Top tips for a successful tile installation

Tile is supposed to last a long time, so it is important to make sure you get started on the right foot. We have put together some quick tips for a successful tile installation.

1. Have you completed a project like ours before?

   This may seem silly at first, however with so many different types of projects out there it is important to make sure your installer has completed a job like yours in the past. Unless you have worked with the installer before and are sure of their abilities you don’t want to be their guinea pig.

2. What installation products are you planning on using?

   With so many different areas that tile can be installed, there are different tile installation products out there. Depending on the type of tile being installed, the location the tile is being installed and the type of grout is being used all factor in the products your installer will use. It is important to make sure that the installer uses the correct materials for your particular project.

3. Ask to verify layout

   Tile in a large part is a visual art, so personal preference plays a large role in tile layout. The best way to ensure a successful tile install is to make sure you and the tile installer are on the same page. This is especially true with intricate patterns or a especially visual area. Spend the time, and have your installer clearly show you how your final install will look.

4. Have the installer view the area before installation

   Seems fairly basic, however these days with COVID and social distancing we have been doing estimates off site quite a bit. It is important to have your installer physically view the area to be tiled. A picture can say a thousand words, however inconsistencies such as a bowed wall or a spongy sub floor can easily be missed by only viewing a photo or through video chat. If your installer has not been to your home before the install date it is important to understand there may be unexpected costs and increased time spent on your project.

5. Ask what type of waterproofing or shower system will be used

   Always ask your tile installer about what waterproofing will be used. No one thing provides us with more work then leaking showers. The simple way to avoid this is to use an experienced tile installer and to use a quality waterproofing system. There are a few different systems out there however all of them are designed to stop water from getting where it is not supposed to be. Tile and grout can handle continuously being soaking wet but wood can’t. Our team uses the full Schluter Systems and Wedi GmbH product lines to make sure we can fully stand behind the work we complete in your home or business.

Have any other questions about tile installation or would like a quote? Feel free to contact us at 403-888-3182 or send us a email.

Porcelain tile vs. ceramic tile

Many customers ask us what the difference is between ceramic and porcelain tiles. It can be fairly confusing when buying tile, as the characteristics of these two types of tile are fairly similar. However, there are some important differences.

Porcelain and ceramic tile are both technically “ceramic” tile.  All ceramic tiles are made from a clay mixture that is formed with extreme pressure and then fired. Tile that is rated porcelain uses a denser clay, has been formed under greater pressure and is fired at a higher temperature. These slight differences create a tile that is stronger and impervious to moisture.

Ceramic and some porcelain tiles have a glaze on one face of the visible layer of the tile. This is a protective surface that creates the coloured, patterned and durable wear layer. Some glazes are more durable than others. To tell how durable a glaze is (and the tile in general) check the tile’s PEI rating or the manufacturer’s suggested use. PEI ratings go 1 through 5, where 1 is the least scratch and wear resistant, and 5 being the most scratch and wear resistant. Most porcelain tile have a PEI rating of 4 or higher. Where as ceramic tiles can be as low as a 1, but can range up to 3.  Un-glazed porcelain, or “through body” porcelain does not have a PEI rating as it does not have a glaze. However, it is generally accepted that it is able to withstand heavy traffic. Through body, porcelain also has the advantage of being the same colour from front to back. This means that a chip is less likely to be noticed. In contrast, glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles typically have a body that is a different colour than the glaze.

As ceramic and porcelain tile is fired and then cooled, the tiles can fluctuate in size, similar to when you bake a cookie. Most tile is left as-is after cooling.  As the tiles are installed, the different sizes are taken into account - this is the reason grout joint-sizing can sometimes fluctuate. However another option is “rectified’ tile. In this process, the tiles are either cut or ground down after they are baked to ensure that each piece is exactly the same size. This option is available in both ceramic and porcelain tiles and allows for tighter grout joints.

All the advantages of porcelain tile do come with a flip side: cost. Typically, the overall cost for a porcelain tile will be more expensive than ceramic tile. Both in material cost and installation cost, ceramic tile is less expensive than porcelain. However when selecting your tile, price shouldn’t be the only factor. The full intended use of the space needs to be considered before a final decision is made.

Does CJI Tile have a showroom?

We often get asked does CJI Tile and Stone have a showroom? The short answer is no. However, at the same time the answer is yes.

For some businesses, having a showroom is the right answer and makes perfect sense. Our decision to not have a showroom has a reasoning with multiple layers, stretching from customer satisfaction to simple dollars and cents.

We thought we’d  lay out the reasons why CJI Tile is a showroom-free service provider.

1. Price

Having a Showroom costs a lot of money, it requires a lot of overhead to build a show room and staff it.  Costs that are ultimately passed onto the consumer.  While we would love to have a flashy showroom to show off what we can do and the products we can provide to our customers, we find that we can offer customers more value by not having a showroom.

2. Focus

We want to focus on what we do best, which is designing and building your home or business. We are in a better position to utilize our network of suppliers who already have beautiful showrooms that showcase their amazing products. As well, these suppliers (that can be seen on our suppliers page here) are staffed by knowledgeable, dedicated staff that are specialized in their field whether it is tile, plumbing fixtures or counter tops.

3. Trends

The job of keeping up with trends does not end with one quick fix. As trends evolve, businesses must evolve also to keep up with a specific style or design that is now “in”.  This means complete renovations of these showrooms happens quite often to include these new or updated items. Once again, this requires resources that we feel are better utilized in customers homes or businesses.

4. Mobile

These days, a lot of what we do is mobile and on the go. We approach our business with precision and efficiency, putting quality work and customer satisfaction at the forefront. Much of the work during design selection is done before you ever go to a showroom and start looking at actual samples. If you go into showrooms with a basic outline of what you are looking for, this enables you to become more efficient in the selection process and not become overwhelmed with the options available.

5. Efficiency

With all of that being said, not having a showroom allows our company to be efficient, nimble and able to adapt to unforeseen challenges or economic climates that are happening now and in the future. Being free of the overhead and challenges that are associated with running a showroom allow us to focus on customer service and providing high quality work to our customers for many years to come.