What is the difference between travertine and porcelain tile?

• <div><p>Travertine is a natural stone, while porcelain is ceramic. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with porcelain travertine tiles. Some people prefer porcelain to travertine because it doesn’t require regular maintenance and it’s easier to clean. Porcelain travertine looks like the real thing but only costs <b>$3 to $6 per square foot.</b></p></div>

Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Nora Springs, IA

Q: Can I tile a shower myself?

• <div><p>Yes, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-tile-shower.htm">tile a shower</a> as a DIY project, and you can save hundreds of dollars in labor costs by doing so. However, you&rsquo;ll need to rent or buy quite a few tools and supplies for the job, including a saw, tile nippers, and a new shower pan. In terms of the work itself, you should be prepared to tackle a variety of different tasks, including measuring and ordering materials, removing old tile, waterproofing the wall, adding rows of tile, grouting, and more. </p></div>

Q: What are the rules for tile trim?

• <div><p>You have creative freedom when it comes to your tile trim. If, however, you are considering skipping tile trim, please think twice about that. It is good practice to install tile trim, whether on walls or flooring. Think, too, about the aesthetic you are going for and choose a trim type and color that will help enhance the space.</p></div>

Q: What is the best trowel for penny tile?

• <div><p>The best trowel for penny tile is a 3/16-inch-by-5/32-inch V-notch trowel. Because of the small size of the penny tile, you want a trowel with small notches that can lay a thin layer of mortar on the surface you&rsquo;re tiling. If the notches are too wide, you risk applying too thick of a layer of mortar, and it can squeeze out between the penny tiles.</p></div>

Q: Is it ever appropriate to leave tile in place when redoing a wall?

• <div><p>Yes, provided you aren&rsquo;t installing drywall over it. But you can skim coat it, apply new tile right on top, paint it, or stencil it. For more budget- and DIY-friendly options, you can install beadboard or apply decals. Just make sure that the current tiles are in good condition and prepped well for the paint or adhesive to stick.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in Nora Springs, IA

*The Angi rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Nora Springs, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Ceramic Tile Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Nora Springs, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Ceramic Tile Service needs.

Last update on November 22, 2025

Reviewed in October 2013
In February 2013 we hired Premier Construction to undertake an extensive building project which included an addition to our house that doubled the existing square footage, a remodel of the existing space, and the construction of a detached garage. Also included in the project were a rear deck, a...
Premier Construction Services
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Reviewed in March 2021
Excellent they worked around us while living there. Professional, knowledgeable and customer oriented. I would recommend them to anyone.
Zanella Construction
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Reviewed in January 2021
Krystal helped me from start to finish with the design. She made the overwhelming process seem easy! The installers came when scheduled which is a HUGE plus! The crew was fun to work with and very professional. We did not hire a contractor, we tore out the walls, did trim and whatever the Carpet...
Carpet One Floor & Home
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Reviewed in September 2013
They are outstanding. They are very knowledgeable. Their prices are very competitive. There are no surprises, they do what they say they are going to do. They are just phenomenal with customer service. We did a very expensive remodel and their installers are the best that I've ever seen....
CORNERSTONE FLOORING BROKERS
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Reviewed in June 2014
It went very well and in a timely manner. He kept in communication if he was delayed. ( Only happened once). He cleaned up after himself and took care of the leftovers if you wanted him to. Dave is an honest man whom we have had on several of our projects over the years. he is the first guy...
All Floors-David Gates
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Reviewed in December 2013
Adam was referred to me by my brother and his wife after he installed their hardwood flooring. I needed a mosaic backsplash installed in my kitchen and laundry room. He came to give me an estimate on the day and at the time he said he would. He gave me a written estimate. I accepted it and work...
Miller Flooring Solutions
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Reviewed in May 2012
Everything on this project has progressed smoothly from start to the current stage. There were no real hiccups that weren't easily dealt with. A wall was moved, which put a heater vent from inside to outside the bathroom. They simply cut a new hole inside the bathroom, and covered over the old...
Home Improvement 4 Less
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Reviewed in February 2012
A floor installer friend of mine turned me onto this guy, Jim Bell, as he was starting a business on his own and was working out of his home, then. I got in touch with him, told him what I wanted as far as quality and traffic. He set me up on the right type carpet, padding, and ceramic tile. ...
Floors & More of Iowa of Marshalltown
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Find Ceramic tile pros in Nora Springs

Brazilian Direct

5.00(

)

Brazilian Direct

5.00(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

WE do NOT do installation! Mill Direct - National Wholesaler Distributor Hardwood Flooring & Decking. 17 years ago, we started with a simple goal: to offer the finest exotic Brazilian hardwood floors available, online. We are an innovative flooring company that offers honest, knowledge-based, outstanding personalized service delivered with integrity and respect.We believe an informed customer is a happy customer. Our team of specialists, with over 45+ years of combined experience, is here to help you make the best decision for you and your project. We offer only the highest quality of hardwood products for the best available price, and no seconds or odd lots, allowing you to buy with confidence. We offer total value of the highest quality product coupled with outstanding service based on integrity providing assistance and support before, during, and long after the sale. We warranty our products and stand behind them. We work directly with the largest and best mills globally, giving us unmatched access to the highest quality and volume of flooring stock while other companies may be limited. We care about our customers and our community while minimizing any negative impact on the environment. Experience You Can Trust Brazilian Direct Ltd. Exceeding Customers Expectations Nationally for 12 years. Mill Direct - Premium Exotic Hardwood Flooring, Lumber and Decking. ------------------------Best BBB in the Industry after 1years! Better Business Bureau - Brazilian Direct Ltd. Accredited BBB with A+ after 10 years. (QUALITY Matters) Since registering our business with BBB 12 years ago (Brazilian Direct Ltd. has been BBB accredited since 8/19/2004) Brazilian Direct Ltd. has an A+ rating with BBB. ----------- http://www.bbb.org/washington-dc-eastern-pa/business-reviews/manufacturers-and-producers/brazilian-direct-ltd-in-quakertown-pa-75001117

Efloors.com

4.34(

)

Efloors.com

4.34(

)

Customers say: Terrific value

Welcome to Efloors.com, one of the largest online flooring retailers. We work hard to bring you great values; offering discount prices on laminate, hardwood, area rugs, bamboo, cork, luxury vinyl, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, natural stone and carpet tile from the brands you know and trust. Give us a call. You will find what you may have thought to be an impossible combination when purchasing flooring online: name brand flooring, unbeatable prices and expert advice.

"Communication is terrible! Brittany will ignore you and ingnore you time after time"

Darlene O on July 2022

"Communication is terrible! Brittany will ignore you and ingnore you time after time"

Darlene O on July 2022

Randys Carpets & Interiors

4.75(

)

Randys Carpets & Interiors

4.75(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

Locally owned & operated. We have been serving Eastern Iowa for over 34 years. Additional contact names - Paul Zachar, Russ Seaver, Ryan Homan, Amiee Wainwright, Ashley Buol, Brian Lake, Jim Kretzschmar. Additional emails - [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],

Hiller's Flooring America

4.80(

)

Hiller's Flooring America

4.80(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

Locally owned, and locally operated. Customer Service after the sale.Hiller's Flooring America is more than just a flooring specialty store. We are experts trained in flooring sales and design and will help you find the perfect floor for the way you live.We offer in-home service and are very experienced in the residential and commercial area. Hiller's Flooring America has a huge inventory of flooring products! You can buy today and walk on it tomorrow when you shop with Hiller's Flooring America! Hiller's Flooring America is the only store in Rochester with CFI Certified installers working for you. We are also SE MN only Stainmaster Flooring Center and HGTV Home dealer.

High Tech Home Warranties

4.37(

)

High Tech Home Warranties

4.37(

)

Customers say: Terrific value

2008 years of experience

We are a one stop shop for all your home warranty needs. Our upbeat and friendly support team is always at your fingertips to respond to questions about your warranty 365 days a year! Emergency claims will be addressed within 24 hours from time claim is submitted and non-emergency claims will be addressed within 48 hours Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 6:00 pm. During nights and weekends non-emergency claims will not receive a call back until the next business day. Our service call deductibles range from $65 - $75.

"I had a bad computer board in my oven. they said they would not cover it because they found a roach. This is Florida we have some roaches. i do not have a bug problem. It has nothing to do with a bad computer board. This company looks for a way to deny claims. i had one other claim and they tried to deny it as well. Save yourself some agravation and stay away. They must post their own positive reviews. They took my $65.00 fee and did nothing"

marc g on August 2018

"I had a bad computer board in my oven. they said they would not cover it because they found a roach. This is Florida we have some roaches. i do not have a bug problem. It has nothing to do with a bad computer board. This company looks for a way to deny claims. i had one other claim and they tried to deny it as well. Save yourself some agravation and stay away. They must post their own positive reviews. They took my $65.00 fee and did nothing"

marc g on August 2018

Nu-Life Cabinets

4.64(

)

Nu-Life Cabinets

4.64(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

Thank you for considering Nu-Life Cabinets. We offer service to the residents of Blakesburg and surrounding towns. Our goal is to meet your service needs with the highest quality service in cabinet refacing, new cabinets/counter tops to floors and tiles. Please call us today for more information.

Nu-Life Cabinets

4.91(

)

Nu-Life Cabinets

4.91(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are a family owned and family run business since 1974. We are not a franchise which in turn keeps your prices affordable. All estimates are free and we have a moving showroom brought right to your front door. So there is no wondering if a pattern or color will work in your home. We strive to be the best in our industry in offering you up to date and timely services that are affordable.

Born Again Interiors

4.25(

)

Born Again Interiors

4.25(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

2001 years of experience

Family owned and operated residential and light commercial, contracting and sub contracting services. Additional Services: Handymen. Hardwood Flooring Sales, Installation, Refinishing. Interior Design & Decorating. Painting - Interior. Remodeling - Basements. Remodeling - General. Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom. Remodeling - Modular & Mobile Home. Remodeling - Sunrooms & Patio Enclosures. Siding. Windows.

Dave Navarro Construction

5.00(

)

Dave Navarro Construction

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are a General contracting company. We perform all services involved in the completion of unfinished space. We do hire sub contractors when needed. We also stand by their work as well. Though we have only been in buisness for a short time. we have a combined 37 years construction experience.

Laura's Designs

5.00(

)

Laura's Designs

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Laura’s Designs has 1 employee: Laura provides design service; offering custom contracts to clients. Laura selects contractors and subcontractors to perform the work to ensure that each project is completed according to the specifications outlined in each estimate.

Showing 1-10 of 36

Ceramic Tile questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can tile a shower as a DIY project, and you can save hundreds of dollars in labor costs by doing so. However, you’ll need to rent or buy quite a few tools and supplies for the job, including a saw, tile nippers, and a new shower pan. In terms of the work itself, you should be prepared to tackle a variety of different tasks, including measuring and ordering materials, removing old tile, waterproofing the wall, adding rows of tile, grouting, and more.

You have creative freedom when it comes to your tile trim. If, however, you are considering skipping tile trim, please think twice about that. It is good practice to install tile trim, whether on walls or flooring. Think, too, about the aesthetic you are going for and choose a trim type and color that will help enhance the space.

The best trowel for penny tile is a 3/16-inch-by-5/32-inch V-notch trowel. Because of the small size of the penny tile, you want a trowel with small notches that can lay a thin layer of mortar on the surface you’re tiling. If the notches are too wide, you risk applying too thick of a layer of mortar, and it can squeeze out between the penny tiles.

Travertine is a natural stone, while porcelain is ceramic. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with porcelain travertine tiles. Some people prefer porcelain to travertine because it doesn’t require regular maintenance and it’s easier to clean. Porcelain travertine looks like the real thing but only costs $3 to $6 per square foot.

Yes, provided you aren’t installing drywall over it. But you can skim coat it, apply new tile right on top, paint it, or stencil it. For more budget- and DIY-friendly options, you can install beadboard or apply decals. Just make sure that the current tiles are in good condition and prepped well for the paint or adhesive to stick.

The Nora Springs, IA homeowners’ guide to ceramic tile services

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