Reyes Tile

02/12/2026

02/12/2026

When installing mosaic tile on a floor, one step that separates a professional job from an average one is knocking down the trowel ridges after spreading thinset.

Here’s why 👇

Mosaic tiles are small. That means they need full support underneath every single piece. If you leave the thinset ridges standing and press the sheet down, some tiles sit on top of a ridge while others fall in between them. That can create hollow spots.

On a floor, hollow spots = cracked tile later.

Flattening the ridges creates a smooth, even bed so every tile has 100% contact with the substrate. It also keeps thinset from squeezing up into the grout joints, which gives you cleaner grout lines and a better finished look.

It takes a little extra time, but details like this are what make a floor solid, flat, and built to last.

Quality isn’t just what you see on the surface — it’s what’s underneath that matters.

01/22/2026

• It stays one continuous piece, so there are no seams or joints to catch the eye.

• Corners look cleaner and more seamless, especially on outside edges and niches.

• It’s stronger — no cut joints means less chance of movement or separation over time.

01/22/2026

Bending Schluter trim instead of cutting it is often better because it creates a smoother, stronger, and more professional finish.

• It stays one continuous piece, so there are no seams or joints to catch the eye.

• Corners look cleaner and more seamless, especially on outside edges and niches.

• It’s stronger — no cut joints means less chance of movement or separation over time.

01/16/2026

Back-buttering and full mortar coverage are critical best practices in professional tile installation. Back-buttering means applying a thin, even layer of thinset mortar to the back of the tile before setting it into the mortar on the floor or wall. Full coverage means the mortar completely supports the tile with minimal voids. Back-buttering combined with full mortar coverage is not optional for quality tile work—it’s essential. These steps prevent failures, meet industry standards, and ensure a long-lasting, professional installation.

01/15/2026

Preparing a concrete floor properly before installing tile is critical because the floor becomes the foundation for everything above it. Skipping or rushing this step can lead to costly failures later. Tile adhesive or thinset needs a clean, sound, and properly textured surface to bond correctly. Dust, paint, oil, sealers, or curing compounds on concrete can prevent adhesion, causing tiles to loosen or pop up over time.

01/14/2026

Using Schluter®-DITRA on a concrete slab provides several important benefits, especially when installing tile or stone flooring. Concrete slabs naturally crack and move due to shrinkage, temperature changes, or settling. DITRA acts as an uncoupling membrane, allowing the slab to move independently from the tile, which:

• Reduces cracked tiles and grout

• Extends the life of the tile installation

01/14/2026

Schluter is a well-known waterproofing system used in shower construction. When it’s installed correctly, it creates a fully waterproof shower before tile is applied, which helps prevent leaks and long-term moisture damage.

10/31/2025

05/26/2025

Wall to wall niches!

05/26/2025

Beautiful color!