Tile installation
Installing tile or stone as a DIY project is possible, but we highly recommend hiring a professional to do the job.
Tile installation
Tile and stone installations can be very complex and labor intensive, requiring specialized tools and materials. Whether you decide to install the tile or stone yourself or hire a professional installer, make sure you understand the different steps of the installation so that you know what to expect during the process.
Questions?
We're here to help
Getting ready for your installation
Preparation is important for a successful tile flooring installation. You should consult with your Great Western Flooring Co. specialist for full instructions, but there are steps you can take to help the process go smoothly.
If you have old flooring that has to be removed, there may be some work involved in getting the exposed surface ready for the installation of new tile.
If your old floor was glued down or held in place with tile adhesive this will be especially time consuming. An experienced flooring specialist will know when the surface is ready for new flooring and may be able to help you dispose of your old flooring.
All the furniture must be moved out of the room where your new tile is to be installed. If you have heavy items or things that require special care, it's a good idea to hire professional movers and storage experts. Hiring professionals can also cut down on the amount of time you have to live without your furniture to as little as a day before and after the tile installation is done.
If you have old flooring that has to be removed, there may be some work involved in getting the exposed surface ready for the installation of new tile.
If your old floor was glued down or held in place with tile adhesive this will be especially time consuming. An experienced flooring specialist will know when the surface is ready for new flooring and may be able to help you dispose of your old flooring.
All the furniture must be moved out of the room where your new tile is to be installed. If you have heavy items or things that require special care, it's a good idea to hire professional movers and storage experts. Hiring professionals can also cut down on the amount of time you have to live without your furniture to as little as a day before and after the tile installation is done.
During and after your installation
The first step of the installation is removing the existing flooring. Depending on the state of your old floor, the length and messiness of this stage will vary. We'll let you know before the process begins if removal and disposal of the old material is a separate fee or if it is included as part of the installation fee.
The next step is to ensure the subfloor is clean, flat, smooth and ready for installation.
It is important to note that if the subfloor is not concrete then this will require the installation of concrete backer boards before the floor can be installed. If this is the case, the height of your floors may vary, requiring different transitions between rooms. This process will involve cleaning, fixing any cracks, and letting any new concrete cure.
The next stage is the installation of the tile or stone. Our installers will cut or trim the tiles, and spread mortar and grout as they lay the tile. New tile installations need time to cure and solidify, so although the installation team has left your home, it will still take at least 48 hours until the tiles can be walked upon.
The next step is to ensure the subfloor is clean, flat, smooth and ready for installation.
It is important to note that if the subfloor is not concrete then this will require the installation of concrete backer boards before the floor can be installed. If this is the case, the height of your floors may vary, requiring different transitions between rooms. This process will involve cleaning, fixing any cracks, and letting any new concrete cure.
The next stage is the installation of the tile or stone. Our installers will cut or trim the tiles, and spread mortar and grout as they lay the tile. New tile installations need time to cure and solidify, so although the installation team has left your home, it will still take at least 48 hours until the tiles can be walked upon.
Tile care & maintenance
Although the installation process can be noisy, messy, lengthy and inconvenient the end result will be well worth it - a beautiful new floor that is yours to enjoy for many more years to come.
Check out our tile care & maintenance guide to learn how to properly clean and care for your new tile floors after installation!
Check out our tile care & maintenance guide to learn how to properly clean and care for your new tile floors after installation!
