Home owners don’t understand when a contractor quotes a project what’s involved. The price per square foot between a Ceramic tile and a Granite tile varies, one of the reasons would be a Ceramic tile can be cut with a tile cutter which does not take much time to do. A Granite tile on the other hand needs to be cut with a water saw which takes a lot longer. Size is another difference in price.
Installing Granite or Stone on top of existing Ceramic tiles can be done however it is important that the existing floor has no cracks of visible signs of loose tiles. Essentially the floor must be sound and solid. No warranty shall be given on a floor installed over existing tile. We always suggest removing the existing floor and preparing the substrate for your new tile floor with the use of the old fashion sand and cement which has been utilized for centuries and guaranteed.
Concrete Sand and Portland Cement (Dry Pack)
This method has been around for hundreds of years- a mixture of concrete sand and portland cement. We utilize this method in most installation applications, where a leveled floor is required. This is a very skilled application, which an expert would be qualified to perform. If you are planning to install heated floors, or need to raise your floors to ensure they are flush with your joining rooms, this application would be the recommended solution to make your vision become a reality.
Secret of Quality Showers and Tub surrounds
Before installing any tile whether it be Ceramic, Porcelain Natural Stone, Marble or Granite etc., it is important to pick a water proofing board, whether it be green or grey, water proofing material must be applied. Ask your professional installer for the different methods of water proofing. For a long lasting shower or tub make sure the boards are properly screwed tight to the studs, allowing no flexibility. This is very important for the long life of your tiles. Next is using high end wall glue and floor mixes. Ask your installer to pick the best of the best, do not go cheap. If the materials are not strong enough they will allow your walls to break down sooner.