean something as well as identify that new being coming into existence. From the day we're born, right after we learn to speak our first words we began naming things and from that day on we'll live naming every thing that crosses our path. It's basic to our needs, it's fundamental for our sociability, we need to be able to identify things by name in order to understand each other.
Glass Mosaic Tile
Glass Mosaic Tile
I believe our house is a very strong symbol of that very thing I am talking about. I has everything to do with our roots, it's a symbol of heaven, it's our safe place, our identity and we strive consciously  or sub-consciously, day in day out to turn our house into our home.

The way we decorate our house say something about us, It is a form of printing our identity on it and making a statement of our character, our personality. The colors we paint the walls, where and how we place the couch, the vase, the rug, but more than that, how we maintain everything and align it with our inner disposition.

That's where we as tile installers come in and help you one step further bringing all those pieces together, whether it's a bathroom, a shower wall with deco and mosaic border, a herringbone 12x24 layout on the the floor, helping you placing tiles in the right place, just the right way taking into consideration the fact that's more, much more than just a work site, it's your home.
0 Comments

Foolproof Waterproofing

4/30/2017

0 Comments

 
Last week I was called to a customer's house to give an estimate about a master bathroom she wanted to renovate. When I got there she took me to the second floor and told me what she had in mind.

A very modern design with 4x8 white marble looking porcelain tile staggered on the walls. 18x18 dark tiles for the floor, but to my surprise she wanted to install pre-fabricated iron cast shower pan...

I was kind of surprised because it's not usual and I don't think it would go well with the rest of the plan, but ok, I went along.
As we were talking I briefly mentioned the word "curbless shower" and told them - at this point her husband joined us in the conversation - that it is a very trendy and modern option of renovating a bathroom, they had never heard about it and they got interested in the idea.

Turns out she wanted the iron cast shower pan because she was afraid of water leaking.

I told her that as long as she has a professional doing this job that shouldn't really be a concern.
Picture
Kerdi Membrane - Schluter Systems
It's imperative that we as professional tile installers take care of waterproofing the bathroom and make sure everything lines up before tiling. Unfortunately many people are tempted to take the easy way out and they don't do the prep work correctly.

Now days there are many products and solutions in the market as far as waterproofing, but it's always imperative that you find a real pro to do the work.
0 Comments
Forward>>

    Davi Santos

    Tile Installer, guitar player, universe explorer.

      The Tile Blogger Newsletter

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Archives

    February 2020
    May 2019
    April 2019
    September 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017

    Categories

    All
    Backsplash
    Interior Design
    Marketing
    Qualified Work
    Waterproofing Solutions

    RSS Feed

Services

Shower stalls
Backplash
Flooring
Waterproofing
Curbless Showers

Company

​3780 Mystic Valley Pkwy #362
Medford, MA
617-716-9951

Support

Contact
Terms of Use
Davi Santos in Burlington, MA on Houzz
Picture
Certified Tile Installer
CTI #1344
© COPYRIGHT 2001-2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Portfolio
  • Contact us
  • Tile Blogger
  • Videos