If you are reading this, you are more than likely someone who enjoys learning new ways to do old things or finding different uses for tools that you would have never thought of. Those are called “nuggets.” Everyone loves a good knowledge nugget. So, with that in mind, we reached out to a few flooring pros and asked them to share some of their nuggets. These tips and tricks will fill knowledge gaps, help you with your workflow and bring awareness to things you may take for granted.

How to Properly Scribe Glass Mosaics in a Shower Installation 

Ken Ballin, owner, Skyro Floors, demonstrates how to scribe glass mosaics for installation in a shower. He walks us through step-by-step how to template, cut and scribe the mosaics into the field tile to complete a shower. 

He begins by comparing the mosaic to the template he has laid out, checking that everything is centered. Then, he marks the niche and is now ready to cut! 

Once the mosaic is ready to go, he pre-mounts it and sets it with Bostik’s BAM thinset. Ballin explains how to properly trowel the thinset to prevent trowel lines from showing behind the glass. 

After demonstrating how to set up each piece of the mosaic, he carefully inspects each panel before placing on top of the field tile. He, then, traces the outline of the glass panels on the field tile with a marker. Using an iQ Cyclone table saw, he cuts away the excess and polishes the edges of the tile to prevent chipping. 

Be sure to watch the full video to see Ballin complete this shower installation.

Preferred Flooring's Crystal Sims on the Importance of Removing Overspray 

Crystal Sims, field coordinator, Preferred Flooring, talks through the removal of overspray from the concrete slab prior to installing flooring. She says it is important to ensure the glue does not react to the paint, preventing the floor from adhering in those spots. 

In this commercial project, the painters did not protect the floor prior to spraying the door trim and walls. Sims demonstrates how to remove the overspray with a scraper, explaining that it would be easy to simply install glue-down flooring over it. However, complications would arise eventually, and more than likely, the installer would be called back to replace the flooring in those areas. 

Be sure to watch the full video to see Sims’ explain why this step is important.

How to Successfully Remove Base Board 

John Steier, owner, Steier Flooring, demonstrates how to remove base board, keeping each piece intact and marking where each piece goes. This tip is handy whether you are prepping to remove old flooring or even just repair a section of flooring. In this case, Steier is installing flooring throughout an entire home. 

He starts by walking you through the tools you will need. He recommends scoring the top of the base boards to break the seal of the wall paint to prevent accidentally removing the paint from the wall. Next, he locates a gap behind one of the base boards and carefully slips his putty knife behind the base board, using his hammer to drive it all the way down. Finally, he advises to pry the base board where the wall studs are located, using a small pry bar. 

Steier demonstrates how to remove old nails and how to mark the location of each base board to make returning them to their proper location much easier. 

Be sure to watch the full video to learn how to successfully remove base board.