Education
The right tile installer walks you through surface prep, waterproofing, and how they'll prevent tile lippage before they ever mix a bag of thinset. Ask about those details, along with licensing, timelines, and a written estimate, and you'll catch most installation problems before they become permanent. Skip the questions, and you're hoping for the best on tiles buckling off walls, grout cracking within a month, or floors that sound hollow underfoot.
Quick Summary
Ask your installer about substrate prep, waterproofing, tile lippage, layout planning, timelines, and a written estimate before work begins. These are the questions that separate a floor or wall that lasts for decades from one that needs to be redone within a year.
Starting a tile project is exciting, whether you're redoing a bathroom floor, adding a kitchen backsplash, or building a new shower, but even the most beautiful tile will fail if it isn't installed correctly. At Tile Mart, we help you find the right tile, from ceramic classics to bold porcelain statements, so you can walk into any installer conversation feeling prepared and informed.
8 Questions To Ask Before Work Begins
What Experience Do You Have With My Type of Tile?
Not all tiles install the same way. Natural stone needs different handling than porcelain. Large format tiles need special tools and a flatter substrate. Glass mosaics demand precision cutting. Ask if they have worked with your specific material before. A good pro will tell you honestly what they know. Ask to see photos of past projects using similar tile types. We see too many great tile choices get ruined by installers who treat every job the same.
Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
A real pro should show a current license and proof of insurance without hesitation. Licensing rules vary by state, but general liability insurance protects your home if something goes wrong. Workers' compensation covers injuries to the crew. Check license status online through your state's contractor licensing board. If an installer cannot produce these documents, move on.
How Will You Prepare the Substrate?
The substrate is the surface underneath your tile. If this base is not flat, clean, and stable, your tile will fail no matter how pretty it looks on day one. A good installer checks the substrate with a level and fixes cracks, uneven spots, or moisture issues before laying the first tile. Ask what materials they plan to use for prep and why. If they plan to use extra thinset to level things out, that is a red flag.
What Is Your Plan to Prevent Tile Lippage?
Tile lippage, sometimes called tile lipping, is the height difference between the edges of adjacent tiles. It is one of the most common causes of failed installations and the problem behind most tile disaster videos: rows of tile that look like a staircase instead of a flat floor, or wall tile where edges catch the light at the wrong angle.
Floor tile lippage and lippage on wall tile share the same root cause: a substrate that was not flat enough before installation began. Porcelain tile lippage is especially common because porcelain is rigid and will not flex to follow a wavy surface. The industry standard (ANSI A108.02) allows no more than 1/32 inch of lippage for grout joints wider than 1/4 inch, and no more than 1/16 inch for smaller joints. Ask your installer how they achieve and verify substrate flatness, whether they use a lippage clip leveling system, and how they handle transitions between rooms or materials. An installer who cannot walk you through this clearly is someone to avoid.
What Is Your Waterproofing Plan for Wet Areas?
If your tile is going in a shower, around a tub, or in any damp space, waterproofing is a must. Water seeping through grout can cause mold, rot, and structural damage. Ask the installer to walk you through their method. Will they use a waterproof membrane? How do they seal corners and seams? A skilled installer will explain their system clearly and follow the product manufacturer's instructions.
Can You Give Me a Detailed Written Estimate?
Never accept a verbal quote. A proper estimate breaks down all costs: labor, materials, surface prep, cleanup, and any extra fees. It should also include a start date and expected finish date. Having everything in writing helps you compare quotes fairly. If one bid is much lower than the others, ask why. A very low price often means skipped steps that will cost you more later.
How Do You Handle Expansion and Contraction?
Tile expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Without room to move, tiles can crack, pop loose, or buckle. Ask where they plan to place expansion joints and how they will create perimeter gaps around walls and fixtures. A pro will mention the TCNA Handbook guidelines. If someone plans to butt tile right up against walls with no gap, they do not understand basic installation standards.
What Does Your Warranty Cover?
A confident installer stands behind their work. Ask what their warranty covers and for how long. Many offer at least one year on labor. Also ask about the tile manufacturer's warranty. Some warranties only apply if a licensed pro does the installation. Get the details in writing before the project begins. If you are installing a classic subway tile backsplash, a clear warranty protects both the material and the labor. Our collection makes it easy to find the right style before you commit.
Red Flags To Watch Out For
Even with the right questions, some warning signs are easy to spot. Keep an eye out for these:
- Vague estimates with no breakdown of costs.
- No proof of license, insurance, or past client references.
- High pressure to sign a contract right away or pay a big deposit upfront.
- Spot bonding, which means using dollops of mortar instead of full coverage under tiles.
- Visible tile lipping after a test layout. Edges that do not line up flush are a warning sign before a single tile is permanently set.
- Reluctance to talk about substrate prep, waterproofing, or expansion joints.
A real pro will never rush you. They will answer every question patiently and explain their process in plain language.
FAQs
How do I know if a tile installer is truly qualified?
Look for a Certified Tile Installer (CTI) credential from the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF). CTIs pass a written exam and a hands-on skills test based on industry standards. The CTEF website has a zip code locator to help you find certified pros near you. At a minimum, an installer should have at least two years of experience as a lead installer setting tile full-time.
What is acceptable tile lippage?
According to ANSI A108.02, acceptable tile lippage is no more than 1/32 inch when grout joints are 1/4 inch or wider, and no more than 1/16 inch for joints under 1/4 inch. Large format tile requires stricter substrate flatness, with no variation greater than 1/8 inch over 10 feet, because the bigger the tile, the more noticeable any height difference becomes. Porcelain tile lippage is especially visible in raking light, such as a sunlit floor or a spotlight over a shower wall. If you run your hand across a freshly tiled surface and feel a consistent edge, ask your installer to address it before the mortar fully cures.
Should I buy my own tile before hiring an installer?
Yes, that is a smart approach. When you have your tile picked out, the installer can see exactly what they will be working with and give you a more accurate quote. Browse our full range of floor tiles, wall tiles, and specialty styles to find your match before the first call.
How long should a tile installation take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the job. A simple backsplash might take a day. A large floor with intricate patterns could take a week or more. Curing time for mortar and grout also adds days before you can use the space. Ask your installer for a realistic timeline and plan around it.
What is a dry lay and should my installer do one?
A dry lay means laying out the tiles without mortar to check the pattern, spacing, and cuts before the actual install. It is a great way to catch layout issues early and see how the finished design will look. If you are using multiple colors, a specialty shape, or an intricate mosaic, asking for a dry lay can make a big difference in the final result.
The right installer treats substrate prep, waterproofing, and layout as seriously as the tile itself, and a few pointed questions upfront tell you which kind of installer you're hiring. Once you've settled on someone you trust, browse our floor tiles and wall tiles to find the material that fits your project.