The Best Tile Leveling System for Bathroom Tile -- by Home Repair Tutor
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2024
- If you're doing a bathroom remodel and need help, enroll in Home Repair Tutor's online courses at www.homerepairtutor.com/
To make tiling easier try Tuscan Seam Clips (leveling clips) :
For tile 1/4"- 3/8" (blue) - amzn.to/2A6RQAh
For tile 3/8" - 1/2" (red) - amzn.to/2j41IQj
See our full tutorial www.homerepairtutor.com/tuscan...
Tile leveling systems are great.
Why? Because they help you get a great looking tile job.
You can use them on tile floors or walls.
We're going to show you why we think the Tuscan Tile Leveling System is the best.
We explore two system's.
The first one is the Tuscan Cap and Strap system. It looks exactly as it sounds. There's a cap that slides over a clear strap.
Caps straddle either side of the tiles and help eliminate tile lippage or unevenness.
The Tuscan SeamClip is the second system. These are awesome because you can manually lock them in place. They come in three different varieties. Each version is dependent on the thickness of your tile.
So measure the thickness of the tile before you buy the SeamClip.
We discuss all the details in today's video
• The Best Tile Leveling...
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• The Best Tile Leveling...
There's nothing better than helping a friend out with a DIY video that could make their project go a lot better.
Thanks for watching my video, take care, and see you in the next one!!
Cheers,
Jeff - Навчання та стиль
Super nice video. You're a natural!
thanks, just wanted to share some tips
Tuscan seam clips are awesome. They're a lot better that the lash sold in home depot or the MLT leveling system .
thanx great job
Amei O Produto Muito Bom Mesmo
Dude that's an amazing concept I'd like to sell. Literally genius. I'd love to no manufacturing cost and as well you're retail. I'm also curious about tradesman. As a guy that has done tile, how much will this catch on for the old timers that know their trade. You're on to something man. Great job. Sales is my thing and i see something here
Really cool bro.
Awesome video thank you
Thank you 🙏🏼
Very cool!
feels like I'm watching some infomercial on qvc at 4 am.
Thanks guys for the info but I personally prefer the Raimondi system.
Just came back as a re-fresher on this video. I shared with a couple of buddies and they were all amazed. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills, we really appreciate it!
+Patrick PhippsPA thanks, there are a lot of tile leveling systems but this one is one of the quickest to use
True enough Jeff. I spent hours yesterday reviewing all kinds of different systems. I'm a DIYer and tile a floor every couple of years or so for myself, so an expensive commitment to tradesman type systems is overkill for me. When I saw this video, I knew that this was the answer. I stopped watching any more videos and I'm putting my order in for 500 seamclips thanks to you. Your video was so well done that it literally stopped my search and I felt I had exactly the answers I needed to drop these 24/24 polished porcelain tiles. Now, the wait for the clips. Thanks again buddy. Appreciate your commitment to the trade and your videos and like I said, you're a NATURAL!
thanks and glad you found the system, I hope it helps you install the tile lippage free. Some tips, try to remove the SeamClips the day after you set the tile, that way you'll remove them and the excess thin-set that squeezes up into them. Tapping the flat side of the clip with a rubber mallet is the best way to remove them. If you do have one that breaks off above the tile use a sharp utility knife to cut it off. You'll still have to keep an eye on the tiles to make sure they are level but overall the SeamClips do a great job
So you have recommendation for 5/8” thick tile?
I've used the seam clips...work flawlessly! Job came out perfect!
+Michael LoVetere cool, which color did you use?
Great video on the seam clips Jeff. I just subscribed after watching a few of the videos and was hoping that there was one dedicated to the clips. Also went to manufacturer web site. Just two fyi...first was with the cap and strap, you have to soak the strap portion before using to give them more elasticity. The other note was when breaking off the one piece seamclip, the manufacturer says to break them off in the direction of the grout line, NOT across the grout line. There's a greater chance of leaving a piece of clip being proud of the tile surface. Have you found that to be the case??? Also mentioned was that in floor installations, don't just kick them off due to the chance of scratching the tile with an errant piece of sand or rock on bottom of shoe/boot. Love your videos/content/presentation style. Also like the fact that you show that tradespeople sometimes get a little "schmutz" on themselves while working,...thanks Steve!!! lol
you're right on all counts, soaking the straps is a must and hitting the SeamClips on the strap end is the best approach. I like to use a rubber mallet just to be sure the tile won't break. Love the SeamClips, the do work really great. I know some folks think leveling systems are for the birds and too expensive, but imo you're only going to tile the shower or floor once every 20-30 years. So the added expense is worth it. Thanks for the kinds words and love the "schmutz" comment, lol
good sir
Can I put barker board up instead of tiles on the kerdi board. Thank you.J.C.
When I use to work a lot with tiles we didn't have any of those leveling systems , it did go with ; leveling floor first , use level ( Wasserwage ) tool across tiles , then work out with thin set , spacers made from carboard between tiles or plastic ones , used eyes to even space between tiles trough tiles aren't perfect square to go best visual , sometimes I still do some tiling , specially for my self , with same old way with perfect results , but I have no doubt that system work Ok if used accordingly, cheers :)
yeah I feel like a lot of this process could be handled with a level and eyeballs
I'm a big fan of the LevTec system. $25 for 250 clips. Basically the same system as Raimondi but the clips seem to be a little stronger. The wedges and clips are compatible with either brand of clip or wedge. Haven't tried the strap style yet.
+Steve McWilliams I've heard a lot of great things about LevTec. Would love to give it a try on a tiling project. I didn't realize they were that affordable? Good to know, thank you 👍
Home Repair Tutor Upfront cost is what gets you. The wedges and the tool and the clips are a small investment upfront, but you only need the clips after that. Out of maybe 500 clips I may have broken two or three because I was a little overzealous with the tool. Best Tile in Pittsburgh has Lev Tec, but you can find it online too.
+Steve McWilliams I'll have to do a video one day on all the systems and compare prices/advantages/disadvantages. Some folks love these systems and others hate them. So I'm always up in the air about doing another video. Sal DiBlasi and I are partnering on videos, maybe we can do one on this subject. Are you in Pittsburgh?
Home Repair Tutor I think Sal has every system out there. I never thought they were necessary until I tried them. But some people swear they don't need a laser level either. If it makes for a better installation, then I'll give it a try. (South Hills.)
+Steve McWilliams he does, lol. Sal was in Pittsburgh recently and we had dinner with him. Great guy and I'm honored to work with him on videos. Great to know you're in the South Hills, do you have a website? A lot of folks ask me for contractor recommendations down there
I'm an installer of tiles I need more knowledge from you send me your video disc ,thx I like it
good
I used the t-lock system for my shower walls. it was definitely pricey, 100+ for the initial kit and I needed extra spacers and wedges. I think it cost close to 200 to do just my shower stall.
they work essentially the same as this though, spacers and some sort of piece to push down on the tiles to level them to prevent lippage.
+noclssgt did you like the t-lock system? A lot of folks swear by them but we haven't tried them yet.
Home Repair Tutor
I did like them. they were very easy to use, even without the tool. my 7 year old lived smacking the wedges out with a rubber mallet.
+noclssgt they do seam pricey but I might try to do a video tutorial with them. Any particular distributor you like?
Home Repair Tutor I just got them through amazon
Raimondi is very similar to t lock. Raimondi clips are definitely stronger than t locks tho. and dam!!!! $200 man that's a rip off. I got raimondi 1000 wedges 1000 clips and the tool for $200 from tools4flooring.
i had a question, my question is you say that it can be used 25 times correct? do you mean 25 and you throw away the square shape holder because it deformed or something or 25 times because the strap finished and you need to add more?
Installed we do shower system. Have not tiled yet or installed shower door. As to where the shower door will be installed . I measured the distance at the bottom and the distance at the top . With the top area I measured being +1/2. Is this To great of a difference between top and bottom to allow for a good shower door install ? Ideas to correct this ? I realize I should have shimmed the walls to make them perfect. But I wasn’t sure if you knew of any fixes
Overall inexperience will trouble any project. It's how you over come obstacles on your path , that prove your true potential.
+Luke Hernandez agree 👍
I need to bey this product prise help me
I could have used those in a few projects.
They make tiling way easier, especially nice for vertical tile
I have a very bumby cement walls and using mortar to level it is not an option. I will use tile 4x6 subway tile but i want my grout line to be 1/4 thick. Can I use this system with 1/4 spacers? And is it necesary?
WOW, awesome seam clips!!
I will be ordering them right now
I have a ceiling to do and I think this will help hold them too
+Kevin Riddle let me know your thoughts, good or bad. There are a lot of systems and this is just one. Know the tile thickness before choosing the clip size/color and keep them at room temperature if possible
Looks good in rookie.
But reading comments saying it's rubbish. What do you think
Is there a certain size tile that these can be used with? Are these just for large format tile or can you use these with subway tile that is 3" x 6"?
you probably can level the 3"x6" tile with a level and can forgo the tile leveling system. Any tile leveling system is meant to fine tune the tile to prevent lippage. Large format tiles can be warped or cupped and that's where something like the SeamClips can help. The clips come in three different colors, each one is meant for a different thickness of tile. Keep that in mind if you go with the SeamClips.
Curious, When using any tile leveling system do the tiles have a tendency to be lifted up from the thinset? If not, please explain? Thanks
+Kevin Cadieux leveling systems do the opposite, they push the tiles into the thin-set and keep them in place
If one tile is being pushed down, seems like the adjacent tile is being pushed the other way (equal & opposite reactions)...
If tiles are being lifted, that is usually evidence that the substrate is not perfectly level or plumb.
no floor is perfect, regardless of whether "self leveling" is used to prep. High points or low points in the floor WILL pull corners out of mortar. Always good to study the floor FIRST. Know where you're going, and don't let a bump in the floor catch you by surprise, because at that point it's too late.
From what I observed the tiles are not being pushed up or down, they are being held in the same plane to avoid lippage. I am sure if they are all clipped together you can use a rubber mallet or your hands using body weight to set them in a little. Don't forget to use a long level and see how it looks while you can still do something about it......
Here's a rookie question: I'm tiling a fireplace with 4x4 tiles of two different thicknesses. They differ by 1/16 of an inch or so. One thickness in the middle and the other for the border pieces. Is there a tile leveling system for me or do I need to take additional steps? Thin cement board behind the thinner tile?
What did you use? for 1/16" I would have found some kind of shim, maybe roofing tar paper.
I don't get it, I must have super vision because it is clear to me that the gaps in the demonstration tiles are definitely NOT even.
He didn't put spacers in. This video is not about even gaps, it's about level tiles. Which means that the surface is very even, enabling you to slide a puck across it.
You're right. You don't get it.
How you remove them??? They break?
Where can you purchase the Tuscan seam clips?
over on Tuscan's website www.tuscanleveling.com/
or on Amazon
What size clip did you need?
Please where can I buy the tile cup levelling system??.i am in Canada..thx
Their site has the supplies www.tuscanleveling.com but make sure to get the right size. You'll need to measure the thickness of your tile before ordering the SeamClips ;)
Golden Flooring has it.
@ 5:05 ... did the strap leave behind a piece of itself there in the joint? I want to use a system like this BUT not if it's going to create even more problems (like pieces of plastic between tiles impossible to remove :(
Great question, to avoid that problem we remove SeamClips the day after setting tile by striking the Clip with a rubber mallet in the direction of the grout joint. We do the same thing T-Lock and rarely have an issue
What is the easiest way to purchase the Tuscan tile strap n' clip?
Best thing to do is visit the Tuscan website, but also price check on Amazon. Let me know what you find in terms of prices, I'm curious myself
+Jeff Patterson The one piece SeamClips are about $0.30 each. Kind of pricey for being disposable. You can find them online for around $50+ (with shipping) for 150 clips
.
Prep is everything no matter what trade or tricks you have up your sleeve. I think it's just another step to have in your routine. If you are a tile setter. Than you know what's up . If not and your a do it yourself kinda guy/ gal and you don't have a time frame , then these might be for you . What ever you got to do to make it right in your head , do it....
+Luke Hernandez you're right, I agree that prep before tile is very important. Tile leveling systems are a tool to help with lippage. They aren't meant to compensate for out of level floors or walls
ugh use the spindoctor RX system.
maybe down the road - we like the T-Lock system as well.
From my experience for some tiles blue clips are too small, red ones are too loose. Not perfect. 🙁
Raimondi and t-lock are the best systems.
+Francisco Garduno they're good systems, I'll have a video on T-Lock and hope to check out LevTec. There are so many systems it's hard to keep track. They're not always necessary but it's nice to know the options
I think the wedge system is more better, and cheaper.
you should try both the wedge and the SeamClip, you might be surprised
LevTec
you will have hollow easy to break tile floors with this system and systems like it. it will lift the tile out of the thinset . grind and level floors before laying tile! use shims under cement board to make a flat wall .
+Jnl Jnl you last tip is good but not the first comment, these systems compress the tiles into the thin-set. Plus, we'd recommend following TCNA thin-set guidelines to ensure proper coverage on the back of the tile. For example, directional troweling and back buttering of tile when necessary. This video addresses that ua-cam.com/video/CjJJEtlJkwU/v-deo.html
These systems are not a cure for unstable and uneven/unleveled surfaces they do not replace skills. You still have to do the nessesery prep work required.
Ahhh, shims under the cement board! Why didn't I think of that???!!! Well, I took the long way and possibly "incorrect" way and leveled a bathroom floor with thinset under the cement board. Wouldn't have risked it on a larger space tho :P
Jnl Jnl clearly you know nothing. These systems pull the high tile down, not the low tile up. Every tried pulling up a til with a tiny piece of plastic once its on thinset? Think before you speak idiot.
@@HomeRepairTutor Jnl Jnl obviously knows nothing. Shims under cement board. Yeah........sure..... Grinding floors? ok.... 2 days later.....lets start work. Jnl Jnl the 70s called and wants their tile install methods back.
it looks fast and easy. but this wont work on uneven surface..
what's wrong with spacers really cheap
Spacers keep your joint gap, not the level
Absolute best is "Aydinc Fliesenschlüssel"
+DukeLaCrosse20 we just tried T-Lock and really like it
Malah ribet
Why can't you reuse the straps?
Because the T is detached at the bottom
spin doctors beat this any day and cheaper
Why avoid putting them on the corners? If you use them in the corners than all of the surfaces would be identical wouldn't they? And isn't that what you want?
The concern with adding them too close to the corners is breaking the tile
and what do you do if your walls or floors aren't leveled? waste money to level them to be able to buy and use this "system"
Yes, that's what you do in any case. You first need to grind down the floor and then level the floor. Then you put tiles on.
Actually no, the system seems to push the top surface of the tiles with their bottom surface, so it would create a level surface even with no substrate or an uneven one for that matter.
@@aby0ni MJE
No
Like
Ive been laying tile for 10 years and all you really need is to make sure your floors or walls are leveled. Float your floors, and run your level on the walls. Has worked for 10 years and over .
Yup..your floor needs to be level.The substrate is the most important aspect of the job,and if it is
level,and you know what you're doing,then you don't need gimmicks.
You should take the time to understand the purpose of items before bashing them. Its called having the right tools for the job. You will learn that having the right tools for the job is not only useful but saves time. The cost is a wash if you're a contractor.
Ingenious and dumb ass-proof at the same time. Whew! Spend $1000 more for a .67 cent savings and time away from my fave cartoon. YEAH!
To much extra work!
the best technique for laying flat tile is first back butter the tile even amount of thinset if the next tile is high lift it up and take out where the floor is high
+Jason Sanchez we promote back buttering tiles and directional troweling, but leveling systems are best with large format tiles. Tiles aren't perfect, there's cupping, irregular edges, etc. These systems help with tiles that are a pain to set properly
Joints don't look that good to me!
this was just a mockup I threw together, the real thing looks great
kerdi board, so expensive
the tuscan seam clips are nice ....but they are way to overpriced....I mean it's a piece of plastic for fks sake
+Stefan agree on both points
Stefan i
@@HomeRepairTutor About how much more per foot do you charge for this system ?
The rubber hammer or just kick the first level system that you showed would be a lot quicker than the stupid tool you used.
As you can see in this video. It's a waste of time. Ya you get them leveled say, if there not cut all the same size just slightly off, they will look crooked. And with the naked eye being level wouldn't even be the problem it be the wall runnin crooked
Understand your perspective Terry and no leveling system is a magic bullet. These aren’t meant to cure uneven floors or walls but rather tune the height of the tile and hold them in place as the mortar cures
This is another product that is aimed at replacing skill and saving time.
+Stansla Michael not at all, it's a supplement for large tiles that aren't perfectly flat or square. Skill is the main tool, this is a helper
Fuck that..use a level and spacers
so what happens when you lift the lower tile to the higher tile and you create a void under the lower tile. this product is for homeowners and hacks..
+Bs W the floor should be leveled prior to tile installation. Tile leveling systems aren't designed to make up for large deficits in the subfloor, they're meant for minor adjustments.
Grout joints suck , just sayin
gimick, also that guy was pretty grubby after laying one tile
+tengsr not a gimmick, we've used them and T-Lock
I would sell this in 24 time l used it
All you need is a level.
I think was made for new bees
not at all, large format tile (e.g. 12x24) has irregularities and tile leveling systems like SeamClips or T-Lock cut down on the lippage. There are many systems and they all have their advantages. If setting small tiles...these systems are likely not necessary. But for large tiles, they should be considered.
Way too much extra work with this tile system.
So messy with 3 tile !OMG
This is not a good levelling system
+Gergely Juhász it works but lately we've been very impressed with T-Lock. In fact that's our go to leveling system right now
Wrong you don't back butter tiles you choose bigger notch on trowel and you don't need to back butter them.
+Mr. Wizeguy don't agree simply because backbuttering is a generally accepted practice in tile setting and provides an excellent bond between both surfaces
+Jeff Patterson you dont back butter this way you only use the flat side of the truel... why would you need clips if you put so mutch cimment under the tile ?
Absolutely back-butter per Tuscan clip videos.
You use a bigger notch AND you back butter. Not in the way that he does. You use the flat side of the trowel to key thinset onto the tile. You can get away with not back buttering the tile but the bond will be much better if you do. There is a youtube video with a demonstration of the difference and it is astounding!
+Home Repair Tutor, If you have problems with bonding better change thinset brand.
You ain’t gonna make much money with all this extra crap to handle. Good luck 👍🏻
lmao DIY home owners will never stop supporting rookie tools lol
+don spruell keep in mind that many pros use these, not because they can't set tile. Large format tiles are getting bigger and less perfect, there's cupping, irregular edges, etc. Leveling systems weren't necessary 30 years ago but now tiles are 2, 3, 4 feet or more.
Worst TLS ever. Way way to much work.
waste of time
+omar guillen we're not saying this system or others are necessary all the time. But as tiles get larger and the quality control gets worse, these systems will help installers more and more.
I've seen it all now !!! What a waste of time & money
Lol, "this is a bad mix of thin set". I guess he must have had no choice and didn't have time to prep the thin set.
Im no pro, but ive done few tile flioors. Never ever used any yype pf gadget but 2' foot, 4'foot, 6'foot levels Always perfect tile floors , backsplash, tilewalls. This looks like it will comsume too much valuebale time.
+Dr Rojosabroso this was simply a demonstration, so wasn’t concerned with perfect thin-set consistency. Tiles are getting bigger and bigger. And as this happens the chance of variations increases, eg cupping or warped edges. As a result, it becomes more difficult for installers to solve lippage or uneven tiles. These systems help with those problems and can also improve the bond between tiles and thin-set mortars.
You still have to level the tiles correctly, this system makes it far more complicated! How do you go back down if you came up too much? You can’t. Waste of money
You waste so much time and money if you float the walls and floor with cement you won't have to use these. These little things are made for rookies Lol.
Which is why all the experts are using them now. If you have large tiles you need these.
These systems are not a cure for unleveled and uneven suerfaces!!! In other word these leveling systems do not replace skills ding dong.
These are not training wheels. This is new tiling technology which results in a more consistent, faster installation.
Faster than making manual corrections to keep the tile level. I see the pros with 20+ years are now using them. If they were able to level tiles without them then there must be a damn good reason they are all using them now, especially since most systems are not cheap. I believe the reason is it makes the job faster and is more reliable in ensuring results are consistent.
Leveling systems are a must especially when installing on thick bed thinset.
Spin doctors are much better
+Dan we should check those out, what do you like about them over other systems?
Home Repair Tutor
you do not need a tool to Tighten it up, you crank it by hand for the exact pressure, it's faster and it's cheaper.
+Dan Mickle cool, where do you get them? And are they pretty quick to spin.
Uhhhhh...that's not how you back butter tiles!!! You back butter with the flat side of the trowel... not the notched end!!! SMH...
Not particularly convincing.
Those things are crap!
This is a paid advertisement video
No, we used the SeamClips, liked them and wanted to share the concept. We weren’t paid
God! how I hate the background music. they spoil the commentary!
crap
YES These are for non professionals Does anyone care that when u so called "level" these tiles (actually just flushing out the surface) you leave gaps under the tile for a substandard tile set. The will allow for movement and cracking of grout and tile before long.
PLEASE LEAVE TILING TO THE PROFESSIONALS. If you want install a floating floor or laminate floor, those are easy ,and less expensive than wasting your money on tile that is installed incorrectly and will faulter. TILING is ALL about the strength and level of the subfloor. PLEASE STOP THE INSANITY. Reminds me of the NEW fitness experts showing up on TV every other day
Donald Bo
you seem upset that there are people out there who want to do there own work. if there's a product out there that helps them, then so be it. It also seems like you don't do tile for a living. if you did, you would know that LFT's aren't flat. in fact some are bowed significantly. I am a contractor and I use Lippage systems myself. They do not "pull" the low tile up. They push the high tile down. Do your research. These product to not substitute uneven substrates which you would know if you researched this before opening your mouth. All subfloors must be flat within reason before the lippage system is used. These are a tool much like spacers. Do you use spacers or are you just that good?
Angry dude. Do some research before commenting.
You are correct about the sub floor.The sub floor is the most important part of the installation.If the customer wants a Level Floor,that is fine and an added expense. 99 percent of the time it is a flat floor that will do.Also a clean Sub Floor and stable sub floor is critical as well. It makes the job go a lot faster.If you have an uneven substrate and not addressing it ,be sure there is enough thin set under the low spots.