Ceramic Tile & Stone Installation Company

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I install kitchen backsplashes over granite slab decks, I install mortared tile kitchen decks and vanities. I float mortar walls and and set tile on tub surrounds and shower stalls. I install floor tile up to 20 x 20. I am setting a lot of glass mosiacs currently. I can clad over existing brick fireplace to change the look to marble, stone or tile.

No job is too small. I clean old grout, touch up missing grout and seal grout and various types of stone. I use high quality sealers to help maintain the beautiful look of a job. I an stain grout with an epoxy colorant to completely change the look of an installation. I re-caulk various areas in a home.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Make sure you get 3 recent references and one reference over 5 years old before deciding on a tile company. Make sure they are licensed. Ask how long they have been setting tile. Try to see pictures of their work.

If you have a shower installation, ask them how they treat the drain before and during an installation. If you have a kitchen deck to install, ask them if they use real mortar or cement board under the tile (real mortar is much better). Ask them what material they use to attach the V-cap outer trim to their vanities and kitchen decks (thin set is problematic here). If it's a floor ask them which thin set product they will use (be sure it is premium thinset). If it is large format floor tile (16 x 16 or larger, ask them which size knotched trowel they will use to set the tiles (to get a flatter smoother floor, you want a large knotched trowel, even though it uses more thinset).

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. First of all, I have 30 years of experience setting tile. During that time I also worked as a repair manager for eleven years for two large tile companies so I know which methods cause problems and which techniques and products are the best to use.

I know, from bumping into my old customers, that they are happy decades later!

I take the time to set the tile in a layout that looks best; I don't take sloppy shortcuts. I take hidden and knowledgeable steps to insure my installations are strong and lasting. My tile floors over a wood-subfloor always contain cement board laid down with premium thinset underneath and special gripping screws above. My floors over slab are laid with premium thinset; for just a few cents more a foot you get better long-term adhesion. My grouting has uniform texture, color and depth.

I go to workshops and the internet to keep up with the latest products and methods.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Setting the tile of course! It's like putting together a puzzle and I love jigsaw puzzles. Also, seeing the happy faces of my customers gazing at their new tile installlation. Proudly providing a quality installation that I know will last at least 40 years. Educating the consumer about tile, stone and products to use. Using my back ground in art to help the homeowner with their selections, if they want advice.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. How do I clean and maintain my grout? Which sealers should I use for slate? How do I care for my granite slab counters? I give them short verbal answers and I carry a briefcase full of hand-outs with information answering many common consumer problems.

Why do you like installing tile? I am proud of my day's work, can see what I've accomplished and know the installation will be in great shape decades from now.

Why is my shower installed by others, leaking? I send them to my website for answers and solutions.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I am on a special well known web list of A rated contractors. I did not pay to be on that list. My customers put me on that contractor referral list and gave me the highest rating.

I care about the growth and reputation of the tile and stone industry; for the appropriate areas I want customers to choose tile over other products.

Shower tiled pans don't have to leak. It's just that some uninformed tile setters don't take care with the sub-structure underneath the tile. Consumers need to go to my website to see instructions and pictures of how they should have their tile contractors treat their shower drains.

V-cap trims at kitchen and vanity decks don't have to crack if the tile setter gives the trim tiles the proper foundation.

There can be less grout at kitchen counters by selecting larger tiles and narrower grout joints.

Slate tiles are not so difficult to grout and keep the crevices clean of grout if a pre-seal is applied before grouting.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I recently tiled an entire master bath shower to the ceiling, vanity splashes, tub surround with gold-veined crackled glass. There was an intriguing granite accent placed in the walls to match the granite pan tiles. The decks were all granite slabs, installed by others, which matched the glass tiles.

The general builder wants the homeowner to submit before and after pictures to home and garden magazines.

The floors are made of sturdy ceramic tiles that look like travertine without the needed maintenance or softness of stone. The customer was so happy with the job, she sent me a card months later thanking me.