Your Tile Installation and Replacement questions, answered
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much does tile installation cost near me?
Tile installation costs$7 to $15 per square foot for tiling a floor, shower, or bathroom walls and $20 to $35 per square foot for a backsplash. Tile contractors charge $40 to $100 per hour on average. Total costs depend on the room, project size, and quality and size of the tile.
Porcelain and ceramic tile flooring lasts 50 to 100 years on average, while natural stone tile such as granite and marble has a life expectancy of more than 100 years.
Does tile increase home value?
Tile adds value to a home when properly installed with up-to-date materials. Installing tile flooring, bathroom walls, or a backsplash has a 50% to 70% return on investment on average.
How long does it take tile contractors to lay tile?
Laying new tile takes 1 to 3 days to install on average, depending on the size of the project, type and size of tile, and if there's a subfloor in place with suitable floor joists.
What is the best type of tile?
When selecting the best type of tiling to use for your home, consider the various ratings and tile types:
Tile ratings
PEI Rating – Indicates the tile hardness and durability. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, with most residential floors needing a 2 or 3 rating depending on foot traffic.
Slip Resistance Rating – The coefficient of friction (COF) measures the slip resistance of tile on a scale of 1 to 10, with ten being the most slip-resistant.
Types of tiling
Ceramic and porcelain is the most common and cost-effective tiling materials used in homes. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are stain-resistant, easy to install, flexible, temperature-tolerant, and water-resistant for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
Glass tiling is one of the most visually appealing materials that's easy to clean, impervious to water, and eco-friendly. However, glass is one of the most expensive materials and requires professional installation.
Natural stone – Granite, slate, limestone, and travertine are beautiful, eco-friendly, and durable stones that are not as slippery as ceramic. Natural stone is also the most expensive, can be scratched or chipped, and some need sealing to prevent water damage.
Marble has a unique, smooth, shiny look that mirrors the look of natural stone. Marble is a natural material that's durable and easy to clean. Marble is more expensive and softer than porcelain, and can be scratched or chipped.
Metal – Copper and stainless steel tiling provide a high-end rustic appearance in shades of red, brown, and green. These materials are easy to clean and eco-friendly, but changes in appearance over time, need regular maintenance, and are among the most expensive materials.
What's the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are the cheapest and most cost-effective, but have a few differences:
Porcelain tile
Denser and more durable
Longer lifespan
Higher PEI rating
Best for high traffic rooms and bathrooms
More water-resistant
Ceramic tile
Softer
Easier to cut and install
Cheaper
Best for interior floors, walls
Can you install tile over tile, concrete, linoleum, vinyl, plywood, or drywall?
Tile can be installed over tile if the subfloor is concrete or a sound surface that's level and free of mold and mildew. Tile can also be installed over concrete, linoleum, vinyl, plywood, and drywall, depending on the circumstances and tile material used.
How do I find tile companies in my area?
Start by searching our list of tile layers, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential services:
Get at least three estimates from tile installers to compare.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Select companies that are licensed, insured, and certified.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Look for tile contractors that are a member in the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) or training through the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF).
Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
Ask for a full itemized estimate in writing.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best tile installers in your area.
What questions to ask local tile contractors before hiring?
When hiring a tile installer, ask them the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
How many similar projects have you completed?
Can I see your portfolio of tiling projects?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Are you certified with the NTCA or CTEF?
Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers?
Are there any potential complications you foresee with this project?
How long will the project take?
What precautions do you take for mold and mildew?
Do you use greenboard in damp areas?
Does your installation allow for expansion?
Do you use sealant on the tiles and grout?
How do you plan to connect the new tile with flooring in adjacent rooms?
Do you install subfloor heating?
Who's the project manager, and will you use subcontractors?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
What does your warranty policy include?
Can you provide me a written estimate or contract with a breakdown of all costs?
What happens when your costs exceed the budget?
What’s your payment schedule?
What do I need to provide to get started?
Reviews for Atlanta tile installers
Recent success stories from people in the Atlanta area.
John K.
Jose is very professional and has done a great thorough job with my backyard plant, tree, and shrub installations. He fix my yard drainage issue with a beautiful stone river around my deck. Jose also did a fantastic job filling the gulley with cement and installing a retaining curb.
His work and thoroughness is beyond reproach and affordable.
Jose Ortiz, owner. Creative Scapes
Gabriel P.
Very informative and polite. Knows his work
Mostly floors and home remodeling
Rachel R.
Despite some unexpected bumps in the road, Austin was incredibly helpful! The price was competitive and I could not be happier with the end result.
Vinings Floorcovering
Katie P.
John was awesome!! Showed up on time and turned our jungle of a yard into a presentable lawn. Will for sure be hiring again!
Sauvage Landscaping LLC
Betty F.
Service was definitely as described, and I was very impressed with all the work that was done we will be calling back for new projects
General Construction & Consultant Group
Neil P.
I had many concerns about the repairs I needed for my home. I hired this company and I have to say this is a great company. They are affordable, professional and take proud in their work. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone who wants quality work for a reasonable price.
I & O Construction
Kathleen S.
I had a list of items that needed to be done. Josh and William completed every one of them. I am so happy to have found them. I am already thinking of what needs to be done next. What I really appreciated is that if they can repair it instead of replacing they will.
Incredible remodeling
Fredrick E.
Home Improvement was easy to navigate and the service was speedy.
Rodney was extremely customer friendly and he went above and beyond to work with my schedule!
A1 service all around.
Reliable Home Improvement
How HomeGuide works
Search
Search, get cost estimates, contact pros, and book—all for free.
Compare
View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring.
Hire
Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right pro when you're ready.