Tile install, step by step.
Thinset over cement backer board or uncoupling membrane. Demands flat subfloor and proper layout.
- 1
Subfloor prep
Install 1/4" cement backer board for floors; 1/2" for walls. Tape seams with alkali-resistant mesh.
- 2
Layout dry-fit
Snap centerlines, dry-lay a full row both directions - avoid sliver cuts at walls.
- 3
Mix thinset
Match thinset to tile (modified for porcelain, unmodified for some membranes). 10-min slake.
- 4
Back-butter large format
12"+ tiles need back-butter to hit 95% mortar coverage.
- 5
Grout after cure
Wait 24 hours, then grout in 25 sq ft sections. Wipe with damp sponge in circular motion.
- 6
Seal
Apply penetrating sealer to grout (and stone tiles) after 72-hour cure.
Install issues - and how a pro crew prevents them.
Cracked tile in one spot
Substrate movement or void under tile. Replace the tile and check the backer-board fastening below it.
Grout discoloration
Surface staining: deep-clean with an alkaline grout cleaner. Deep staining: regrout with stain-resistant epoxy or color-seal.
Hollow-sounding tile
Less than 80% mortar coverage. Live with it if no crack risk; otherwise lift and reset that tile.
Mildew in shower grout
Inadequate ventilation. Run the fan 30 min after every shower; deep-clean monthly, recaulk corners every 1–2 years.
Grout cracking at corners
Corners need silicone, not grout - they're movement joints. Remove and recaulk with color-matched 100% silicone.
Lippage (uneven edges)
Install issue, not a maintenance fix. Severe cases: replace the offending tile and use leveling clips next time.
What you're getting for the install.
50–100+ years (the tile itself); grout: 15–25
Manufacturer: lifetime on most porcelain; install: 1–lifetime depending on installer
Tile is the most durable floor we install - outlasts hardwood, LVP, carpet by decades. Grout is the weak link: budget for sealing and accept that perfect-white grout doesn't stay perfect-white.
Tile install questions.
- Porcelain is denser (water absorption under 0.5%), harder, and rated for higher-traffic. Ceramic is cheaper and fine for walls and low-traffic floors.
- Penetrating sealer every 1–2 years on cement grout in wet areas; every 3–5 years in dry areas. Epoxy grout never needs sealing.
- Yes, if the old tile is sound (no hollow spots), level, and the resulting height is acceptable at thresholds. Score the old glaze and use a modified thinset rated for tile-over-tile.
- In bathrooms and basements, yes - tile is cold without it. Electric mats add ~$8–12/sq ft installed and warm the floor in 20 minutes.
- Ceramic is more chip-prone than porcelain. Either can crack on impact, but a properly bedded tile (95% mortar contact) resists impact dramatically better than one with voids.
Three steps. No surprises.
- 01
Pick a time
Choose a window that fits your week. Mornings, evenings, weekends - your call.
- 02
We bring real samples to you
A local specialist arrives with hand-picked samples so you can see them in your light.
- 03
Flawless install - often next day
One vetted crew. Furniture moved, dust contained, cleanup included.
The SimpliFloors flagship offer
We beat any written quote by 10%.
Bring us a licensed competitor's bid on the same material and install scope - we beat the bottom line by 10%. In writing. No haggling.
- Next-day installOrder by 2pm - installed tomorrow.
- All-inclusive pricingPad, removal, haul-away, base.
- Lifetime install warrantyWe replace, repair, or refund.
- Free in-home estimateExact sq ft confirmed in writing.
Four small steps. Zero pressure.
From "I'm just looking" to "It's installed" - here is exactly what happens, with the time it takes at each step.
About 2 minutesBook your home visit
Pick a time online or by phone. A real person, no robots.
Same weekSamples at your door
A local pro brings real planks, tile, and carpet that match your style.
- About 1 hour
Measure & real price
Laser-measured rooms with a written all-inclusive price on the spot.
As soon as next dayInstalled tomorrow
Vetted local installers. Lifetime install warranty in writing.
What you'll pay today
$0. No deposit until you say yes.
Five promises. In writing. On every job.
Price-Beat
Beat any quote by 10%
Next-Day Install
In-stock materials
Lifetime Install Warranty
On every job
No-Pressure Promise
Real prices first
Vetted Installers
Background-checked
No calendars. No callbacks you didn't ask for.
What style do you love?
Pick one to start. You can change your mind anytime.