Consistent grout lines – grout lines must be straight, minimal width and uniform. If you use tile spacers, you will achieve a uniform width and by using a spirit level, your lines should be straight. Overuse of grouting or sealant – if the tiles are badly cut, they won't fit the space properly.
Patterns and colors fit the agreement with the contractor. Tiles are laid in an even pattern. Wall boards are properly recessed (anchored prior to being placed) Transitions between hardwood, granite and other materials are seamless and clean.
Unless the design is specifically meant to look rugged, uneven, or is a mosaic pattern, then crooked tiles are the first sign of a bad tiling job. Crooked tiles occur for several reasons – for example, grouting may be uneven or the installer may have neglected the use of tile spacers when allowing the grout to set.
A professional tiler will spend between 6 to 8 hours laying tile floors in a bathroom. A DIY project will take anywhere from 10 to 16 hours. You'll also require an hour of prep time per project, and an hour of layout time per job. Also, set aside an hour of grouting and cleaning time per square foot.
Broken tiles or cracked expansion joints
Sometimes accidents happen, and we drop things on the floor – not exactly ideal when your flooring is tiled. Heavy items can cause floor tiles to break, or at the very least, cause damage to the grout, and another common issue is cracked expansion joints.
Although from a a standard of care point of view, good quality tile installations should not exceed about 1/16" of lippage and should be less if possible. If the tile is irregular in thickness and in its surface cleft, then the allowable lippage can be much greater.
Again, the wider the grout joint, the more one can minimize tile irregularities and minimize lippage. On the other hand, the more narrow the grout joint, the less one can compensate for irregularities within the tile or its substrate.
National Averages of Tile Floor Installation
The national average to install ceramic or porcelain tile ranges between $13.50 and $63 per square foot. If by chance, you're looking to install tile flooring outdoors, the national average is between $14 and $83 per square foot.
There are different ways to break down the cost of ceramic tile flooring, such as by room size, tile type, tile shape and project type. On average, you can expect to pay between $15 and $20 per square foot for tile flooring. But the price for tile installation can range from $4 to $110.
There are tolerances for tile lippage. The ANSI A108. 02 standards say that acceptable lippage for floor tiles with a grout joint width of 1/16" to less than 1/4" is 1/32" plus the allowable inherent warpage of the tile.
Porcelain is harder than ceramic, but it's also more brittle. Its hardness makes it more difficult for a DIYer to work with, as they'll need a specialized tile cutter to cut porcelain to shape. This means porcelain tile installation is typically a job left to professionals.
As noted in the first answer above, the surface to be tiled, in your case the floor, must be flat within 1/8” in 10' when measured from the high points of the floor. To achieve this, be sure to use the appropriate patch or self-leveling compound (with the same manufacturer's primer), but never thin set mortar.
Lippage can be significant when tile with warpage issues is installed at a 50% offset. The outcome is aesthetically unsightly and unsafe for pedestrians. Warpage or bowing can take place during the manufacturing of fired tile products like ceramic and porcelain tile.
Diagonal: Laying subway tile flooring in a diagonal pattern adds visual interest and a modern touch. It creates the illusion of a larger space, particularly beneficial for smaller areas. The diagonal arrangement brings unique character and personalization, adapting to different interior styles.
Lifespan. A properly maintained tile floor can easily last 20 years or more. In fact, unless the tiles are irreparably damaged in some way, a tile floor may last for over 50 years.
Con: Cold, Hard Walking Surface
Without radiant heating, tile floors can be a cold walking surface during the winter months. If you are someone who likes to walk barefoot throughout the house, you may not want to install tile extensively throughout your home.
"First time you have to do first fix plumbing work (water pipes, waste pipes) then tiling and after fix the hand basin, toilet.
If you're working on it yourself and can spare the time, then opt for the floor first as it's then easier that way to do the walls. If you're scared of damaging your newly-bought floor tiles, which would in turn affect the waterproofing capabilities of your floor, then tile the walls first with precision and caution.
In most instances, you'll be able to put tiles over the drywall. Even an area in the kitchen or bathroom, which is subject to some water, can be set over the drywall.