Not much can top the feeling of tackling a home project yourself. You spend countless weekends chipping away at it, exhausted from the time and physical strain, to one day being able to sit back and admire your work. We get it; it’s empowering. As construction professionals, WE ARE do-it-yourselfers.
But there are a few things to consider before deciding whether or not to take a project on yourself or to hire a professional.
There are thousands of products out there and figuring out which to use can be overwhelming. The type of tile needed depends on the job. Is your space a wet area, high traffic, a wall or an exterior? Incorrect application of
a product, whether it be material or size, could cause it to fail completely, to be a slip hazard or be the cause of water damage and mold. The right grout for the job is just as important. The tile used, the application and grout joint size is a determinant.
And unfortunately not all tile is created equal. Buying tile at a big box store can be like buying a name-brand shirt at a surplus retailer. There will often be irregularities. If you choose to go this route, keep in mind that it may complicate the installation because of differences in size and color.
Now let’s talk substrate. Your tile is only as good as what’s underneath. Really, what is on top-the tile-is aesthetic. Like the tile and grout, the correct substrate needs to be used for the right area. If not, there can be
movement under the tile leading to grout and tile cracking. And we recommend only experienced tile professionals take on a walk-in shower. The shower pan is the most complicated part of the trade. If not installed properly, it can cause leaking and great structural damage.
We think about geometry when thinking about tile installation. It is a part of the job. The perfect layout of the tile for the space requires a sharp, experienced eye. No one likes looking at a job where small, odd-ball pieces of tile were put down because the installer didn’t have a grasp of the overall orientation of the space and how the pieces were supposed to fit in it. The individual tiles need to look cohesive and a part of the whole space.
If you are going to make the investment of tile, make sure the finished product is something you are going to enjoy for a long time. The last thing you’d want to do is spend your own time and money on a project only to have complications or not be completely satisfied. We are experts in all things tile and would love to help with your project. Give us a call. 336-293-4321.
