The instruction book that Marvin and I will write about installing 12"x 24" shower tile will begin with a question: Are you a professional tile installer?
Yes - proceed as you will.
No - hire a professional,
or return immediately to the store and exchange the tile for a smaller size.
The larger size tile is quite popular on DIY and HGTV programs. We were excited to find such great looking tile at Floor and Decor in Memphis.
Here are a few other tidbits for future tile projects:
The larger the tile, the greater the headache. Everything is magnified.
Out of square a bit equals out of square a bunch. Who knew.
Not I.
I thought larger tiles would cover more space more quickly.
HGTV shows don't mention the extra work required for extra size tile installation.
Chip and Joanna use subway tiles. They don't mention that they use these little rectangles because large size tiles bring quite a bit more work.
If they knew, they did not share.
Friends don't let friends install 12 x 24 tiles.
Places of business such as Floor and Decor in Memphis, people who make a living selling tile, do not say, "Are you out of your ever-loving mind?" Instead, they suggest really heavy-duty thin-set so the tiles will not fall off the wall or ceiling. I won't even go into how heavy-duty that stuff is.
The sales folks and helpers affirm, "This tile is very popular. It's stunning in a shower. It's going to be sleek and stylish...very up-to-date."
Marvin is the master of making things work out and he's done just that.
When everything is completed, I'll post and add some photos on Pinterest.
Beautiful ideas and inspiration from Pinterest encourage DIY'ers, but rarely offer "Here's what to avoid."
Never again, though,..at least never for large size tile.
