RCK SLD masonry

11/24/2022

11/06/2022

02/25/2021

Here is the after!! These are the final pics I got last week when I installed the grab bars and the vanity backsplash. Sorry for the phone pics. This is what the clients should have had in the first place. This zero entry shower pan from will definitely help with the ease of having a shower for this family. The pan is pre sloped for proper drainage with no water pooling anywhere. I was able to get all the schluter trim matching in a trend line colour “Greige”. The edging, shelves and drain are all matching for material continuity through the bathroom. I did not have any input on the final tile selections, but I think it came together nicely. Along with the schluter products, I utilized 8+9 epoxy waterproofing as well as grout and silicone. Using such quality products will ensure this new bathroom does not fail and these homeowners don’t have to worry about it at all. You will notice in the video that I recently posted, is that there is a new ADA compliant ramp at both entries. This was completely missed by the first contractor and after talking with the homeowner,she expressed her overwhelming content with not having to fight to get into the bathroom. It’s these little subtle design elements that you pay professionals to know and execute. The final product speaks for itself. *****on

02/22/2021

Here is a little before and during set. This accessible bathroom was done incorrectly and I was called in to give it that “Lance” attention to detail. This initial product was not the right application for the project at all. And the quality of the install definitely showed the inexperience of the installer. There was water pooling in the shower area with inadequate and uneven slope. Also, that drain cover is hideous. 🤮. And extremely slippery being a polished concrete. Obviously, first step is to remove everything and start fresh is the answer. Demo was completed and I came in to work my magic on the floor with Schluter-Systems North America ditra XL to match up with the 38”x60” offset drain inset into the floor the create the accessible zero entry floor. The entire shower area was waterproofed with Kerdi board. Then I waterproofed with the roll on Ardex 8+9 epoxy waterproofing. Now, I know what everyone is going to say, “but Lance, isn’t the Schluter board waterproof?” And yes!!, it most definitely is. However, I had to drypack the edges of the pan to make it fit into the space and I felt more comfortable doing a roll on product and expanding the overlap further up the walls as well as into the preformed pan and out onto floor area. And rather than only mixing half of the product, I just mixed it all and used it all up the walls, onto the pan and out into the main floor area. This product will allow for crack isolation as well as waterproofing. It is what we call “overkill”. But I honestly don’t really believe in overkill, I call it insurance. Anyway, this post is to provide an inside look into the layers of prep that is needed on zero entry showers. You can never prep too much. It is also to showcase that just because it is covered by tile, it doesn’t have to be thrown down and ugly. Make clean lines, ensure the corners are solid and keep it clean and tidy. It shows that you care. It isn’t that hard to work clean and doesn’t really even add time to the project. These are all important steps and cannot be rushed. Otherwise, you will be redoing it because of negligent workmanship.

02/17/2021

Details, Details, Details!

Lets talk about mitres. They are very technical and take a lot of skill, passion, mindset and the right tools. These tiles from ABK are very good quality which make it easy to cut, mitre and polish to get the desired finish. I choose to use Pearl Abrasive Co. P4 blade to get the desired cuts with minimal to no chipping. Thanks again to these amazing clients!

ARDEX Americas
Custom Building Products
McKenna Distribution
ABK emozioni in superficie
Schluter-Systems North America

02/10/2021

Who doesn’t love extra storage?
In this custom shower we went with a large niche inlay to reduce the cluttery look of excess shelving systems. The standard niche size is quite small if you ask me, but this is 👌!

Design Concept Interiors
Technique Construction
Schluter-Systems North America
Custom Building Products
MAPEI Canada

02/03/2021

How is this for natural and traditional?! I love this design from Homecoming Studios and ex*****on from Matt Gazda Construction Seeing all these natural elements pulled together warm my heart. Everything from the natural wood cabinetry to the granite counters and exposed wood beams. Matt called me in to install this tile floor throughout the main kitchen and dining area as well as the back entrance and stairs.

Finishing off the kitchen, we did a basic subway tile backsplash to add a little pop of texture. I love it when clients take a chance and do something totally different than what you see a lot of renovations doing right now.

What do you think? Is this your style?

01/27/2021

Okay, how nice would this be right about now with the cold snap we're currently in?! To have a roaring natural wood fireplace to go with a steaming cup of your favourite hot cocoa!

I completed this fireplace just before Christmas for a young family of 6 (4 kids) who built their forever family home on a farm north of Regina. They called me in after a referral from from McKenna Distribution to finish off this fireplace and complete the space with an absolute showstopper. They wanted a minimal seamed concrete look and decided to go with this large-format 2' x 4' "Pearl" porcelain tile from ABK emozioni in superficie. They also wanted little to no metal as possible. Enter, mitres!! Mitres are typically not the most difficult thing to do, but once you get to the large format tile, it changes things quite a bit. Everything from handling the material to actually having the ability to make the cuts and mitres with precision on such large pieces. By doing the mitre edges, it transforms this beautiful fireplace into a one of a kind piece of art! This will be a great centrepiece for many Christmas's, birthdays, anniversaries, family dinners, and other gatherings for years to come for this amazing young family!