FWIW, Pugler, we used Waterlox, a much more durable and water-resistant finish, and, since the sink area is "temporary" counter, set the undermount on top for now. As it is, though, we should have put additional coats in the hole for the faucet. There is a thin discolored ring around its edge that would make me uneasy about what we'd have if we had undermounted the sink. Certainly, I doubt mineral oil would have cut it long term without exceptional care. FWIW, our really noticeable problem is where the soap dispenser rises directly from the wood. The soap chemicals from occasional drips and drops not wiped up (DH the big culprit) started penetrating the finish fairly early on. Note that this is mostly a maintenance problem and could have been avoided, or greatly minimized, with greater care, the kind someone using mineral oil might do as a matter of course. Plus, mineral oil can be reapplied very quickly and easily, unlike Waterlox, whose fumes require relocating for a couple days and can't be kept stored for touchups for any length of time. Other options would have been a metal base plate (yuck), or, better choice for us, waiting to build one in because we've always planned to wrap this high-maintenance area with stainless steel eventually anyway. Also BTW, Waterlox has been beautiful and durable on all our non-soap/water counter areas.

Feel around and see how dry the soil is. They could just need more water. If you really want to be scientific about it take some soil samples and have them tested for salt content.

Hi Joseph! I did a to scale size model of both walls (back with window and niche walls) in Photoshop. Following the diagram meant he would have had to shorten every tile in the first row and the top row - which he did not do. The Dremel tool is a good idea but I'm having him redo the niche like the photo on the box - it will do away with the little sliver but it won't line up exactly. With the current layout there will be another sliver about an inch long over the window. The only way this can be remedied is by taking out all of the tile and starting with a shorter bottom row. Do you think that one inch pieces over the window will hurt anything? - its boxed in with a header. I can live with it if it will be okay. Thanks!

13 QUESTIONS TO FIND THE RIGHT TILE INSTALLER Qualified tile contractors have the verifiable experience and use proper methods and materials. But how do you know your contractor is qualified? We have surveyed homeowners, designers, contractors and other construction industry experts to compile a list of questions every homeowner should ask an installer before starting a project. To help ensure the tile contractor you hire is the right fit, start with these 13 questions: 1. Are you licensed in your area? Verify. Some states do not require tile contractors to be licensed. 2. How many years have you/your team been working exclusively as tile installers? It takes many years to become proficient as a dedicated, qualified tile professional. Five years or more would be an expected minimum. 3. How were you trained? Do you participate in on-going professional training from organizations and/or manufacturers, and specifically what? Tile installers who have completed an apprenticeship under a Qualified Tile Installer/Organization and participate in industry training are generally more likely to follow standards and industry recommendations and stay current with products, materials, and industry updates. 4. Tell me about your favorite tile installation project and why. What project(s) were challenging for you and what did you do to overcome those challenges? Get to know the tile professional as part of your project team. Do they take pride in their work? If you have a General Contractor (GC) or Designer who is hiring the tile installer, it may make sense to request meeting with the GC/Designer and tile installer in advance of the installation to plan and answer your questions. 5. Do you have a company website or social media pages with photos of your work? Professionals will have a public presence that is available to consumers so you can review their work and customer reviews. Lack of a traceable, legitimate, and experienced business should be a deterrent to hiring. 6. Can I speak with recent customers and view photos of those projects? Qualified, experienced tile contractors will have a history of satisfied clients that are happy to recommend them and share their experience. 7. Are you familiar with the TCNA Handbook and ANSI Standards? Does your work follow these industry recommendations? The TCNA Handbook coupled with the ANSI Standards are the industry recognized guidelines for the installation of tile for a wide range of applications. A qualified tile professional installer will be familiar with and know how to specify and use these reference tools. 8. Do you have successful experience working with the type of tile I plan to use? There are different methods, materials and considerations when planning and installing various tile products such as ceramic, porcelain, large format tile, handmade tile, mosaics, natural stone or glass. Verify their experience and training with the tile product you have chosen for your project. 9. What manufacturer’s products do you use and do you comply with manufacturer instructions? There are many manufacturers of quality tile setting materials. Most perform well with use of approved methods and adherence to manufacturer specifications. Most qualified tile installers will be well versed on the methods and systems they prefer and should be able to answer your questions about their process and materials and associated warranties. 10. If wet areas (showers/baths) are to be included in the work performed, what approved system/methods will you use to assure a long-lasting installation? Tile installations in wet areas require some very important preparation to avoid leaks and unwanted moisture problems. Unapproved methods, and the use of materials inappropriate for this application can contribute to a very costly and unwanted result that too often requires complete removal and replacement by a qualified professional. A quality installation should last decades or longer. 11. Do you have liability insurance, and if you have employees, are they covered with Worker’s Compensation Insurance? Make sure you can verify appropriate insurance coverage. 12. Do you belong to professional organizations like NTCA (National Tile Contractor’s Association)? Industry involvement is one indication of a tile installation company’s commitment to their craft. It gives them access to education, technical information, and other resources to assist them in professionally serving you. National Tile Contractor’s Association “Find A Contractor”: https://www.tile-assn.com/search/custom.asp?id=2759 13. Are you a Certified Tile Installer (Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, CTI) or do you have Certified Tile Installers on your team? The certification of tile installers is an important step forward for the consumer and is “one” indication of professionalism. The industry has established a process to certify tile installers. Certification identifies an installer as being a dedicated and knowledgeable professional whose competence in installing tile has been verified to meet specific tile industry standards. Ceramic Tile Education Foundation “Find a Certified Tile Installer Near You”: https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/find-certified-tile-installers