Tile flooring installation is a popular method among homeowners to increase the aesthetic appeal of a room. Most often used in the kitchen and bathroom, tile floors add to the value of a home and are known to last substantially longer than other alternatives.
However, installation can be a long process involving many steps. For this reason, some owners elect to hire a professional installer. For others, the cost of labor is not economical and do-it-yourself installation is preferred. The base cost of the tile is $1-$20/square foot; professional installation will add $5-$10/square foot and custom work will also increase the overall cost of installation substantially.
Whether completed by the owner or a professional, certain steps must be taken to ensure a quality job. First, the base of the floor must be inspected for quality and durability. It is not uncommon in remodels to need to take additional steps to ready the base concrete, tile, or woodwork. The existing floor must be securely attached with no cracks or bulges. Also, any baseboards or molding must be removed from the area to be tiled.
Secondly, tiles must be laid over the base and cut to match the available area exactly. As tiles frequently break during cutting, it is important to order an extra 10-20% supply. This will also allow for any repairs at a later date. Although having the tiles cut accurately and smoothly is extremely important, many tools are readily available to assist the installer. For mass produced tiles, it is important to verify the tiles match in color and lot number. Some tiles may vary by up to ¼ inch thickness between lots or vary slightly in shade, and if the tiles are from different lots this will drastically reduce the overall appeal of the completed floor.
The final step in tile flooring installation is to select the grout and cement the tile. Once the tile is in place, the owner should verify it has been laid straightly and evenly. If a professional has completed the installation, the owner should walk the entire surface area of the completed floor with the installer to ensure there are no areas of unevenness prior to the floor completely setting.
Old flooring may be removed at any time, but should be included in the cost of a bid when completed by a professional. The Better Business Bureau is e a good research tool to check the history of an installer before the project begins. The owner should also verify the tile selected will match the load bearing requirements to which it will be used. Once complete, a tile floor will provide an attractive sturdy surface for years to come, and it is easy to see why regardless of installation method, tile floors continue to appeal to homeowners.