Tile & Stone Pre-Installation Guide

Before the Installation Process

Once our warehouse receives your order, an installation manager will call you to schedule the installation of your new tile.

During the ordering process, the estimator who visited your home will have already discussed the installation process, including the layout of your new floor, and the removal of your existing floor, if needed. The estimator will also review how to make the installation process smooth and efficient, including the following tips:

• If you’re remodeling more than your floor, all other construction projects should be completed.
• Remove all furniture from the construction area as agreed upon with the estimator prior to the arrival of our installers.
• Remove all small personal items, electronics and breakables from the tops of furniture and from closets where the new flooring will be installed.
• Ensure that your home has an operational HVAC unit(s) before, during, and after installation.
• Be sure to raise questions and concerns about the subfloor, timing and finishing/trim before the installation starts so we can address these issues and plan accordingly.

Our installers occasionally discover unforeseen issues or damage once we remove existing flooring. In such cases, the estimator/installer will review any issues and adjust pricing for any additional work/repairs that may need to be done.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Tile and Natural Stone products will vary in color and shade and the appearance can be impacted by natural light.

During the Installation Process

We strongly recommend customers be home when the installers first arrive. This allows the installers to review the materials with you and confirm installation areas. The Installers may also ask where they can set up and make cuts. Our installers always use drop cloths to protect nearby furniture and delicate items.

The installers will review placement, designs and layouts before installing the tile. It is important that you review these with the installer, as once the material is installed it cannot be changed or removed.

Your tile or natural stone installation may take several days depending on the size and complexity of the project. The installers will need to remove the existing floors, and they may use tools (e.g., saws, crow bars, scrapers) that generate noise and dust. These tools may also cause nail pops in the ceiling below.

Following the removal of the existing floor, the installers prep the floors for your new tile or natural stone product to ensure that the new floor is supported and protected from any potential moisture. The preparation may include water proofing membranes, mortars, and grouts, all of which require time to cure before moving onto the next step.

Tiles are set in a mortar cement. This process does take some time depending on the size of the project and can take 24-48 hours to completely set cure.

After the Installation Process

Once the installers finish installing your new flooring, they will clean up and remove all work-related debris. If possible, they will also place furniture back into the space. There will be times the installers cannot put the furniture back because the tile needs to set/cure before walking on it. You should be prepared to keep furniture off the new installation for at least 24-48 hours. Your estimator will review these possible scenarios with you. The Installers will also walk through the job with you to make sure all work is completed to your satisfaction.

Dust in the area and haze on the surface are normal following the installation. Such after effects are completely normal and do not reflect a defect in the product or installation process. Basic cleaning will help to remove any remaining haze that is left from the installation. The installer will discuss when it is appropriate to clean the space, noting that you should plan to allow approximately 72 hours for grouted areas to fully cure.

For additional information read our care & maintenance guide.