Getting started - tools, materials, practice, sequence...
Starting on first of 3 bathroom projects. Doing easiest first (tub surround), then shower walls with a pre-built pan and glass sliding doors, then master bath with walk-in shower, free-standing tub, and tiled walls and tiled heated floors.
Looking for a concise list of quality tools and materials to kit up for the long-haul.
And suggestions for practice projects to work out mistakes and build some muscle memory before I go live on the first tub surround.
Given lots of materials aren't readily available, what are top choice and backup best-loved products for:
- backer boards
- joint tapes and compounds
- thinsets
- mortars
- grouts
- etc...
In short, is there a short list compiling the many recommendations spread throughout the videos and forums, please?
thanks!
Kent
As far as tools a descent snap cutter (rubi for quality/price) should suit you fine and a grinder for any L U or round cuts you might need to make. These are pretty basic but should suit you fine for just starting out with a basic ceramic install. It’s nice to have a wetsaw but you can do almost everything with a snap cutter and grinder. Grab a rubbing stone to clean up any rough edges on your cuts. You’ll probably need a 1/4x1/4 or 1/4x3/8 notched trowel for those tiles depending on coverage. If their high quality tiles 1/4x1/4 will be fine but if you have a lot of bow in the tile you may need to step up to the 3/8.
Isaac has recommended custom prism grout (home depot) in the past as well.