Higher Standard Tile and Stone

Glass Tile Installations on Maui

2012-02-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

Glass tile in mosaic and large formats has become extremely popular on Maui for use on showers, pools, and kitchen backsplashes. The variety in color and size is incredible. Glass tile can also be a very expensive material. It is important to install it correctly. Here are some points to consider.

1- Prep- It is important that the substrate be perfectly flat, square, level, and plumb. The best way to achieve this on walls and floors is a 'mud job' Not every tile installer knows how to properly float mud on walls and floors. But a mud job allows the tile installer to make the surface perfect before any tile is installed. With glass mosaics it is important to have full tile at all inside and outside corners. A mud job allows the tile installer to adjust the substrate so that the perfect layout can be achieved.

Cement board (durock, wonder board, permabase) are also suitable substrates for glass tile when properly installed, but typically require a lot of shimming and skim coating before any tile can be installed.

2-Adhesive- This is not the time to run down to Home Depot and pick up a bag a Versabond or some other average polymer modified thinset. You need to use a premium high polymer modified thinset that is approved by the glass tile manufacturer. Some that are typically approved for glass tile installation are Laticrete 254 Platinum, Laticrete Glass Tile Adhesive, TEC Superflex, and Mapei Keralastic/Kerabond. But check with your glass tile manufacturer for their installation instructions.
Here are some established glass tile manufacturers.

Oceanside Glass Tile
Bisazza Glass Tile

And never ever use a premixed organic adhesive (mastic/glue) for glass tile. It will not dry properly behind the glass. And regardless of what the label says it should not be used in wet areas such as shower/tub walls, and never on any floor.

3- Clear or translucent glass requires special troweling and back buttering techniques so that trowel ridges and hollow spots are not visible through the finish glass.

4- Grout- Once again check with your glass tile manufacturer. Some recommend only cement based grouts, and some recommend only epoxy grouts. There are also urethane grouts that are designed for glass tile but some glass tile manufacturers do not recommend urethane grouts in wet areas.

5-Movement joints- All tile and stone installations require movement joints. For glass tile this is even more critical due to the fact that glass expands and contracts more than typical ceramic tile.

This is just a brief overview. There are additional factors to consider. The main thing to remember- installing glass tile is not just like installing ceramic tile. Do your homework.

And if you are considering having glass tile installed on Maui please contact the glass tile expert.

Higher Standard Tile & Stone- 808-214-4364
ihomza@higherstandardtile.com
www.higherstandardtile.com

Here some of our glass tile projects-

Steam shower with accent rows on floor and walls-

Shower Accent Rows-

Glass Tile Backsplash Installations-

Full Glass Tile Shower in Progress-
Paper Faced Mosaic Tile Installed-

Inside Corners must be perfectly plumb. This joint is filled with color matching silicone caulk to allow for movement.

More pictures of the final project. This shower is in the Kaanapali Summit community.

Lanai Tile Installations on Maui

2012-01-22T20:41:00.000-08:00

Papakea Lanai

Are you considering have tile or stone installed on your exterior lanai?

We base our information on guidelines in the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) 2011 Handbook.

Since exterior tile installations are exposed to the elements they require more exacting standards than a typical interior tile project. Even on Maui the surface temparture of the exterior tile can vary by extreme amounts from day to night.

Here are some important factors to consider.

1-SUBSTRATE INSPECTION- many exterior lanais on Maui are covered with exterior glue down carpet. It is extremely important that the carpet glue be completely removed. Many of the lanais we have inspected failed when the original installer just tried to bond the tile directly to the existing carpet glue. Even high end polymer modified thinset mortar requires a proper bonding surface.

This is what happens when you try to set tile over existing carpet glue- we removed this 100 square foot lanai in 20 minutes without power tools.

Thinset doesn't stick to carpet glue.

More Carpet Glue Issues at Papakea

Ditto

We use a dustless grinding system to safely and quickly remove the residue and provide a clean textured bonding surface.

Dustless Grinding System

It is also is important to inspect the concrete for any signs of spalling. This is common because the existing carpet likely held moisture, that eventually affected the rebar. Usually the condo association will care for any needed structural repairs before the new tile is installed. The salt air also has a corrosive effect on the rebar.

Check for slope and flatness, the concrete should slope away from the doors and to the edge or to drains. It should be flat enough for tile installation. Correct any problems before tile installation.

Skim coating lanai for proper slope at Kaanapali Royal

Floated drypack mortar bed at Mahana

2. WATERPROOFING- Check with you condo association for requirements. Even concrete lanais not over occupied space benefit from waterproofing. Many of the spalling problems are caused because of moisture penetrating into the concrete slab. Tile, grout, and topically applied sealers are not waterproof. Many waterproofing membranes also provide crack isolation properties.

Laticrete Hydroban

Schluter Ditra

For lanais not over occupied space a waterproof membrane installed by the tile contractor is sufficient. We use products like Laticrete Hydroban and Schluter Ditra. TCNA F104-11

If your lanai is over occupied space it must first have a primary roofing membrane installed by a roofing contractor. Then the tile contractor will install a drainage mat and reinforced mortar bed covered by a secondary waterproof membrane. TCNA F103B-11

4-SETTING-Install your tile with a high quality mortar. The selection will depend on the type of tile installed and what type of membrane you are installing over. We use a high end latex modified ANSI 118.4 mortar unless the membrane manufacturer requires a ANSI 118.1 mortar.

This is not the time to try and save a few dollars. Avoid the cheap stuff. Make sure you use the properly sized notch trowel. We also like to back butter every tile to improve coverage and bonding. You need to have at least 95% coverage. Pull a tile occasionally to check for proper coverage.

Mahana Lanai in Progress

5- GROUT- On Maui choose a color as close to red dirt as possible. We typically use a next generation polymer modified cement grout like Laticrete Permacolor. It has excellent color consistency for a cement grout. Then we recommend sealing the grout joints with a penetrating sealer like Dry Treat Stain Proof.

Another excellent choice is an epoxy grout like Laticrete Spectralock Pro Premium. This grout is stain resistant and does not require sealing.

6. MOVEMENT JOINTS! This is one of the most important parts of a successful exterior tile installation. The TCNA handbook shows that movement joints are required on exterior installations every 8' to 12', and at all perimeter walls, doors, etc. Tile and stone expand and contract depending on the temperature and move at different rates than the concrete substrate. If you want your tile to stick don't skip the movement joints!

There are prefabricated joints in various colors and sizes from Schluter or you can install a urethane sealant or color matched 100% silicone sealant such as Laticrete Latisil.

Movement Joint Installation

Some of our lanai tile installations here on Maui.

Papakea

Maalea Kai

Koi fish water jet inset into marble tile

Finished Lanai at Maalea Kai

Maui Kaanapali Villas In Progress

Maui Kaanapali Villas Completed

Alli'i Lanai

Mahana Lanai

Kahana Reef

If you have additional questions or would like to have a qualified, licensed, and insured tile contractor install tile or stone on your lanai please contact us.

Higher Standard Tile and Stone
Lahaina, Hawaii
808.214.4364
ihomza@higherstandardtile.com
www.higherstandardtile.com

Aloha

Job Site Views

2012-01-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

One of the perks of being a tile contractor in Maui are the job site views. We don't have a lot of time sit back and enjoy them because we are busy working on your project. But it is important to show appreciation.

Appreciation is defined as,
"To recognize the quality, significance, or magnitude of what surrounds you."

Aloha

Looking north Ironwoods to Honolua Bay.

The island of Molokai in the background

Double Rainbow over Blackrock

Kahana Village Travertine Flooring Project

2012-01-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

These are pictures of a project we completed in May 2011 at Kahana Village. We recently were able to take finished pictures and the travertine stone tile is still looking as good as the day it was installed.

When the carpet was removed we discovered cracked, unreinforced light weight concrete over a wood substrate. We removed the cracked lightweight concrete and installed a wire reinforced mortar bed.

Schluter Ditra uncoupling membrane was installed on top of the mortar bed to provide additional protection against cracking.

We installed the 18" antiqued Turkish travertine with a white medium bed mortar and grouted with Laticrete Permacolor grout.

The clients were pleased- "I arrived on island yesterday and walked into #35, Kahana Village, around 3:30 and was rendered pretty much speechless. The travertine floors look FABULOUS! I'm so pleased with the work you did. Between your work and Lynda's, the house looks brand new, updated, and like a million bucks.

Thanks so much. The quality of the work is excellent, and if anybody ever
needs a reference from me, let me know. It'll be a very good one."

Deborah A.
Montana

Here are additional photos of the process.

And if you are looking for a nicely renovated and decorated unit on the upper west side of Maui consider one of the hidden gems - Kahana Village. http://www.kahanavillage.com/

Or give the manager Vicky a call at 808-669-5111 to book unit # 35.

Cracked lightweight concrete removal.

Mortar Bed Installation

Travertine being installed over Ditra membrane

All base tile was mitered at outside and inside corners.

Final Product. Travertine was installed with 1/16" grout joints.

Why did my tile floor just EXPLODE?

2012-01-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

Do you own a vacation rental property on Maui? How would you like to receive the following email from one of your guest?

"We are having a great time in your lovely condo.

However, at the moment there is a problem with the floor. The tiles in the pathway running in front of the couch unto the entry of the kitchen are coming up and the joints between the tiles break. The tiles themselves are not broken. We include some photo's to illustrate the problem. The pathway concerned is two tiles broad and about 14 tiles in length. Before the tiles came up there were sudden loud cracking sounds, which we initially could not interpret."

It was not an earthquake, but just improper tile installation that caused this problem. It occurred a few years after the tile was set. The owner does not know who installed the tile because the work was completed before they purchased the condo. But rest assured he is still out there giving people what they think are great prices.

What causes tile floors to explode or tent? All tile and stone floors require movement joints. Interior floors should be every 20'- 25', exterior floors or interior floors exposed to sunlight should have joints every 8'-12'. All floors should have movement joints where tile abuts restraining surfaces such as perimeter walls, dissimilar floors, curbs, etc.

This problem is often made worse because low quality thinset is installed over slick finished concrete or even directly over carpet glue. Old adhesives and coatings should be removed, slick finished concrete should be scarified (grinded for texture) and high quality thinset should be used. But even then you still need movement joints.

These pictures are from jobs we have inspected here on Maui.

Does your tile setter claim movement joints are not required? Ask him to turn to page 271 in the 2011 TCNA (Tile Council of North America)handbook. If he doesn't have a copy or even worse has never heard of the TCNA Handbook then it is time to find a qualified installer.

Our number is 808.214.4364

We are happy to try to repair your existing floor, but even better, hire us to do it right the first time.

www.higherstandardtile.com

For more technical information on the subject please read this article by John Bridge-

http://www.johnbridge.com/articles/floors/floor-tile-installation-problems-tenting/

Whaler at Kaanapali Porcelain Tile Project

2011-12-23T20:03:00.000-08:00

A recent floor tile project for a client at the Whaler at Kaanapali. We removed the existing wood flooring and baseboard. The discolored marble flooring was also removed from the bathroom. Concrete was scarified with a dustless grinding system to remove existing adhesive and improve bond of new tile.

Ilva porcelain tile in a 20" size on a diagonal pattern was installed in the entryway, kitchen, and bathroom floor. The tile was bonded with high quality polymer modified mortar, and grouted with Bostik TruColor Urethane Grout which is easy to clean and does not require sealing.

The clients were very happy with the finished product.

"We just can’t thank you enough for the beautiful work you and your skilled crew did removing our old wood flooring and replacing it with beautiful porcelain tile. Your professionalism and easy going personality made it so easy to work with you and your attention to detail produced excellent results. We also appreciate how punctual you are with appointments, that the job was completed on time, and that you kept us updated with emails and photos once we left Maui. We sincerely recommend you to anyone looking for high quality work and your company name says it all, Higher Standard Tile & Stone."

Mahalo,

Ed & Jodine W

Alaska

If you would like to have a Maui tile contractor that consistently exceeds your expectations care for your tile or stone project please call us at 808.214.4364, visit our website www.higherstandardtile.com, or email us at ihomza@higherstandardtile.com.

First Hawaiian Bank Kahana Maui Quartzite Project

2011-10-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

There was a problem. The architect and the end user required natural stone quartzite flooring for the heavy use lobby area for a new bank location in the Kahana Gateway Maui shopping center. The existing substrate presented some issues, it was a wood structure with a single layer of plywood and covered by existing cracked and hollow gypcrete .

All natural stone floors, marble, granite, travertine, limestone, slate, quartzite, etc. installed over wood structures require a double layer plywood floor before the tile substrate (cement board, membrane, or mortar bed) is installed. The is a requirement by both the Marble Institute of America and Tile Council of North America. Surprisingly many tile contractors wrongly assume that a layer of cement board over a single layer plywood adds structural strength and makes the substrate suitable for natural stone. Cement board is a stable base for tile installation but does not add structural strength to subfloors. It is also important that the existing joist system is stiff enough for a ceramic tile or stone floor. There are math formulas that knowlegable tile contractors use to determine if a wood subfloor is suitable for the installation of ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile.

The tile contractor Higher Standard Tile and Stone of Lahaina and the General Contractor Mitch Kysar Construction of Kahului and Honolulu came up with a solution that was approved by the architects. The GC removed the gypcrete, added additional floor joist where required and added an additional layer of plywood offset from the sub flooring. Then Higher Standard Tile and Stone installed Schluter Ditra uncoupling membrane with a polymer modified thinset to the plywood underlayment. This membrane has many advantages over cement board, it protects the finished tile from substrate movement and protects the substrate from moisture damage.

The stone was installed with Laticrete 317 unmodified mortar which is an ANSI 118.1 mortar required by Schluter for installation of tile or stone on their membranes.

The stone work was completed on time and on budget. Everybody including the end user and their clients are thrilled with final product.

General Contractor- Mitch Kysar Construction-www.mitchkysar.com

Architect- Richard Matsunaga and Associates- www.rmaia-architects.com

Interior Design- Phil Potts www.philpotts.net

Tile Contractor- Higher Standard Tile & Stone www.higherstandardtile.com

808.214.4364

Stone and Installation Materials supplied by Hawaiian Ceramic, Kahului Maui 808-872-2110

Yes this Is Papakea!

2011-08-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

We recently completed a renovation for clients at the Papakea Resort in Kaanapali Maui.

They were the owner builders and installed their own cabinets from Pacific Source and hired Ceramic Tile Plus/Exclusively Yours to provide and fabricate the countertops. The clients also did their own interior design.

They had Higher Standard Tile & Stone install their Porcelanosa floor tile they purchased from Ceramic Tile Plus. The color was the Silk Verde in the 17" x 26" size on a 1/3 offset pattern. We also removed the old tub and installed a custom shower with a stone pebble floor and a Jeffrey Court glass tile accent row.

Prep is the most important step, so first we used a dustless grinding system to scarify and clean the existing concrete to provide a proper bond, then we installed a bonded mortar bed to level the floor. Laticrete Hydrobarrier was used as an antifracture membrane and the tile was installed with Laticrete 253 Gold polymer modified mortar. The floor tile and base were grouted with Bostik Tru Color Urethane and the shower walls and pan with Laticrete Spectralock Epoxy grout. Both are stain resistant and do not ever require sealing.

The clients were extremely happy with the final result and provided this very kind note.

"Higher Standard Tile & Stone is an excellent name for the workmanship produced by Isaac Homza. Isaac has a top quality standard both in his personal values along with his skills and knowledge in the tile industry. Isaac’s honesty, punctuality and reliability are seldom found on Maui. He is by far the best tile contractor that we have experienced in over 25 remodels we have completed.

In July, 2011, he put in a very difficult floor throughout our ocean front one bedroom condo using a custom 17” X 26” porcelain tile along with tearing out and rebuilding the shower. His suggestion to use Bostik urethane grout, as he has continued education and knowledge of new products and techniques, added to the spectacular look of our floor.

Isaac is respected and recommended by the people who work as tile suppliers along with other top contractors. As far as we are concerned, there is not another contractor that compares to him and we highly regard him as being exceptional.

Paul and Roberta J.

F Building Papakea

Lahaina, Maui HI "

Higher Standard Tile & Stone would like to thank the excellent tile suppliers on Maui that helped make this project a success.

Tile- Ceramic Tile Plus, Kahului, Maui 808-871-8674

Laticrete Installation Materials, Hawaiian Ceramic Tile, Kahului, Maui 808-873-2110

Bostik TruColor Grout, Flooring Direct Maui , Kahului, Maui 808-877-4004

Kaanapali Pinnacle Exterior Tile Shower

2011-06-13T19:00:00.000-07:00

We recently helped a client in the Kaanapali Pinnacle community improve their existing exterior shower. They used the slate shower on regular basis but were frustrated by the poor drainage and the high level of maintenance the slate floor tiles and cement grout required.

They also did not like the look of the 'two-tone' bench of travertine and slate. The two pictures on the upper right show the 'before' condition.

We removed the existing shower floor and bench. We floated the correct slope, installed Laticrete Hydroban waterproofing membrane and then a slate look porcelain tile from Florida Tile. This is one of their High Definition Porcelain Tiles. The pattern on the tile almost never repeats, more closely mimicking natural stone than most manmade porcelain tile available. The same tile in 24" size was used on the bench. The floor tile and bench was grouted with Laticrete Spectralock for easy maintenance and cleaning.

We cleaned and sealed the existing slate tile on the shower walls.

The clients were very happy. Now they have a shower that drains properly, and is easy to keep clean.

Laticrete installation materials from Hawaiian Ceramic Tile, Florida Tile from Exclusively Yours/Ceramic Tile Plus both located in Kahului, Maui.

Family Comes First

2011-05-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

We believe in taking great care of our clients and making sure their project is completed correctly and on schedule. But our first priority is family. Maui is a great place to raise a family but even on this beautiful island the pace of life can quickly become too hectic and busy.

So take some time to spend with the ohana.

Aloha. Have a GREAT weekend!

Mortar Bed Options On Maui

2011-05-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

Most concrete floors to do meet the ANSI specs of 1/4" in 10' or for large format tile and stone 1/8" in 10' from desired plane.

In order to get the substrate ready for tile the tile contractor must do substrate repair which requires additional labor and materials to bring the substrate up to project specifications.

There are options such as portland cement patches for small repairs, self leveling underlayments, and mortar beds.

If a mortar bed is required what material should be used? It should be drypack mortar, also known as deck mud. It is portland cement mixed with 4 parts sand to a slightly damp consistency. Too much water causes excessive shrinkage and cracks. The drypack mortar is placed over a slurry bond coat or cleavage membrane with wire reinforcing. The mortar is packed in to provide high compressive strength. It is carved to the proper plane with straightedges and finished with a mag or wood float finish. For exterior or other high stress environments a latex additive can be added to provide additional strength.

If you cannot mix it on site from sand and cement there are convenient pre bagged mixes available. One you can easily find at Miyake's, Home Depot, and Lowes is the Quickcrete Sand Topping Mix. It is a mix of 1 part portland cement and 3 parts sand. You just add water or latex additive. For large mortar beds it is recommended to add some additional sand to prevent shrinkage and curling of the mortar bed.www.quikrete.com/PDFs/DATA_SHEET-Sand-Topping%20Mix%201103.pdf

Please do not confuse this with a similar product from Quickcrete called Mortar Mix. This is premixed Type N Masonry Cement used for laying block or bricks. It is similar in makeup to the Sand Topping Mix but has lime added. This provides some workability for brick and block laying but reduces the strength of the mortar if used as a drypack mortar on floor applications. It has a much lower compressive strength than the similarly price Sand Topping Mix and is more likely to effloresce in exterior and wet applications due to the additional lime.

www.quikrete.com/PDFs/DATA_SHEET-Mortar%20Mix%201102.pdf

For the ultimate high strength mortar bed use Laticrete 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed-www.laticrete.com/Portals/0/datasheets/lds1000.pdf

This and other Laticrete Products are available on Maui at Hawaiian Ceramic Tile located at 162 Alamaha St. in Kahului.

The pictures above show how we prepared a wood substrate with a mud job to get it ready for travertine installation.

The key is to use the right product and right tile contractor for your job. Not every tile contractor knows how to properly install a mortar bed.

If you have a tile or stone project on Maui that requires a skilled contractor to install mortar beds on floors or walls please contact Isaac Homza of Higher Standard Tile & Stone at 808.214.4364 or ihomza@higherstandardtile.com

Kihei Tile Shower Repair

2011-05-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

This is the waterproof shower pan repair. See the How Not to Build a Shower- Kihei Edition post below for the before pictures.

How NOT to build a Tile Shower - Kihei Edition.

2011-05-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

A client in Maui Meadows was having a problem. When they took a shower longer than 5 minutes their master bath shower leaked into their kitchen below. They called Higher Standard Tile & Stone to come up with a solution that fixed the problem and worked with their budget. We normally recommend a complete replacement but we can with limitations replace just the shower pan and lower section of the walls.

What was the problem with existing shower? No waterproofing on the bench, waterproof membrane sloped UPHILL to the drain flange. The leaks were caused by the original installer screwing the cement board through the shower pan liner on the lower parts of the walls and on the curb. We replaced the shower pan and bottom 2' of shower walls with a Hydroban shower. It was flood tested before tile was installed. We installed some tiles the client provided.

How NOT to build a Tile Shower - Papakea Edition.

2011-05-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

One thing that that we hate to see is for clients to spend good money on a custom tile shower only to find out a few years later the waterproofing and prep were incorrectly installed.

There are many improperly trained installers that may know how to make the

finished product look acceptable but do not have the training, experience, and knowledge to built a shower that is not only waterproof but also effectively manages water.

Every installer may have preferred installation methods or products. Yes, there is more than one right way to build a waterproof tiled shower. But there are principles that must be followed regardless of products or methods used.

1- FYI-tile, thinset, grout, cement board, mortar beds ARE NOT WATERPROOF. They may be unaffected by water but they do not stop water from eventually passing through them. Topical applied sealers don't make a shower waterproof.

2-Waterproof membranes on shower floors must slope to the drain. Just because your tile slopes to the drain does not mean the waterproof membrane slopes. This depends on installation methods. If your shower floor grout constantly mildews this is a sign that the waterproof membrane was installed flat, not sloped.

3-The waterproof membrane should tie into a 2 part clamping drain with weepholes. The weepholes should be protected with gravel, tile spacers, or filter fabric to prevent them from being clogged. This allows the normal moisture that eventually makes its way through the tile, grout, and mortar to eventually escape the shower floor assembly. There is also the upgrade option of the Schluter Kerdi Drain which works with surface applied waterproof membranes like Schluter Kerdi or Laticrete Hydroban. This is the method we prefer.

4- No penetrations in the waterproof membrane are allowed. Some installers screw cement board to the curb putting holes in the membrane. Water makes it to the wood curb, it expands, the tile and grout on the curb crack which allow even more water into the curb. This is a recipe for failure.

This shower in Papakea looked pretty good (photo 1)at first glance. But it was leaking to the unit below. What were the problems.?

1-Wall tile was installed with mastic. (photo 2) This should not be used in wet areas like shower and tub surround walls. Also the small v notch trowel did not apply enough adhesive to provide an adequate bond to the 8" x 12" wall tile.

2-Screws punctured membrane on curb. (photo 3)

3-Shower pan liner not sloped to drain flange. In fact it sloped UPHILL to the drain! Needless to say this mortar bed was completely saturated. Be glad you weren't there to smell it during the demo! (photos 4 and 5)

4-Drain weep holes were clogged.

What makes it worse- this project was installed by a licensed tile contractor (who will remain nameless) and who should have known better.

We replaced this with a properly detailed Laticrete Hydroban waterproof shower. It was flood tested before any tile was installed. Now the shower not only looks good but it functions properly.

Kaanapali Royal Porcelain Tile Exterior Lanai

2011-04-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

This is a project we completed for clients from Vancouver, BC. CC&D served as the General Contractor. They removed the existing paver tile from the concrete. We floated out the concrete to make sure the substrate sloped properly to the drainage areas.

Then we waterproofed the entire lanai with 2 coats Laticrete Hydroban waterproofing/antifracture membrane. Then we installed the 18" porcelain tile with 1/8" joints with Laticrete 253 polymer modified thinset. All the tile was backbuttered to ensure 100% coverage which is required for exterior installations. The grout was Laticrete Permacolor.

Most importantly we installed movement joints on all perimeter joints and in the center of the lanai. Then we filled these joints with a color matching 100% silicone sealant- Laticrete Latisil. By using a color matched sealant the client still receives a seamless appearance. The movement joints allow the tile assembly to expand and contract as required by TCNA guidelines and help ensure that the tiles stay properly bonded for years to come.

Laticrete PTK Seminar in Honolulu

2011-04-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

Higher Standard Tile & Stone was able to attend a two day educational seminar sponsored by Laticrete in Honolulu on April 14 and 15th, 2011. It is their PTK (Profit Through Knowledge) series. This was the first time Laticrete has provided this type of intensive training in Hawaii. They invited many of the best tile contractors throughout the state. Also in attendance were architects, spec writers, distributors, and pool contractors. Bernie Anderson the Regional Sales Manager hosted the event. The classroom instruction was provided by Mark Brooks the Technical Services Manager from Laticrete's Texas facility. Also assisting were Dan and Sandi Simoni the Hawaii based representatives and Brian Carlson and Lee Malmquist both based on the West Coast.

They combined to provide an excellent understanding of how to utilize Laticrete's system approach to provide problem free tile and stone installations for our clients. Detailed classroom and hands on training where provided for their Hydroban waterproof membrane, SpectraLock Premium Pro Epoxy Grout, their new Glass Tile adhesive, and many other products. Much time was spent on the proper installation of tiled pools and spas

Laticrete took excellent care of all the attendees including an wonderful dinner at Roy's in Waikiki.

Mahalo to Laticrete and their team for providing this excellent seminar!

If you need to purchase Laticrete products on Maui contact Hawaiian Ceramic Tile @ 808.873.2110. Sally, Susan, Jason, and Kel will be happy to help.

If you need a tile/stone installer that has been properly trained by Laticrete to provide and install their products in your home or business please call Isaac Homza the owner of Higher Standard Tile & Stone @ 808.214.4364

Schluter Seminar at Ceramic Tile Plus

2011-04-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

We were able to attend a seminar today by Dan Curtis of Schluter Systems. It was hosted by Ceramic Tile Plus/Exclusively Yours www.exclusivelyyoursmaui.com in their Kahului showroom.

It was well attended by local tile contractors, architects, and interior designers.

Dan covered the benefits and installation techiques for the Schluter Kerdi shower system, Kerdiboard, and Ditra uncoupling membrane.

For more information on Schluter visit their website at www.schluter.com

To purchase Schluter products on Maui contact Ceramic Tile Plus at 808.871.8674

Jim,Carolyn, Leslie, Simona, and Allison will be happy to assist you.

To have a properly trained licensed tile contractor professionally install Schluter waterproofing and uncoupling products and your tile or stone call Isaac directly at 808.214.4364 or consult our website at www.higherstandardtile.com

Aloha

Infinity Edge Lanai

2011-02-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

This is an exterior lanai project recently completed at the Kahana Reef on the westside of Maui for a client from Northern California.

The tile work is nice, but the view is nicer! 13" porcelain from Bedrosians was used.

Materials used include Laticrete 254 Platinum, 253 Gold and Spectralock Pro- color Sand Beige.

Papakea Shower and Kitchen Tile Project

2011-01-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is a project completed in November 2010 for a California client at the Papakea Resort in Kaanapali, Maui. The client stays here regularly, but the majority of the time it is rented out as a vacation rental. She wanted a simple design that was high quality and durable.

We replaced her old outdated 8" ceramic tile in her kitchen with new 14" porcelain tile.

Once the old tile was removed the existing concrete was scarified with a dustless grinding system to improve the bond of the new tile.

The tile selected was Ilva Travertino Beige, In the two showers she selected the 7" size for the walls and matching mosaic tile for the shower floors. We used the complete Laticrete System including Hydroban, 4XLT as the bonding mortar, and Spectralock Pro Stain Resistant grout. This way the client never needs to seal the tile or the grout.

Suppliers included Flooring Direct Maui and Hawaiian Ceramic Tile in Kahului, Maui. Thanks to them, the client, and Laticrete for making this project a success.

Maui Kaanapali Villas Project

2011-01-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

This is a project we completed in December at Maui Kaanapali Villas for a client from Minnesota.

We installed 12" x 24" travertine on a staggered brick pattern. The Tuscan Leveling System was used to ensure a smooth lippage free installation.

Materials used- Custom Redguard as antifracture membrane over concrete slab. All floor tile installed with Laticrete 220 Marble Granite Mortar. Shower waterproofed with Laticrete Hydroban and tile installed with Laticrete 4 XLT non sag mortar. The onyx mosaic for the shower floor was installed with 253 Gold.

All the tile was grouted with Laticrete Spectralock Pro- color is Mushroom. The stone was supplied by Aloha Natural Stone. Installation materials from Hawaiian Ceramic Tile.

Ali'i Steam Shower Tile Installation

2010-08-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

The shower incorporated porcelain, glass mosaic, marble and travertine.

The highlight are the two vertical accent rows of wave shaped interlocking glass and marble mosaic. The linear drain from Quick Drain USA provides a very clean look and is hidden under the bench.

Laticrete Spectralock grout was used for easy maintenance.

Ali'i Steam Shower Prep

2010-08-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

This is the steam shower, the shower pan has a linear drain from Quick Drain USA. We used Noble Seal for the shower pan membrane.

The plastic vapor barrier wraps over the upturned Noble Seal behind the cement board. After the joints in the cement board were filled with thinset and mesh taped we coated all the walls, ceiling, niche and bench with 2 heavy coats of Laticrete Hydroban waterproofing membrane.

Now we are waterproof and ready for tile.

Ali'i Lanai Project

2010-08-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

This is part of a project we recently completed in the Alli'i at Kaanapali for CC&D builders. The Interior Designer was Valerie Spence of IDS.

We floated the existing concrete with a bonded portland cement mortar bed.

Then we coated it with Laticrete Hydroban to prevent cracking and moisture problems.

We installed two tile rugs and did an accent row of marble

mosaic tile.

We grouted with Laticrete Spectralock stainproof grout.

Kahana Reef Porcelain, Pebble and Glass Tile Shower

2010-07-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

This is shower we completed in Kahana

for some clients from Arizona.

They choose the materials and we worked together

on the layout and design.

We used pebbles on the shower floor and plumbing wall.

We carefully wrapped them over the curb.

The wall tile is a porcelain tile made by Ilva.

The accent row is mix of travertine and glass mosaic.

We installed a conventional shower pan liner

over a presloped mortar bed. We used Laticrete

4XLT nonsag mortar and Permacolor grout.

Why Do I Need Movement Joints in My Tile Floor?

2010-07-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a repair job we did in Pineapple Hill in Kapalua Maui.

The original exterior lanai installation of porcelain tile completed

by another contractor looked good, except there were no

movement joints in the field. Eventually tile came loose

and started tenting. This is how we fixed it.

First the loose tiles were easily removed.

Then we removed and repaired the existing mortar bed and installed a crack

suppression membrane over the affected area.

Then we installed the tile with Laticrete 253 and grouted the

joints in the repair with Laticrete Permacolor Grout.

To allow for movement the joints surrounding the repair

were filled with color matching 100% silicone Laticrete Latisil Sealant.

Napili Porcelain Tile Shower

2010-06-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is porcelain tile shower we completed in Napili.

Notice how the entire shower is waterproofed with (olive green colored)

Laticrete Hydroban waterproofing membrane. Then we used a laser level to get the layout perfect before any tiles were installed.

We set the 16" porcelain tiles on a staggered joint pattern. All tile installed with Laticrete 253 polymer modified thinset.

Final product after grouting with Laticrete Permacolor Grout.

Wailuku Heights Exterior Slate Tile Installation

2010-05-29T23:47:00.001-07:00

Aloha. Welcome to our blog. We will update as needed to keep you up to date on projects our company is working on. This is a slate entryway we completed recently in Wailuku Heights. We used Laticrete 4xlt as the bonding mortar and Laticrete Permacolor as the grout. The stone was enhanced and sealed with Stonetech products.

On the back lanai we made sure that the face pieces were vein matched with the cut pieces on the edge of the lanai. Fairly easy to do and looks so much better than when they are not matched up.