Tile Flooring
Installation
Tile flooring provides a durable, attractive surface for kitchens, entryways, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and living spaces. Roberts Custom Tile & Stone specializes in floor tile installation that emphasizes proper substrate preparation, accurate layout, and long-lasting performance. Located in Shelbyville, KY, our team installs ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone floors that stand up to daily life while enhancing home value and design.
Why tile flooring matters
Tile floors offer qualities homeowners often desire:
Durability: Tiles resist scratches, dents, and stains better than many other flooring types.
Moisture resistance: Properly installed tile is ideal for moisture-prone areas.
Design versatility: Tiles come in countless sizes, colors, textures, and formats including wood-look porcelain, encaustic patterns, and large-format slabs.
Low maintenance: With the right grout and sealers, tile floors are easy to keep clean.
Long lifespan: Professionally installed tile floors can last decades with proper care.
Key benefits of professional tile flooring installation
- Substrate assessment and leveling: Ensures flat surfaces and prevents cracked tiles over time.
- Crack isolation: We install isolation membranes where necessary to reduce the risk of cracks telegraphing from existing substrates.
- Correct adhesives and trowel techniques: Ensures full coverage and solid bedding, preventing hollow spots.
- Grout and joint planning: Proper movement joints and grout choices protect the installation from thermal expansion and contraction.
- Transition management: Seamless transitions between tile and adjacent floors for both function and aesthetic.
Common tile flooring applications
- Kitchen floors: Durable, stain-resistant tiles that complement cabinetry and countertops.
- Entryways and mudrooms: Slip-resistant tiles that stand up to grit and water.
- Living areas and open plans: Large-format tiles or wood-look porcelain for a modern, continuous look.
- Laundry rooms and utility areas: Easy-to-clean surfaces with waterproof installations.
- Basement floors: Appropriate tile installations for properly prepared basements, often with isolation membranes.
Materials and selection
Choosing the right tile for flooring requires attention to durability and slip resistance:
Porcelain tile
Highly recommended for floors due to its density and low water absorption.
Ceramic tile
Suitable for lower-traffic floors and areas without heavy moisture exposure.
Natural stone
Offers unique beauty but requires sealing and maintenance. Great for statement floors when cared for properly.
Glazed vs. unglazed tile
Glazed tiles have finishes that make cleaning easier; unglazed tiles offer better slip resistance in some formats.
Large-format tile considerations
Large-format tiles require:
- Extremely flat substrates (often within 1/8" over 10 feet or better).
- Proper back buttering and full mortar coverage to prevent lippage.
- Spacing and leveling clips for consistent joints and alignment.
Our installers are experienced with large-format tiles and use leveling systems to produce even surfaces.
Underfloor heating integration
Large-format tiles require:
- Extremely flat substrates (often within 1/8" over 10 feet or better).
- Proper back buttering and full mortar coverage to prevent lippage.
- Spacing and leveling clips for consistent joints and alignment.
Our installers are experienced with large-format tiles and use leveling systems to produce even surfaces.
Installation best practices
Subfloor inspection and leveling
We evaluate the substrate — plywood, concrete, or existing tile — and level where necessary.
Crack isolation or decoupling membrane
Prevents cracks from transferring through to the new tile.
Mortar selection
Using the correct mortar for tile type and substrate ensures long-term adhesion.
Full bed or thin-set
Depending on tile size and substrate, we use the technique that ensures full coverage and load distribution.
Movement joints and perimeter joints
Allow for expansion and contraction to prevent stress on tiles and grout.
Grouting and sealing
Choose the appropriate grout (cementitious, polymer-modified, or epoxy) and seal natural stone to resist staining.
Maintenance and longevity tips
- Clean regularly with a pH-neutral cleaner to preserve grout and tile finishes.
- For stone floors, follow recommended sealing schedules and stone-safe cleaning products.
- Address grout discoloration quickly: re-sealing or grout replacement can revitalize an older floor.
- Use appropriate protective pads on furniture to prevent scratches on softer stones.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: What subfloor do you require for tile?
A: We install over structural subfloors (concrete or plywood) that meet flatness and stability guidelines. We correct any deficiencies before tile installation.
Q: How do you prevent lippage with large-format tile?
A: We use back buttering, adequate mortar coverage, and tile leveling systems to ensure flatness and minimal edge variation.
Q: How long before I can walk on newly tiled floors?
A: Typically, grout cures within 24–72 hours depending on type and conditions. Heavy foot traffic may need to be limited per product recommendations.
Q: What is the best grout for floors?
A: For high-traffic floors, polymer-modified grout or epoxy grout provides extra strength and stain resistance. We recommend grout type based on traffic and exposure.
Q: Do you install glass or frameless shower doors?
A: We can coordinate glassdoor installation with trusted local vendors and ensure the tile thresholds and walls are prepared for proper glass mounting.
Contact and estimate
To upgrade your floors with tile, contact Roberts Custom Tile & Stone at (916) 474-1435 for a free on-site consultation and estimate. We’ll evaluate your subfloor and recommend suitable tile and installation methods.
Schedule a tile flooring consultation today
Request a free estimate and substrate assessment from our flooring specialists.
Contact Us
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Service Radius: Up to 100 miles from Shelbyville, KY.
Why hire Roberts Custom Tile & Stone
Uncompromising focus on correct waterproofing to protect your home.
Professional layout planning for beautiful, symmetrical results.
Over 25 years of specialized tile installation experience.
Fully licensed and insured for your complete peace of mind.
Read our Google Reviews
