I am a Contractor and do tile on some of my jobs I am by no means the talent this gentleman. I struggled for ever leveling my tile with each other until I started using this system. today I will not do a tile job without it is awesome.
I am a homeowner, and very handy at home but I was scared to do my own flooring due to the uneven floor I have. I order some of that system and will be doing it myself, but after watching some of your videos, now I feel confident I will impress my wife😁 Thank you for such amazing How-To videos.🙏 Im Jorge in Florida.
I work in exterior and interior construction. I love my trade as a craftsman; watching you is always fun! You're a true master at what you do. Thumbs up every time
When there’s big money and it’s a very expensive house owners expect top notch quality work, time isn’t really an issue as long as it’s considerable amount of time in which you and the owner agree. This is for the people that are out there saying “I would of grouted that by now”
Estou aprendendo a trabalha com cerâmica, pretendo fazer um curso. Seus videos são ótimos, aprendo muito. Aqui no Brasil as ferramentas são muito cara. Fiquei apaixonado quando vi o nível a laser,.Fui ver o preço, é muito caro eu não tenho condição de compra um. Abraços
As sal rightly points out, badwalls will break the bond of the tile when the system engages. Prep work is essential when using these systems. I personally don't use them as we cannot price them into our job. Hello sal from a fellow tiler
I personally don’t use them either. I had a tile chip on me. Don’t get me wrong. They have their place and can be useful but as far as I’m concerned, I am the leveling system. It all starts with prep work. Been doing this roughly 28 years. I snap all my lines square to set tile.
Ive used this sort of system before and sometimes when you come to knock the wedge out it leaves some of the white levelling system behind, how do you get round this? in the past i have to use a multi tool or sharp blade to cut away the remnant before i can grout.
Thanks Sal! Glad i found your channel ..my f'n tile guy mixed in a handful of quickset into the thinset and now i know this is shit, read the bag ! As you say! also he convinced me that he doesnt use spacers ...ehh the results speak for themselves...dyi from here out, glad to have your videos for reference thank you!
Sorry to hear about that. Contractors like that is what ruins the reputation for the rest of us. But I'm also guessing he was pretty cheap to, you usually get what you paid for.
I noticed on the wall tiles the thin set was relatively thick and you used half inch trowel on the wall and you back buttered using the half inch notched trowel on the tile as well. Is that to allow for some room to move the tiles? And on the floor tiles you just back butter the tile with the flat side of the trowel and used a thinner thin set. Is this typically how you do it? I'm going to put some wall tiles up similar to the ones you installed and I wondered if I should follow your procedure for the walls troweling 1/2 inch both on the tile and the wall. Thank you for your help
Some experienced tilers say using the levelling wedges is cheating. Personally I think as long as the job looks great after using ,them why not. Tiling large tiles on floors is so much easier using the levelling systems 👍👍👍👍👍
You ever get any back pain when working like that? When I work on my knees like that I can't lay flat on my back without pain. I can't even turn over without assistance. I am curious if you had any tips when working like that.
Sal I've been using ramondi for a while and when I break the clips after thinset has set, I always end up with 10-15 pieces of plastic that I have to dig out. Does t- lock ever give problems like that?
All the systems will have that to some extent, T-Lock is better, however it is critical to keep the grout lines clear and clean as you go, and most important of all, break them out the next day, do not let them sit more than a day.
What are you using to clean it the fridge lines boogie laying in the leveling system before laying in the tile? Also is that a general technique for keeping thin set from oozing between tiles when you set it and filling your grout line?
Sal, what type of tile was on the shower wall? Marble? It is beautiful. Also, the floor looks great. I saw another video from a while back of yours where you slide an empty bucket across the floor to show how perfectly in plane the tiles are. That is amazing, great job as always. Thanks for making these videos.
Sal, love your work! everything is purposeful and methodical. I've learned a lot. Thanks! Have you ever laid 12x 24 travertine in a vertical "brick" pattern? I would like to try something unique, but I want an expert opinion.
Thanks for this great repository of tiling info Sal! I am about to put donw some 8"x8"x1/2" handmade concrete hexagon floor tile over ditra with 1/4" grout lines. I am wondering if I am crazy in thinking about using a leveling-system? I really want to minimize lippage, but think I will have to use a thousand of these things!
Nice video as always but i just finished tiling around my washroom tub grouted and finished it but did not use any sealer do I need to use sealer thanks
Depends, are you referring to sealing the tile or grout. If the grout is an advanced type, then probably not, if it is a standard grout then it might be a good idea. Tile also might need sealing if it is a natural stone.
@Sal DiBlasi nice work ...great video too...right now I use basic removable horseshoe spacers or Tavys, but I burn coat the wall & back-butter/notch the tile; if I apply mortar in reverse method from what you do, will this spacer system still work well for me? Lippage not a huge issue for me because I use ProLite, but I could always use a more precise spacer & leveler.. Thanks
hey sal, i noticed you had a little bit of glue coming through the joints in a few places. whats the best way to cut it out? utility knife? multi tool?
Hey Sal, on large jobs where you have to stop at the end of the day and come back the next day what do you do to insert the spacers when the thinset dries (obviously) the next day?
Usually I will clean off any thinset, insert the bases at the end of the day, then use a scrap piece of tile and a wedge to hold the base in place. because there is no thinset the next day I remove the tile and wedge and I am ready to go.
So first time tiler here.. I have to file my kitchen 325 sq ft. Is the a way to calculate how many wedges and t lock I would need or a recommendation on what package I should buy. The tiles are common 6 inches by 18 inches or actual 5.5 by 17.5
Nice work. Got some questions for you Sal. How thick do you back butter your tile, 1/16? Do you always back butter the same thickness with all wall tiles? I noticed you held back a little from one edge when back buttering. Is that 1/2" to 3/4" non-back butter so the thin set does not work out on the next row?
MrFishone777 Yes, for the floor in this case just a skim coat to key the thinset to the tile and yes i held back from the edge to try and keep the thinset out of the joints which is really hard to do with a large trowel.
Hi Sal! What is that tool you use to smooth out the edges of the tiles just before you place the white spacer clips?...it looks like a small paint scraper...also, why do you do this?
If you are careful to keep the grout lines clean and you remove them the next day, they will break clean. however if you get a lot of thinset coming through the grout lines you will get some that don't break clean that you will have to remove by cutting them out. I will usually only have a few in a job that i have to cut out.
Sal DiBlasi how do you recommend going about this dreadful task? Razor blade and tiny pliers? How about an oscillating tool? Apparently I had thinset all over the place and probably 8-10% of my clips are stuck in there mortar.
Sal, I noticed you had some squeeze out between some of the tiles. How do you deal with that the next day after the thinset has dried? Does this not interfere with grouting?
+evanchristo I tryto clean it out as i go, but if i cant get it all i clean it the next day when it is still easy enough to remove, The longer you wait the more it cures, the harder it becomes.
Hey Sal, I'm in a bind. I'm setting 2cm stone (3/4 in) and need a leveling system to accommodate that thickness. Do you know what systems out there can handle this? Thanks a million! Love your videos. Your the standard!
Does this system (or any other leveling system for that matter) cause issues if the tiles are a little warped or thickness is not consistent? What do you do to mitigate those issues? I feel like it could crack a tile if there is a bow in the middle.
Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for! I've only done smaller tiles and am researching to do 6x36 or 6x24 wood look tile (just a DIYer wanting to do things right). I never thought the longer tiles would deflect that much without breaking! That was also a super fast response. I've been looking through your videos and others for a couple hours trying to find that info.
Hi Sal, thanks for uploading the video, one question I had is can you explain why you used the red spacer on the floor tiles as opposed to the white ones. Is this for cost purpose or is it to achieve a better finish or was it for quickness ? Many thanks in advance. Eddie (UK)
the red spacers are just to keep the space between the tiles even while he is putting the tile down and are reusable. the white clips he is using also leave the correct space between tiles but are single use since they have to be broken off after the tile is set.
Sal DiBlasi that's great I guess I should have looked a little better. been in the business 35 years but with the ever increasing tile sizes and lipage issues time for the old dog to try new tricks... thanks for your videos and your hard work !
I saw a another video that you can and should walk on the tiles after installing the levelers. Do you know if this is true? Also I have been trying to find Grout vids on your page and have been unsuccessful what Grout do you recommend? I'm Doing about 1200 sq ft of 6x24 would plank. Thank you for your videos.
Stephanie Perez I saw that video as well, but it is not something i would do. Here are 2 videos you are looking for ruclips.net/video/94xIR1wBmLE/видео.html ruclips.net/video/6vsho0NXyvk/видео.html
Thank you Sal. I tried the grout and I am having troubles with it getting in the wood tile I chose, because the surface has pits because its a rough cut wood look. I tried spongeing it as I grouted but I'm still having trouble with it being left behind. Any suggestions? I am using fusion pro grout I can still change grout as I am doing a test area right now.
Sal, i wanted to ask about your laser, which model do you have? It seems a lot brighter than mine, which is a Bosch GTL2, which is OK, but if there is bright daylight coming through the windows, it dims it a bit, and I have to close the blinds, to see it better.
***** Thanks! Now i see what the problem was with the choice of my Bosch GTL2. It does what the PLS FT90 in your kit does, it is the flat unit that goes on the floor. Mine projects 30 feet but your projects brighter, up to 65 feet! I originally wanted to get the Bosch GTL3, but Home Depot stocks it only online, and I needed something that day, I should have waited and ordered it online, the GTL3 projects 65 feet, but even that is less than your PLS2, , the second unit in your kit, which projects 100 feet! Once I sell my current flip condo, I'll research all the specs from the manufacturers and determine who is really the best. But the Bosch GTL3 is cool because it adds a 45 degree laser for diagonal tiling. I might also get a self leveling laser, which is great for your kitchen cabinets, to maintain an self leveled accurate story line independent of floor or ceiling or wall level.
On 1:33 of the demonstration, the tiles are not leveled. On of the tiles is lower than the other. I was very excited about this system and it is a good idea but unfortunately, it does not work.
I love watching you. Your work is beautiful. 2 questions if I may, did you do 1/8 inch grout joints in shower and if so did you use unsanded grout in shower
Sal. Where can I find these locking leveler. I have been checking out stores in Eastern Michigan and haven't found them yet. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places. Love your videos
These leveling systems look like they take too much time and require a lot cleaning with your grout joints. I'm not opposed to using them if need be but I'd rather take the time to get everything square before rough in on a wall.
Sal, I've watched many of your videos (many times over) and notice you've used different leveling systems over the years. I'm sure each have their pros and cons. I'm wondering which is your favorite and which you use most often? Also I'm in the same geographic location as you - where could I purchase these systems? Thanks
Hello, I just ordered this tile leveling system on your website, but it did not tell me when it would arrive. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
I'm a novice and about to lay ~300 sq of 6x12 cararra vertically... is it ok to use these with that size tile? Thank you! Trying to purchase level system on your online store and some of the pages aren't resolving correctly btw...
Love your videos Sal, I wondered what you thought of the pro leveling system you used in previous videos in compared to the level master. I've used the level master and it is good however some thing about the pro leveling system looks appealing to me. Thoughts?
Thanks for the fast response Sal, like I said been using the T lock and love it but was just thinking in certain scenarios that the pro level may come in handy. As I've said, love the videos, keep them going!
Curious on how these work: you are placing a tile on wet mortar which is the same wet mortar being used to hold the horizontal part of the "T" on a horizontal plane such as a floor or on the vertical part of the "T" such as a wall. How does the clip hold the tile to the wall of it's all embedded in the same mortar? I could see if the clip is embedded in the mortar and allowed to dry which would bond the top of the "T" to the drywall/backerboard; but I'm not seeing how this does anything to ensure a level face to the tile any more than a rubber mallet. Seems to me all you are doing is adding a wedge which will pinch the bottom of the two connecting tiles to the top of the tiles where the wedge is placed. Is there a process I am missing?
Hello again Sal, I think i've seen you use the MLT system before which I think you said you liked. How does this one compare? cost? Does it work better? easier? Thanks again. Looks great as usual.
+marcellinas figaro T-Lock works really well, it will be cheaper than MLT, but MLT also is a great system. They all work, you will just have to decide what kind and how much you want to spend.
The use of a lippage system is not meant to be used as a means of fixing an uneven and wavy floor, you still have to do whatever prep work needs to be done before you install your tile.
guy home removed floor and new play wood I add must have problems with framing old home ? one side is up others is down starting right in end wooo I need to add so many concrete under tiles ?
That floor had a lot of thinset oozing up between the tile, when you were breaking out the spacers/wedges. How do you remove that thinset, before grouting? Thanks.
Sometimes it is hard to keep that from happening, but it gets easier as you get more experience with the system. The next day the thinset is still relatively soft, so it is easy to scrape out, after a couple of days, much harder.
@@SalDiBlasiwhy would you use Ultraflex 2, which is a modified thinset, when Schluter specifically says you need to use a unmodified thinset for drying purposes? I mean this was 5 years ago so you may not use modified anymore. I also think the thinset would dry out much faster than the 20 to 60 days they say it would take with a modified.
+Lawrence Wiesner The recommendation is one third, but as you can see i have often done it at a half by request of the home owner after the possible outcome has been explained. In my experience it usually turns out well, but it is your call and your house so it is your choice.
Chava303 Tiles have been fitted sufficiently using them for ages. I don't do videos but there are plenty of other videos on here. In my experience different batches of the same tiles can vary by a millimeter. Using the T lock you would run into problems pretty soon. A good eye is essential.
The system isn´t designed to plumb or level only to acheive flush joints on the substrate.These types of systems can save time and money when laying large format tiles and any slight tile size variations you solve just as if you were using spacers.Don´t knock until you´ve tried it.
Hi I am a pro tiler in the UK and I can honestly say that the level system does save you time and you get a perfect result I to use the Perfect level master on large format tiles,and I have been tiling for 46 years so do not knock it until you have tried it.
I am a Contractor and do tile on some of my jobs I am by no means the talent this gentleman. I struggled for ever leveling my tile with each other until I started using this system. today I will not do a tile job without it is awesome.
I am a homeowner, and very handy at home but I was scared to do my own flooring due to the uneven floor I have. I order some of that system and will be doing it myself, but after watching some of your videos, now I feel confident I will impress my wife😁
Thank you for such amazing How-To videos.🙏
Im Jorge in Florida.
I work in exterior and interior construction. I love my trade as a craftsman; watching you is always fun! You're a true master at what you do. Thumbs up every time
When there’s big money and it’s a very expensive house owners expect top notch quality work, time isn’t really an issue as long as it’s considerable amount of time in which you and the owner agree. This is for the people that are out there saying “I would of grouted that by now”
You are absolutely correct I never rush anything, I get paid to do a job right, not to race through it.
Estou aprendendo a trabalha com cerâmica, pretendo fazer um curso. Seus videos são ótimos, aprendo muito. Aqui no Brasil as ferramentas são muito cara. Fiquei apaixonado quando vi o nível a laser,.Fui ver o preço, é muito caro eu não tenho condição de compra um. Abraços
As sal rightly points out, badwalls will break the bond of the tile when the system engages. Prep work is essential when using these systems. I personally don't use them as we cannot price them into our job. Hello sal from a fellow tiler
+David Hello David.
I personally don’t use them either. I had a tile chip on me. Don’t get me wrong. They have their place and can be useful but as far as I’m concerned, I am the leveling system. It all starts with prep work. Been doing this roughly 28 years. I snap all my lines square to set tile.
Ive used this sort of system before and sometimes when you come to knock the wedge out it leaves some of the white levelling system behind, how do you get round this? in the past i have to use a multi tool or sharp blade to cut away the remnant before i can grout.
Thanks Sal! Glad i found your channel
..my f'n tile guy mixed in a handful of quickset into the thinset and now i know this is shit, read the bag ! As you say!
also he convinced me that he doesnt use spacers ...ehh the results speak for themselves...dyi from here out, glad to have your videos for reference thank you!
Sorry to hear about that. Contractors like that is what ruins the reputation for the rest of us.
But I'm also guessing he was pretty cheap to, you usually get what you paid for.
I noticed on the wall tiles the thin set was relatively thick and you used half inch trowel on the wall and you back buttered using the half inch notched trowel on the tile as well. Is that to allow for some room to move the tiles? And on the floor tiles you just back butter the tile with the flat side of the trowel and used a thinner thin set. Is this typically how you do it? I'm going to put some wall tiles up similar to the ones you installed and I wondered if I should follow your procedure for the walls troweling 1/2 inch both on the tile and the wall. Thank you for your help
Sir, you are a true tradesman. Thanks for sharing.
So are you counting the clicks? As in edged wedge needs to be 4 clicks in and then all tiles will be at X many clicks ?
You can see he is a professional , good job
Great work Sal! Love my levelers for the primo finish!
Right on!
Where did you find them?
Some experienced tilers say using the levelling wedges is cheating. Personally I think as long as the job looks great after using ,them why not. Tiling large tiles on floors is so much easier using the levelling systems 👍👍👍👍👍
Those tile setters need to get more experience to realize that every tool that makes a job better and faster is a tool they should use.
You ever get any back pain when working like that? When I work on my knees like that I can't lay flat on my back without pain. I can't even turn over without assistance. I am curious if you had any tips when working like that.
Beautiful job. You are a hard worker.
Nice. I wish I had found you a couple of years ago when I gutted my 65 year old bathroom.
Sal I've been using ramondi for a while and when I break the clips after thinset has set, I always end up with 10-15 pieces of plastic that I have to dig out. Does t- lock ever give problems like that?
All the systems will have that to some extent, T-Lock is better, however it is critical to keep the grout lines clear and clean as you go, and most important of all, break them out the next day, do not let them sit more than a day.
Thanks!! Appreciate the video!!
No problem!
Boy you make that look easy
So what happens to the mud underneath? Does it loose supportive strength?
What are you using to clean it the fridge lines boogie laying in the leveling system before laying in the tile? Also is that a general technique for keeping thin set from oozing between tiles when you set it and filling your grout line?
A small narrow putty knife or a margin trowel works great.
u work so slowly but clean job
It is not about speed, it is about quality.
Thank you!! This was very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
I used these they work well but the spin doctor ones are much better and faster and easier to use
Sal, what type of tile was on the shower wall? Marble? It is beautiful. Also, the floor looks great. I saw another video from a while back of yours where you slide an empty bucket across the floor to show how perfectly in plane the tiles are. That is amazing, great job as always. Thanks for making these videos.
Thanks for watching my video.
Please tell me the best mold proof compound to cover the gaps between wall's tiles and finishing? thanks!
Brilliant Sol!
Looks very similar to the Raimondi leveling system re: the wedges and even the leveling gun. Any disadvantages/advantages that you've noted?
Jon Tong You can actually use this system without the pliers, especially on floor tile.
Ah interesting. Keep it up Sal, great videos!
What tile glue did you use? What kind of green membrane on your wall? Is it some kind sort of red guard waterproof system?
Adhesive was a good quality LFT polymer modified thinset, waterproofing was Mapei Aquadefense.
Is all the waste recyclable or harmful to the inviroment
Seems like so much extra work. Wouldn't this cause some hollow spots on floor tile?
+EvilleMonkey This is a common misconception.
Beautiful job. How do you tile the ceiling? Don't the tiles want to fall down?
No, thinset will hold them up.
Sal DiBlasi thank you
Sal diblasi how do you figure how many clips you will use?
Sal, love your work! everything is purposeful and methodical. I've learned a lot. Thanks!
Have you ever laid 12x 24 travertine in a vertical "brick" pattern? I would like to try something unique, but I want an expert opinion.
Yes I have, here is one I did ruclips.net/video/yESI_cZHXXM/видео.html
Thanks for the reply. Great video. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks for this great repository of tiling info Sal! I am about to put donw some 8"x8"x1/2" handmade concrete hexagon floor tile over ditra with 1/4" grout lines. I am wondering if I am crazy in thinking about using a leveling-system? I really want to minimize lippage, but think I will have to use a thousand of these things!
8x8 is a bit small for a leveling system.
Nice video as always but i just finished tiling around my washroom tub grouted and finished it but did not use any sealer do I need to use sealer thanks
Depends, are you referring to sealing the tile or grout. If the grout is an advanced type, then probably not, if it is a standard grout then it might be a good idea. Tile also might need sealing if it is a natural stone.
I am talking about the grout I am using regular sandless grout it got a line of 12x12 mosaic as well
@Sal DiBlasi nice work ...great video too...right now I use basic removable horseshoe spacers or Tavys, but I burn coat the wall & back-butter/notch the tile; if I apply mortar in reverse method from what you do, will this spacer system still work well for me? Lippage not a huge issue for me because I use ProLite, but I could always use a more precise spacer & leveler.. Thanks
Yes it will work, I do it that way often myself.
hey sal, i noticed you had a little bit of glue coming through the joints in a few places. whats the best way to cut it out? utility knife? multi tool?
+the guy If it is the next day it will be fairly easy to clean, most times i will just clean with a utility knife.
+Sal DiBlasi thanks for the reply man
Trowel lines should run the shortest distance of the tile not the longest distance.
Hey Sal, on large jobs where you have to stop at the end of the day and come back the next day what do you do to insert the spacers when the thinset dries (obviously) the next day?
Usually I will clean off any thinset, insert the bases at the end of the day, then use a scrap piece of tile and a wedge to hold the base in place. because there is no thinset the next day I remove the tile and wedge and I am ready to go.
I figured you'd have to clean out the thinset... Great tip. Thanks Sal. Great work as always.
Sal, I have discovered there are several types of tile leveling systems. Which do you recommend? They all seem to be priced in the same range.
I actually sell the one i use most on my online store. here is a link dibsmart.com/product/perfect-level-master-large-kit-300-clips-100-wedges/
So first time tiler here.. I have to file my kitchen 325 sq ft. Is the a way to calculate how many wedges and t lock I would need or a recommendation on what package I should buy. The tiles are common 6 inches by 18 inches or actual 5.5 by 17.5
This is a one time job diy kinda thing
Scroll down to the chart here dibsmart.com/product/1-3-mm-clips/
I enjoy watching the Master at work. Sal what is that knife your scrapping with?
That is just an old worn out hook knife, however I do sell this system and the tools on my website dibsmart.com/product-category/tools/hand-tools/
Nice work. Got some questions for you Sal. How thick do you back butter your tile, 1/16? Do you always back butter the same thickness with all wall tiles? I noticed you held back a little from one edge when back buttering. Is that 1/2" to 3/4" non-back butter so the thin set does not work out on the next row?
MrFishone777 Yes, for the floor in this case just a skim coat to key the thinset to the tile and yes i held back from the edge to try and keep the thinset out of the joints which is really hard to do with a large trowel.
great video man keep it up
Thanks, will do!
Hi Sal! What is that tool you use to smooth out the edges of the tiles just before you place the white spacer clips?...it looks like a small paint scraper...also, why do you do this?
It is just a narrow putty knife, but anything will work to clear the edge of the tile. These days I use a margin trowel held on an angle.
Thanks for the quick reply. I just don’t understand what purpose this serves... please excuse my “rookiness”.
Sal, do the spacers always break off clean from the grout lines?? Or do some get stuck in the grout lines??
If you are careful to keep the grout lines clean and you remove them the next day, they will break clean. however if you get a lot of thinset coming through the grout lines you will get some that don't break clean that you will have to remove by cutting them out. I will usually only have a few in a job that i have to cut out.
Sal DiBlasi how do you recommend going about this dreadful task? Razor blade and tiny pliers? How about an oscillating tool? Apparently I had thinset all over the place and probably 8-10% of my clips are stuck in there mortar.
Sal, I noticed you had some squeeze out between some of the tiles. How do you deal with that the next day after the thinset has dried? Does this not interfere with grouting?
+evanchristo I tryto clean it out as i go, but if i cant get it all i clean it the next day when it is still easy enough to remove, The longer you wait the more it cures, the harder it becomes.
I had that same question. Thanks, Sal, you really do nice work, and these videos are very helpful.
is there a reason your buttering the backs of the tiles first? to adhere better to the thinset on the floor?
Back buttering will give a better bond, always.
Beautiful job.
Hey Sal, I'm in a bind. I'm setting 2cm stone (3/4 in) and need a leveling system to accommodate that thickness. Do you know what systems out there can handle this? Thanks a million! Love your videos. Your the standard!
As far as I know Tlock has clips for thuck tile, but I don't gave them or ever used them.
Does this system (or any other leveling system for that matter) cause issues if the tiles are a little warped or thickness is not consistent? What do you do to mitigate those issues? I feel like it could crack a tile if there is a bow in the middle.
Watch this ruclips.net/video/3GFkOiWvbUA/видео.html
Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for! I've only done smaller tiles and am researching to do 6x36 or 6x24 wood look tile (just a DIYer wanting to do things right). I never thought the longer tiles would deflect that much without breaking! That was also a super fast response. I've been looking through your videos and others for a couple hours trying to find that info.
Thought that might be helpful.
Hi Sal, thanks for uploading the video, one question I had is can you explain why you used the red spacer on the floor tiles as opposed to the white ones. Is this for cost purpose or is it to achieve a better finish or was it for quickness ? Many thanks in advance. Eddie (UK)
the red spacers are just to keep the space between the tiles even while he is putting the tile down and are reusable. the white clips he is using also leave the correct space between tiles but are single use since they have to be broken off after the tile is set.
Sal on a large project how do you leave the last course so you can re start the next day ?
I have just the video for you ruclips.net/video/3jTtt5czjYA/видео.html
Sal DiBlasi that's great I guess I should have looked a little better.
been in the business 35 years but with the ever increasing tile sizes and lipage issues time for the old dog to try new tricks...
thanks for your videos and your hard work !
Check out tile geeks on facebook, you will want to be a part of it if you are in the trade. facebook.com/groups/TileGeeks/
Sal DiBlasi I'll look at that thanks yeah I'm in the flooring trade...3rd gen. nice work by the way
I saw a another video that you can and should walk on the tiles after installing the levelers. Do you know if this is true? Also I have been trying to find Grout vids on your page and have been unsuccessful what Grout do you recommend? I'm Doing about 1200 sq ft of 6x24 would plank. Thank you for your videos.
Stephanie Perez Bone head move I meant wood plank not would plank.
Stephanie Perez I saw that video as well, but it is not something i would do. Here are 2 videos you are looking for ruclips.net/video/94xIR1wBmLE/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/6vsho0NXyvk/видео.html
Thank you Sal. I tried the grout and I am having troubles with it getting in the wood tile I chose, because the surface has pits because its a rough cut wood look. I tried spongeing it as I grouted but I'm still having trouble with it being left behind. Any suggestions? I am using fusion pro grout I can still change grout as I am doing a test area right now.
I don't use custom products, so I can't comment on that, but you can try a grout release on b the tile before you grout.
Thank you I will give that a try.
what is the easiest way to clean the squeeze out?
Grout brush, hook knife and sponge.
Sal, i wanted to ask about your laser, which model do you have? It seems a lot brighter than mine, which is a Bosch GTL2, which is OK, but if there is bright daylight coming through the windows, it dims it a bit, and I have to close the blinds, to see it better.
Jeff Ostroff Sure thing, here it is ruclips.net/video/qpV8G1iSQKY/видео.html
***** Thanks! Now i see what the problem was with the choice of my Bosch GTL2. It does what the PLS FT90 in your kit does, it is the flat unit that goes on the floor. Mine projects 30 feet but your projects brighter, up to 65 feet! I originally wanted to get the Bosch GTL3, but Home Depot stocks it only online, and I needed something that day, I should have waited and ordered it online, the GTL3 projects 65 feet, but even that is less than your PLS2, , the second unit in your kit, which projects 100 feet! Once I sell my current flip condo, I'll research all the specs from the manufacturers and determine who is really the best. But the Bosch GTL3 is cool because it adds a 45 degree laser for diagonal tiling. I might also get a self leveling laser, which is great for your kitchen cabinets, to maintain an self leveled accurate story line independent of floor or ceiling or wall level.
Look into the green lasers, they have a much brighter line, they were not available when I bought mine
On 1:33 of the demonstration, the tiles are not leveled. On of the tiles is lower than the other. I was very excited about this system and it is a good idea but unfortunately, it does not work.
Hey Sal how do like these leveling system? Compared to others you have used in the past?
Gennady Bekkelman This is a good system, easy to use and gets the job done.
Awesome work. Question for you can I use this t lock system on a 3 x 6 subway tile?
Not really, tile is too small. for any tile smaller than a 12x12 it is a waste, and I don't use them for 12x12
Sal, would these work OK for glass tile, or would you be able to see the knubs where the spacers broke off?
Not really for use with glass tile.
I love watching you. Your work is beautiful. 2 questions if I may, did you do 1/8 inch grout joints in shower and if so did you use unsanded grout in shower
Depends on the tile, as far as grout goes I prefer sanded unles the grout line is 1/16"
Sal DiBlasi Will sanded grout scratch a glazed (polished) porcelain tile?
Sal. Where can I find these locking leveler. I have been checking out stores in Eastern Michigan and haven't found them yet. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places. Love your videos
These leveling systems look like they take too much time and require a lot cleaning with your grout joints. I'm not opposed to using them if need be but I'd rather take the time to get everything square before rough in on a wall.
Sal how do you maintain the floor slope to the drain if your using clips with those 24 in tiles?
Jeffrey White The tiles on the shower floor are 1"x2", not sure what you are referring to.
***** Very nice. I like the ease of this leveling system. Ordering a bunch tonight for my shower project. Price is nice too. Thanks for this post.
Sal, I've watched many of your videos (many times over) and notice you've used different leveling systems over the years. I'm sure each have their pros and cons. I'm wondering which is your favorite and which you use most often? Also I'm in the same geographic location as you - where could I purchase these systems? Thanks
Beautiful work...
Sal,
Do you only do tile job around your state or do you also go to other states in the United States
Sorry my service area is quite small, and I like it that way.
sure miss doing this work-16 year kid ran a red light on me and made it so I can't practice my trade anymore and live in great pain!
Jason im sorry, just thinking i couldn't do what i do now, wouldd be hard, i work in construction, i love remodeling and carpentry.
Are you using a random pattern for the plank tiles?
+Andy Fisher Yes on the floor.
Hello, I just ordered this tile leveling system on your website, but it did not tell me when it would arrive. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
+Victor Lecoffre we will send you tracking info once it has shipped, usually the same day as the order is placed.
Great, thank you!
What do you charge to install 8x48?
I'm a novice and about to lay ~300 sq of 6x12 cararra vertically... is it ok to use these with that size tile? Thank you!
Trying to purchase level system on your online store and some of the pages aren't resolving correctly btw...
6 x 12 is a bit small for a leveling system, and thanks for the tip on the website.
Why those T-LOCK are sooo expensive on eBay? Where from can I buy them in logic price and not 350 dollars for a complete set?
Thanks for the video
What is that tool you use to scrape away the thin set from the edge of the tile?
Margin Trowl
Love your videos Sal, I wondered what you thought of the pro leveling system you used in previous videos in compared to the level master. I've used the level master and it is good however some thing about the pro leveling system looks appealing to me. Thoughts?
Proleveling was good, but T-Lock is much better, stronger, does not conceal the corners, faster to use and to recover.
Thanks for the fast response Sal, like I said been using the T lock and love it but was just thinking in certain scenarios that the pro level may come in handy. As I've said, love the videos, keep them going!
exelente lo uso bastante
Eso es para prinsipiantes
That shows a lack of understanding on your part. Many criticize what they do not understand
What is the point of this system if you keep using the spirit level.
Good job! Tancks
Curious on how these work: you are placing a tile on wet mortar which is the same wet mortar being used to hold the horizontal part of the "T" on a horizontal plane such as a floor or on the vertical part of the "T" such as a wall.
How does the clip hold the tile to the wall of it's all embedded in the same mortar?
I could see if the clip is embedded in the mortar and allowed to dry which would bond the top of the "T" to the drywall/backerboard; but I'm not seeing how this does anything to ensure a level face to the tile any more than a rubber mallet.
Seems to me all you are doing is adding a wedge which will pinch the bottom of the two connecting tiles to the top of the tiles where the wedge is placed.
Is there a process I am missing?
+Who Is This Guy Anyways? The base and wedge bring the tiles into plain so that it eliminates lippage.
Gotcha.
Hello again Sal,
I think i've seen you use the MLT system before which I think you said you liked. How does this one compare? cost? Does it work better? easier? Thanks again. Looks great as usual.
+marcellinas figaro T-Lock works really well, it will be cheaper than MLT, but MLT also is a great system. They all work, you will just have to decide what kind and how much you want to spend.
another great video. I decided to go with RLS for my first tile job. Do you usually use 3/8 or 1/2 trowel on 12x24 tile?
1/2x1/2
What's that claw like tool called?
Hey, would this system work if I was back-buttering only?
Important thing is to achieve the required coverage and transfer of thinset, if you can do that by backbuttering, then I don't see why not.
Thanks so much! You're awesome and you should feel awesome!
could you clarify what you mean by back buttering only?
ruclips.net/video/SzFLUlFpSxE/видео.html
Did u use the levelling system on the ceiling as well?
On this particular job, I don't remember if I did or didn't, however I often do.
is going push tile up and some times you need to add so many concrete under
That is a common misconception.
floor must not level because my tiles started fine in end I have so meany concert I need to add under tile >?
The use of a lippage system is not meant to be used as a means of fixing an uneven and wavy floor, you still have to do whatever prep work needs to be done before you install your tile.
guy home removed floor and new play wood I add must have problems with framing old home ? one side is up others is down starting right in end wooo I need to add so many concrete under tiles ?
That floor had a lot of thinset oozing up between the tile, when you were breaking out the spacers/wedges. How do you remove that thinset, before grouting? Thanks.
Sometimes it is hard to keep that from happening, but it gets easier as you get more experience with the system. The next day the thinset is still relatively soft, so it is easy to scrape out, after a couple of days, much harder.
next day is easy to get joints cleaned up. much harder to do after a weekend.
How does this NOT create voids?
+70carlton high tiles are pull down much more than low tiles are pulled up.
Great, thanks!
Hi, how long time after I install the tile I need to wait to grout the floor
Usually just a day.
Sal DiBlasi appreciate , thanks
Sal, what thinset are you using in this video??
Andrew Duran Mapei ultraflex2 LFT.
@@SalDiBlasiwhy would you use Ultraflex 2, which is a modified thinset, when Schluter specifically says you need to use a unmodified thinset for drying purposes? I mean this was 5 years ago so you may not use modified anymore. I also think the thinset would dry out much faster than the 20 to 60 days they say it would take with a modified.
Does T-lock level spacers some in 3/16th. That is what contractor is asking for. What leveling systems come in that size?
I am actually not sure about that, but I think not, however you can add a spacer between the tiles to achieve the grout width you need.
DES P bone soup recipes
Yes they do! Look at the side of the box in the video. It has the different thicknesses
DES P you cannuse 3/16 spacers with this system
Hi sal, for the tile 6x24 can i do
1/4 or 3/16 thin-set .
If you are talking about the depth of the trowel, go 1/2"
Thanks bro
What laser are you using?
+Trevor Simko PLS2
Is there still a need to use a 1/3 max offset for the wood look plank tiles when using a leveling system like this?
+Lawrence Wiesner The recommendation is one third, but as you can see i have often done it at a half by request of the home owner after the possible outcome has been explained. In my experience it usually turns out well, but it is your call and your house so it is your choice.
A spirit level and spacers do the same thing in a fraction of the time. My tiles are plumb and level.
chud jackson can we see a video of how you do it
Chava303
Tiles have been fitted sufficiently using them for ages. I don't do videos but there are plenty of other videos on here. In my experience different batches of the same tiles can vary by a millimeter. Using the T lock you would run into problems pretty soon. A good eye is essential.
The system isn´t designed to plumb or level only to acheive flush joints on the substrate.These types of systems can save time and money when laying large format tiles and any slight tile size variations you solve just as if you were using spacers.Don´t knock until you´ve tried it.
Hi I am a pro tiler in the UK and I can honestly say that the level system does save you time and you get a perfect result I to use the Perfect level master on large format tiles,and I have been tiling for 46 years so do not knock it until you have tried it.
Exactly, can't comment on something you have never tried, thanks.
Hey sal can you share a link for the 3in1 spacer thanx
jose guizar link above in description with promo code.
pro