If you’ve chosen the perfect tile floor for your home, the next step is deciding how you’ll get it installed. Should you attempt the process yourself, or hire a professional?
A DIY installation might seem like it would save you money, but there are hidden costs and potential pitfalls that many homeowners aren’t aware of. Professional installation, on the other hand, is a larger upfront investment. However, it makes up for it with faster speed, professional quality workmanship, and a more durable tile floor.
At Beaver Tile & Stone, we’re experts in tiles and can help you decide whether DIY or professional installation is the right choice for you. If you need to pick out your new tile floor for your home in Warren, MI, or the surrounding area, visit us today. Our team offers expert guidance to help you choose the right tile flooring and bring your design to life.
What is the Cost Difference for DIY vs. Professional Tile Floor Installation?
Professional Tile Floor Installation
With professional tile floor installation, you’re paying for the expertise, speed, and professional quality of the company. The more professional the tile looks, the more likely it will add value to your home.
The main cost of professional installation comes from the labor involved. Depending on the company, you can expect a price of anywhere from $5 to $45 or more per square foot. The exact cost is determined based on the type of tile, the installer’s experience, the size of the room, and the overall complexity of the job. For example, intricate mosaic floor tile designs or large-format tiles usually cost more.
The cost for professional installation also includes the prep work involved to get your floor ready for the new tile. The professional will remove the old flooring and prepare the sub floor and foundation. This step is crucial for preventing cracks or future repairs.
The other main benefit to professional installation is that it may come with a warranty for the installer’s work.
DIY Tile Floor Installation
With DIY tile floor installation, you’ll save on labor costs, though you may face some other expenses and risks. First, you’ll need to purchase all the necessary installation materials on your own, such as tile, mortar, grout, and sealant. Professional companies often include these materials in their quotes.
Aside from materials, you’ll also need tools, including:
- Tile saw
- Trowels
- Spacers
- Knee pads
- Level
- Grout float
- Safety gear
The other downside to DIY tile floor installation is the risk of broken tiles and improperly mixed materials. For this reason, it’s recommended to buy 10% to 15% extra tile to ensure you have enough to complete the job.
It’s also important to consider that laying tile is a difficult project that takes time. Depending on the size of the space you’re tiling, it could take several weekends to weeks to complete the job.
Lastly, an improper tile floor installation will lead to repairs in the future, which can be costly. Cracked tiles or unsealed grout can lead to more serious problems, such as water damage that affects the subfloor.
Want the Perfect Tile Floor for Your Home? Visit Beaver Tile & Stone
Want to update the tile floor for your home? At Beaver Tile & Stone, we’re the best tile store near you for quality tile floors in Warren, MI, and the surrounding areas. We feature a large selection of tiling, including porcelain, ceramic, glass, mosaic, natural stone, vinyl and composite, and marble. We also carry pavers for outdoor use.
Our huge selection and experienced guidance can bring your vision to life, whether you want to tile your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor patio. We can also advise you on whether DIY or professional installation is the right choice for your project.
Ready to explore our selection of tiles? Contact us today to discover our amazing tile selection and high-quality customer service.