Rating: 
Summary: Weekend Handyman and Scubaman
Review: After flipping through all the tile books at the big bookstores and the big home improvement stores, I chose this one and was certainly not disappointed. More detailed and covers a wider range of issues than any other tile book, including the Bridge book, which I bought as well. I figured if I'm spending [a small fortune]on a tile job, what's another [few dollars] to get a few more ideas.
I especially liked the chapter where he takes you through a real job, with many of the real world problems one may encounter.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: Clear, detailed, step-by-step instructions made my first tile job look like I was a top professional.
Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful and gets you started in the Right Direction
Review: Good book to start learning by.Very helpful and informative.Has a good section on lay out of tile.Covers just about all aspects of tiling, floor, countertop,wall,etc.It has a resorce guide and glossary that are very helpful also.
Rating:
Summary: Complete and realistic for new tilers like me
Review: Great book, gives you an excellent feel for how to figure out what you want to do and how to do it. Assumes minimal experience yet gives enough detail to do a good job, and explains WHY each step is important.
Rating:
Summary: A valuable resource for the first timer
Review: I bought this book because I have never set tile before and I wanted to unlock some of the mysteries that I had concerning tile installations. The book is full of wonderful full color photographs and great advice. If you are a do it yourself type of person, this book will take you start to finish. I like the thorough discussion of the proper way to do a layout so you never end up with tile slivers on the margin of your installation. There is a thorough discussion of how to make your installs waterproof, long lasting, and pleasing to the eye.
After reading this book I came to realize that what you have under the tile is almost as important as the finished product. There's a lot more that goes into that sandwich than you think.
Rating:
Summary: The Only One You Need
Review: I had never set tile before, and was able to do a professional job thanks to this book. Despite never having tiled, I put in a custom tile floored shower (not for the amatuer, but the book made it straightforward). This is probably the hardest project you could ever take on in this area yourself. It came out perfectly, and the detail and techniques provided by Mr. Byrne made it possible. This is the only home improvement book I would heartily recommend, and really the only one I would recommend. I was very disappointed by all of the other bathroom, plumbing, and electrical books. This one is great! I probably sound like I am getting paid for the glowing review (I'm not), but it really is that good.
Rating:
Summary: the best single source of tile and stone installation info
Review: I have completed three major tile jobs using Byrne's book - each one has been a success because I applied what I learned. As I start my fourth, I am reviewing it again, because each time I pick up another time or money-saving tip. As I get more experienced and try more complex tasks, I rely less and less on him for specific tips; these vary with every application, and as new materials come on the market. What I do get are principles that will get you through every combination of tools, materials, and environment. A great book - well written, thoroughly illustrated, well laid out - the best tile and stone tool you could ever buy.
Rating:
Summary: A great book that shows you how to do it.
Review: I'd never tiled anything before, but with the help of this book tiled an entire bathroom, including the shower floor, which is one of the more difficult things for the tiling uninitiated to do. It came out great, and looks wonderful! Because I did it myself I was able to put a lot of creativity into it and have an original design, which wouldn't have been possible if I'd had a contractor come in and do the job for me (time is money and I couldn't have afforded the extra time for a contractor to do a fancy job). If you have any ability to work with tools, with this book beside you you can do wonders.
Rating:
Summary: Complete and realistic for new tilers like me
Review: I've read several reviews of this book that are much less than glowing since purchasing this book. I agree with every one of them. I would not consider this book a good reference for inexperienced tile setters. After having tackled my own bathroom job and now having the benefit of experience with tile, my opinioin is this book fell short in revealing crucial detail at every turn. examples: The book fails to describe in any detail how tile is set over the transition between backerboard and the tub lip. CRITICAL! The book fails to descibe in any detail the variety of adhesives that may be used. What's the difference between thin set and mastic adhesive? Why would you choose one over the other? - Hint: it's more than just bond strength. How about all the hinden problems you will encounter with a retrofit job? LACKING! What about the transition from cement backer to drywall! Not even addressed. When installing cement board, rough side up or down? If it doesn't matter SAY SO! My opinion: This book is LACKING! LACKING! LACKING!
Rating:
Summary: Nice but......
Review: I've read several reviews of this book that are much less than glowing since purchasing this book. I agree with every one of them. I would not consider this book a good reference for inexperienced tile setters. After having tackled my own bathroom job and now having the benefit of experience with tile, my opinioin is this book fell short in revealing crucial detail at every turn. examples: The book fails to describe in any detail how tile is set over the transition between backerboard and the tub lip. CRITICAL! The book fails to descibe in any detail the variety of adhesives that may be used. What's the difference between thin set and mastic adhesive? Why would you choose one over the other? - Hint: it's more than just bond strength. How about all the hinden problems you will encounter with a retrofit job? LACKING! What about the transition from cement backer to drywall! Not even addressed. When installing cement board, rough side up or down? If it doesn't matter SAY SO! My opinion: This book is LACKING! LACKING! LACKING!
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