Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Saint Charles, IA

Tile installation can be expensive because it requires more time and labor to install than many other materials. For example, laminate flooring can click and lock into place, and carpet comes in large rolls that you can secure to the floor. On the other hand, tiles need to be cut, laid individually, grouted, and left to cure.

You can attach tiles to a wall using thin-set mortar. You’ll also need a notched trowel to create grooves within the adhesive so it flattens completely when pressed in and securely holds the wall tiles. Finally, you’ll need grout to smooth the gaps between the tiles and, ideally, a grout sealer to prevent mold. While it sounds simple enough, proper planning and execution are crucial, so carefully review the steps in this guide or hire a pro tile installer to complete this project.

Altering the layout of your bathroom will make a big difference as moving or adding plumbing quickly inflates your total bill. While you can recoup more of your cost (in home value terms) by adding a bathroom, rearranging the layout won’t affect your home’s sticker value. However, strategic placements that allow more light or better flow may increase buyer interest.

You can technically install tile over tile, but we don’t suggest it. Installing tile over any surface that isn’t a completely flat and prepared subfloor will result in a shoddy overall job, uneven flooring, tiles that don’t adhere, extra weight, gaps, cracks, and room for moisture and dirt to enter. For the best results, only install new tile on a flat, sanded surface like subflooring or concrete that is prepared for tile.

If you have asbestos tile and would rather tile over it than remove it, or if your existing tile is completely flat and bonded tightly to the floor, you may be able to tile over existing tile. But experts recommend thinking twice before you do.