FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about a tile project or planning a renovation?
We know you may have questions about costs, timelines, tile options, waterproofing, and maintenance. Our FAQ page gives you clear answers so you know exactly what to expect — whether you’re upgrading a bathroom, redoing your kitchen backsplash, adding tile flooring, or planning a full home or commercial renovation.

01.

Quick Answers (TL;DR)

Backsplash: 1–2 days. Bathroom/shower: 3–5 days. Large floors: 2–4 days. Full reno: 1–2 weeks.

Light foot traffic after ~24 hours; heavy use/furniture after 48–72 hours.

10% extra (15% for diagonals, mosaics, or patterned/stone).

Yes—cracked tiles, loose grout, leaks, re-grouting, and spot replacements. 24/7 urgent help available.

Yes—fully insured with written workmanship warranty.

 

Yes—demolition, haul-away, and dust control are included options.

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Planning & Design

Pick for use + look: porcelain for durability, ceramic for value, stone for natural beauty; match size/finish to room traffic and cleaning needs.

Small mosaics for slopes/traction (showers), mid/large format for open floors; larger tiles = fewer grout lines, but require flatter subfloors.

Usually yes—more cutting, time, and waste; budget +10–20%.

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03.

Materials & Product Choices

Porcelain is denser and more water-resistant; ceramic is budget-friendly; stone (marble/slate) is premium, needs sealing and extra care.

Matte hides scuffs and is less slippery; glossy is easier to wipe but shows water spots and can be slick when wet.

For floors, choose tiles rated suitable for wet/foot-traffic areas; in showers, small mosaics give more grout lines = better grip.

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04.

Prep & Substrates

Yes—flatness, deflection, and moisture; we use cement board or uncoupling membranes and leveling as needed for a long-lasting install.

Not Recommended but if customer Sometimes choose this option and if the old tile is solid, flat, clean, and height/doors allow; otherwise we recommend removal.

No—showers/wet areas get polymer-modified thinset mortar for strength and water resistance.

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05.

Wet Areas & Waterproofing

We use sheet or liquid membranes on walls and pans, properly sloped to the drain; corners and seams are reinforced and sealed.

Yes—24-hour flood tests are available on new pans to verify watertightness.

Changes of plane (wall/floor corners) get color-matched silicone to prevent cracking.

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06.

Installation & Quality

Subfloor flattening, proper trowel/mortar coverage, leveling systems for large tiles, and correct layout planning.

Based on tile size and calibration: common widths are 1/16″–3/16″; rectified tiles allow tighter joints.

With metal/porcelain profiles (e.g., Schluter) or bullnose trims for clean, safe transitions.

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07.

Heated Floors & Sound

Yes—electric heat mats or cable systems with thermostats; an electrician connects power.

No—when installed correctly; we use compatible mortars and movement joints.

Yes—with sound-attenuation underlayments where appropriate.

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08.

Grout, Caulk & Sealing

Sanded for wider joints, unsanded for tight joints/glass, epoxy for top stain resistance in kitchens/commercial.

Porcelain usually doesn’t need sealing; cement grout benefits from sealing; natural stone must be sealed and maintained.

Typically every 1–3 years (stone/grout), depending on traffic and cleaners used.

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09.

Care & Maintenance

Neutral-pH tile cleaners; avoid acids/bleach on grout and stone. Wipe spills quickly.

Good ventilation, squeegee after use, and periodic gentle cleaning.

Yes—if spare tiles exist; color match is best from the same batch/lot.

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10.

Safety, Accessibility & Slip

Matte or textured tiles, small mosaics in wet zones, and wider grout for grip; consider grab bars and low-threshold shower entries.

Yes—perimeter/movement joints to handle expansion, sunlight, and temperature changes (prevents tenting/cracking).

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11.

Project Logistics (Quotes, Scheduling, Permits, Payment)

Tile type/size, layout pattern, prep/leveling, demolition, waterproofing, trims, heating, and job size/location.

Labor scope, materials, prep, trims, waterproofing (if any), waste/disposal, and timeline; change orders are approved in writing.

Tile alone typically doesn’t; plumbing/electrical/structural changes may—we’ll advise and coordinate as needed.

Clear the area, remove fragile items, arrange appliance/toilet removal if needed (we can handle), and plan pet/kid safety during work.

Yes—plastic barriers, HEPA vacuuming, and daily cleanup; some dust is inevitable during demolition.

Commonly deposit + milestone/final payment; details are on your written estimate.

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12.

Timelines & Curing

Backsplash 1–2 days; shower 3–5 days; medium floor 2–4 days; full bathroom 1–2 weeks (with trades).

Grout cures ~24–72 hrs; sealers after manufacturer’s window (often 48–72 hrs); heavy appliances/furniture after 48–72 hrs.

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13.

Commercial-Specific

Yes—nights/weekends/holidays available to keep your business running.

 

Yes—material choices and installation practices tailored for kitchens, healthcare, and high-traffic spaces.

 We plan expansion joints, slip resistance, and maintenance access for longevity and safety.

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13.

Warranty & Aftercare

Written workmanship warranty; manufacturer warranties on membranes, heat systems, and setting materials apply.

Yes—re-caulking, re-sealing, grout touch-ups, and seasonal checkups on request.

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Got questions? Let’s talk — Call now or get your free quote!”

Our experts are here to help with quick answers and clear estimates. Whether it’s a small repair or a full renovation, we’ll guide you every step of the way.