TILE
Simply put, this is a job for someone else.
Whether it’s ceramic tile, porcelain tile or natural stone tile, installing it is tough work, labor intensive and extremely exacting. Which is why we highly recommend that you hire a pro to do it for you. In the hands of bona fide professional, your tile will both look beautiful and last an incredibly long time.
BEFORE
Pick out the perfect grout. Just like tiles, the grout that goes between them comes in a rainbow of colors. If you choose white or a complementary hue, that will emphasize the color in your tile. Going with a dark or contrasting color will call attention to the pattern of how your tile is laid out.
Move the furniture out. Before the installers arrive, move any furniture out of the room you’re tiling and make sure the room is clean. If you have baseboards, you’ll need to remove those too. Better yet, pay the installer to do all that for you.
When it comes to the furniture, however, you will need to move any items that are in or on that furniture yourself. Like lamps, books and knick knacks.
DURING
Be home but be safe.You need to be there the day of the installation, not only to let the installers in but also in case they have any questions. Keep in mind putting in tile is messy. So be sure to keep your kids and pets out of harm’s way.
Flat is where it’s at. Any subfloor you’re putting floor tiles onto needs to be level and flat. Otherwise, your tile could chip or crack when you put weight on it. Your pro installer can help with that too.
AFTER
A 12-24 hour no-walk zone. Once your new tile is installed, you may be dancing with glee. But don’t do that on your new tile…just yet. Whatever was used to adhere it to the floor needs to totally set to make sure it’s utterly secure for years to come. So wait 12-24 hours before anyone walks on your new floor.