"Sure, it took patience (and a few deep breaths, lol), but the end result was absolutely worth it."
Haha, I feel this on a spiritual level. I've seen plenty of DIY tile jobs go sideways because folks underestimate the prep work. Honestly, it's like baking—skip one step and suddenly you've got a hot mess instead of a masterpiece. Glass tiles especially can be tricky; they're gorgeous but unforgiving if your surface isn't perfectly flat or your adhesive isn't spot-on.
One thing I'd add is that grout choice makes a huge difference too. People often overlook it, but picking the right grout color and type can either elevate your tilework or make it look kinda meh. Epoxy grout is pricier and a bit fussier to work with, but man, it's worth every penny in moisture-heavy areas like showers. No mold, no discoloration...just peace of mind.
Anyway, glad yours turned out great—Victorian homes deserve that extra TLC.
Totally agree on epoxy grout—it's a bit of a hassle at first, but once you've dealt with moldy grout lines, you never wanna go back. Glad your patience paid off...Victorian homes can be tricky, but they're worth the sweat equity.
Epoxy grout definitely sounds like a solid choice, especially if mold has been a recurring issue. But I'm wondering... is it always worth the hassle? I mean, I've heard epoxy can be pretty unforgiving if you mess up during installation, and Victorian homes aren't exactly known for their straightforward lines and angles. Did you find it tricky navigating all the quirky corners and uneven surfaces?
Also, curious about the longevity factor—does epoxy grout hold up well in older homes with shifting foundations? My house tends to settle a bit seasonally, and I've noticed regular grout sometimes cracking or pulling away slightly. Would epoxy grout handle that better, or would it just crack differently?
Honestly, I've been leaning more toward using traditional grout but sealing it really well and regularly maintaining it instead. I get that epoxy is great for mold resistance, but I'm not sure if the extra effort and precision needed during application outweighs the benefits for everyone. Maybe I'm just hesitant because my DIY skills aren't exactly HGTV-level, haha.
Speaking of sweat equity, did anyone here try other alternatives like urethane grout or those newer hybrid grouts I've seen popping up? I'd be interested to hear how those options compare in terms of ease of use versus durability. Victorian houses are definitely worth the effort, but sometimes I wonder if we're making things harder on ourselves than necessary...
"Honestly, I've been leaning more toward using traditional grout but sealing it really well and regularly maintaining it instead."
Totally with you on this. Epoxy grout's great, but it's pricey and unforgiving—especially if you're not super confident in your DIY skills (like me, ha). I went the traditional grout route, sealed it thoroughly, and honestly, it's held up surprisingly well. Sure, there's some minor maintenance involved, but nothing crazy. Haven't tried urethane yet though... curious if anyone else has experience with that one.
I get why epoxy grout appeals to people, but honestly, traditional grout sealed properly can be just as durable and way easier on the wallet. Plus, from an eco-friendly standpoint, traditional grout usually has fewer harsh chemicals involved. I redid my bathroom about two years ago, went traditional grout with a good-quality sealer, and it's still looking great. Maintenance is minimal—just a quick scrub every now and then. Haven't messed with urethane either, but I've heard mixed things...might be worth researching more before diving in.
