Installing Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Flooring, By Stu Silverman

Consider ceramic and porcelain tiles – both are excellent, time-honored flooring materials. They are very strong, extremely durable, and highly resistant to stains - making them a fine choice for entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and other high-traffic areas that are exposed to water and dirt. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in a wide variety of colors, textures and shapes to suit virtually any decor. They are able to imitate the look of natural stone surfaces, and are generally easier to care for.

Tiling requires a lot of skill and experience

A ceramic or porcelain tiled floor can last many years, even decades. But it important that the tiles are laid properly with the appropriate adhesives, and that grout is mixed and applied correctly. A bad tile job can cause the tiles to crack with minimal pressure, and cause water to collect in lower areas - and even seep through the grout and damage the subfloor.

Tips for hiring a qualified professional

An uneven base or misaligned tiles can make the floor look wavy - even one misaligned tile can throw off the pattern and grout line, which makes the error very noticeable. It is therefore extremely important to choose an experienced tile contractor for the job. Here are some tips:

• Resist the temptation to save money by hiring a carpenter or handyman. Tiling is a job that requires an experienced professional.
• Choose someone who has at least three years of experience and a long list of references.
• Don't just rely on pictures of previous jobs. Ask to see at least one previous installation. When you're there, here's what to look for:

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• Consistent spacing between tiles.
• Perfectly straight grout lines.
• Balanced tile layout, with equal-sized fractional tiles at opposite ends of the pattern.
• The quality of custom cuts near doorways and corners, and odd-shaped angles in the baseboard or trim - this shows the tiler's skill.
• Tiles that fit snugly. Wide gaps with lots of grout is a sign of poor workmanship.
• Tiles that fit under door jambs, and not butted against them, which creates an access point for water and doesn't look very good.
• Splashed grout or water stains on the baseboards and walls.
• Ask references if the tiler was neat, if tile cutting and cleanup were done outside, and if indoor and outdoor work areas were protected from dirt and debris; whether the tile leaked or the grout cracked (this is a common occurrence); and if problems were fixed promptly, courteously and free of charge.

When hiring any contractor, make sure they have valid insurance, including worker's compensation and liability, and any required licenses. And be sure to find out if you'll need a building permit to install your ceramic or porcelain floor. Some municipalities require a permit for renovations over $100. Use the Cost Estimator Tool to help you estimate the cost of your tile flooring project.