Who to get to install ceramic tile floors?

If we go with ceramic tile in the kitchen, (I really want it) who do we need to get to install it? My mom keeps telling me that we'll need a professional to install it because if it's not leveled out perfectly that it will crack. She said we can't just get someone who knows how to install it, that we'll have to go through a company. Is this true? Is it a project that requires a professional and not just a handyman type person? She thinks it's too expensive for the installation so that's why we should get vinyl/linoleum instead. We've been arguing over it for days now. I want tile, but she says why waste the money?

Re: Who to get to install ceramic tile floors?

She is wrong on so many points.

First off, you can get good quality yet cheap tile. Tile is not expensive. Grout is not expensive. Glue is not expensive.

I saw tile at Home Depot that was under a dollar a square foot. I saw even nicer tile that was under two dollars a square foot.

As far as leveling goes, you really dont need to go crazy leveling. Any handyman with half a brain can lay tile. When you set each tile, you simply take a level and adjust the tile while the glue is still wet. But if your floors are already relatively level, you really don't need to worry about leveling too much. The harder part is making sure they are all aligned straight.

As far as cracking goes, I wouldn't worry about them cracking. Tile holds up very well. And if one happens to crack, it's not the end of the world. The beauty of tile is you can easily rip up a single tile and replace if need be. Buy an extra box of tiles just to hold onto if you want to be safe.

And besides, aren't you selling this house? Why are you worried about cracking anyways? Tile LOOKS better for buyers. If I saw a house that had vinyl flooring, I would alter my price accordingly to install tile myself.

Hope this helps.

Message edited 6/15/2008 1:35:19 AM.

Re: Who to get to install ceramic tile floors?

Re: Who to get to install ceramic tile floors?

Thanks so much!!!

I've been trying to tell her all of this and she just doesn't want to hear it. She says, Do whatever you want, you do it anyway! Now, it's trying to find someone to do it!

Re: Who to get to install ceramic tile floors?

Any handyman can do it.

You just need concrete boards on top of your subfloor to lay tile on.

Tile is very easy to install and not that expensive.

The only issue I have found with cheaper tile is that it does not cut "even" if you have those old "score" machines to cut them manually. But now with a wet saw, it's all good.

Re: Who to get to install ceramic tile floors?

there are several factors that need to be considered before we label it as easy.
I remember you saying you had wood floors that were damaged, what type of subfloor do you have? an amatuer putting tile over a subfloor that was used for hardwood would not be "easy".
Your best bet would be to find a one guy does it all type of company or a highly skilled professional handyman & hire them, maybe in a local Pennysaver type paper.
It sounds like some concrete board or hardy backer as new subfloor & thinset will do it for you. But keep in mind, you have door heights & other things that might need to be changed. Also things like your dishwasher, you can't raise the counter & concrete board plus thinset plus tile is thicker than the wood you had, you can't tile up to it like the cabinets because its needs to be able to pull out.
In an ideal situation you'd pull a mudfloor(unless you're on a slab) but that requires a real tile guy.

I know you are on a long journey to fixing that house up so you can sell it, but try not to cheap out on your improvements. If I recall correctly you are in an area with lots of affordable new construction as your competition.
You've got to make your house seem well built.
Good luck.

Message edited 6/15/2008 9:22:10 AM.

Re: Who to get to install ceramic tile floors?

put an ad on craigslist. you'll find someone. people are out there to do work on the side, if your schedule allows.