Country Custom Tile Inc

The purpose of this section is to explain in general, the phases of the tile installation process for both wall and floor tiles. This is so you may have an understanding of the schedules and disruptions caused by the tile installation process, and through awareness of these procedures, prepare you for the installation process.

Wall Tile : depending on the nature of the installation could take only 1 or 2 days to complete. Counter tops, backsplashes, tub surrounds and other basic applications may also be installed and grouted in 1 or 2 days. Any additional preparation required by your tile contractor such as membranes, backerboards and or mudding the walls may tack on extratime. Of course when installing wall tile on areas such as showers or steamrooms, several days are required because of their special installation requirements.

Considerations to take are related tasks such as electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, shower enclosure, door sizes, or anything that sets upon or within the structure being covered with tile. It is not always the responsibility of the tilesetter to implement alterations to accommodate for such things and should always be discussed in depth before the undertaking. When dealing with a retail outlet, the original salesperson is the first person to assume responsibility and all details should be covered at that time.

CAUTION : Don't put complete faith in your salesperson to fully understand the complexities of a ceramic or stone tile installation.

Most tile contractors are conscientious tradesmen and never leave a job incomplete, but at the same time . They provide a service which covers many areas of expertise which is their livelihood and cannot always be expected to perform extra tasks at their own expense. So get some kind of contract, agreement, quotation, or something scribbled on a napkin to make sure everyone knows what's to be done.

Floor Tile is usually a minimum 3 day installation. Can be done in 2, but it depends on the size of job as well as the amount of detailed work envolved. The types of mortars and uses of sealer for stone tile all determine the time required. Discuss this in detail with your tile contractor.

If your tile contractor doesn't physically check your floor joists and subfloor to determine excessive deflection, consider it to be a RED FLAG. The responsibility is on the CONTRACTOR to do the job right .... but the responsibility is on YOU to find a suitable contractor.

Preparation of the Substrate is very important as is the understanding of each method's and characteristics regarding the application and longevity. The thing to remember is that the ceramic tile requires a solid foundation on which to bond to formany years to come, and which system is able to do that the best.
Take time to look for information regarding these various procedures and please don't hesitate to ask questions regarding your project.

Setting of tile is the most time consuming part of the task at hand and can take a full day to complete, for larger jobs you need to coordinate with the tile installer). The tile installer will need a work area outside your home or business for the wet-saw and grinders, a water source and clear path from the entrance to the work area. When the ceramic tile is installed, it is very important to stay off them until they set up (at least over night) Any movement of the tiles will affect the bond between tile and mortar and cause you to have loose tiles and ultimately cracked grout. 48 hours or more is ideal ... but not always realistic.

Grouting is the last phase of the tile installation. The application of the grout is the process which brings it all together. After the sponge cleanup by the installer, there will be a fine haze residue left on your tiles. The next day after the grout is dry, you may wipe the tiles with warm water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) for a final cleanup. Rinse with clean water. It is not necessary to seal your grout, but if you decide to take the extra precaution ... PLEASE check with the installer to find out the manufacturer of the grout and their recommendations. Normally 14 to 21 days is required for the grout to cure.

Finally, do not replace your appliances upon your ceramic tile floor until the next 24 hours or recommended time from your installer. Also, ask your installer the best way to move them across your new floor. Although there are 3 phases to most ceramic tile installations, there is also the preparation by the homeowner. Disconnecting and moving appliances is important and if it can be done by the buyer, it cuts down the cost of the installation as well as saving time. If there is existing flooring to be removed, make sure that it has been discussed upon purchase and again. never assume it is the installer's responsibility.

When dealing with either a retail outlet, or directly with a contractor, you should be provided with a complete list of tasks and materials detailed into a contract.
Everything should be explained and detailed from start to finish.

Plywood : Douglas Fir exterior grade plywood , meeting minimum thickness of 5/8" should be used to strengthen the existing surface in preparation for a tile installation. The procedure can involve removing the existing floor, exposing the original 5/8" exterior grade plywood or 3/4" Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and starting fresh. Each installer has his own opinions of what should be done for a guaranteed installation as well as considerations regarding height differences in the floor surfaces. The sheets of plywood are secured with screws . Adhesives may or may not be used between the plywood and existing surface. This again depends on the installer and circumstances. Remember, although the wood adds structural strength to your floor, it isn't the best surface to bond ceramic tile to. All wood products expand and contract applying extreme stresses upon the ceramic tile or stone installation. Using a uncoupled membrane gives you a rated floor ready for ceramic tile or stone. You need to create an entire system, not just an installation. Also, additional layers of plywood MUST be installed a certain way.

Cementboard : Sheets of aggregated Portland cement boards with glass fibre mesh embedded into their construction. This may change in various degrees depending upon the manufacturer. The sheets should be set into the proper mortar and then nailed or screwed into the existing floor. The seams should then be taped and filled with thinset mortar as well. Always refer to manufacturer's recommendations for installation procedures.

Mud (Mortar Bed) The mortar is prepared from a mixture of portland cement and sand, generally in proportions by volume of one part cement, and 5 parts sand. This in turn is poured over a "cleavage" or separation membrane of asphalt sheathing paper, felt, or polyethylene film separating the mortar bed from the existing floor. Metal lath is used to enforce the mortar bed. A mortar bed when finished gives a seamless and very strong foundation for your tiles. Unfortunately. The 1 inch or more thickness of your mortar bed combined with the 1/4 inch bond coat and 3/8 inch of ceramic tile gives you quite a raise in your completed floor surface, so again. examine all your options.

Ditra (Schlüter) Ditra is a product which compensates for the expansion and contraction of subfloors by allowing independent movement between the tiles and substrate through its unique uncoupling system. Ditra can be used over any surface. There are many advantages to this product where various restrictions limit your options.

Scratchcoat & Wire Mesh This method is meant only for walls. Used on walls it creates a superior system to support a ceramic tile or stone installation.

When used for installing floor tile, this stuff is a joke! If anyone has told you this is a preferred or recommended method for a ceramic tile or stone flooring installation. I advise you to question them as to what authority they base their information on.

Wire mesh is stapled to your existing subfloor and unmodified mortar is then spread into the lath creating a very thin layer to act as a base for your tile or stone.
It is the most inexpensive system to install ... but it will end up costing the most in the long run through repairs and replacement. I've never heard of this system receiving more than a 1 year warranty in North America.

Both Real Estate professionals and builders agree that ceramic tile is the one thing you simply can not afford to leave to chance when designing and upgrading your home or business.

Stop And think about it, dollar for dollar, you would have to go to exterme lengths to find a better return on any investment than a beautifully restored kitchen, family room, dining room, backsplash or bathroom floor and walls. A newly installed tile floor or tub surround will not just look beautiful but, will increase the value of your home!

For many people, knowing exactly which Tile Installation Service to choose, can be a bit daunting. Of course you don't want to choose just anyone. We have been in business since 1992 in the Jacksonville Florida area and have a well established reputation.

YOU NEED : Fully trained professionals. people that know their industry and provide quality workmanship with good customer relations whose reputation has been mainly through referrals.

YOU WANT : The entire job to start and finish according to plan and with the least amount of stress and interruption.

DONT RISK : Hiring a novice or part-timer who could waste your hard earned money on a sub-standard job that you'll regret every time you look at it! Just remember that the tile job will last for years and should make you feel wonderful every time you look at it.

That's Why We've Created This Website : Be sure to bookmark it because we have posted requested information, some helpful tips, tile care and we hope you find something that will help you as well.