What you need to know about tile & stone installation

Tile installations can be labor intensive and there are a number of specialized tools required to complete the job. It can be messy and sometimes a lengthy process. Knowing what to expect will make the process go faster and eliminate any surprises.

We will take care of the basics and send out an estimator to measure your rooms and determine how much tile is needed for your installation.

A majority of installations take place in areas where tile already exists, so removing your old flooring is the first step in the process. Removing the old tile can be a messy and time-consuming process.

The next step is ensuring the subfloor is clean and prepped for installation. Concrete subfloors typically only require cleaning and possibly minor crack repairs. Newly poured concrete subfloors will require proper curing time. (Speak to an installer about this) Any other type of subfloor will require the installation of concrete backer board. The backer board may raise the height of your flooring and require different transitions between rooms. Prepping your floor may involve stripping, sanding, dust, and loud power tools. This process will likely be messy and noisy.

Once the subfloor is ready, the installation crew will begin spreading mortar and grout as they lay the tile. The crew will also need an area outside, preferably covered, to cut or trim your tile. This process typically requires the use of a wet saw, which is somewhat noisy and can cause a small mess. Once the grout goes down and your tiles are set in place, your installation is nearly finished!