Q & A
Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.
Can you tile over drywall?
Yes, it is possible to lay tile over drywall. If you’re looking to lay a tile backsplash in your kitchen, you can certainly do it yourself — buthiring a professional may save time.
Before you tile over your drywall, make sure the wall has a smooth surface with no bumps or cracks. Start by using a compound to seal up any crevices, then sand the drywall and clean up the dust. Then, lay a coat of primer on the drywall to get it ready for your tile.
Can you tile over tile floors?
Yes, you can lay tile over existing tile floors (or a backsplash). Although it’s generally best to pull up your old flooring, you can simply place tiles on top if your existing floor is in good condition.
Before you start, examine your tiles carefully for mold, cracks or unevenness. Provided none of these is an issue, you can begin laying your new tiles.
But if this is your first time laying tile —or if you want to ensure that the job is done right — save time by hiring a tiling professional near you.
What do you need to lay tile?
If you’re laying a new tile floor, you’ll likely need an assortment of tools and supplies, including (but not limited to):
- Tile
- Tile adhesive
- Tile trim
- Tile spacers
- Underlayment
- Sealer
- Caulk
- Level
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Trowel
- Carpenter’s square
- Grout
- Sponge
- Tape measure
- Etc.
If you don’t have all of the tools, equipment and skills necessary to lay tile in your home, consider hiring one of the best tile contractors in your area.
How long does it take to lay tile?
Depending on the pro’s expertise, the size of the project and its complexity, the time it takes to lay the tile will vary.For some projects, it may take a few hours to lay tile while others will require several days of work.
When planning a tiling project for your home, get free estimates from the best tile contractors near you and ask them how long it would take them to complete your job.
What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?
Ceramic and porcelain are some of the more popular types of tile, but there are a few differences:
Porcelain Tile | Ceramic Tile |
More durable, have a longer lifespan | Cheaper, easier to install |
Better for high-traffic areas | Recommended for interior floors, walls |
Slightly more water-resistant | Softer, easier to cut |
Consult with a top tile contractor near you and get free estimates on how much installing tile will cost you.
Does tile flooring increase home value?
Having a tile floor may increase your home’s value, but it might depend on the type of tile you install and the trends in the real estate market.
Chat with your realtor or a real estate expert to figure out what types of home repairs and remodeling projects you should tackle before you put your home on the market. It might make sense to add new tiles when renovating your kitchen or bathroom, for example.
If you decide to include new tiling in your home remodeling project, contact the best tile installation pros near you to get free estimates.
What is the best tile?
There are many different types of tile to choose from, and they all have unique benefits when it comes to aesthetics, longevity, durability and safety.
Porcelain and ceramic tile are often popular in kitchens and bathrooms because they are water-resistant, making them a go-to choice for floors and backsplashes. Marble tile is also a great choice for kitchen and bathroom floors, and granite tiles are popular for countertops.
Consult with a tile installation professional to figure out what type of tile you should install in your home.
How can I get my grout clean?
Dirt, mildew and grime can make your grout lines look downright tragic. If you have the ability, DIY tile and grout cleaning is definitely doable. Your main obstacles are time, project size, availability of the right materials and effort. Your first step in tile and grout cleaning is making sure the surface area is cleaned of basic dirt and buildup and wiped down. Be sure not to use a bleach-based cleaning agent, which could react dangerously with the vinegar used in later steps.
Depending on the delicacy of your tile and grout, it may be wise to start with water and friction before proceeding to a cleaning solution. In the shower you can spray the area while brushing gently, or use a spray bottle filled with warm water on countertops or floors. If water won’t do the trick, try a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar, and repeat the gentle brushing motion. This combination should begin to lift dirt and grime from the grout. For additional tile and grout cleaning power, baking soda applied directly to grout lines and sprayed with your water vinegar solution can help suds off sticky grime. If your DIY cleaning solutions aren’t doing the trick, store-bought sprays and pastes may have more cleansing power. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and enjoy your sparkling clean grout.
Tile and grout cleaning supplies include:
- Old standard or electric toothbrush
- Stiff bristle brush
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Commercial grout cleaner
How much does it cost to clean tile and grout?
The national average cost for tile and grout cleaning ranges from $190 to $250. Pros may charge a flat fee or by the square foot. Rates can vary depending on the type of tile and grout you have (more delicate tiles may mean specialized products or careful handwashing), how dirty your tile and grout are, and what part of the country you are in (regional labor rates and costs to do business affect costs). For example, one floor cleaning company charges 75 cents per square foot for tile and grout cleaning for projects that permit cleaning by machine. Another company may charge $30-$50 per hour for hand-cleaning of tiles. Companies often charge a minimum fee for services to ensure their business expenses are met when they accept a job, no matter how small. In addition, a tile and flooring cleaning professional may charge added fees, such as $25 or more, to move heavy furniture or appliances.
How do professionals clean tile and grout?
If you need tile and grout cleaning and don’t have the time or mobility for scrubbing your entire house on your hands and knees, it’s time to turn to the pros. Tile and grout cleaning professionals have industrial-grade machines designed for the sole task of cleaning the porous materials of grout and tile.
Typically, a cleaning pro will come out to assess the job and provide you with a quote. Often they charge per square foot (for example, 75 cents per square foot), with higher prices or an hourly rate for areas that will need hand cleaning. The national average cost for tile and grout cleaning ranges from $190 to $250.
Once onsite, the pros thoroughly clean the area by wiping or sweeping down and then vacuuming up any dry dirt. Next a chemical tile cleaner is sprayed over the surface, causing dirt to loosen and adhere to the spray; the industry term for this is “suspension.” The pros then clean the floor with professional-strength machines, which often use a combination of steam, brushes and vacuum to loosen, agitate and lift entrenched dirt. Your floor is then rinsed, removing all the spray.
Usually a small room can be cleaned in under an hour. Applying a sealant afterward is recommend and will also affect cost.
Reviews for Rancho Cucamonga tiling professionals
Nathan D.
Lucas and Victor removed our old backsplash and replaced it with new tile. They went about and beyond by showing us what the tiles would look like with different grout by doing samples on tiles.Their work came out perfect and exactly as described. These photos do not do it justice. They also showed up on time, completed the job on schedule, and best yet on budget for a reasonable price. Extremely professional and good people.Anyone would be making a mistake by not going with them and they’re our go-to tile company from here on out.
Thumbtack Customer
We hired Nathan to install backsplash tile in our kitchen. Through the entire project, Nathan has been very helpful, open and highly skilled. He has advised us on the best type of tile to use, recommended places to purchase the material, and thoroughly explained the nature and scope of the job. He did an excellent job, exceeding our already very high expectations, and we look forward to hiring him to install the floor tile. Thanks, Nathan, for being such a true professional!
Dan A.
1) Quality of work was exceptional.2) Very professional. Provided me with receipts for all purchases made.3) Very responsive to the urgency of my floor tile needs. Worked late into the night in order to finish this project in a timely manner.I would definitely refer this gentleman to anyone needing tile work.
Karen M.
I hired Don Richter to tile my bathtub enclosure and backsplash above my vanity. From my first call with him to the last day of the project he was extremely professional. He responded quickly to all of my phone calls, answered all of my questions, and helped with ideas for the project. Every morning he showed up on time and got to work. He blocked off the area he was working on to keep my house clean and left his work are immaculate every evening. I chose a tile shape that was labor intensive to work with. The first tile installer quit because it was too much to work. Don never complained once and did a beautiful job. The tile was installed perfectly and every edge matches up perfectly. I highly recommend Don for your home project. He does excellent work and is a pleasure to work with.
Chidi O.
Sean did an excellent job removing existing tiles, carpet and wood and installing tiles and moldings in my house. I was highly impressed with the way he planned the job with me that showed very high intelligence and knowledge. His execution was efficient and skillful. He paid attention to details and I was particularly impressed with how he worked around tight corners in the bathroom were he had to work around existing fixtures. Overall, I was very satisfied with Sean’s work.
David P.
Fernando did an excellent job putting marble on my outdoor bbq and also retiling my fireplace. His team is very professional and clean. Will use him for all my future tile projects.
Damian h.
JR did a complete master bath remodel for us. He does it all and does it well. He did the demo, the plumbing, electical, tile work and all the finishing touches. Our bathroom looks great and we are very happy with his work. He was there when he said he would be and on time. He was clean and professional and he did great work. I would use him again and would recommend him to friends as well.
Melody S.
Mike is excellent at his trade! His knowledge,pride, and experience of correctly installing tile is evident in his work! My backsplash is truly gorgeous!He always showed up on time,was patient,tidy, and his suggestions were more than helpful in achieving the exact look I wanted! I couldn't be happier with his fair price and personal demeanor,...can't go wrong when choosing Top Knotch for a Top Knotch job!!!
Thumbtack Customer
Master Bath, Guest bath, tiled & remodeled. Drywall repair, electrical boxes moved, new light fixtures, & new mirrors. Mike and Brandon were very professional and pleasant to work with. Always on time, did exactly what they said they were going to do plus more. They were detailed-oriented, always keep me informed every step of the process. I am completely satisfied, one Happy customer. The bathrooms are Beautiful! Both guys are knowledgeable and professional. I will use Top Knotch Flooring again and recommend to everyone.Chris H.
Ready to find a pro?
See more reviews, compare prices, and hire your favorite pros all with Thumbtack.
