why can't you grout shower wall tile (not snapstone) with snapstone grout? trying to match the snapstone grout I used on the bathroom floor.
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grout
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Quarter round trim to match tile colors
Does SnapStone sell quarter round trim to match the various color tiles? If not, what color trim would you recommend for use with your tile colors?
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Parquet floor
My kitchen has a parquet floor. Is snapstone suitable to be installed over it? The parquet tiles are glued to the subfloor. I tried removing it and the adhesive is so strong it is ripping up the subfloor.
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heated flooring solution
I just picked up my order of Endicott 12" snapstone tiles for my bathroom floor. I plan on putting down a heating pad underneath per my wife's request :)
I have a small bathroom floor, about 8'x4'. The max width I can have for a heat pad is 30". I would like to use Quiet Warmth's new heat film; however, because Quiet Warmth's 1.5' offering is too narrow & the 3' offering is too wide, I have chosen to purchase SunTouch's 30" wide product. (Let me know if there is an alternative film that is 30").
After some research, I have come to the conclusion that the best approach to preparing the floor for the snapstone tile is to embed/cover the SunTouch heating element in a self-leveling cement. This will both protect the heating element from damage & create a level surface for applying the snapstone tile.
I read in SunTouch's manual that any air gap between the self-leveling cement and the tile will drastically reduce floor heating performance. Because snapstone is floating & only the rubber/plastic gasket will be touching the prepared floor, will I see heat performance degradation?
There are a lot of questions here; I would appreciate any feedback/guidance.
Thank you!
I have a small bathroom floor, about 8'x4'. The max width I can have for a heat pad is 30". I would like to use Quiet Warmth's new heat film; however, because Quiet Warmth's 1.5' offering is too narrow & the 3' offering is too wide, I have chosen to purchase SunTouch's 30" wide product. (Let me know if there is an alternative film that is 30").
After some research, I have come to the conclusion that the best approach to preparing the floor for the snapstone tile is to embed/cover the SunTouch heating element in a self-leveling cement. This will both protect the heating element from damage & create a level surface for applying the snapstone tile.
I read in SunTouch's manual that any air gap between the self-leveling cement and the tile will drastically reduce floor heating performance. Because snapstone is floating & only the rubber/plastic gasket will be touching the prepared floor, will I see heat performance degradation?
There are a lot of questions here; I would appreciate any feedback/guidance.
Thank you!
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creaking sound
I have laid all the tile in a foyer area that connects to a bathroon and hallway to a mudroom. It looks great. It has been down for 3 days and is making creaking noise like the plastic joints move when I walk on some of them. It did not do this at first. I only had to use a floor leveling compound in front of the stairs. Will the creaking stop when I cover the joints with grout? If not what can I do about the creaking?
SnapStone reply:
Without hearing the noise first hand, it is difficult to know exactly the source. Do the areas that "creak" also appear to move (depress) when you walk on them? If the movement is excessive, it could be the subfloor has a low area beneath.
Generally speaking, any noise caused by the interlocking tabs moving against one another will be eliminated after the grout is installed.
If you have a digital camera that can take movies with sound, please email a clip to [email]jonathan@snapstone.net[/email] and I will listen and try to diagnose the sound. Also, send us a picture when you are done!
SnapStone reply:
Without hearing the noise first hand, it is difficult to know exactly the source. Do the areas that "creak" also appear to move (depress) when you walk on them? If the movement is excessive, it could be the subfloor has a low area beneath.
Generally speaking, any noise caused by the interlocking tabs moving against one another will be eliminated after the grout is installed.
If you have a digital camera that can take movies with sound, please email a clip to [email]jonathan@snapstone.net[/email] and I will listen and try to diagnose the sound. Also, send us a picture when you are done!
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Warranty
I saw SnapStone mentioned in "Handy" magazine and was immediately excited about the product. I did some looking online and the VAST majority of the reaction from professionals or semi-professionals is very negative. To be fair, virtually all of these people had no personal experience with SnapStone. Most had experience with a product that had some similar features to SnapStone: Edge Tile. I can see that the comparison may not be appropriate because the backer material on the two products is very different.
So, I decided to read the warranty posted on the SnapStone web site, and I must say, it doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. It is limited to the plastic backing material only, not the tile itself. The complaints that I have seen with competing products relate to cracks in the tile, not failure of the backer material. My apprehension about installing SnapStone concerns tile cracking post installation, which the warranty does not address.
SnapStone's "Product Performance" web page says: "SnapStone is backed by a 10-year limited warranty. Try getting that on a traditional tile installation!" This comment seems to be a little disingenuous because SnapStone's warranty is limited to a portion of their product that simply doesn't exist in a traditional tile installation.
My question is: what is the real value of SnapStone's warranty to the typical end user? If the backer material fails, it will be replaced - the backer material will be replaced, not the tile. Yet the backer material is useless to the consumer without the tile and if the backer material fails, the tile will almost certainly fail. Even if the tile doesn't fail, I suspect there is virtually no way to remove a failed SnapStone tile, separate the tile from the backer material, install the tile on a new backer, and then reinstall the tile.
I am still interested in SnapStone and am leaning toward giving it a try. In fact, I intend to post another topic in this forum regarding installation. I can understand why merchants would want to market that their product is warranted, because warranties tend to reassure potential customers that the product is a quality product. SnapStone's limited warranty is so limited, however, that it seems to be roughly equivalent to having no warranty at all.
SnapStone reply:
Thank you for your comments.
We have looked around extensively on the web for comments on SnapStone. Most - if not all of the comments - are from people who have confused SnapStone with Edge. I won't go into detail the differences between Edge and SnapStone in this public forum, but we believe and have been told they are substantial. Send me an email and I will give you my comparative analysis.
There was an early prototype version of SnapStone available in 2004 that saw very limited distribution. But that version was discountinued in early 2005, completely re-engineered, and brought back to market in the middle of 2006. While the original prototype SnapStone was a decent product, significant improvements were made between 2004 and 2006.
We have sold tens of thousands of square feet of SnapStone since July, 2006, and we do not have a single complaint of broken tile (or frankly any other customer complaints). Our customers love SnapStone. Not to say we will never have a complaint - that would be unrealistic.
Regarding your question on the warranty - as you know, there is NO warranty on traditional tile. If it cracks, you must replace it. The fact is, if you drop something heavy on either traditional tile or SnapStone, there is a reasonable probabiity it will break (it will be much easier to replace the SnapStone tile using the replacement process - the entire tray/tile assmembly is replaced, not just the tile portion). The 10 year warranty is to assure our customers that the tray and the adhesive between the tray and the tile are designed to last. Also, the tile we use is a minimum of 9.0 mm thick. As you may know, a tile's structural strength increases more than linearly with thickness. It is significantly stronger than the nominal 7.5 mm thick tile found at most retailers.
Shoot me an email and I will send you a video clip of the Robinson Test showing a SnapStone floor being abused by 900 pounds of rolling weight. While it is a test, it should give you better confidence in the system. It really does work!!
A. Clark:
A video clip of SnapStone being tested.
Can I get a the video clip....
So, I decided to read the warranty posted on the SnapStone web site, and I must say, it doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. It is limited to the plastic backing material only, not the tile itself. The complaints that I have seen with competing products relate to cracks in the tile, not failure of the backer material. My apprehension about installing SnapStone concerns tile cracking post installation, which the warranty does not address.
SnapStone's "Product Performance" web page says: "SnapStone is backed by a 10-year limited warranty. Try getting that on a traditional tile installation!" This comment seems to be a little disingenuous because SnapStone's warranty is limited to a portion of their product that simply doesn't exist in a traditional tile installation.
My question is: what is the real value of SnapStone's warranty to the typical end user? If the backer material fails, it will be replaced - the backer material will be replaced, not the tile. Yet the backer material is useless to the consumer without the tile and if the backer material fails, the tile will almost certainly fail. Even if the tile doesn't fail, I suspect there is virtually no way to remove a failed SnapStone tile, separate the tile from the backer material, install the tile on a new backer, and then reinstall the tile.
I am still interested in SnapStone and am leaning toward giving it a try. In fact, I intend to post another topic in this forum regarding installation. I can understand why merchants would want to market that their product is warranted, because warranties tend to reassure potential customers that the product is a quality product. SnapStone's limited warranty is so limited, however, that it seems to be roughly equivalent to having no warranty at all.
SnapStone reply:
Thank you for your comments.
We have looked around extensively on the web for comments on SnapStone. Most - if not all of the comments - are from people who have confused SnapStone with Edge. I won't go into detail the differences between Edge and SnapStone in this public forum, but we believe and have been told they are substantial. Send me an email and I will give you my comparative analysis.
There was an early prototype version of SnapStone available in 2004 that saw very limited distribution. But that version was discountinued in early 2005, completely re-engineered, and brought back to market in the middle of 2006. While the original prototype SnapStone was a decent product, significant improvements were made between 2004 and 2006.
We have sold tens of thousands of square feet of SnapStone since July, 2006, and we do not have a single complaint of broken tile (or frankly any other customer complaints). Our customers love SnapStone. Not to say we will never have a complaint - that would be unrealistic.
Regarding your question on the warranty - as you know, there is NO warranty on traditional tile. If it cracks, you must replace it. The fact is, if you drop something heavy on either traditional tile or SnapStone, there is a reasonable probabiity it will break (it will be much easier to replace the SnapStone tile using the replacement process - the entire tray/tile assmembly is replaced, not just the tile portion). The 10 year warranty is to assure our customers that the tray and the adhesive between the tray and the tile are designed to last. Also, the tile we use is a minimum of 9.0 mm thick. As you may know, a tile's structural strength increases more than linearly with thickness. It is significantly stronger than the nominal 7.5 mm thick tile found at most retailers.
Shoot me an email and I will send you a video clip of the Robinson Test showing a SnapStone floor being abused by 900 pounds of rolling weight. While it is a test, it should give you better confidence in the system. It really does work!!
A. Clark:
A video clip of SnapStone being tested.
Can I get a the video clip....
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Tiles cracking!!!
I am so disappointed in my snapstone flooring!! I've had my new kitchen for approximately 1 yr now n there are 3 cracked tiles n in another area there is a tile that the grout is pulled out!!! Never again would we ever use this product again. Our kitchen was our last room in our house that my husband had to remodel. We lived in rooms for weeks with the walls in studs n walked on raw wood floors so it's not that he didn't know what he was doing when installing this floor. I just found another cracked tile right along my cupboards near the sink!!! NOT HAPPY!!! Glad it's Sunday n nobody is in the office but I sure will be calling tomorrow!!! Pathetic if you want my opinion. Thousands of dollars in one room n this is the end result....think not!!!
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Looking to install on my covered 20x20 outdoor veranda floor
I have read older posts re: indoor applications preferred, but my application would not be directly exposed to elements, ie the veranda is completely covered by A frame roof thus not exposed to rain, snow, etc. I am also located in central NC where temps are milder in winter.
Would this be a suitable application?
Would this be a suitable application?
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Can I fix shower accessories on the tiled walls?
Hi, we are having our bath renovated and I'm thinking of SS tiles on the floors and walls. Does these tiles can hold bath and shower accessories on it?? I've got some accessories from Better Living ON and they are stuck to walls, but never tried on porcelain tiles.
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Cobblestone pattern
Any discussion about creating different size tiles in the same color so the cobblestone pattern can be used?
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Animal Products, VOC's and Mobile Homes
I'm curious if anybody can verify that there are no Animal Products used in this product. I'm also wanting to know what the VOC levels are and if this type of product has been used successfully in Mobile Homes, thanks!
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Vinegar
I have a Hoover FloorMate Deluxe Hard Floor Cleaner and a friend told me to use it to clean my tiles with vinegar and water to remove the haze. Is there a reason that I should not do this? Not sure I understand why vinegar is not an acceptable cleaning product.
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Sealing my grout
I want to seal my grout. I know I don't have too. What I want to know is how long do I need to wait to use the sealant after applying the grout.
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replacing fridge
I'm redoing my kitchen and installing snapstone, I'm a little worried about moving the refrigerator over the installed tile.
I'll be putting the fridge in the dining room about 15 feet away from its spot and am afraid of cracking tiles because of the weight when moving it back. Are my fears justified?
I'll be putting the fridge in the dining room about 15 feet away from its spot and am afraid of cracking tiles because of the weight when moving it back. Are my fears justified?
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New Installation
How soon after installing floor and grouting can you damp mop your floor?
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Looking for Reviews of Snapstone from DIYers
I'm considering installing Stapstone over old linolium in my kitchen. I see lots of questions on this board, but I would love some feedback from DIYers who have installed this product in thier homes. How easy/difficult was the installation? Do you like the look of the finished product? (and most importantly) How long have you had the product and how has it held up so far in your home? Many thanks!
SnapStone reply:
I found the tile installation very easy, I applied in a bathroom using the camel colored tile and the mushroom color grout.
Cutting was somewhat harder without the power grinder suggested, not every DIYer has a 4 inch power grinder with diamond grinding wheel.
Looks great, I would have probably added the radiant heat mats in my next install. But for this one man job of 70+ sq ft of a master bath I'm satisfied.
Overall, very happy with the product!
Hello,
Where did you get the electic radiant heat pad/material. WE are looking to do a bathroom and kitchen and would love this option!
thanks,
Mark
Deena:
The heated panel I like to use the most is Quiet Warmth made by MP Global. If you Google MP Global it will give you many sites that you can buy it from, or locate a dealer near you. Hope this helps.
Love the finished product tile looks great in our sun room. We did put in electrical radiant floor heat. Our has been in only for a couple of months. I am glad we selected Snapstone and would use it again
My husband and I have installed 6 rooms of Snap Stone. The first floor was completed in Nov 08. All the floors have held up perfectly. No problems at all. We started on the smallest floor first and ended with our large kitchen. The product is as easy to install as advertised, however there is a learning curve so the amount of time will be longer than advertised if you have never laid tile (like us). The biggest learning curves were (1) learning to use the wet saw, (2) measuring for cuts and (3) snapping the tiles together. (We had to use the block technique to get them together). We got better and faster with each floor. I have recommended this product to other and would absolutely use it again.
SnapStone reply:
I found the tile installation very easy, I applied in a bathroom using the camel colored tile and the mushroom color grout.
Cutting was somewhat harder without the power grinder suggested, not every DIYer has a 4 inch power grinder with diamond grinding wheel.
Looks great, I would have probably added the radiant heat mats in my next install. But for this one man job of 70+ sq ft of a master bath I'm satisfied.
Overall, very happy with the product!
Hello,
Where did you get the electic radiant heat pad/material. WE are looking to do a bathroom and kitchen and would love this option!
thanks,
Mark
Deena:
The heated panel I like to use the most is Quiet Warmth made by MP Global. If you Google MP Global it will give you many sites that you can buy it from, or locate a dealer near you. Hope this helps.
Love the finished product tile looks great in our sun room. We did put in electrical radiant floor heat. Our has been in only for a couple of months. I am glad we selected Snapstone and would use it again
My husband and I have installed 6 rooms of Snap Stone. The first floor was completed in Nov 08. All the floors have held up perfectly. No problems at all. We started on the smallest floor first and ended with our large kitchen. The product is as easy to install as advertised, however there is a learning curve so the amount of time will be longer than advertised if you have never laid tile (like us). The biggest learning curves were (1) learning to use the wet saw, (2) measuring for cuts and (3) snapping the tiles together. (We had to use the block technique to get them together). We got better and faster with each floor. I have recommended this product to other and would absolutely use it again.
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heating under snaptile
Do I understand correctly that if you install heat, such as Quiet Warmth, under snapstone that the maximum temperature setting allowed is 85 degrees?
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Grout
I couldn't wait to get this floor but wasted money onit...I was told no tile floor was made to float and it's not my floor or how I grouted it..It is true this does not work tile floors are not made to float I am tearing out my big kitchen floor and putting another one in the way your suppose to...thanks but no thanks never buy this product or would not recommend it...
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Grout cracking /falling out
Hi we put the SnapStone in our kitchen about 6 months ago and grouted it with the mushroom grout. Yesterday my daughter dropped a heavy glass just right when she was doing the dishes. When I got down to look at the chip I noticed that the grout all around the kitchen was separating from many of the tiles and in places pieces were broke to the point that I could pull it out. Now I know that your system said there was no need to prep the floor because the system floats but the home is old and the 1 x 6 angle laid Tung and groove was good but I wanted to make the finished floor the same height as the hardwood around it so I added a 1\4 “ underlayment over the planking. I don’t understand why this is happening because the floor does not flex any wares close to the 1\2†the system can handle. Did I get a bad batch of grout from Lowes? I’m no professional when it comes to tiling but I have done this many times with traditional tile flooring and walls and have never had this happen before. Please advise me to what I can do to fix this without costing me to much more than I have already spent (not a cheep project by any stretch). I can send Pictures if when requested as I see that there were a few similar discussions on the subject. Also I noticed that the Lowes around me no longer sells the product anymore (I live in CT 06403) Thank you Rich M.
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toilet installation
The sales person told me to cut tiles around the toilet and use SnapStone Flexible Grout between the toilet and tiles. Not to lay tiles under the toilet because this is a floating floor system and bolting the toilet down on top of the tile would not allow movement of the floor. A recent SnapStone reply to a question said to lay tiles up to the toilet flange and bolt the toilet down on top of the tiles. But doesn't doing so lock the supposedly floating floor system in place? MORE INPUT PLEASE.
SnapStone reply:
We recommend pulling the toilet and installing the SnapStone around the flange. Leave at least a 1/4" gap around the flange. Make sure you completely fill the gap between the SnapStone and the flange with a quality silicon sealer/caulk. You won't want to have the flange in the middle of a tile - thats hard to cut. Better to slit to flange across a couple of tiles.
There are several methods for cutting the curved cut. Easiest is using an angle grinder with a diamond blade designed to cut a porcelain tile. Please note - don't try to cut through the entire thickenss of the tile in a single pass. Instead, mark the cut, and then draw the blade across the cut multiple times taking a few 100's each bite. Or, you can make a series of line cuts from the edge to the desired cut line (think a comb). You can then break the individual "teeth". Since the edge of the cut will be hidden under the toilet, it need not be perfect.
Make sure to use a wax ring and/or extender that will compensate for the additional height when you replace the toilet (always use a new wax ring).
As far as tightness, you want to have the toilet firmly mounted. Of course, over-tightening can break either the toilet rim or the tile. Sorry, but I can't really give you a "pounds" figure.
SnapStone reply:
We recommend pulling the toilet and installing the SnapStone around the flange. Leave at least a 1/4" gap around the flange. Make sure you completely fill the gap between the SnapStone and the flange with a quality silicon sealer/caulk. You won't want to have the flange in the middle of a tile - thats hard to cut. Better to slit to flange across a couple of tiles.
There are several methods for cutting the curved cut. Easiest is using an angle grinder with a diamond blade designed to cut a porcelain tile. Please note - don't try to cut through the entire thickenss of the tile in a single pass. Instead, mark the cut, and then draw the blade across the cut multiple times taking a few 100's each bite. Or, you can make a series of line cuts from the edge to the desired cut line (think a comb). You can then break the individual "teeth". Since the edge of the cut will be hidden under the toilet, it need not be perfect.
Make sure to use a wax ring and/or extender that will compensate for the additional height when you replace the toilet (always use a new wax ring).
As far as tightness, you want to have the toilet firmly mounted. Of course, over-tightening can break either the toilet rim or the tile. Sorry, but I can't really give you a "pounds" figure.
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