Common Questions About Tile Installation and the Answers You Need

Are you thinking about getting tiled installed in your home soon? Do you already have an appointment for a contractor to install your tile? Or are you going to DIY your tile install?

No matter how your tile is going to be installed in your home, you probably have a few questions about the installation process. We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions homeowners have when getting a tile installation in their home.

By going through these questions, you will be better prepared for your installation and feel more confident about your tile.

Where can tile be installed in my home?

You can install tile any time of the year because of how versatile the material is. Tile stands up to frost, moisture and heat. You can install it inside or outside, at or below grade level.

Mosaic tile backsplash is perfect for kitchens because moisture doesn’t seep into the material and they are easy to clean. Another option is to choose from a variety of bath tiles for your bathroom. They can go on the floor, surrounding the shower, or as a backsplash to add a pop of color.

What is glazed or unglazed tile?

Glazed tile has a glass-like finish. The second firing finish incorporates various designs, textures, and colors. The glaze protects against dirt, grim, and stains. They are also easier to clean than their unglazed counterparts. However, glaze tile is more slippery, so that is something to keep in mind when choosing your tile.

Unglazed tile is generally a natural color because it is made from minerals like clay. The color goes through the entire tile, so it is perfect for high traffic areas since it doesn't show wear like other materials.

How long will my tile flooring last?

Tile flooring can last your whole life if you have it properly installed and maintain it over the years. If you choose between unglazed tile and glazed tile, keep in mind that glazed tile lasts longer in high traffic areas. When you want something that lasts really long, then choose porcelain tile. Porcelain tile has the longest lifetime of all the tile materials.

How do you install tile flooring?

You can install tile floors yourself or hire a contractor to do it for you. The tile is installed to a substrate. Usually, it is attached using mortar or another type of adhesive. Once the tiles are placed on the floor, grout is used to seal the joints. The grout keeps debris and dirt from getting under the tile, so your tiles last longer.

What if I overwater my grout?

If you add too much water when mixing your grout, you overwater the grout. When this happens, the extra water pulls the color out. If this happens too much, you will have grout that is lighter colors in various areas where the tile is installed.

Why is my grout drying differently than the sample?

Sometimes grout dries differently than others because of overwatering or not following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Another reason is if you don’t use pure enough water, which is addressed in the next question.

Is my water okay to use?

Tap water or water from a hose has both fluoride and chlorine in it. If you do use water from these areas, take note that your grout may dry lighter than the sample. So how do you get the perfect grout color? Use bottled water or grout admix.

What happens if my grout dries differently?

If you notice your grout is drying differently, you have a couple of different options. First, you could use a grout stain. A grout stain is applied on top of the existing grout. Not only does it give the grout a uniform color, but it also seals it as well.

A second option is to remove the grout and start over. This is not a popular option because it is time consuming and can be frustrating. However, to do this correctly, you have to remove all the grout from the joints before you can put in new grout.

What if my grout is cracking?

Sometimes grout cracks in the corners of showers and tubs because of vertical and horizontal movements of the tile. To fix this, make sure to install movement joints to accommodate the extra stress.

How do I fix a chipped tile?

If you drop something on your tile and it breaks, it is a pretty easy fix. Take your tile to your local hardware store and file a color that is close to what you need. Ask the hardware store to match the enamel to the color of the tile. Install the enamel when you get home and no one will even know your tile was ever chipped.

If you aren’t comfortable with that, you can take the entire tile out and replace it. This is a little more time intensive, but with the right tools you will never even notice the tile was chipped.

All Your Tile Questions Answered

Now that you understand how grout works, the difference between glazed and unglazed tile, and how tile flooring is installed, you can get to work on your next project.