Setting Tile: Revised and Updated (Fine Homebuilding)

This book is the "bible" for first-time tile installers. It's got an excellent history of tile, more descriptions of tile than you'll probably ever see, and information that you didn't know you needed (but do). It's easy to understand, addresses all aspects of pretty much any tile installation that any DIY'er will ever tackle, from the most basic steps to pretty advanced installations, and will make you a better tiler than you thought you could be. I've done a number of tile jobs since I bought this book - five bathrooms (including three shower surrounds, four countertops, and four floors - one of them heated), a laundry room, two kitchens (counters and backsplashes), part of a family room, and a covered deck outdoors. I've used a variety of materials, from porcelain and ceramic tiles to slate, terrazzo, and granite, as well as a chimney chase that I covered with architectural stone, none of which I would have been able to do without the guidance of Mr. Byrne. I've read this book a number of times (I re-read portions of it every time before I start a project), and it's always got the information that I need. It covers prepping the area, the importance of doing a good layout (and HOW to do it), what materials are appropriate (and NOT, just as important!), and how to "finish" the job with grout. If you're interested in doing your own tile work (or slate, marble, granite, etc.), you should absolutely have this as your primary reference. And even if you're not doing your own work, but want to know more about tiling (what to look for in tile, how to judge the quality of an installation, etc.), this book will give you the information you need. (I've found that I now look much more closely, and critically, at tile installations pretty much wherever I go and it's amazing how many "professional" installations - whether residential or commercial - are substandard, once you know what you're looking for.)

Michael Byrne's work in both his book "Setting Tile" and his DVD "Tiling Floors with Michael Byrne" are excellent resources for beginners, and were I an experienced tile setter, I would say so for those folks, too.As a complete novice I recently completed my first tile project, re-doing my bathroom, some 50 square feet. In my opinion it turned out very well considering it was a first time effort. I relied heavily on Mr. Byrnes's works. That would be small by most accounts, but let me assure you, for me, it was large. I am in the process of doing another 500 square feet of work on a plywood substrate. After that I have another 500 feet downstairs on a concrete slab to do.He makes it simple for anyone to understand. These works will remain life-long resources in my personal library.While it is not possible to cover everything in any works like these, some areas I would suggest for improvement are some more clarification on areas around door jams in terms of doing the tiling around those, trimming them. More information on toilet removal and installation would have been helpful. The toilet borders on plumbing and that is a subject unto itself though. One more area that would be helpful is the area of cementitious backerboard. There are several kinds on the market and each has its own idiosyncracies.But if one is considering undertaking a project like this, you can always rely on Amazon.com for additional material.Works by Taunton Press, the publisher of these media are also recommended. But again, no one resource can be everything. And finally, there is no substitute to finding reliable people to talk things through.Again, I rate Mr. Byrnes's work as 5 Star.

No disrespect to the author, but this book is out of date. 1995 practices are barely relevant today. Book covers the basics well but focuses heavily on mortar beds. I just spent 5 days gutting out a bathroom made of mortar beds and I will never construct anything made of that ridiculousness. Also not many people use tar paper for a moisture barrier anymore. There is no information on large tiles, etc etc.. It's basically an old-school beginner's guide without going into too much specifics. I realize I cannot knock the author for this, so consider this review star rating a "1995 rating" if you will.

Great resource for anyone interested in setting tile for any reason. (Professionally or DIY) As part of the licensing requirements in my state, I really like the fact that the seller offered one in great condition for a great price. I only notived a small amount of material that has changed since it was published in 1995, mostly in regards to building materials and today's green intitiatives. Aside from that, everything you would need to know to install tile, and more importantly, how to prep your job, is covered.

I actually have purchased this book more than once. I loaned the book to a friend and have asked for it back a couple of times. They moved and may have mis-placed it (or gave it away). I guess you loan things out and sometimes you don't get them back. The friendship is more important than the book.....well...it is a great book...lol.....This book does a great job of showing multiple techniques and examples. I also suggest the Home Depot Tiling 1 2 3. The books combined will do a great job of teaching you many things about tiling. I have done multiple bathroom showers and multiple floors, backsplash...so easy to do it yourself...just take your time and buy a tile saw on craigslist. Buy a new blade on Amazon and you are all tile "set"!

Waist of money

I liked this book very helpful

very good product

Many Thanks. Great book. When and, what ever I need, just I am used to go exploring on line shopping at Amazon web site. No rush, no crowd, just from home, even from the relaxing bed. Easy and wise. Great choice for everyone. Erwin