What is the cost of tile installation?

There are many factors to consider when a tile installation is priced for a client; what is the substrate? how is it prepared? what else needs to be done to the surface to insure a proper installation? what kind of tile is being used and is it the right kind of tile for the area? what type of thinset and grout will be used based on the application and other materials? Is the area considered a wet area? does proper drainage exist or does it need to be sloped? There are man considerations that cannot all be listed here. However, quality tile installations require:

1. A reputable company

2. Skilled installers

3. Correct methods

4. Quality setting materials

5. Coverage

6. Substrate integrity

7. Movement joints

8. Controlled conditions

9. Cure time

10. Crack isolation

The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is the trade association for installation professionals. There is a list of installers throughout the country under "find a contractor." These professionals understand industry standards. They have a Standards and Methods Committee which writes those standards for tile installation in the United States and tile and product manufacturers prefer that these skilled professionals install their products to guarantee a quality installation.

Also consider an NTCA 5-Star Contractor - these contractors use CTEF Certified Installers who are trained and tested to industry standards and have met several other criteria including recommendations from owners. The NTCA 5-Star Contractors have gone above the industry standards to earn this designation.

The NTCA website is in the related links.