Installing floor tiles is an essential step in every home improvement project. It is something that one can choose to DIY or even hire professional tile installers in their area. Whichever option one decides to go with, tile installation requires some factors to be considered before beginning the work. Also, while hiring professional tile installers, certain things must be looked into to ensure the quality of the work done is worth the price paid.

1. Determine the requirements
Whether going the DIY way or hiring a professional tile installer, having clearly defined expectations and requirements leads to the seamless execution of the tile installation project.

Having clarity on the different aspects of the tile installation process makes it easier to have the desired results within the required period. Besides, this also helps select the right professional services that have the necessary expertise in the specific requirements of the homeowner.

2. Learn about the materials required for tile flooring
To complete a tile installation project successfully, it can help to know about the various materials required for it.

• Tiles
  Understanding the difference between various types of tiles based on their shapes, materials, and build is essential to ensure proper tile installation. There are several options like cement, porcelain, marble, stone, and ceramic tiles available in popular designs, such as herringbone, subway tiles, chevron, mosaic, basket weave, and so on.
• Tile adhesive or mortar
  There are different types of adhesives like organic mastic, thin-set mortar, epoxy tile adhesive, and much more. Further, mortar or adhesive must be chosen depending on the type of tiles. For example, thin-set mortar is usually suitable for ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles.
• Grout
  To close up the spaces between each of the tiles, grout is required. Besides, it also adds to the overall color and style of the entire room.
• Grout sealer
  This material is essential for protecting the grout as well as tiles, especially those made from natural stone and cement, from everyday wear and tear.
• Caulk
  Required to close gaps between the tile floor and adjacent surface, caulk is an essential part of tile installation.
• Underlayment or backer board
  To ensure there is a sturdy base, these are prefabricated sheets attached to the surfaces to which the tiles will be laid.

3. Explore the common tools for tile installation
Picking the right tools is crucial for a smooth and seamless tile installation. Most tile installation guides recommend some must-have tools.

• Tile scorer
  This is a cutting equipment generally used for thin ceramic tiles.
• Diamond-wheel tile cutter
  These tile cutters are useful for cutting through tiles made of ceramics, stone, and glass, and they have diamonds embedded in them.
• Grout spreader
  A grout spreader is required for applying grout efficiently to the spaces between the tiles.
• Notched spreader
  This tool is usually used to spread tile adhesives to the surfaces where the tiles are installed.
• Tile saw
  This tool is a table saw that is useful for cutting tiles made of harder materials like stone and marble.

4. Ask around for recommendations
Everything from tile installers to materials requires detailed research to ensure that the quality of work is top-notch. For this, getting recommendations directly from those who have already had tile installation done recently can be helpful.

Be it friends and family, neighbors, or even coworkers, one can reach out to multiple people who can offer suggestions and references for professional tile installation services, tile installers, material suppliers, hardware shops, and various other services and providers required for tile installation based on their experience.

5. Calculate various costs
Tile installation involves several expenses, including the cost of the materials as well as the cost of hiring a certified tile installer. With the additional costs involved in bringing a professional installer, many homeowners often choose to go the DIY way to cut expenses. But if one is not skilled in the various processes of tile installation, not hiring a professional to do the job can end up leading to expensive mistakes. This is why opting for professional tile installation services can be cost-effective and convenient. Most services charge based on per square foot, but some professionals also charge based on hourly rates.

On average, one can expect to spend about $5 to $45 per square foot or $30 to $120 per hour on labor charges. Sometimes, these costs also depend on the materials of the tiles. For example, porcelain and ceramic tile installers can charge between $17 and $47 per square foot depending on whether the installation is large format or has intricate patterns like herringbone patterns.

In general, the overall tile installation project can cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000. This depends on the labor costs, size of the area to be tiled, tile type, design and layout, expertise and experience of the tile installer, geographic location, and whether additional work is involved in old tile removal and surface preparation.