Our Journal
Latest posts
Follow along with Hamilton Tile as we journal about the tile and remodeling industry.
New TCNA members!
Hamilton Tile announces that it has become a Tile Council of North America member and explains the benefits, including product vouchers, training, and technical support. The post also links to a TCNA video and highlights why the membership matters for both installers and consumers.
"IT LOOKS GREAT!" Why this one phrase can be the kiss of death in the tile industry.
The article explains the three main reasons homeowners choose tile: looks, longevity, and functionality. It emphasizes that proper installation is crucial because tile only delivers on its promise when installed with skill and the right materials.
Why we use tables for work platforms (& why you should too!)
The author argues that using tables or work platforms on tile jobs improves comfort, protects tools, and helps preserve long-term physical health. The post encourages working standing up rather than constantly kneeling on the ground.
Setting tile on top of painted floors, A common mistake that you should avoid.
A short post explaining why paint or other finishes must be removed from concrete or wood before installing tile. The author warns that tile is only as well bonded as the painted surface underneath, so cleaning the substrate is essential for long-lasting results.
What is a dye lot and why do they matter?
A dye lot is the batch number printed on a tile box, and matching dye lots matters because tiles made at different times can have slight differences. Hamilton Tile stopped this project rather than install mixed dye lots in a high-end master bath.
Latest master bath prep stage 3
A progress update on a master bath project, focusing on shower waterproofing prep, subfloor reinforcement, and the importance of careful surface preparation before tile installation. It also includes a short video and a brief note about the builder’s attention to detail.
Thin brick walls
A short update showing the team installing thin brick walls and describing the process as extremely labor-intensive. The post highlights the messy grout work and thanks Cain for helping on the job.
For a job like this, it's best to hire an expert!
A custom laundry room floor project combined plank tile and flower mosaics, requiring extra framing support, special underlayment, careful leveling, and extensive detailed tile work. The post highlights how much labor went into creating a small but highly customized floor.
Ardex Thinset. We care about our stick-um. You should too!
The author explains why Hamilton Tile prefers Ardex X4 thinset, highlighting its consistency, lack of slake time, and hard drying finish. A short video is included to show the working consistency of the product.
Backsplash Johns Creek
A Johns Creek backsplash project featuring tear-out, waterproof Kerdi board, and upgraded materials like Prism grout and Ardex X4 thinset. The post also notes some tile quality issues and emphasizes the importance of choosing better materials.
Just a wee floor.
A brief project recap of a Kennesaw, GA floor installation using Floor & Decor porcelain tile, Ardex grout and thinset, crack suppressant, back-buttering, expansion joints, and Schluter thresholds. The post includes several photos of the finished floor and highlights the job as a full-service tile installation.