Tile Installation and Replacement

Find a tiling professional near Encinitas, CA

Find a tiling professional near Encinitas, CA

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Top 10 Tiling Professionals near Encinitas, CA

Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

Do tilers offer remote or virtual services?

Because tiling is a manual, in-person job, it is not typically considered a remote project. But if you come across a profile that states the tile company is offering remote services, ask them what those services include.

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 — but hiring 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.

Reviews for Encinitas tiling professionals
Jon B.
This is the second time we hired Bluewater. A few months ago they installed floor tile in our bathroom. This time they installed backsplash tile in our kitchen. Both jobs came out excellent. I would highly recommend them for any type of tile job.
Bluewater TileBluewater Tile
Letitia B.
Bluewater did a great job installing tile in my ground floor laundry room and bathroom. Our tile had a pattern that need to be precisely lined up and they did a excellent job.
Bluewater TileBluewater Tile
Thumbtack Customer
Brian / Bluewater Tile did an amazing job for our home. He bid the job at a reasonable price, and with a short lead time, showed up when he said he would, was completely professional and a super-nice guy on top of that, gave great recommendations, and completed our job beautifully, and on time. Thanks so much to Brian and Bluewater Tile! Will definitely hire him again for our future tiling needs!
Bluewater TileBluewater Tile
Amy K.
I hired Bluewater tile to install my kitchen backsplash. Brian and his son did a great job and the price was reasonable. Finished the job in 1.25 days! I definitely would hire them again for my next tile project. I highly recommend them! Give them a call now! 😀
Bluewater TileBluewater Tile
Thumbtack Customer
Tile floor cleaning was excellent. Friendly knowledgeable technician showed up on time and was finished in 2.5 hours. Pictures speak for themselves.
Greenside Carpet and Dryer Vent Cleaning Service.Greenside Carpet and Dryer Vent Cleaning Service.
Tony P.
Brian did an amazing job on our bathroom tile! It turned out fantastic. He was prompt, professional, and his bid was right on.
Bluewater TileBluewater Tile
Janet B.
Saul was very responsive and came right out for a quote. Initially we were looking for our fireplace tile to be redone. We ended up hiring him to install shiplap in several areas as well as install the mantle and tile. Saul is honest, hard working, professional and cares about his work. Many days he also brought along Eric who was also great! We are very happy with how things turned out and we'll hopefully be working with him more in the future. Pics are of the primed shiplap, yet to be painted Thanks Saul!
Solano Structured SolutionsSolano Structured Solutions
PK M.
Zack and team did a great job with our challenging project. We needed intricate tile work done and they nailed it. They were very clean and very respectful of our space (was remodeling master bathroom) and look forward to working together again with another job in the future.
Valley Habitats IncValley Habitats Inc
Conni L.
Gilbert Reyes was a lifesaver for us. I needed my sisters house floors tiled immediately so I contacted Thumbtack,which I had never used before, and Gilbert responded to my request within 5 minutes. I contacted him on Monday and he was able to start the job on Wednesday. Gilbert, Albert and Robert were a great crew, working quickly and neatly. They were very pleasant, funny and extremely talented. The floors turned out beautifully. They did a great job on cleanup too. I would definitely call Gilbert Reyes again!!
gilbert reyesgilbert reyes
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