What to expect on tile installation day

Ceramic and porcelain tile flooring is a perennial favorite for bathrooms and kitchens. It resists scratches and stains, and it's waterproof. Both materials retain their new look many years after installation. North Texas-based CW Floors & Lighting provides a large selection of floor tiles along with an experienced team of installers. We stand behind every installation we complete.

Tile flooring facts

Ceramic and porcelain, a type of ceramic, are made of clay hardened in a high-temperature kiln. Ceramic is made with coarse clay, while porcelain is composed of fine kaolin clay. Porcelain comes in a wider variety of colors and designs. While both types of tile are durable, porcelain is the superior material.

Home preparation

Ceramic and porcelain tile installation are labor-intensive. Porcelain, in particular, is brittle, and therefore, difficult to cut. Installers cut the tile outside, so they need a clear path from the door to the room that will be renovated. Everything in the room should be removed before the installers arrive, including items on the wall within about three feet of the floor.

Tile installation

The subfloor needs to be in good condition before tiles are laid; it may require repairs. A cement backer board is the best type of underlayment. Mortar is applied to the board, and then the tile is pressed into it. Lastly, tiles are joined together with grout. The floor can't be walked on immediately. It takes at least two or three days for the mortar and grout to cure.

CW Floors & Lighting serves the San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth areas. Our showrooms are in San Antonio and Rockwall. We have several online tools to help you with your tile flooring upgrade, including a room visualizer and an extensive flooring catalog. We offer free in-home measurements as well as free in-home consultations and product samples.