Tile Installation Conyers GA

Tile installation cost in Conyers and the Atlanta metro varies by material and complexity:

Standard Tile Installation:

• Ceramic tile: $7-12/sq ft installed
• Porcelain tile: $8-16/sq ft installed
• Natural stone: $12-30/sq ft installed
• Glass tile/mosaics: $18-35/sq ft installed

Price includes: ✓ Tile materials and grout ✓ Thinset mortar application ✓ Professional installation with laser levels ✓ Grout application and sealing ✓ Cleanup and disposal

Additional costs:

• Old tile removal: $3-5/sq ft
• Waterproofing membrane (showers): $2-4/sq ft
• Subfloor leveling: $3-6/sq ft
• Backerboard installation: $2-3/sq ft
• Heated floor systems: $10-15/sq ft

Average project costs:

• 100 sq ft bathroom floor: $1,200-2,400
• 200 sq ft kitchen floor: $2,400-4,800
• Shower surround (75 sq ft): $2,500-5,000
• Kitchen backsplash (40 sq ft): $1,000-2,000

Request 3 free estimates for accurate pricing based on your tile selection, room size, and subfloor condition.

Most residential tile installation projects complete in 3-7 days depending on size and complexity:

Day 1-2: Preparation

• Remove old flooring if needed
• Inspect and repair subfloor
• Install cement backerboard over wood subfloors
• Apply waterproofing membrane in wet areas
• Allow mortar to cure 24 hours

Day 3-4: Tile Installation

• Dry-lay tile to plan pattern and cuts
• Mix and apply thinset mortar
• Set tiles with proper spacing and leveling
• Use laser levels for large format tiles
• Allow thinset to cure 24-48 hours

Day 5: Grouting

• Remove spacers and clean tile surfaces
• Mix and apply grout using rubber float
• Clean excess grout with sponges
• Allow grout to cure 24-72 hours

Day 6-7: Sealing and Finishing

• Apply grout sealer (porous grout only)
• Seal natural stone tiles
• Install transition strips and baseboards
• Final cleaning and inspection

Timeline by project:

• Small bathroom floor (50 sq ft): 3-4 days
• Large kitchen floor (300 sq ft): 5-7 days
• Shower surround with floor: 5-7 days
• Backsplash only: 1-2 days

Contractors provide specific timelines during free in-home estimates.

Yes. All contractors in our network maintain:

Required Licenses:

• Active Georgia residential or general contractor licenses
• Issued by Georgia Secretary of State or local county boards
• Current and verified before approval

Insurance Coverage:

• $1 million minimum general liability insurance
• Workers compensation for all employees
• Property damage protection during installation
• Bond coverage for consumer protection

Professional Certifications:

• Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) certification
• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) membership
• Schluter Systems waterproofing certification
• Manufacturer-specific training (Daltile, Schluter, Laticrete)

We verify current insurance certificates, license status, and background checks before approving contractors. You receive copies of all documentation before work begins.

Most contractors include removal and disposal of existing tile as part of their quote:

What’s included in removal:

• Breaking up old tile with hammer drills and chisels
• Removing old thinset from subfloor
• Pulling up cement backerboard if present
• Repairing damaged subfloor underneath
• Hauling debris to approved disposal facilities

Typical removal cost: $3-5 per square foot

Subfloor issues discovered after removal:

• Rotten plywood from water damage
• Cracked concrete requiring patching
• Unlevel floors needing self-leveling compound
• Mold or mildew requiring remediation

These repairs are quoted separately based on extent of damage.

For second-story installations: Contractors protect stairways and floors during debris removal to prevent damage.

For bathrooms, showers, and kitchens, choose tiles with specific moisture ratings:

Best tile options:

Porcelain Tile (Top Choice)

• Water absorption rate: <0.5%
• Impervious to moisture and staining
• Won’t crack from freeze-thaw cycles
• Suitable for floors, walls, and showers

Glazed Ceramic Tile

• Water absorption: 3-7%
• Suitable for walls and light-use floors
• Not recommended for shower floors
• Requires proper waterproofing behind

Natural Stone (Requires Sealing)

• Marble: elegant but porous, requires annual sealing
• Slate: naturally slip-resistant for showers
• Granite: extremely durable, minimal sealing needed
• Travertine: porous, requires frequent sealing

Critical waterproofing requirements:  membrane behind all shower tile ✓ Cement backerboard (not drywall) in wet areas ✓ Sloped shower pan with proper drainage ✓ Sealed grout joints with epoxy or urethane grout

Contractors follow waterproofing standards to prevent leaks and mold growth.

Large format tiles (12×24 inches and larger) require specialized installation to prevent lippage (uneven tile edges):

Professional leveling techniques:

Laser Levels

• Establish perfectly flat reference plane
• Identify high and low spots before thinset application
• Essential for tiles over 15 inches

Tile Leveling Systems

• Spin Doctor, Raimondi, or T-Lock systems
• Clips hold adjacent tiles at same height during curing
• Prevents lippage between tiles
• Removed after thinset cures

Back-Buttering

• Apply thinset to both floor and tile back
• Ensures 95%+ coverage required for large tiles
• Prevents hollow spots that crack under pressure

Proper Thinset

• Large-and-heavy-tile (LHT) mortar for tiles over 8×8
• Medium-bed mortar for thickness variations
• Extended open time for working large tiles

Subfloor Preparation

• Floor must be flat within 1/8 inch over 10 feet
• Self-leveling compound corrects dips and slopes
• Critical for tiles 12 inches and larger

Professional installers achieve lippage under 1/16 inch following ANSI A108 standards.

Grout selection impacts appearance, maintenance, and longevity:

Sanded Grout

• For grout joints 1/8 inch and wider
• Contains sand for strength in wide joints
• Available in 50+ colors
• Requires sealing to prevent staining
• Cost: $20-40 per 25lb bag

Unsanded Grout

• For grout joints under 1/8 inch
• Smooth finish won’t scratch polished surfaces
• Used for glass tile and marble
• Requires sealing
• Cost: $25-45 per 25lb bag

Epoxy Grout (Premium)

• Waterproof and stain-resistant
• Never requires sealing
• Ideal for kitchen counters and shower floors
• Resists mold and mildew
• More difficult to apply
• Cost: $60-100 per kit

Urethane Grout

• Pre-mixed, ready to use
• Stain and crack resistant
• Flexible for movement
• No sealing required
• Cost: $50-80 per container

Joint width recommendations:

• Rectified tile (straight edges): 1/16 – 1/8 inch joints
• Standard tile: 1/8 – 1/4 inch joints
• Natural stone: 3/16 – 1/4 inch joints (hides size variation)

Contractors apply grout sealer 48-72 hours after installation for porous grout types.

Georgia’s humid climate requires specific tile maintenance:

Daily/Weekly Cleaning:

• Sweep or vacuum to remove grit and dirt
• Damp mop with pH-neutral tile cleaner
• Avoid vinegar or acidic cleaners on natural stone
• Dry floors after mopping to prevent water spots

Monthly Maintenance:

• Deep clean grout lines with grout brush
• Check grout for cracks or missing sections
• Reseal natural stone tiles every 6-12 months
• Clean and reseal grout annually

Georgia-specific concerns:

High Humidity (70-80% in summer)

• Increases mold growth in grout lines
• Use bathroom exhaust fans during showers
• Maintain indoor humidity at 30-50%
• Consider epoxy grout for mold resistance

Red Clay Dirt

• Georgia’s iron-rich soil stains light grout
• Use entrance mats to trap dirt
• Clean spills immediately
• Dark grout colors hide staining better

Hard Water

• Atlanta metro water leaves mineral deposits
• Squeegee shower walls after use
• Use water softener if available
• Clean soap scum weekly

Recommended products:

• Black Diamond Stoneworks tile cleaner
• Aqua Mix grout sealer
• Miracle Sealants natural stone sealer
• StoneTech professional products

Professional deep cleaning and resealing every 2-3 years maintains appearance and protection.

Tile installations include separate labor and material warranties:

Labor Warranty (from installer):

• Covers installation-related defects
• Includes: loose tiles, grout cracks, lippage issues
• Typical duration: 1-3 years
• Does not cover damage from impacts or improper use

Tile Material Warranty (from manufacturer):

• Defects in tile manufacturing
• Glaze cracking, color variation beyond specs
• Varies by brand: 10 years to lifetime
• Requires professional installation to remain valid

Waterproofing Warranty:

• Schluter Kerdi systems: 10-year manufacturer warranty
• RedGard membrane: varies by application
• Requires proper installation following exact specifications
• Does not cover damage from plumbing leaks

Grout/Sealant Warranty:

• Epoxy grout: typically 1 year labor warranty
• Silicone caulk in corners: 1 year
• Grout sealer effectiveness: 1-3 years depending on traffic

What voids warranties:

• DIY installation attempts
• Using incorrect thinset or adhesive
• Skipping waterproofing membranes
• Grouting before thinset fully cures
• Impact damage from dropped objects
• Harsh chemical cleaners on natural stone

Keep all receipts, product labels, and installation documentation for warranty claims.

Tile can sometimes be installed over existing flooring with proper preparation:

Over Vinyl/Linoleum: ✓ Yes, if firmly adhered and smooth ✓ Roughen surface for thinset adhesion ✓ Test for asbestos if installed before 1980 ✗ No, if cushioned or textured vinyl

Over Ceramic Tile: ✓ Yes, if tiles are firmly attached ✓ Grind down high spots and rough surface ✓ Adds weight and floor height ✗ No, if existing tiles are loose or cracked

Over Concrete: ✓ Yes, ideal substrate for tile ✓ Must be level within 1/8 inch over 10 feet ✓ Requires moisture testing (under 5 lbs/1,000 sq ft) ✓ May need self-leveling compound

Over Wood Subfloor: ✓ Yes, with cement backerboard layer ✓ Plywood must be 1-1/8 inch thick minimum ✓ Install backerboard with thinset and screws ✗ No, directly over wood (will crack)

Over Laminate: ✗ No, floating floor moves causing tile cracks ✗ Remove completely before tile installation

Best practice: Most professional installers recommend removing old flooring to:

• Inspect subfloor for damage
• Ensure proper floor height at doorways
• Minimize floor height buildup
• Eliminate future squeaks or movement
• Achieve longest tile life

Old flooring removal adds $3-5/sq ft but prevents future problems.

Tile cracking has several causes, all preventable with proper installation:

Common causes and prevention:

1. Subfloor Movement

• Cause: Bouncy or flexing wood subfloors
• Prevention: Install cement backerboard over 1-1/8″ plywood minimum, use crack isolation membrane

2. Improper Thinset Coverage

• Cause: Hollow spots under tile (less than 80% coverage)
• Prevention: Back-butter large tiles, use proper trowel size, beat tiles into thinset

3. Wrong Thinset Type

• Cause: Using cheap premixed mastic for floor tiles
• Prevention: Use modified thinset mortar for floors, large-and-heavy-tile (LHT) mortar for tiles over 8×8

4. Insufficient Expansion Joints

• Cause: Tile expands and contracts with temperature
• Prevention: Install movement joints every 20-25 feet, at walls, and where tile meets other materials

5. Concrete Cracks Telegraph Through

• Cause: Concrete slab cracks transfer to tile above
• Prevention: Use uncoupling membrane (Ditra, Durabase) over concrete

6. Grout Used Instead of Caulk

• Cause: Rigid grout in corners cracks from movement
• Prevention: Use flexible silicone caulk where tile meets walls, tubs, or different planes

7. Structural Issues

• Cause: Foundation settling or joist deflection
• Prevention: Address structural problems before tile installation

8. Impact Damage

• Cause: Heavy objects dropped on tile
• Prevention: None—this is user damage, not installation defect

Professional installation prevents 95% of tile cracks by following TCNA Handbook installation methods including proper substrate preparation, correct thinset application, adequate expansion joints, and using crack isolation membranes where appropriate.