Ceramic Tile

[kwachowski]

Looking for a recommendation on a good company to install ceramic tile in kitchen and bathroom. :wave:

[chuckinca]

Check Lowe's and Home Depot - any issues and they will probably still be around.

.

[eremite06]

The wife and I just spent a week visiting around 6 or 7 tile companies in the area. I've also searched and scrutinized all the threads on this site having to do with tile and flooring. Once you nail down your product, you need to concentrate on the company and installers. Today we signed a contract with the installer who is also the owner. The thing that impressed me the most was his attention to installation details, ie., grout and sealer, removing molding, no tile over vinyl, fully tiling under the appliances, removing existing coverings and hauling them away, and completely cleaning the house after the job is done. WOW!!

I hesitate to divulge the company at this point because the job hasn't even been started yet. Next week we'll get to inspect a job he completed using our identical "porcelain." I promise when the job is completed to my total satisfaction, I will announce the name.:coolsmiley:

[canadianchick]

We had Ladylake Flooring they are located on 27/441 towards Leesbery not far from 466a they did an excellent job and the insallers are extremely neat. We also had them install our laminate floors. They are very reasonable in price and also I negoatiated with them.

[Shirleevee]

The wife and I just spent a week visiting around 6 or 7 tile companies in the area. I've also searched and scrutinized all the threads on this site having to do with tile and flooring. Once you nail down your product, you need to concentrate on the company and installers. Today we signed a contract with the installer who is also the owner. The thing that impressed me the most was his attention to installation details, ie., grout and sealer, removing molding, no tile over vinyl, fully tiling under the appliances, removing existing coverings and hauling them away, and completely cleaning the house after the job is done. WOW!!

I hesitate to divulge the company at this point because the job hasn't even been started yet. Next week we'll get to inspect a job he completed using our identical "porcelain." I promise when the job is completed to my total satisfaction, I will announce the name.:coolsmiley:

Tile under the appliances is just the installer I am looking for. Can't wait for your post next week. Thank you.

[getdul981]

Whenever you tile under the appliances, you have to make sure that there is enough room under the counter top to allow for the dishwasher. We had tile put in our kitchen, here in VA, and they had the tile already down and I asked them if they were sure there was room for the DW. They measured and found out they had to remove the tile in order to get the DW back in it's spot. Just watch out for that. Also, you may raise your oven/range higher than the counter surface.

[eremite06]

Whenever you tile under the appliances, you have to make sure that there is enough room under the counter top to allow for the dishwasher. We had tile put in our kitchen, here in VA, and they had the tile already down and I asked them if they were sure there was room for the DW. They measured and found out they had to remove the tile in order to get the DW back in it's spot. Just watch out for that. Also, you may raise your oven/range higher than the counter surface.

You're right. Thanks. They're going just under the face plate of the DW. Stove and frig not an issue.

[trimtack]

Nickel tile top of the line. You will get what you pay for.

[eremite06]

The wife and I just spent a week visiting around 6 or 7 tile companies in the area. I've also searched and scrutinized all the threads on this site having to do with tile and flooring. Once you nail down your product, you need to concentrate on the company and installers. Today we signed a contract with the installer who is also the owner. The thing that impressed me the most was his attention to installation details, ie., grout and sealer, removing molding, no tile over vinyl, fully tiling under the appliances, removing existing coverings and hauling them away, and completely cleaning the house after the job is done. WOW!!

I hesitate to divulge the company at this point because the job hasn't even been started yet. Next week we'll get to inspect a job he completed using our identical "porcelain." I promise when the job is completed to my total satisfaction, I will announce the name.:coolsmiley:

We checked the job he did. Excellent workmanship. We were impressed. Our house is next starting the 26th.:thumbup:

[ijusluvit]

The wife and I just spent a week visiting around 6 or 7 tile companies in the area. I've also searched and scrutinized all the threads on this site having to do with tile and flooring. Once you nail down your product, you need to concentrate on the company and installers. Today we signed a contract with the installer who is also the owner. The thing that impressed me the most was his attention to installation details, ie., grout and sealer, removing molding, no tile over vinyl, fully tiling under the appliances, removing existing coverings and hauling them away, and completely cleaning the house after the job is done. WOW!!

I hesitate to divulge the company at this point because the job hasn't even been started yet. Next week we'll get to inspect a job he completed using our identical "porcelain." I promise when the job is completed to my total satisfaction, I will announce the name.:coolsmiley:

Posting your experience is a great contribution to the rest of us! At the risk of prying, might you also give us a per square foot price you pay for the job. I would much rather see that than to know the name of the contractor. Then, if I think the price is good for good work, I'd send you a private message to ask the name of the company.
The first reply to your post which mentioned Lowes and Home Depot did not mention the fact that they both have some very capable installers who do the same quality work as the good small companies, but, as often as not, for appreciably less. I can attest to that with both ceramic tile and hardwood flooring jobs. Thanks, and good luck!

[under55]

Decided to go with Floormasters the tile is on order. We have a Camillia and they are tearing out all of the original tile and carpeting in the whole house except the bedrooms and replacing with Marrazzi Chestnut 20 x 20 through-out the house. They will be removing all the baseboards not just going up to the edge. Will be putting down a new membrane just to be on the safe side if the concrete is not totally cured and dried yet. They will be sealing off all cabinets and rooms and covering any furniture that cannot be moved out of the room because there will be a lot of dust. Also they will be be putting a tumbled stone on the front of the bar. And then they have a professional cleaning company come in and clean the home at the end. I know your going to ask so here it is. Two days for the demo and 3 days install and 1 day to clean. Total cost of the job $9650.00.

[eremite06]

The wife and I just spent a week visiting around 6 or 7 tile companies in the area. I've also searched and scrutinized all the threads on this site having to do with tile and flooring. Once you nail down your product, you need to concentrate on the company and installers. Today we signed a contract with the installer who is also the owner. The thing that impressed me the most was his attention to installation details, ie., grout and sealer, removing molding, no tile over vinyl, fully tiling under the appliances, removing existing coverings and hauling them away, and completely cleaning the house after the job is done. WOW!!

I hesitate to divulge the company at this point because the job hasn't even been started yet. Next week we'll get to inspect a job he completed using our identical "porcelain." I promise when the job is completed to my total satisfaction, I will announce the name.:coolsmiley:

Total satisfaction never happened. Lots of unfulfilled promises. Floor does look good. Had to inspect and stand over the subs as the backsplash was installed. Will not recommend this co.

[under55]

Posted some pictures my neighbors sent me. They have started the work of replacing the tile and carpet with new tile. And replacing the counters with copper canyon granite.

[jaringg]

We used a local Husband and Wife team.
They did a great job and work very reasonbly
Their name is Jeff and Beth Couch
Phone 352-857-0270 PM me for more details and pictures
Gerry B

[pspano]

Great info. Total square footage is estimated at what. I will looking to do something similar and your insights are very helpful.

[inda50]

I used Roberto from Floors of the Villges. He has a reliable crew and is easy to deal with. His company is located off 466 behind CVS. He is reasonable, did a good job and I am having him come back to do more work at my house.

[Shimpy]

My last 3 homes in S. Fla. had ceramic tile thru-out and now I have vinyl and carpet and will never go back. Nothing looks as good as tile, but once the grout gets dirty, and it will very shortly, it will never look as good again and thats even after sealing it. I now don't have to worry about anything that drops on it chipping it or even worse cracking it. When you do get the tile installed, check every single tile by tapping on it with your shoe. If it makes a hollow sound, and probably many will, have the tile people come out and replace it, as the hollow sound means the thin set or cement holding the tile has a void in it and it will break easily. Also watch the high gloss tiles if you have a pool as people coming in with wet feet will slip easily.

[eremite06]

I used Roberto from Floors of the Villges. He has a reliable crew and is easy to deal with. His company is located off 466 behind CVS. He is reasonable, did a good job and I am having him come back to do more work at my house.

We also used Roberto. I would have preferred he did the work himself. The subs were subpar. Roberto made everything right, though, and adjusted the price to suit us.

[soonfl]

Does tile need to be sealed or is this an unnecessary expense

[eremite06]

The grout should be sealed yearly.

[inda50]

Yes be sure to seal it.

[tile guy]

Your best bet is new product out that you mix into your grout in place of water, this sealer is built into the grout not just applied over the surface. You can get this at Lowes.
If you have all ready installed then the sealer application is a very good idea. You need to purchase the best sealer on the market not just the best deal, there are sealers that are a complete waste of money and time. Your best best sealer comes from Aqua Mix. I'm not exactly sure where to get it now, my supplier just stopped carrying it, but it is a very common product in our industry.
If your grout ever gets dirty and unclean-able the best solution is a grout colorant or stain. This is a fix that is bullet proof, it will never need to be sealed again and will renew the grout or change the color for many many years maintenance free. The cost depends on the size of the job and size of tiles due to there are more lines in a smaller tile.