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Installing kitchen countertop tiles on a mold and moisture-resistant cement backer board is one of the best options. When fitted correctly on top of a plywood base, it’s stable and long-lasting. Old-fashioned cement board is economical, cuts neatly and easily with a circular or jigsaw, and screws into plywood without any difficulty.

You can, in theory, tile your fireplace hearth with most tiles. However just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. For example, it’s much better to use unglazed tiles because glazed tiles are more resistant to cracking under extreme heat. Porcelain is more heat-resistant than ceramic, but you can still design the hearth as you like by putting the most heat-resistant tiles directly under the fire and, if it matches your style, add more decorative tiles further from the center of the fire. 

Yes, it’s always a good idea to keep a box or two of spare tiles after a home renovation project. Tiles can crack from improper installation, heavy foot traffic, and impact from drops. Having some extra tile on hand can make replacement fast, easy, and affordable. Plus, some manufacturers might discontinue particular colors or styles, and slight variations in tile colors between batches could mean mismatched tiles even if your product isn’t discontinued. Having a few spare tiles in storage can help avoid these issues, as well.

Deciding between using a shower pan or tile will likely come down to the shower’s design. You can learn how to install a shower pan liner, but it has a standard look similar to most other showers, though there is some flexibility for material and color choices. Tile, on the other hand, can be customized and is set directly into the shower base. However, a shower tile floor is more difficult to install than a shower pan.