Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our tile and mosaic installation services, materials, pricing, and more.
Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually all
that's needed. Harsh cleaners should be avoided. Sealing
can be added during installation to help protect against
stains and make maintenance easier.
Yes, we have a great deal of experience in an
infinite range of styles to find the one that suits your
needs best. We are always ready to inspire you with
design and material consultations specially tailored to
your style and space. Contact us to get started.
Each installation includes proper prep, careful layout,
and clean finishing. The goal is a solid, professional
result that looks right and holds up over time.
Getting started is simple. Reach out by phone or
through the contact form, and we'll talk through
your project, timeline, and any questions you have.
We are located in California and serve the greater
Placer and Sacramento County areas, including
cities like Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn,
Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Antelope, Elk Grove, and
surrounding areas. Projects outside our service areas
may incur additional travel fees of which you will be
alerted of in advance.
Absolutely. We stand behind our craftsmanship with a
workmanship warranty. The specific terms depend on the
scope of your project, and we'll discuss all warranty
details before work begins. Additionally, many of the
materials we install come with manufacturer warranties.
Timeline varies based on project scope. A standard
bathroom typically takes 3-5 days, a kitchen backsplash
1-2 days, and larger projects like full kitchen floors
or multiple rooms may take 1-2 weeks. We'll provide a
detailed timeline during your consultation.
Not usually. We work to minimize disruption and contain
our work area. However, for bathroom renovations, you
may need alternative arrangements for that specific
bathroom. We'll discuss any necessary accommodations
during planning.
Yes, we can remove and reinstall toilets, vanities, and
other fixtures as needed for the tile installation. We
work carefully to preserve your existing fixtures unless
you're upgrading them as part of the renovation.
In some cases, yes, but it depends on the condition of
the existing tile and the substrate beneath it. We'll
assess your specific situation and recommend the best
approach. Often, removing old tile provides better
long-term results and allows us to address any
underlying issues.
Yes, we can install radiant heating systems beneath tile
floors. This is a popular luxury upgrade, especially for
bathrooms and kitchens. We'll help you select the right
heating system and ensure proper installation for
optimal performance.
Waterproofing is one of the most important parts of
any wet area, and it is never skipped. Proper membranes
and proven methods are used to protect showers, tub
surrounds, and other areas from moisture and long-term
damage.
We do our best to accommodate your schedule and minimize
disruption to your daily routine. We'll work with you to
find start times and work hours that fit your needs
while allowing us to complete the project efficiently.
We work with all types of tile including ceramic,
porcelain, natural stone (marble, granite, travertine,
slate), glass, mosaic, and specialty tiles. Each
material has unique characteristics, and we'll help you
choose the best option for your space and budget.
Porcelain is denser and more durable than ceramic,
making it better for high-traffic areas and outdoor use.
It's also more water-resistant. Ceramic is typically
less expensive and works well for walls and
moderate-traffic floors. Both offer excellent design
options.
This depends on your aesthetic preference and the room's
function. Glossy tiles reflect light beautifully and are
easier to clean, making them popular for backsplashes
and walls. Matte tiles offer better slip resistance for
floors and hide water spots better in showers.
Grout color is a design decision that significantly
impacts the final look. Matching grout creates a
seamless appearance, while contrasting grout highlights
the tile pattern. Darker grout shows less staining over
time. We'll provide recommendations based on
your tile choice.
Absolutely! Many clients purchase their own tile, and
we're happy to install it. We recommend ordering 10-15%
extra to account for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
We can also help you calculate the exact amount needed.
Yes, we offer design consultations to help you select
tiles that match your vision, budget, and practical
needs. We can advise on current trends, timeless
classics, and which materials work best for specific
applications.
Larger tiles (12"x24" or bigger) make small spaces feel
larger and have fewer grout lines to clean. Smaller
tiles and mosaics work well for accents and curved
surfaces. We'll recommend sizes based on your room
dimensions and design goals.
Natural stone requires more care than porcelain or
ceramic. It needs periodic sealing and careful cleaning
with pH-neutral products. However, many clients love the
unique beauty and natural variation. We'll educate you
on proper care if you choose stone.
Costs vary widely based on tile type, room size, pattern
complexity, and surface preparation needs. As a rough
guide, basic installations start around $6-12 per square
foot for labor, while intricate patterns or premium
materials cost more. Larger quantity projects may qualify
for lower per-square-foot pricing after review. We
provide detailed estimates after assessing your specific
project.
We offer free quotes for most projects. We'll visit your
property, discuss your vision, take measurements, and
provide a detailed estimate. For very large or complex
projects, we may charge a design consultation fee that's
credited toward your project if you proceed.
We currently only accept cash and checks for payment. For
larger projects, we typically work on a deposit and
progress payment schedule, with final payment due upon
completion.
Yes! Choose standard tile sizes and patterns, opt for
ceramic over porcelain, do some prep work yourself, or
focus on high-impact areas like a backsplash rather than
an entire room. We'll work with you to maximize your
budget while maintaining quality workmanship.
Timeline depends on project size, complexity, material
availability, substrate condition, and our current
schedule. Weather can also affect outdoor projects.
We'll provide a realistic timeline estimate and keep you
updated throughout the process.
Yes, we typically require a deposit to secure your
project date and order materials. The deposit amount
varies by project size, generally 25-50% of the total
estimate. This protects both parties and ensures we can
dedicate resources to your project.
For floor installations, we recommend waiting 24-48
hours before walking on the tile and 72 hours before
heavy furniture. For walls and backsplashes, the tile is
ready to use once grouting is complete. Showers should
cure for at least 72 hours before use.
Natural stone and unsealed ceramic should be resealed
annually or every 1-2 years depending on use and
traffic. Porcelain typically doesn't require sealing. We
can reseal your tiles or recommend professional
services.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft brush for regular
cleaning. For deep cleaning, a mixture of baking soda
and water works well. Avoid bleach on colored grout as
it can cause fading. Sealing grout after installation
helps prevent staining.
Individual cracked tiles can be replaced if you have
matching tiles available. This is why we recommend
keeping extra tiles after installation. We can carefully
remove the damaged tile and install a replacement to
blend seamlessly with your existing floor or wall.
Grout discoloration usually results from dirt buildup,
moisture, or inadequate sealing. Regular cleaning and
proper sealing prevent this. If grout is severely
stained, it can be professionally cleaned or even
re-colored in some cases.
Ensure proper ventilation, squeegee walls after each
use, and clean regularly with mildew-resistant products.
Proper waterproofing during installation is crucial. If
mold persists, it may indicate a deeper moisture problem
that should be addressed.
Remove all items from the work area, including
furniture, decorations, and personal belongings. We'll
handle the heavy lifting, but clearing the space helps
us start promptly. We'll also protect adjacent areas
with drop cloths and barriers.
We handle complete removal and disposal of old tile,
flooring, and debris. This is typically included in our
quotes. We'll haul everything away, leaving your space
clean and ready for new installation.
Tile work does generate dust, especially during
demolition and cutting. We use dust containment methods,
protective barriers, and clean up daily. We also use
water saws when possible to minimize airborne dust.
Not necessarily, as long as we have access to the work
area. Many clients prefer to be present for the initial
day and final walkthrough. We'll discuss access
arrangements and keep you updated throughout the
project.
If we discover issues like water damage, rot, or an
unlevel surface, we'll inform you immediately and
discuss options. Addressing substrate problems is
essential for a lasting installation. We'll provide a
supplemental estimate for any unexpected repairs needed.
We'll do our best to match your existing tile. Bring us
a sample or photo, and we'll search our suppliers.
However, exact matches aren't always possible if the
tile is discontinued. We can often find similar options
or create a complementary design.
We focus on thorough surface preparation, precise
measurements, and attention to detail at every step. Our
installers have decades of experience and take pride
in creating clean lines, perfect spacing, and durable
installations that stand the test of time.