603.668.4190
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question not answered here, please email Derek at boldertile@hotmail.com or call 603-668-4190
Q: What else can Bolder Tile Installation do?
A: Bolder Tile is not limited to installing ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile. We also install BRICK/ PAVER patios and walkways, and STONE VENEER exterior facades and interior walls and fireplaces. At your request, we will even create custom accents such as the State of NH shown below!
A: No. Tile consumers generally have a taste for quality and craft which is why they are willing to make the investment for ceramic or marble. Consumers of tile and stone deserve competent craftsmen dedicated to one material.
Q: What constitutes a 'custom' shower?
A: All showers are essentially custom in the TILE industry because none of the materials used (ie. backerboard, membrane, and tile itself) can be installed without being cut. Some showers do have more area, wall angles, or character details which make them more 'custom' than others.
Q: What is a 'EuroShower'?
A: A Euroshower is a shower with no walls or curb to contain the water. Such a shower requires that the whole bathroom be treated as the shower; meaning the entire floor must be properly pitched to a drain and waterproofed.
Q: Can Bolder Tile create a HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE shower?
A: Certainly. In two ways. One method is simply a Euroshower (see previous question). The other, for various reasons we create utilizing a ramp rather than a typical shower curb. In both cases it is often advantageous to frame the floor to a sunken level surrounding the drain.
Q: Is Epoxy Grout really worth the investment?
A: Yes. Epoxy is very sanitary. It is non porous and will not harbor bacteria or moisture which result in mold. It never needs to be sealed and won't discolor when wet. Epoxy is highly reccomended in showers, high traffic areas, and where a light colored grout specified. We prefer Latictere Spectralock Epoxy
Q: How does TEC XT grout compare to it's competitors?
A: TEC XT is a presealed cement based grout designed to resist typical household chemical stains and usage. It's stain resistance mimics that of sealed traditional grout without the hassle. However, we still encourage epoxy in showers.
Q: What is your opinion of the Schluter Shower Kit?
A: Excellent. It is a well designed system using light weight materials and an on the surface membrane which is a superior barrier. It also comes with a square drain which jives well with tile. Because it is only available in a few common sizes, most of our showers still do require a traditional mud bed shower pan to accomodate unique sizes and shapes.To learn more, visit their website:
Q: Should old flooring be removed before tile installation?
A: In most cases we do reccomend removing vinyl and any layers of non-stable materials to bring the floor down to the original plywood. In doing so, height is regained to allow room to install whichever substrate best suits the condition. The end result is a more visually appealing transition to other flooring-type areas. This also removes any bacteria, rot, mold, and otherwise unstable material that has been built up over the years.
Q: If I don't have a General Contractor already involved with my project, will Bolder Tile help with plumbing and carpentry issues?
A: Absolutely. Some homeowners start with a GC for their remodel or addition and we at Bolder Tile Installation simply hope to be called in for the tile phase.
However, often times, the homeowner calls us first. Whenever possible we try to simplify the experience by providing simple services such as demolition, replacing toilets, relocating a shower drain, undercutting doors, etc.
Open communication is the key to a successful project. Trust me when I say that we know our limitations and will reccomend or subcontract one of the reputable companies in our network for anything beyond our skill set.
Q: Who can you reccomend as Contractor General for our project?
A: We work with many terrific GCs and other tradesmen as well. Please visit our RESOURCES Page for contact information.
A: Bolder Tile is not limited to installing ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile. We also install BRICK/ PAVER patios and walkways, and STONE VENEER exterior facades and interior walls and fireplaces. At your request, we will even create custom accents such as the State of NH shown below!
A: No. Tile consumers generally have a taste for quality and craft which is why they are willing to make the investment for ceramic or marble. Consumers of tile and stone deserve competent craftsmen dedicated to one material.
Q: What constitutes a 'custom' shower?
A: All showers are essentially custom in the TILE industry because none of the materials used (ie. backerboard, membrane, and tile itself) can be installed without being cut. Some showers do have more area, wall angles, or character details which make them more 'custom' than others.
Q: What is a 'EuroShower'?
A: A Euroshower is a shower with no walls or curb to contain the water. Such a shower requires that the whole bathroom be treated as the shower; meaning the entire floor must be properly pitched to a drain and waterproofed.
Q: Can Bolder Tile create a HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE shower?
A: Certainly. In two ways. One method is simply a Euroshower (see previous question). The other, for various reasons we create utilizing a ramp rather than a typical shower curb. In both cases it is often advantageous to frame the floor to a sunken level surrounding the drain.
Q: Is Epoxy Grout really worth the investment?
A: Yes. Epoxy is very sanitary. It is non porous and will not harbor bacteria or moisture which result in mold. It never needs to be sealed and won't discolor when wet. Epoxy is highly reccomended in showers, high traffic areas, and where a light colored grout specified. We prefer Latictere Spectralock Epoxy
Q: How does TEC XT grout compare to it's competitors?
A: TEC XT is a presealed cement based grout designed to resist typical household chemical stains and usage. It's stain resistance mimics that of sealed traditional grout without the hassle. However, we still encourage epoxy in showers.
Q: What is your opinion of the Schluter Shower Kit?
A: Excellent. It is a well designed system using light weight materials and an on the surface membrane which is a superior barrier. It also comes with a square drain which jives well with tile. Because it is only available in a few common sizes, most of our showers still do require a traditional mud bed shower pan to accomodate unique sizes and shapes.To learn more, visit their website:
Q: Should old flooring be removed before tile installation?
A: In most cases we do reccomend removing vinyl and any layers of non-stable materials to bring the floor down to the original plywood. In doing so, height is regained to allow room to install whichever substrate best suits the condition. The end result is a more visually appealing transition to other flooring-type areas. This also removes any bacteria, rot, mold, and otherwise unstable material that has been built up over the years.
Q: If I don't have a General Contractor already involved with my project, will Bolder Tile help with plumbing and carpentry issues?
A: Absolutely. Some homeowners start with a GC for their remodel or addition and we at Bolder Tile Installation simply hope to be called in for the tile phase.
However, often times, the homeowner calls us first. Whenever possible we try to simplify the experience by providing simple services such as demolition, replacing toilets, relocating a shower drain, undercutting doors, etc.
Open communication is the key to a successful project. Trust me when I say that we know our limitations and will reccomend or subcontract one of the reputable companies in our network for anything beyond our skill set.
Q: Who can you reccomend as Contractor General for our project?
A: We work with many terrific GCs and other tradesmen as well. Please visit our RESOURCES Page for contact information.
