Frequently Asked Questions about Tiling

Why Tile?
Tile is elegant yet durable and holds up to water. Yet it is a favorite because of its beauty and it enhances the feel and beauty of a room. With so many tile choices, you can achieve your design goals.

What size tile should I buy? Is the tile too big or small for the room?
In general, size of tile is relative to the space where the tile goals. Pacific Tile can help with design layout and even offers tile design services.

Can tile go over concrete?
Tile, porcelain and natural stone can go right over concrete although a waterproof anti-fracture membrane is highly recommended. For our jobs, we install the membrane when we do concrete jobs.

Can I put tile over plywood?
We can tile over plywood, but only after installing Wonderboard, Durrock or a Mud Bed. Wonderboard and Durrock both come in 1/2 or 1/4 inch. Mud Beds need to be 3/4 inch.

What if my floor is not level?
Not to worry. We apply a mud bed ed made of sand & portland mix to guarantee a floor will be flat & level before tiling.

What are the biggest mistakes people make in tiling?
Using non-professional tilers, failing to seal tile, forgetting about changes in space due to size (see next FAQ).

Will tiling affect the height of my floor or opening of my shower?
Yes. Tile can add fractions of inches to spaces, and with greenboard (waterproof drywall used in showers), you can lose up to an inch. This may not sound like much but it can increase the height of floors, which can affect vanity and lighting placement. Tiling can also affect the size of shower doors. Pacific Tile can help you with these issues when you plan your tiling job.

Are self leveling compounds a good option?
Level Quick are a valid option over concrete to level off dips in slabs, or it can be used on top of wonderboard and durrock when elevation is a concern.

Do I need a tiler if my shower is leaking?
Yes. A tiler can determine where the leak is coming from. If you suspect a leak, you need to investigate! Leaks can lead to mold and ruin the entire shower space if not treated.

Do I need a sealer?
Yes, sealer is a good insurance policy for any place you use tile or natural stone. All tile have microscopic pores and a sealer creates a water-barrier to prevent water seeping through the pores -- important for the long-term durability of the area.

How often should I seal grout?
A sealer should be applied 72 hours after the grout has been put in (i.e. once it's 'cured'). For the jobs we do, Pacific Tile can apply this or you can apply it yourself; it takes about 20 minutes to an hour depending upon size of the room. After the initial application, you should re-apply sealer every year or two.

How much does tiling cost?
Price depends upon the surface, the time involved in setting up the job, tiling, and grouting. Wainscotting, recessed spaces, multiple types of tile, and working around existing appliances can mean greater time, which means greater cost. The tile itself is a significant cost, too.

Is it better for me to get the tile first?
Most of our customers choose the tile first, and some customers use our design services to plan the tile.

Where do I buy my tile?
Pacific Tile can provide you with a list of reputable vendors, or we can buy the tile directly ourselves and bill it to you.