Schannon Yodice

Tile Installation and Design Expert

Schannon Yodice is a Tile Installation and Design Expert based in League City, Texas. She is the Founder of Online Tile Academy, an online video platform designed to educate designers, contractors, and the general public on the proper use, installation, and building of tile installation. With over 242K followers on her Instagram, thattilechick, Schannon is known for sharing DIY projects and tips for various tile installation projects.

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Q&A Comments (6)

What common mistakes should we look out for when applying vinyl?

One of the biggest rookie mistakes I see is jumping in without knowing enough about the material or the process. The more you prep, the smoother it’ll go. First, spend some time researching—this isn’t just about sticking a sticker on a cupboard. Vinyl comes with its quirks! For example, check out the manufacturer’s instructions and product details, often called data sheets. These give you the nitty-gritty on where the vinyl can be applied and how it performs under different conditions, like humidity or heat. Just like with grout or tile, data sheets offer key insights that you wouldn’t always get from just the label. When it’s time to apply, clean and prep the cupboard surface thoroughly. Grease or dust can make the vinyl bubble or peel, so wiping down with a good cleaner and letting it dry completely is non-negotiable. Once you’re ready to go, start with a small section at a time, peeling off the backing little by little rather than all at once. It’s like laying down wallpaper; you don’t want to rush or you’ll end up with air bubbles. Speaking of bubbles, you can use a squeegee or an old credit card to help smooth the vinyl as you go. This gives you a nice even finish. And don’t be afraid to pull the vinyl up if you mess up a section—it’s usually pretty forgiving if you catch it quickly. Finally, if you’re working on tricky edges or corners, a hairdryer on low heat can help soften the vinyl, making it easier to reapply, stretch, and smooth around curves.

How do I check the house for leaks?

Start with sinks and check under the sink cabinet, especially around the pipes. Now, run the water for a couple of minutes and feel for any moisture. It would also help to place a paper towel under the pipes; if there’s a slow drip, you’ll catch it quickly on the towel. For showers, look at the floor around the shower, the walls, and in the seams or grout lines. Sometimes, leaks come from gaps where caulking has worned out, so inspect those areas closely. Run the shower for a few minutes, and check the ceiling below the shower for any damp spots, molds, or discoloration. If you have time, you could also perform a “flood test”—fill the shower pan slightly with water and let it sit for 24 hours to see if any moisture leaks through to the floor below. This step is especially important if you suspect a larger issue or have had water stains show up in the past. If you’re still unsure where the leak might be, take a look at your water meter before and after a couple of hours of no water use in the house. If the meter reading changes, that’s a pretty good sign you’ve got a hidden leak somewhere, and it might be worth calling in a pro to narrow it down.

What kind of adhesive should I use when installing a parquet?

You’ll want to use high-quality wood flooring adhesive that’s specifically recommended for your parquet. The best options are urethane-based or a modified-silane adhesive. But before you dive in, check the data sheet for the adhesive you’re considering. The data sheet will spell out where and how it’s meant to be used, including any prep requirements for your subfloor. For example, some adhesives work better on concrete floors, while others are designed for plywood or existing wood floors. The data sheet may also specify temperature and humidity limits, which is really important when working with wood. Applying the adhesive evenly is also essential. You can use a notched trowel to spread it across the floor in manageable sections, this way, you can set each parquet tile before the adhesive starts drying. And don't rush it. Getting a strong, uniform bond requires pressing each tile firmly into place.

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Co-authored Articles (14)

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