hi, you should always go by what the manufacturer specify. coat them before you start to tile and again once laid before grouting and then after grouting one more time. the sealer should be a penetrating one . because of the nature of the tiles , being cement based, I do not recommend them being used in showers or constantly wet areas. some other recommendations for a bathroom application are .to use a membrane that is ok in full immersion. adhesive is also to be of a type that is ok in full water immersion.. remember that not following theses recommendations may result in membrane failure and water damage and even resulting in structural damage.

Yes Daniel, a few people have said that but it would mean replacing the painted cedar on all three gables and would also require a lot more maintenance so we have decided to go for paint. It was originally stained brown, then became cream and soon will become mule with ironstone trim unless we change our minds again. We think we might get professionals to paint it as I’ve read 70 year olds should not climb ladders and roofs. It’s tempting to paint the front ourselves (with the possibility of falling off the balcony!!!) but the sides are two storeys high.

Judy, do you know if the stepped facade on the art-deco extension is hiding a roof gable or is it purely decorative? If it is only decorative (and heritage regulations allow) I would remove those top 2 courses to make it a simpler box shape. Not essential, but in my opinion that stepped gable is not very attractive, and makes it look more like a public building than a residence. This would simplify and give it more of a modern look, but still be genuine art-deco. The house is already a combination of different eras, so adding a bit of a modern touch will not detract and is more honest when you are renovating anyhow. I would paint the driveway terra-cotta to match the tiles, garage door green to match the roof and change the cladding on the garage front wall to flat fibre-cement panel rendered and built up to a straight line parapet on the front. Paint all walls white, including the rendered panel over the garage door (IMHO this is the only colour that really works with art-deco). Remove the shutters and paint window frames and other trim the dark charcoal you already have on gutters and other trim. The middle section of the column should be that same colour as the top and bottom for its shape and proportions to read well. I would probably leave the stone paths as they are, as they seem to match the dark surround to your front porch tiles. With the front fence I would remove the wrought iron, then extend the pillars up to 2m and fit batten screens between them. To alleviate the sun-load on the western window after those shutters are gone I would instead plant a screen of high growing vegetation inside the front fence, e.g. a row of bamboo. That would give you a better outlook and still provide sun shading and street privacy.

Majestic marble. Old stone. Precious to behold and enjoyed. This is how most consider marble for their home. The Marble Man would recommend marble in the home for various reasons: - looks fantastic - long lasting - high quality and as explained on The Marble Man website - https://themarbleman.com.au/stone-info/types-of-stone/ "Marble is a popular stone commonly used for its strength and beauty and its ability to achieve a ‘mirror like’ finish when polished. It has been used for centuries as a building material and also to create sculptures, as it is soft but strong. It is a versatile material also used for floors, furniture, vanities, bathroom tiles and ornaments. Although it is fairly resistant to erosion and fire, acidic liquids will etch the surface and grit will scratch it. It is not an ideal surface to use as a kitchen bench top where spills and scratching are common. Its longevity will be determined by its treatment and maintenance. Sealing with a penetrating sealer is recommended, and will protect the surface from staining. Regular cleaning with recommended products will prolong the glossy look and feel of the marble." The Marble Man | repairs polish & seal stone surfaces | 1300 627 626